Elopements: Good Things Come in Small Packages!

Good morning from Paradise,
A fun factoid about Ceremonies by Kat - Florida Wedding Officiant (CBK): nearly 40% of the weddings we book are "elopements, intimate weddings and microweddings.  While the term elopement may have once conjured up visions of two crazy kids running off in the middle of the night to be married by a justice of the peace in some remote small town --- this is far from that definition any more. At least not in South Florida/The Florida Keys, which is the #2 locale for destination weddings in continental US. 
Microweddings (generally up to 15 ppl) now can, and often do include photographers, venues, hair/makeup artists, floral designers, cake designers and even planners. As a matter of fact, we often act as "mini-planners" for our destination elopement couples. 
The first step after deciding on a location, is choosing a venue. Depending on the exact area you select, this could be the inn/hotel/rental home/boat  etc. where you are staying. Or perhaps there is a nearby public beach/park/garden where we have permission to officiate and photograph your wedding.
In Ft. Lauderdale, we are the house officiants at The Old River House, on the famous Riverwalk in downtown.  Choose from gazebos, gardens, private rooms inside the historic mansion, waterfront... or coming soon private yachts. 
CBK will help advise you on the different accommodations/restaurants/locations and navigate permissions, fees etc. with you. This service is NOT always provided by other officiants, and we take pride in this "value added service." We always require that everything is done in strict accordance with the properties guidelines so that your elopement is worry free and memorable. 
Next step is setting the tone for your intimate wedding (which may also include a handful of guests). Through phone calls and samples we determine the style and wording for your ceremony along with any personal touches. We offer assistance with any "add-ins" (Skype or FB live, speaker with music, including dogs/kids, unity ritual, toast, cake cutting, etc.) and of course local vendor recommendations. 
On wedding day, we arrive early and often help with last minute preparations, selecting the perfect spot, setting things up, calming nerves, taking pics if no photographer is present, and so on. CBK has even been enlisted to cut the cake and pour the champagne... we don't mind, because we get to share! (Perc of the profession). 
Or you may choose to go back to basics for the true elopement: we meet, we chat we marry, we notarize and you literally go off into the sunset (or sunrise).  
The beauty of this is it is 100% up to you and your preferences, budget, style and needs. Small packages can be defined in so many ways, and we are here to help. The most important piece of the package is the two of you and your desire to be joined in marriage.