THE PETITE PEONI | GUIDE TO SMALL WEDDINGS | ST PETE, FL
Where intimate moments blossom
A plant-forward, zero-proof-friendly guide to planning small celebrations in St Pete --- crafted with beauty, intention and ease
Contact
A Whimsical Winter Wedding at the Clearwater Courthouse
Author: Rema Merrick
Published: December 1, 2025
Summary
Planning a winter elopement with a few guests in the Tampa Bay area? A traditional courthouse ceremony isn’t your only option. You may not realize that you can have a whimsical, winter wedding ceremony at the Clearwater courthouse. In this article, I’m sharing details about the Winter Wonderland Wedding Ceremony offered by the Pinellas Clerk's Office. I’ll also walk you through the ins and outs of planning this festive celebration, along with a casual spot to enjoy drinks afterward. My hope is that this gives you a unique, season-themed option to tie the knot and celebrate with close family and friends.
Introduction
Looking for a fun and unique place to have an elopement or mini-mony? Look no further! The Pinellas Clerk’s Office has created a whimsical Winter Wonderland Wedding Ceremony room inside the downtown Clearwater Courthouse. This sweet little event popped up on my IG feed @thepetitepeoni, and I couldn’t resist sharing it with y’all.
Winter Wonderland Wedding Ceremony
What I love about this wintry enchantment is the cozy vibe of the space and how casual and low-pressure it feels. The Clearwater Courthouse always has traditional (non-themed) ceremony rooms available year-round, but from November 24, 2025, to January 30, 2026, they’ve transformed its ceremony room into a snowy, magical experience for couples who want something a little more special than the usual. According to the Pinellas Clerk's Office press release, the room has been turned into “a serene, snowy scene complete with whimsical winter décor and festive photo backdrops.”
If you’re thinking about eloping or having a mini-mony in the Tampa Bay area, I definitely suggest checking out this winter wedding ceremony at the Clearwater courthouse. Couples can bring up to 10 guests, including children—who get to create a personalized ornament to hang on the courthouse’s Winter Wonderland tree for future couples to enjoy. Winter Wonderland ceremonies are open to walk-ins Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Just remember that a valid marriage license is required before any ceremony. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date they are issued, so your ceremony must take place before the expiration date listed.
This is a perfect example of a simple, intimate wedding option that can still feel personal and memorable.
Elopement Quick Facts
Venue
Pinellas Clerk’s Office, Clearwater Courthouse, 315 Court Street, Room 150, Clearwater, Florida 33756
Dates Available
November 24, 2025 to January 30, 2026
Lead Time
None — walk-ins allowed
Guests
Up to 10 (kids welcome)
Credit: www.youtube.com/@PinellasCountyCler
What Makes It Special
A Winter Wonderland–themed ceremony room where kids can create holiday ornaments for future couples to enjoy
Here’s a quick guide for planning your elopement in the Pinellas County Clerk’s Winter Wonderland Ceremony room. Since the themed ceremony is only available from November 24, 2025 to January 30, 2026, this guide includes features that you can plan within 60 days..
Planning Guide to a Tampa Bay Winter Wonderland Elopement
Decide on your budget.
Even though this isn’t a full-blown wedding, it’s still helpful to decide how much you want to spend. The venue cost is straightforward, but you may want to budget for an after-ceremony gathering, flowers, photography, or wedding attire.
Find a place to say 'I do.'
This is the easiest (and least expensive) part — your ceremony will take place at the Pinellas County Clerk’s Office. The ceremony fee is $30.00, and the marriage license is $86.00. You don’t need to reserve the venue ahead of time; you can simply show up with your guests. You don’t need to find an officiant, either — one is already included.”
Get your marriage license.
Complete and submit the online E-Marriage Application. The ceremony must take place within 60 days of the effective date of the marriage license. Applicants do not have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. There may be a waiting period based on your residency.
Both partners are not Florida residents: There is no waiting period.
One or both partners are Florida resident(s): There is a three-day waiting period between purchasing the license and when the license becomes effective.
Choose what you'll wear.
As with any wedding, you’ll want to purchase your outfits, shoes, and accessories for the ceremony.
Find the folks you want on your team.
Most elopements are vendor-light, but you can choose to splurge on flowers, photography, or videography. You may want a bouquet, boutonniere, or another small floral arrangement.
Let your guests know the details.
Inviting family and friends to your special day is where your creativity can shine. You can send e-vites, mail physical invitations, or invite guests in person.
Pick a cozy spot to celebrate afterward.
If you choose to have an after-ceremony gathering, think about what feels special to you and your partner. Do you love coffee shops? Do you have a favorite restaurant? Or would you rather have a cozy dinner at home with guests? Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to reach out to the establishment to make sure they will be able to accommodate you and your guests at your desired date and time. If you’re having a dinner at your house, you may want to book a caterer to plan, cook and serve a delicious meal.
Find a sweet spot to stay for your first night as newlyweds.
If you’re coming from out of town—or just want a celebratory night away—book a room at your favorite hotel.
Grab a sweet treat for your celebration.
You may want a small cake to enjoy with your guests after the ceremony. Keep in mind that some restaurants may charge a cake-cutting fee.
Create a little wish list for loved ones.
Even with a small wedding, guests may still want to give gifts. You can choose a traditional registry or ask guests to donate to your favorite charity. If you do register, let your guests know whether they should mail gifts or bring them to the celebration. You can certainly add more features to your Winter Wonderland wedding, but I’ve kept the basics here. Remember, this is your day, and it should reflect you and your partner authentically. One of the best parts of elopements is that they help you focus on what truly matters—your love and commitment to each other.
Conclusion
Planning a small wedding, in any form, is ultimately about choosing what feels right for you. Having a winter-themed ceremony at the Pinellas Clerk's Office is a magical alternative to a traditional courthouse wedding. It’s easy to plan, gentle on the budget, and allows you to share this special moment with a few guests—even the little ones. Whether you decide this option is the perfect fit or choose something different, my hope at The Petite Peoni is that you find a celebration that speaks to you and reflects what makes you special. Happy holidays!
Please note: This post is not sponsored or supported by any of the establishments or organizations mentioned. I’m not being paid for this content; everything I share is based on my own experience, research, and personal opinion.
Share your story
Had a winter-themed wedding? Planning one? I’d love to hear your story.
© 2025 Copyright The Petite Peoni by Rema Merrick. All Rights Reserved.