If you are thinking about eloping to Florida you should know that tying the knot in South Florida is a great idea.\u00a0 I have been producing\u00a0South Florida Elopement Photography for over fifteen years, and in those years, I have learned a few things about South Florida Elopements and weddings. \u00a0 \u00a0Now I\u2019m based in South East Florida, \u00a0however I have photographed Elopements all over the state.\u00a0 If you are interested in tying the knot in cities such as, Miami, South Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, \u00a0Naples, Sarasota, Marco Island, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Jupiter or even the Florida Keys, Not only can help you with your elopement photography, \u00a0I also work with the best wedding and elopement planners in Florida, so I could help you there as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In case you haven\u2019t heard,\u00a0 \u201cFlorida\u201d especially South Florida, is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world.\u00a0\u00a0 Couples planning an elopement here can get married on the beach, and then enjoy the best vacation of their lives all in this amazing state!\u00a0\u00a0 Florida has a wide range of wedding ceremony locations ranging from beaches, to lush picturesque gardens, to golf clubs, and historical sites.\u00a0 Most of the hotels, museums, country or golf clubs offer wedding and elopement packages.\u00a0 Once you have exchanged vows you could enjoy all that the beautiful state of Florida has to offer.\u00a0 You could spend time enjoying Disney World or take a drive over the scenic Overseas Highway which travels from Miami, over the Atlantic Ocean 165 miles to wonderful Key West.\u00a0 How about getting married on the beach, then taking an amazing cruise out of one of the three South Florida cruise ports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n BELOW: <\/span><\/strong>This photo was taken at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. \u00a0It’s one of the best places to tie the knot and get great pictures! \u00a0Check out these links to see more about this wonderful venue. \u00a0\u00a0Boca Resort Website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Click here to view Samantha and Arryn’s<\/a>\u00a0Boca Resort wedding. \u00a0Here is a sepia photo taken at the Boca Beach Club.<\/a>\u00a0 To see an entire collection of images from the Boca Raton Resort and Club click here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to all the great hotels, wedding or elopement venues you have access to in Florida, you also have unlimited dining options.\u00a0 Of course the Cuban Cuisine here is delicious, but Florida also offers the best seafood as well, \u201cCaught fresh in the Caribbean waters off the Florida coast nothing could be tastier.\u00a0 We also have the best alligator bites and let\u2019s not forget the Key Lime Pie.<\/span><\/p>\n In my more than fifteen years photographing elopements and weddings here in South Florida, I have taken pictures at all the top venues. These venues range from high class luxury hotels, to rustic picturesque venues and unique gardens.\u00a0 There are also many garden type museum locations as well. \u00a0Having all these wonderful venues around will insure you get the best\u00a0South Florida elopement photography results.<\/span><\/p>\n Because Florida is such a popular place for elopements, many event companies and event planners offer elopement packages.\u00a0 These packages include everything from flowers and d\u00e9cor to music, you can even have a live guitarist or violinist play during your, on the beach ceremony.\u00a0 Many of these elopement packages include a photographer was well.\u00a0\u00a0 Because I am an established wedding photographer, I would most likely \u201cnot\u201d be included in these, all inclusive elopement packages.\u00a0 If you are planning a Florida elopement and the photography is very important, I would advise you to hire the photography part separate from the inclusive package.\u00a0 Here is the reason why.\u00a0 Established wedding and event photographers usually get hired 6 months to a year in advance.\u00a0 The elopement planners that offer these packages have working relationships with their photographers.\u00a0 The talented photographers who shoot weddings are not usually willing to tie themselves up for a 3-6 hour elopement package when they can book a full 8-12 hour 50 -500 guest wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This doesn\u2019t mean that an independent wedding photographer, like myself won\u2019t be available on your elopement day.\u00a0 It just means that many of the highly skilled wedding photographers won\u2019t tie themselves up with an elopement planner who creates all inclusive packages.\u00a0 The photographer who is included in an all inclusive elopement package may be perfectly acceptable.