The Ultimate Guide to Beach Wedding Dreams in Florida

Photo: Beach Wedding by Jonathan Borba

Updated: January 2, 2023. Looking for the perfect beach to renew your vows in Florida? Look no further than the stunning blue waters and white sand beaches that the state is known for. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide on the best location for your ceremony. Here are a few tips to consider when selecting the perfect beach to tie the knot.

How To Choose The Best Florida Beach For A Wedding

Whether you prefer the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Getting married in Florida is easy and relatively inexpensive. You can get a marriage license with ease. The challenging part is finding the perfect beach that suits your preferences. Once you find your dream beach, you can customize your wedding ceremony to fit the setting, conditions, and amenities you desire.

Fort Myers Beach on the Gulf Coast

How to choose the best location for your beach wedding

The biggest decision: which Florida coast to get married on? This pick is easy for some couples. If you want to tie the knot with a spectacular sunset then the west coast, including Siesta Key Beach and Destin, is best for you. However, don't rule out the east coast (or Atlantic coast) entirely. Some pretty fantastic skies can be seen over the Atlantic ocean at sundown. The clouds can reflect the sunset's colors back over the ocean with special effects. This is called the Golden Hour. 

Consider having a romantic sunrise wedding, but be aware of pesky biting insects on certain Florida beaches. Don't worry, whichever coast you choose, your wedding photos will be stunning. For those dreaming of a Florida Keys wedding, there are numerous venues available to make your special day unforgettable, including top-notch options for both the ceremony and reception.The Green Turtle Inn in Islamorada is one of them. Keep in mind getting married in the Florida Keys or Miami Beach might be more expensive than other beach wedding locations.

The Golden Hour at Wilbur Beach on the East Coast

For a wedding ceremony and Florida honeymoon, the choice will likely come down to the beach activities you both love. Do you love to surf, boogie board or jump over ocean waves? Then the east coast of Florida like the  Daytona Beach Shores area, is for you. The Florida Keys may also have some waves, but is generally calmer as a beach wedding venue. It also comes with a fabulous ocean breeze which can be cooling (watch those bridal hairstyles with wind and humidity). 

If you're looking for a wedding with calm waters, the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect choice. Gulf beaches typically have very few waves, but some, like Sand Key Park, may have smaller waves due to a sandbar. This is an ideal location for floating, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Keep in mind that the Gulf Coast may feel hotter than the East Coast, so choose your wedding attire accordingly. It's best to avoid heavy wedding gowns and tuxedos to stay comfortable during the ceremony.

Second Time Around: Tips for Getting Married in Florida

Photo: Arshad Pooloo

Planning a beach wedding for the second time around should be stress-free and convenient for everyone. Consider hosting your ceremony at a beachfront hotel, which provides easy access to the beach for your guests without worrying about parking. Plus, hosting the reception at the same venue saves you and your guests from the hassle of traveling between locations. With everything in one place, you can enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable celebration of your love. This is particularly convenient if you are tying the knot in busy wedding destinations like Clearwater, Siesta Key or Fort Myers Beach. It may be more expensive, however. 

Couples with a smaller guest list might choose to say their vow by a local wedding provider right on the shore. A small reception at a nearby island restaurant or in the beach park like Sombrero Beach or Anastasia State Park might be just what you need. Beach pavilions can be used for a charming reception your guests will appreciate. It's great for a vow renewal ceremony too. At a Florida beach wedding, almost anything goes. Just check your budget, and make your plans!

Best Time of Year For A Florida Beach Wedding

Photo: Jonathan Borba

Summer is the best time for weddings, right? Wrong! In Florida, summer can be uncomfortably hot, humid and stormy. Not to mention, hurricane season begins in June. Living in Florida is very pleasant almost all year round, but to have the best experience choose the following months: March, April or May. Even early June may work, but there will be a higher chance of storms. November and December are also wonderful and the water should still be quite warm. 

When planning a Florida beach wedding, timing is an important consideration. Rain and storms are common in the afternoon, usually starting between 3-5 p.m. To avoid potential weather issues, consider scheduling your ceremony for after this time. If there is a brief rain shower, take shelter until it passes. An earlier ceremony at 10 or 11 a.m. can also be a great option before the heat of the day sets in. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but be sure to check the weather in advance. A Florida wedding planner can help you find the perfect time for your special day. Why not choose a sunset ceremony in Siesta Key?

Affordable Beach Wedding Ideas for Budget-Friendly Couples

Photo: Samantha Gades

If you're planning a wedding on the beach in Florida, choosing a complete wedding package can be a cost-effective option. With such a package, you'll get everything you need for your special day, including the ceremony provider, wedding decorations, chairs, and your choice of vows and processional music. Some packages may even come with a photographer, making it even more budget-friendly. Opting for a package can often be less than half the cost of a traditional wedding. Plus, the wedding provider will handle the setup and take down of the decorations, making it a stress-free experience. Other ideas for saving money include:

• plan a small reception at the beach park pavilion (food ordered and delivered hot from a local restaurant - so affordable!)
  
