The Complete Guide to Planning a Wedding in Florida
Florida is a large, tropical, Sunshine State in the south-eastern region of the U.S. Located two-thirds on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is a photographer’s perfect canvas! How to plan your Florida wedding in a state that is world-renowned for amazing warm weather, beachside resorts, amusement parks, and a spectacular living coral reef is a lot easier than you think. It is a fantastic honeymoon holiday destination and a real option for planning your dream destination wedding too.
When considering a destination in Florida, just remember this state is all-natural at embracing weddings/elopements. Working with brilliant wedding planners and vendors you will find the most outstanding wedding venues, accommodation, bridal attire, floral designs, and much more. Do I sound like I am pumped about Florida and Weddings - they are a match made in heaven! I’m your very willing adventurous traveling photographer. Always happy to chat with you and help guide you to take the leap of faith and start planning a destination wedding. My desire always for the bridal couple is that they will love their wedding-related choices forever!!
Pick a Date
Bridal couples enjoy dressing in their dream attire for their wedding. Let’s face it, some brides have dreamt about this special day since they were little girls. Whether a three-piece tux, bead-encrusted wedding gown with tulle train, or a very simple but gorgeous Boho beach style, picking the right season/month wedding date, can impact your bridal attire on the day. Remember when planning the date, that you want to be as comfortable as you can on your wedding day and for your guest’s sake too.
So, choosing the date that will make your wedding style appropriate and fit in with your work and other commitments is of paramount importance. Time is of the essence and the date you are married will be an important one for the rest of your life. So, make it a good date! If you absolutely love hot tropical summers and can brave a Florida heat wave for your wedding then the 4 summer months of June-September are for you. They will also be the least popular and cheapest off-peak deals. If you are wanting a lovely and comfortable warm and sunny wedding, then spring and fall are for you. However, don’t discount a winter wedding in Florida as they are very mild. Spring break everywhere all over the world is a busy time to get married but in saying that if you book early enough you can make it happen just remember both fall and spring will be peak prices.
Florida Wedding Venues
There truly are many fabulous Florida wedding venues that will tick all your boxes. Each person has their own vibe and style that they envisage their ceremony and reception to look and feel like. Therefore, researching is so important for the bridal couple. You may find two places that have everything you both hope for and then it will come down to dates, packages, and location to accommodation. Here are 6 wonderful Florida wedding venue options with brief descriptions and their websites for further information. Let me know if you need help in researching any other venues, I love this kind of thing!
South Seas Island Resort: Florida
5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island, FL
800 524 7601
The options at this magnificent wedding venue are endless. Whether an intimate or large gathering the indoor and outdoor venues are unique and customized to meet your desires. Beachfront! Waterfront! Harbourside! Excellence!
Lovers Key State Park: Lovers Key Beach Weddings: Florida
8700 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 765 778
Listen closely sweet bride and groom as the gentle waves lap the sandy shores as you say, “I DO”. Lovers Key wedding venue will lull any stress you have regarding your special wedding day. The most natural and unspoiled of beachfront locations is this state park with complete privacy for your wedding.
Powel Crosley Estate: Bradenton Gulf Island Weddings: Florida
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in Bradenton, Florida
(941) 729 9177
If a picturesque historic wedding venue with stunning water views is your style then look at this very special Powel Crosley Estate Venue. The Mediterranean Mansion on Sarasota Bay boasts gorgeous interiors, sweeping exteriors with a circular tower, and beautifully manicured lawns.
Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club: Florida
18061 Miromar Lakes Pkwy
Miromar Lakes, FL 33913
(239) 908 2398
Think Signature! Everything about the Miromar Resort is award-winning. The view, the venue, the furniture, the furnishings, the neighborhood, the staff, and especially the wedding specialist Jessica. Everything is signature perfection!!
JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort: Florida
400 South Collier Boulevard,
Marco Island, FL 34145
1 800 438 4373
This wedding venue is exotic and grandeur. Its options for hosting a spectacular wedding will not disappoint. With the whitest of sandy beaches and the most immaculate venues, it’s hard to fault such a venue that delivers on every front.
La Casa Toscana
Buckingham Road, Fort Meyers, FL 33905
239 322 0717
Romance is the style of this elegant upscaled Tuscan wedding venue in Southwest Florida. The private estate offers gorgeous ceremony and reception settings amongst the 10 acres of lush lawns, Sylvester palms, cypress pines, and beautiful beaches.
Accommodation for bridal party and guests
Weddings focus on the Bride & Groom, however, taking care of accommodation options for the bridal party and guests is important too. When planning a destination wedding, the need for suitable accommodation for all guests is at the top of the to-do list. Florida is mostly on the peninsula and therefore has many beachfront rental options for the bridal party and guests to stay. Most wedding venues in Florida offer preparation bridal suites and accommodation. The options listed above, mostly have elite and beautiful accommodation. If your chosen venue does not have accommodation, please ensure you have a wonderful space that is suitable for wedding vendors to style hair and makeup etc. It will make your day!
The bridal party can have the best of times when staying together. If you can, I encourage you to make the decision to stay with your bridal party the night or a couple of nights before. The chit, chat, and reflection on deep and meaningful conversations will be priceless. So much fun, getting to share meals and lounging chatting on all things sentimental. There will be plenty of laughs too and everyone’s heart will be filled with joy and love before the wedding day!
There are literally 10’s thousands of beach rentals available in Florida. Staying together with others attending the wedding will be very beneficial for all guests. Look at a few options as examples below and research some of your own. It won’t take long for you to fall in love with some great accommodation options for your friends and families.
1. The One and Only at Perdido Key, FL – Beautifully renovated home with outstanding water views. Very well appointed, sleeps 13 and exceptional reviews. View website here >
2. Puesta Del Sol is a 4 Bed 4 Bath exceptional luxury villa in Miramar Beach FL. Amazing white sand beaches of the gulf coast just across the road and complex amenities to enjoy. Great location. View website here >
3. Islamorada Ocean Oasis is a stunning beachfront property for 14 people and boasts a private white sandy beachfront on a one-acre lot. Your bridal party can really let your hair down here! View website here >
How to get your marriage license
Bridal couples need to apply together online or in-person to the clerk of the circuit court office for a marriage license in Florida. If you are a Floridian resident, there is a three-day wait for the license to become effective or an option to attend a 4-hour course focussing on premarital guidance and have the wait wavered. The license will cost $93.50 for out-of-state residents and $61 for locals. If Florida is your destination wedding, you can apply and marry on the same day and have 60 days of validity for your Florida Wedding to take place!
What you will need to provide for your marriage license:
· Fee
· Identification with picture and applicant’s residential address [Driver’s license, State ID card, Current Passport]
· Social Security numbers
I hope this educational information on how to plan your Florida wedding has helped you. Happy wedding planning! If you would like to connect with me as your wedding/elopement photographer and work together to bring your ideas to light then let’s do it! It would be an honor!! I can’t wait to meet you!
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