\u00a0 They may be a wedding photographer who has a working relationship with a planner, \u00a0with the understanding that they won\u2019t often be available.\u00a0 Then again, most established photographers would rather build a relationship with the couple so that the images taken convey the personality of the bride and groom.\u00a0 If you are really interested in having fine, creative wedding photos, I would suggest you reach out to established wedding photographers who also happen to photograph elopements.\u00a0 Of course I would love to hear from you about photographing your elopement.\u00a0 If I\u2019m not available I\u2019m happy to refer you to another talented photographer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are still unsure about a Florida Elopement, here are some things to keep in mind regarding elopements and Florida elopement photography.\u00a0\u00a0 Having an elopement ceremony in Florida doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t have a wonderful party filled with friends and family.\u00a0 Many couples who have eloped still have a party at their home location.\u00a0 The benefit to this scenario is that the ceremony and the time the couple gets to spend together is on a more personal level.\u00a0 The bride and groom can enjoy their time together, get married, honeymoon in Florida or on a cruise boat sailing the Caribbean, and then have a laid back wonderful no pressure party in their home town.\u00a0 By doing this the couple will save a ton of money and still have a memorable wedding with awesome pictures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to give up luxury by Eloping to South Florida.\u00a0\u00a0 However, you will save a lot of money.\u00a0 The money you save can be spent on the best elopement photographer (ahem) I know a great one!\u00a0\u00a0 You can also get married in the gown of your dreams.\u00a0 You also won\u2019t be paying to feed 50-500 wedding guests, or buying flowers to decorate every guest table.<\/span><\/p>\n Because you are eloping, you could get married in any of the top South Florida luxury hotels or venues. \u00a0Many of these hotels will cater to couples who have decided to elope.<\/span><\/p>\n Elopements can also include more than just the two of you.\u00a0 I have photographed many elopements in which a few close friends or family members have attended. Sharing your elopement with a few special people who get to witness you saying your vows will add to the emotion of your very wedding adventure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Having photographed so many South Florida elopements I have learned a few things that will make your elopement special.\u00a0 Here are a few special tips that you can incorporate into your elopement. \u00a0By following some of these useful tips you will enjoy the best\u00a0South Florida elopement photography ever.<\/span><\/p>\n Write your own ceremony vows.\u00a0 For couples getting married nothing could be more memorable that exchanging your personal ceremony vows in a picturesque setting.\u00a0 Standing on a beautiful South Florida beach or facing each other in a lush garden with a gentle breeze will result in awesome pictures and a memorable experience.\u00a0 I would also recommend writing your vows on an artistic or meaningful piece of stationery.\u00a0 This will give your photographer,\u00a0 \u201chopefully me\u201d another photographic opportunity as well as create a wedding keepsake for you to cherish forever.<\/span><\/p>\n BELOW: \u00a0The\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Harbor Beach Marriott is one of the few venues that is so close to the Fort Lauderdale\u00a0cruise\u00a0terminal that couples can have an elopement ceremony on the beach while\u00a0watching the\u00a0cruise ships set sail. \u00a0 As a South\u00a0Florida elopement photographer I get to work at this venue\u00a0a lot. \u00a0 Here are some links to other pictures from this Broward County luxury venue. \u00a0Pictures taken at the Marriott Harbor Beach.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Here are more pictures from the Harbor Beach Marriott.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a rain plan.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Because South Florida is located in a tropical location rain does happen from time to time.\u00a0 I have photographed several weddings and elopements in the rain.\u00a0 I have also taken some of my favorite couple pictures during the rain.\u00a0 It\u2019s a great idea the check the weather forecast and if there is a chance of rain during your ceremony bring some artsy and fashionable umbrellas or if possible tie the knot the next day.\u00a0 Remember in South Florida it could rain in Boca Raton and be bright in sunny in Delray beach just 5 miles away.