• eloping which is a ceremony just for the two of you (maybe one guest each)
• trim the wedding guest list just to include close friends and family
• come dressed down in a simple beach dress, shirt and shorts for him (no shoes please, it's the beach!)

Pavilion at Sand Key Park, Clearwater Beach

Importance of Professional Photography for Your Beach Wedding

Your beach wedding day is a special moment in your life that you'll want to cherish forever. Professional photography is an essential part of capturing the beauty and joy of this special day. Don't skimp on your wedding photography budget, as the photos will be the memories that you'll look back on for years to come. With a professional photographer, you'll get high-quality photos that capture the stunning backdrop of the beach and all the emotions of your special day. Choose a photographer who specializes in beach weddings for the best results.

Photo by Osarugue Igbinoba

If the beach wedding provider you select offers this service, then make sure you look at their work BEFORE signing on the dotted line. Look at their wedding photos and online reviews. You can never get back the opportunity for beautiful beach wedding pictures if it is lost. Imagine a wedding during a sunset in Siesta Key! These photos will bring you special memories of your Florida ceremony for years to come.

Fun Ideas for Beach Wedding Memories

BeachSandSculptures.com

 If you have a wedding outside on the beach, there are some fun ideas you can incorporate into your special day. These are what your memories are made of, so why not try out one or two ideas?

• Custom Sandcastle: If you are getting married on Destin Beach, then why not have a customized sand sculpture? Check out this company.
• Trash The Dress: Get in the ocean with that wedding dress and be photographed in the waves. Be aware it might get ruined.
• On The Rocks: Does your beach wedding location have rock formations? Take a few stunning photographs there. St. Augustine is a great destination wedding location.
• Underwater Photography: Dress or bathing suit wedding couple photos are special. Guaranteed to get family and friends talking!
• Bring Your Pup: If your chosen beach allows dogs, like Jensen Beach or Juno Beach Park, why not include your fur-baby in the wedding photos.
• Decorate Your Beach Truck: Getting married at a drive-on beach like Daytona Beach? Put some bling on your truck with fresh flowers or ribbons. Be careful to check the rules first. Confetti and fake flowers are usually a no-no.

The Beach Wedding Reception

Photo: Annie Gray

Some couples choose to delay their celebrations until they return home so they can include more friends and family in the festivities. Unfortunately, not everyone can travel to be part of your special day. However, if you choose to have a reception the same day as your seaside ceremony, why not choose a tented venue or pavilion right on the beach in Clearwater? One of our favorite venues is close to home: Wilbur Boathouse is an easy 5 minute walk from the beachfront and is an historic, romantic venue. Sunsets included. In St. Augustine at Anastasia State Park you can rent the Sea Turtle Pavilion.

Easy Steps to Getting Married in Florida

Here is an easy plan to make your Florida beach wedding day come true. Please check this official State of Florida site: Click Here for Clerk of the Court contact information by county. 

1. ​Your marriage license can be obtained from any county in Florida and may be used to be married in any county within Florida (regardless of where you live). 
2. Out-of-state residents can obtain a license the same day: visit the courthouse during weekdays, 8:30 am to 5 pm (hours may vary so check their website).
3. Couples may begin their marriage application online before visiting the Clerk and Comptroller’s office. This means you can apply from home. 
4. There are also services that can help you obtain your marriage license by mail.
5. Your marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
6. What you need: photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport or State ID/Military ID with picture). You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to get married in Florida. Both parties must be prepared to give their Social Security number.
7. If you live in Florida, both parties are to appear in the Clerk’s Office and sign the application. There is a three (3 ) day waiting period. This applies even if only one person is a resident of Florida.
8. Florida residents who have completed a premarital preparation course and can provide completion certificates may pay a reduced fee and the three (3) day waiting period may be waived.
9. For couples from out of state or international residents, there is no waiting period. Ensure you have a valid ID.
10. If you have been married before, you will need the exact date your previous marriage ended. No copies of documents are required.
11. As of the date of this post's publication, gay weddings and lesbian weddings are legally recognized in Florida.
12. You do NOT need a marriage license to renew your vows.
13. You may need a permit to get married on the Florida beach of your choice. Your wedding provider can help you with this.
14. Ensure you arrive a day or two early to scout out your location, arrange a bouquet and any beauty services you may require.​​

Photo: Wes Hicks

Disclaimer: Our blog website is for general information only and not to be used for any official information. Reference official news for your travel making decisions. Though we aim to provide you with up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind (expressed or implied) about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of any information, products, services or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Full Disclaimer here.

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