With thousands of miles of shoreline, Florida has countless scenic views to offer. There’s no surprise so many young couples are looking for an all-inclusive destination wedding in Florida. There are sandy beaches, historic hotels, and Renaissance courtyards.
With numerous beautiful options, it’s difficult to select one venue for your wedding. Whether you’re looking for an extravagant soiree or a laid-back celebration, Florida has something for everyone.
And since it’s got pleasant sunny weather, The Sunshine State offers the perfect climate for a warm and cozy wedding.
About Destination Weddings in Florida
Why Get Married in Florida
If you want to get married in a tropical paradise, Florida will offer you the perfect destination to tie the knot. Here you’ll find options for full-blown reception parties as well as simple beach ceremonies.
Many resorts offer destination wedding in Florida all inclusive, which means you don’t have to run around to arrange things. Just buy a pre-made package and enjoy your special day to the fullest.
The location you select will impact the number of guests you can invite, your budget, and timing. For example, if you select a beach, you wouldn’t want to hold the wedding reception at late hours.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Florida
On average, your destination wedding in Florida all inclusive will cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
Of course, this depends on a lot of factors. For example, what kind of venue you’re looking for, how many guests you want to invite, and how many days you want the events to go on.
An elopement package for just the bride and groom would cost you about $250 which will include the filling of the marriage license and the ceremony officiant.
If you want to add a photography session to it, the costs will go up to $500. As you add guests, accommodation, and additional events, the costs go up dramatically.
The Best Florida Wedding Venues & Florida Wedding Packages
The Boca Raton
With 200 waterfront acres, you get to experience lakeside romance as well as ocean views. For an ideal destination wedding in Florida all inclusive, this can be the perfect venue.
The cathedral room consists of stained glass, an arched ceiling, ornate pillars, and golden accents. This gives a sophisticated and intimate feeling to the place.
Come and enjoy the dunes ballroom that’s inspired by color and art. It’s your special day so get ready to dance and celebrate. There are large windows that go from the ceiling to the floor to give amazing ocean views.
Set the stage for an intimate wedding overlooking the blue waters of the ocean. The swaying palm trees and sandy beaches add a charming touch that’s enhanced by an outstanding sunrise or sunset.
And if you’re looking for a lush ceremony, choose the Cloister Garden which has sparkling lanterns, flowing fountains, and mosaic tiles. Get lost in the romance and tranquility of the place.
Looking for something unique and exclusive? Hold your wedding at the Yacht Club Venetian Terrace that’s covered with tropical plants. It’s a luxurious and huge balcony that perfectly reflects paradise. Enjoy the lakeside breeze and say your vows as you get lost in the beauty of the place.
The Don Cesar
If you’re looking for a luxury spa resort, check out this historic hotel that goes back to 1928. With its prime Gulf Coast beach, bring alive your dream to wed in the sand. And while you stay here, enjoy the luxurious amenities of the place, which include spa treatments, gorgeous décor, premium cocktails, and a farewell brunch before you leave.
It is located on the top of wind-swept dunes and offers a water view in all directions. The amazing Pink Palace is ideal for epic celebrations as well as intimate ceremonies. Enjoy a coastal backdrop as you read your vows.
The Don CeSar has been a part of unforgettable weddings, legendary gatherings, and famous figures. With their attention to detail and unparalleled service, they are among the top places for a destination wedding in Florida all inclusive.
You’ll get an expert team of planners along with over 38,000 square feet of venue space. Your guests can stay at the Don CeSar or the beach house suites near the Pink Palace.
Both overlook St. Pete Beach and offer amazing views. And of course, there’s easy access to shopping, spa services, and award-winning fine dining.
Casa Monica
Casa Monica carries an old-world and enchanting charm that dates back to 1888. Get married in a fountain-filled tropical garden and enjoy the reception in the most elegant ballrooms. The venue holds the ancient glamour that fills its 10,000 square feet area. You get indoor as well as outdoor spaces for your wedding.
Guests can experience the elegance of this place in the Spanish Baroque façade complete with colonial-style rooms and mesmerizing chandeliers. Casa Monica is dedicated to perfection as you experience its pool and sumptuous dining that matches the regal aura of the place.
The main restaurant here is Costa Brava which specializes in Mediterranean -themed cuisines. Taste the fresh fruits and vegetables that arrive directly from the farm to the kitchen.
And of course, don’t miss the deliciousness of superb steaks and fresh fish dishes. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the Cobalt Bar which has an extensive list of wines to offer.
Experience the influence of Spanish-Moorish décor in all 138 rooms of the place. The rooms come with heavy furnishings that are mostly dark red and have gold detailing. Continue the rich, jeweled look with armoires and velvet headboards.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Whether you’re looking for a Miami Beach wedding or a romantic garden wedding, you’ll love this venue.