\u00a0 It could also rain for only 10 minutes. Event planners often use a weather app to check if there is rain moving in your direction.<\/span><\/p>\n BELOW: Another great fantastic venue for a Miami Beach elopement is a venue called t<\/strong>he Palms Hotel. \u00a0Because the Palms is located in Miami Beach it’s one of the most popular places for a high end elopement. \u00a0The surrounding area is loaded with fine dining, shopping, art deco buildings and much more. \u00a0In\u00a0addition the Palms\u00a0offers elopement packages. \u00a0You an\u00a0visit their website here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Here are links to other pictures I have taken at The Palms Hotel. \u00a0<\/span>Bride & Groom at The Palms Beach<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n This sepia picture was taken at the end of a wild wedding day –\u00a0Sparkler Send-off at The Palms Hotel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Take pictures in several beautiful locations.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Because there are so many beautiful and unique places for pictures here in South Florida I always recommend taking pictures in several locations.\u00a0 For example, if you are in South Beach you could take pictures on the famous Lincoln Road, then get married in the beach, or if you are a fan of Fort Lauderdale beach you could visit the Bonnet House for pictures, then marry on the beach across from one of the luxury hotels on Fort Lauderdale beach Blvd.\u00a0 \u00a0Check out my list favorite picture spots in South Florida, you will find that this area is a treasure trove of awesome locations.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Change into different outfits. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n During many of engagement shoots I photograph,\u00a0 the couple takes pictures wearing two different outfits.\u00a0 Often it\u2019s one casual and one that is more formal. \u00a0By doing this a couple will get pictures with several different looks.\u00a0 This is less common at weddings but at a less formal elopement anything goes.\u00a0 Heck,\u00a0 couples can tie the know is swimsuits, wetsuits, and underwater with SCUBA gear if you are into that.<\/span><\/p>\n Have your photographer set up a first look.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n First looks between the bride and groom are very popular at weddings.\u00a0 When the groom sees his bride for the first time in her bridal dress it\u2019s a great and memorable photo opportunity.\u00a0 I find that people love the pictures taken before, during and just after the first look. \u00a0It\u2019s a highly emotional time for many couples.\u00a0 As an elopement photographer I\u2019m skilled at setting up the first look and then taking photo-journalistic type pictures as the bride and groom enjoy their moment together.<\/span><\/p>\n Bring some fun props.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n After your elopement you may want to announce your marriage to the world.\u00a0 Usually this is done on social media.\u00a0 By posting creative professional pictures that include signs and props, \u00a0you can share your elopement online in a way that is guaranteed to get attention.\u00a0 If you visit the website Etsy you can find a some very unique elopement signs and props. \u00a0Another way to get this best\u00a0South Florida elopement photography is to have fun with props and signs this while taking awesome pictures.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n BELOW: \u00a0<\/span><\/strong>I was in a meeting with a bride and groom on a Tuesday at 3PM when I received a call from a Groom. \u00a0His message was, I need you to photograph my wedding ceremony tomorrow. \u00a0I asked where is the ceremony? \u00a0His answer was, “The\u00a0Bahamas ” \u00a0 So I drove home, packed up my camera gear, \u00a0Three \u00a0Cameras, Lenses, Flashes, Batteries and Chargers. \u00a0By 6:00PM I was at the airport and I landed in the Bahamas around 9:00PM. I shot this photo at The Ocean Club<\/a> before their beautiful ceremony. \u00a0 Here is another picture of the same bride.\u00a0Bride at The Ocean Club.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Hire a talented musician to play during your ceremony.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n South Florida is a mecca of musical talent.\u00a0 I have photographed many weddings and events with the most sweet-sounding collection of violin, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, and flute and harpists in the area.\u00a0 As a photographer, I love taking pictures of couples getting married on the beach as a talented musician plays in the background.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Add video to your elopement.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the best ways to share you experience is with video.