Planning an Elopement in Stuart, FL: A guide to an intimate and beautiful wedding day!

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels relaxed, meaningful, and truly centered on the two of you, an elopement in Stuart, Florida might be the perfect choice. Known as the Sailfish Capital of the World, Stuart offers a beautiful mix of waterfront views, quiet beaches, charming downtown scenery, and golden sunsets that create an incredible backdrop for intimate wedding moments.

Whether you're planning a just-us ceremony or a small gathering with your closest loved ones, Stuart offers countless ways to make your elopement feel personal and unforgettable.

Below is a guide to help you plan a seamless and beautiful elopement in this coastal Florida town.

Stuart has a charm that feels both coastal and peaceful, making it ideal for couples who want a romantic atmosphere without the crowds often found in larger beach towns.

Couples love eloping in Stuart because it offers:

• Quiet, scenic waterfront locations

• Stunning sunsets light over the St. Lucie River or Atlantic Ocean

• Charming downtown backdrops

• Beautiful beaches just minutes away

• A relaxed, intimate vibe that fits elopements perfectly

It’s the kind of place where you can exchange vows overlooking the water, take portraits at sunset, and finish the evening celebrating with dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Here are some of my favorite Elopement Locations in Stuart

1-House of Refuge Beach

One of the most unique locations in the area, the House of Refuge sits right on the Atlantic Ocean and offers a historic coastal backdrop with dramatic shoreline views as well as a riverside dock.

It’s perfect for couples who want:

• Ocean views with character and history

• A slightly more adventurous shoreline setting

• A memorable and distinctive location for photos

• Sunrise or Sunset views

A photographer’s dream because:

• The rocky shoreline adds so much unique character

• Tons of variety with the ocean and river side access just steps away

• Beautiful sunrise views over the ocean or sunset views on the river

Things to keep in mind if planning here:

• Parking is challenging, plan for guests to arrive early enough to find parking or arrange a ride

• There are no restrooms, unless you rent the building, which is generally overkill for an elopement

• It is a public beach, so there will most likely be other beachgoers present. It is best to be flexible on the exact setup location or arrive early.

Here are a few more from a sunrise elopement at the House of Refuge:

2- Beachside hotel

Hutchinson shores resort or Marriot resort are the two most popular beachside hotels in the stuart area. here are some pros and cons to each when looking for an elopement location!

Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa is a gorgeous luxury hotel directly on the sand in Jensen Beach, FL. This hotel is on the newer side and all of the rooms are stunning, coastal themed and neutral palette. Everything is built directly into this hotel- 2 beautiful pools, a spa, and a highly rated restaurant.

The Marriot Hutchinson Island Resort is a much larger resort, but this means you may need to shuttle to get to certain areas of the hotel. Some of the resort is situated directly on the ocean, but not all, so keep this in mind when booking your room. While they are in the midst of slowly updating, this is an older hotel and it can show in some areas. That being said, this can be a great pick if you are looking for more activities and things to do besides just relaxing!

Here are some bulleted differences:

Hutchinson Shores:

• Direct oceanfront everywhere

• Bright, coastal, clean interiors

• Ocean views + neutral tones

• 2 pools, spa, beachfront dining

• Slower pace, more peaceful

• Feels like a built-in honeymoon

• Intimate, emotional, slow-paced day

Marriot Resort:

• Larger resort with lots happening- Golf course, marina, multiple restaurants, activities

• Feels like a vacation destination

• Ideal if you want options + things to do

• More spread out property, some accommodations require a shuttle or short trip to beach areas

• Beach villas are oceanfront, but main resort isn’t always directly on sand

• Wide range of room styles (some updated, some older depending on section), Condo-style villas with kitchens for longer stays

• Best for: a mix of lifestyle + vacation feel

✨ My honest photographer take

If your goal is:

“live the day, not perform it”

Hutchinson Shores is the dream.
It naturally supports that calm, connected, romantic energy—and your photos will reflect that without trying.