The Vizcaya came into being in 1922 when it was a winter home. It has a certain tranquility that’s not usually found in Miami. In modern times, Vizcaya has been restored while maintaining its original glory.
Amid the bustling city of Miami, Vizcaya offers a tranquil environment that feels out of the world.
Walk through palm-lined pathways to European style gardens that have alluring water features. The place offers a lush and intimate setting for nuptials.
Make sure you use the garden since it’s a place to show off. You can hold a ceremony anywhere in the garden in the daytime. There are many beautiful areas to choose from. The entire place is laden with fountains, stone archways, carved walls, and other appealing features.
It creates a stunning background for a wedding photoshoot. Sunset wedding photography looks amazing here as it immerses the entire place in a golden light.
And of course, there’s the inner courtyard that is covered by a grand glass ceiling. Here you can enjoy an opulent wedding reception with cocktail hours.
Watch the video below to learn more:
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Looking for a lush backdrop for your wedding? The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum was once home to renowned author Ernest Hemingway and is now open for weddings and other ceremonies.
The gardens here offer dense foliage that’s a real treat to the senses. You’ll find ginger, jasmine, gardenias, and hibiscus growing here. Experience the freshness of flowers in the evening breeze and take in the visual beauty of bright colors.
The place is ideal for intimate weddings with fewer than a hundred guests. It houses an in-ground swimming pool that offers an amazing backdrop for wedding photography.
This colonial-style estate is built on one-acre land right in the heart of Key West. With its tropical plants, beautiful flowers, and lush greenery, it’s a prime wedding destination spot in Florida. It has a rich history and delicate beauty and offers a romantic and timeless exquisiteness that makes it an ideal wedding venue.
There are three event spaces so you can host your ceremony at one spot and the reception at another. Since the entire area has a serene natural setting, it offers numerous opportunities for special memories and spectacular photos.
Florida Destination Wedding Legal Requirements
Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
If you sign the legal documents and get married in Florida, it’s a legal wedding or a civil wedding. However, if you get married in your home country and then come to Florida for the ceremony, it will be a symbolic wedding.
While symbolic weddings are hassle-free and less expensive (because there’s no paperwork involved), civil weddings hold a special charm because the legal date of your marriage is also the same date you hold the ceremony.
For a symbolic wedding, you have to arrive about 2 days before the wedding. However, for a civil wedding, you have to arrive at least 4 days before so you can take care of the paperwork.
Required Legal Documents & Cost
A county court judge of the circuit court issues the marriage license in Florida. You need to obtain a marriage license that’s valid for 60 days. The marriage ceremony should be performed before the 60-day time elapses.
Here are the documents you need to get a marriage license:
- A picture ID: This could be a state ID card, a driver’s license, or a passport.
- Social security numbers
- Divorce papers or death certificate of previous spouse if applicable
You also need to carry the required fee. The typical marriage license fee is $93.50. However, if you complete a licensed pre-marital course, it will be $32.50
Same-sex marriage is recognized in Florida.
Legal Marriage Timeline
Here is what you need to do to get married in Florida:
1. Collect the documents for a marriage license.
2. Apply for a marriage license. You can apply at the Court County office in Florida.
3. Once you get the marriage license, you have 60 days to hold the ceremony.
4. Hold the ceremony at the selected venue. Most venues can handle the legal paperwork for you.
You can also get the marriage license by mail. However, you’ll need to apply for it at least 45 days before the wedding.
Florida Destination Wedding Planning Tips
How to Get There
By airplane
The major airports of Florida are Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach.
All major U.S. airlines fly to and from these airports. Some of them are United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Airfares are generally high during spring break and Christmas months.
By train
The main service provider is Amtrak. You can get off at Miami station or Jacksonville. There are also services running through Tampa and Orlando.
By car
Driving to Florida is pretty easy as there are three interstate highways connecting to the state. There are a lot of resting places and motels along the way.
By boat
The major ports of the state are Orlando, Miami, Palm Beach, Tampa, St Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville.
Florida Weather
Florida is called the Sunshine state for a good reason. It gets plenty of sun all around the year. The winters are short and mild, and the summers are long and hot.
The place gets particularly humid from May to October and dry from December to February when it gets slightly cold.
If you’re looking for a destination wedding in Florida all inclusive, keep in mind that Florida has the mildest winters in the continental U.S. states.
Budgeting Tips
- Miami International Airport is expensive. As an alternative, you can fly to Fort Lauderdale airport which is around 30 miles away from Miami Beach.
- Star Alliance, Sky Team, and One World offer air passes that can save you money.
- You can get rail passes from the official website of Amtrak.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Florida
The months of spring (March and April) and fall (September and October) are the best to get married in Florida. Since the weather in these months is pleasant, you’ll have the perfect destination wedding.
However, if you want to save money, you can visit the state in January as the airfares are lowest in this month.
Looking for some other destinations? Check out our detailed guides on Lake Como and Tuscany wedding destinations.