\u00a0 Because we offer both photography and videography we shoot video at almost every wedding and elopement we cover.\u00a0\u00a0 Often couples will tell me that they are planning a casual \u201cJust married\u201d party back in their home town.\u00a0 The video is often used as additional entertainment for the just married party.<\/span><\/p>\n BELOW: \u00a0<\/strong>One of my favorite places to take wedding and elopement pictures is Vizcaya<\/a> Museum and Gardens. \u00a0 This is by far the most beautiful picture place in Miami, \u00a0if not all of South Florida. \u00a0I can spend hours shooting at all the picturesque photo spots Vizcaya has to offer. \u00a0Check out this picture\u00a0Bride and her Girls at Vizcaya.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n I hope you found this article helpful. \u00a0Because the nature of South Florida elopements changes all the time. \u00a0Because new trends emerge and styles \u00a0evolve I’ll keep updating this article. \u00a0 \u00a0If you are reading this and planning an elopement I would love to chat. \u00a0Feel free to give me a call at (561) 737-5561<\/span><\/p>\n UPDATED June,26,2020. –\u00a0Because elopements are often very casual and consist of a very few guests having some extra fun is very\u00a0common. \u00a0After the ceremony we took a few posed pictures and then the couple decided to go for some fun ocean play pictures in the warm Boca Raton\u00a0ocean. \u00a0Unlike most large South\u00a0Florida weddings, elopements in South\u00a0Florida are casual and jumping into the ocean with the bridal gown is more common at an elopement. \u00a0This one took place at a Boca Raton hotel which was located on the hotel’s\u00a0private beach. \u00a0The couple was laid back and casual. \u00a0Since this was such a small elopement I had plenty of time to take all the needed pictures\u00a0including bride alone,\u00a0groom alone,\u00a0lot’s of fun bride and groom beach pictures and pictures with the few friends and family who\u00a0attended. \u00a0In\u00a0total there were one nine guests who attended. \u00a0The ceremony happened in the morning and by the early afternoon we were finished. \u00a0After the couple got married they packed their bags and headed to the\u00a0cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale to start their ten day cruise about the Royal Caribbean,\u00a0Majesty of the Seas. \u00a0After the\u00a0returned I get to speak with them. \u00a0The reported that they had an\u00a0amazing time and enjoyed creating memories that will last a lifetime. \u00a0As their South Florida elopement\u00a0photographer, I’m thrilled that I got to be there to\u00a0photograph their\u00a0special day.<\/span><\/p>\n BELOW:<\/strong>\u00a0 This couple just eloped at the Eau Hotel in Palm Beach. \u00a0If you are looking for a great luxury hotel for you elopement ceremony then you have got to check out the\u00a0Eau in Palm Beach.<\/a> \u00a0This is the perfect venue for a South Florida elopement. \u00a0From the second you walk inside the front door you will know this is one of the most elegant hotels in town. \u00a0When you enter into the lobby you are greeted by an high key elegant living room type setting. \u00a0Just beyond the lobby is a open room with a fireplace accented by a beautiful chandelier. \u00a0This Palm Beach venue has the feel of a small quaint hotel, but it’s capable of handling large 700 person events. \u00a0The huge ballrooms are tucked away off of one of the very pretty walkways. \u00a0This picture was taken on the patio behind the hotel. \u00a0The back part of this hotel features a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. \u00a0In addition the hotel is perfectly landscaped, finding places to take romantic elopement pictures in easy. \u00a0As a South Florida elopement photographer, I have found that I never have enough time to take pictures at all the great photo places I would like to when working here. \u00a0So if you decide to marry at the Eau Palm Beach, make sure you allow extra time so that you photographer can take awesome pictures. \u00a0The main picture on this article was taken at the Eau. \u00a0Here are some additional pictures from this picturesque elopement venue.\u00a0Bride and groom being silly at the Eau Hotel, Palm Beach<\/a>\u00a0 Once you walk into the front lobby if you make a right down the walkway you will come to the place where this small wedding picture was made. \u00a0Because there are fewer guests involved in elopements and small weddings, spending extra time to get the perfect shot is much easier. \u00a0Capturing this photo took some extra time and a lot of kissing. \u00a0I don’t think the couple minded holding their kiss while I worked with the flower girl to get the perfect laugh. \u00a0\u00a0Bridal elopement picture taken in a mirror at Angle.