Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, so it should be all about you and your future spouse. There are so many things to do when planning a large wedding that it is easy to lose sight of the real meaning of the day. Choosing to elope can be a great way to keep the focus on you, where it should be, and having your ceremony on the beaches of Padre Island, Texas is a beautiful and romantic location for your special day.

Obtain a Texas marriage license at any County Clerk office in the state. This is available to both Texas residents and non-residents and is required to get married in the state. You must get the license at least three days and no more than 30 days before your wedding.

Pick up a no-fee permit in order to have a beach wedding on South Padre Island. You can have a friend or family member get the permit for you, but it must be picked up in person. The permit will describe wedding details, ensure that your wedding will not keep others from using the beach and will inform you of the state and local beach rules and laws. If your wedding will be held on a beach in the town of South Padre Island, contact the Public Works Department at 956-761-1025, and if it will be held on Cameron County beach, contact the Cameron County Parks System at 956-761-5494.

Hire an officiant to conduct your ceremony. You can look for one online or contact a local wedding planner for suggestions.

Decide if you want to invite anyone to your wedding. Just because you are eloping, it does not mean you cannot invite a few guests to come along. You may want to invite immediate family or very close friends.