I’m not going to lie to you, Florida summers are HOT! We’re talking 90-degree days with 70% humidity. Summertime is typically considered peak wedding season (80% of weddings happen between June and October), and Florida is a very popular spot for destination weddings and elopements, for good reason. But you might be asking yourself “is a Florida summer wedding a good idea? When is the best month to get married on the beach in Florida?”
Florida Summer + Wedding = Good Idea??
Don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you. Together we’re going to cover everything you should consider when planning your perfect wedding day in the beautiful Sunshine State!
Why Get Married in Florida
Getting married is one of the biggest days of your life. The beginning of your lives together should be marked by an exciting, memorable, and enjoyable day.
If you’re looking for an amazing place to hold a destination wedding or elopement, it’s hard to find a more ideal spot than Florida. Florida has amazing weather, with some cities boasting up to 266 days of sunshine every year.
And who can resist enjoying a day at the beach, with the waves lapping on the shore and the soft sand between your toes? Doesn’t that just sound like heaven?
For you adventurous couples out there, Florida offers some enticing activities for both before and after the wedding ceremony. You could enjoy dolphin watching, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, theme parks, and more. You can start your marriage off with a bang by jumping straight to the honeymoon right after the ceremony!
What To Consider When Planning a Florida Beach Wedding
There are a few things you’re going to want to keep in mind when planning out what time of the year you want to hold your Florida wedding. Some major things to consider are:
- The weather. Florida summers are notoriously hot and muggy, so you should find ways to work around that. Also, be aware of hurricanes. Florida has a high risk of hurricane activity, so you’ll want to be cautious when planning your wedding day during hurricane season (June through November).
- Availability. If you know when peak wedding season in Florida is (we’ll get there, don’t worry), then you’ll also know when most wedding vendors and hotels are super busy. Make sure you plan in advance so you get everything you’re looking for. Planning your big day well in advance is the best way to ensure it is everything you want it to be. I recommend trying to get on wedding professionals’ calendars about a year in advance.
- Price. Going along with availability, things such as flower vendors, hotels, venues, and more will probably be more expensive during peak wedding season. Keep this in mind when setting your budget.
When NOT to Hold A Florida Beach Wedding
There are a lot of things within your control when it comes to planning your own wedding. Unfortunately, the weather is not one of those things.
Anytime between June and September are months you should be cautious of when planning your wedding. These months are the hottest months of the year, very humid and muggy (which means more bugs and mosquitos… eww!), and line up with hurricane season.
Sometimes coordinating your special day with family members, friends, or other loved ones is a little out of your control, and having a summer wedding just makes the most sense. If this is the case for you, hold your Florida summer wedding indoors. This will protect you from the crazy elements outside and make your day much more pleasant and enjoyable.
Best Month to Get Married in Florida
In my opinion, the best month of the year to hold a Florida wedding is…drum roll, please… March!!
March is full of clear skies, warm-but-not-too-hot weather, and little rainfall. When it comes to perfect weather, early Florida springs are hard to beat.
In addition to incredible wedding weather, March weather in Florida is perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and swimming. This could be great for any post-wedding relaxation needs and honeymoon excursions.
If March doesn’t make much sense for your situation or work with your schedule, the second best time of the year to get married in Florida is winter. Beginning in November, the heat, humidity, and hurricane possibilities start to dwindle, making an outdoor wedding more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Because the fall and winter time is a slightly less popular season to visit in general, there will be fewer crowds around town and the beaches, as well as more availability for the vendors and venues of your choice. Just be careful of our notorious Florida cold snaps (quick and unexpected cold fronts)!
Florida Wedding Season Pros and Cons
When it comes to planning a summer wedding in Florida, there are several things to keep in mind in order to make this the most memorable and special experience for you and your loved one.
Summer Pros: > Cheaper hotels and venues > More vendor availabilities > Less traffic > Easier to schedule | Summer Cons: > Hotter > More rain > More bugs/mosquitos |
Spring/Fall Pros: > Cooler weather > Fewer bugs/mosquitos > Less rain > Local activities to enjoy | Spring/Fall Cons: > Expensive hotels and venues > Vendors/venues are booked far in advance > Expected travel delays |
Highlights Summary
Let’s recap everything we talked about:
- Summer months (June – September) are hotter, muggier, and rainier. If you need to plan your wedding during these months, make sure you find somewhere indoors to enjoy the ceremony. September has the highest likelihood of hurricanes.
- Although the summer months offer the most amount of sunshine, the weather doesn’t often cooperate. Choosing a time right before or after the summer maximizes sunlight hours but also less likely to encounter unwanted weather conditions.
- The best time to get married in Florida is in the spring. These months offer great weather, but you should also be aware of fewer vendor and venue availabilities, more traffic, Spring Breakers, and higher prices. Make sure you book anything you really want well in advance.
- The second best time to get married in Florida is in the winter. Late November to February
If you and your partner are ready to start scheduling your perfect Florida wedding and find your Florida photographer, get in touch with me. Contact me for a free wedding photography consultation call. I’ll get you on my calendar and be your Florida wedding guide to make this day as memorable as possible.
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