<\/a> \u00a0Angle is\u00a0the small restaurant located inside the Eau. \u00a0It’s the perfect setting for an elopement dinner or a small wedding. \u00a0The inside of Angle has lot’s of mirrored walls with works well if you are looking to get an artsy photo. \u00a0If you want to see more pictures from the Eau check out this blog post which is filled with wedding and elopement pictures from this awesome venue. \u00a0Wedding pictures from the Eau Palm Beach<\/a><\/p>\n ABOUT THIS PHOTO: \u00a0If you think this image looks a bit unique it should. \u00a0I shot this with a specially modified camera designed to take infrared pictures. \u00a0Infrared photography results in images that have a very interesting look. \u00a0Outdoor pictures taken in Infrared look like they were shot in a winter wonderland. \u00a0It’s more difficult to take infrared pictures and it takes extra time as well. \u00a0However, because elopements don’t consist of the large guest counts which you would find at a wedding, it’s much easier to find the extra time required to take some infrared<\/a> elopement pictures.<\/p>\n For over 15 years I have been photographing elopements in South Florida and the Caribbean Islands. \u00a0The pictures I create for my couples are unique and creative, not to mention fun to take. \u00a0While I also take pictures that are simple and casually posed my goal is to push the envelope and produce elopement pictures that get attention. \u00a0As a result many high end publications ask me for pictures. \u00a0Below is a sampling of some of websites and magazines where my photography has appeared. \u00a0In addition to feeling proud that my work has been published, my elopement couples love seeing their pictures published.<\/p>\n BELOW: Very similar to photographing an elopement is a renewal of vows ceremony. \u00a0Both are similar in the sense that often renewal of vows are often only between the couple getting married. \u00a0While its true that sometimes others are involved and are there to witness the ceremony, often its just the bride and groom. \u00a0This picture below was taken at the spectacular Ocean Reef Club. <\/a>\u00a0If you are planning an elopement than tying the knot at this beautiful is a good choice. \u00a0This picture was taken at a special place at the Ocean Reef Club called “The Point”. \u00a0The point is a peninsula that offers wonderful views in every direction. \u00a0 For a couple eloping, or in this case renewing their wedding vows, this is one of the most picturesque places in South Florida. \u00a0If you would like to see more pictures from this resort check out this wedding I recently photographed. \u00a0\u00a0Taylor and Robert’s Wedding.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0This wedding post includes picture from all over the Ocean Reef Club.<\/p>\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Bahamas-Elopement.jpg\")
Why elope in South Florida?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Boca](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Boca-Resort-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"Bride](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Bride-Bridesmaid.jpg\")
About South Florida Elopement photography\u00a0and elopement packages.<\/h3>\n
![\"Because](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CarliJeff_i.jpg\")
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Elopement-The-Breakers.jpg\")
Still unsure about having a Florida elopement?<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fort-Lauderdale-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"Fort](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fort-Lauderdale-Wedding.jpg\")
![\"Scenic](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kolodny-02.jpg\")
Elopement tips to make your South Florida elopement photography more fun.<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
![\"Marriott](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Marriott-Harbor-Beach-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Miami-Beach-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"Marco](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Naples-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"Bride](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Palms-Wedding.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/The-Ocean-Club-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Vizcaya-Bride-Groom.jpg\")
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fun-Beach-Elopement-South-Florida.jpg\")
![\"Just](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Elope-in-South-Florida.jpg\")
![\"Ocean](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Ocean-Reef-Club-Elopement.jpg\")
![\"Elopement](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Published-Elopement-Photography.jpg\")
![\"South](\"https:\/\/jeffkolodny.goodgallery.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Hospitality-Tourism-Management-Certificate.jpg\")