Marriott is amazing, but it leans more “resort experience” than “intimate elopement story.”

3- Ocean-front AirBNB (probably my favorite!)

there is a local rental company called beach houses in paradise that really has an amazing approach to their beachfront rentals! They all offer tons of amenities and an incredible amount of space for around 20 people depending on which house you rent!

What better way to celebrate than renting a huge beach house with all of your family and closest friends! I absolutely love this approach to an elopement and a vacation built into one! If resorts feel a little too “structured” for your vision… a private beach house completely shifts the experience into something more personal, relaxed, and intentional—which is exactly what an elopement should feel like.

Why I love this idea:

• Most of the homes sit directly on a private, uncrowded beach and very little beach traffic

• Some home have river access as well, which means beautiful sunset views and an extra space for photos

• All of the homes are fully stocked with Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, coolers, Bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear

• Your wedding day turns into your wedding week with tons of time to soak it all in

4- indian riverside park

this is a location i love for stuart elopements! indian riverside park is Just minutes from downtown Stuart, offers lush greenery, waterfront views, and beautiful walking paths.

This location is perfect for couples who want:

• A park setting rather than sand

• Stunning banyan trees

• River views and docks for sunset portraits

It’s also ideal if you’re inviting a few more family members to attend your ceremony! I also highly recommend Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House just down the street for an intimate dinner and reception for your group, they do a wonderful job!

Things to keep in mind with this location:

• You’ll typically need a permit/reservation for ceremonies or gatherings

• The park is public, so timing matters (weekdays or sunrise/sunset are ideal)

• Setups are usually simple + minimal (think chairs, florals, small arch)

• It’s managed by Martin County, which offers rentable spaces and event areas

5- Downtown Stuart

If beach elopements feel a little too wild or unpredictable… downtown Stuart is such a hidden gem. It gives you that perfect mix of waterfront romance + charming small-town energy.

What makes Downtown Stuart a great elopement location?

• Beautiful waterfront views and a riverwalk/boardwalk area for portraits or your ceremony

• Built in historic charm and numerous stores, restaurants and bars to check out afterward

• Flagler Park or The Flagler is a great option for a ceremony space along the river

• Tons of variety within walking distance- riverfront, downtown streets/storefronts, greenery, and marinas

What an elopement day here could look like

• Getting ready at a nearby boutique inn or Airbnb

• First look tucked into a quiet street or park

• Ceremony along the river

• Wandering portraits through downtown

• Sunset on the Riverwalk

• Dinner + drinks steps away

It’s your wedding—not a photoshoot. Downtown Stuart lets you actually live the day… wandering, celebrating, and soaking it in—while every moment is documented naturally.

Creating a Simple Elopement Timeline

Even a short elopement can feel relaxed and meaningful with a little planning. I usually recommend 2-3 hours for elopement coverage!

Example timeline:

5:00 PM — Getting Ready Photos
Capturing the quiet anticipation before your ceremony.

5:45 PM — First Look
A private moment together before the ceremony.

6:00 PM — Ceremony
Exchange vows overlooking the water or on the beach.

6:15 PM — Portraits
Golden hour portraits while the sun sets.

7:00 PM — Celebration
Dinner, champagne, or a quiet walk along the water.

Personal Ways to Make Your Elopement Meaningful

One of the best parts about eloping is the freedom to create a day that truly reflects you.

Some ideas couples love:

• Writing private vows to read during the ceremony

• Bringing champagne for a sunset toast

• Including a first dance on the beach

• Planning a waterfront dinner afterward

• Taking a sunset boat ride on the St. Lucie River

Elopements are less about tradition and more about intentional moments together. If you’re considering an elopement in Stuart, the most important thing to remember is this: Your wedding day can be as simple or as intentional as you want it to be. And sometimes, the smallest weddings create the most meaningful memories.

✨ Planning an elopement in Stuart or along the Treasure Coast? I’d love to help you document your day in a way that feels natural, romantic, and true to you.