There are so many reasons you should get married in Florida. In fact, did you know Florida is one of the most popular places to get married? Known worldwide for its beaches, sunny weather, theme parks, and water activities, there is no shortage of inspiring destinations and exciting adventures in this amazing state.
From the crystal blue waters of Destin and the Florida Keys to Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, there are endless options that will fit the need of anyone looking to make their wedding day extra special.
If you’re looking for an incredible place to host your wedding ceremonies, after-party, or honeymoon, you don’t need to look any further than the Sunshine State. Why’s that? Let me share with you 5 reasons why Florida is one of the best places to get married.
1. Amazing Weather
The incredibly warm climate of Florida is one of the top reasons to choose this state for your wedding. I mean come on, it’s in the name… the Sunshine State! Florida boasts an average of 237 days of sunshine a year, with many cities, such as Bonita Springs and Fort Myers, having even more than that. That’s a ton of sun!
Florida weather (with the exception of hurricane season), is perfect for outdoor weddings and other outdoor activities. Cloudy cover? Rarely. Rainy days? Hardly ever.
Florida can get hot, though. When planning your Florida wedding, make sure you know the best time of the year to come.
2. Beautiful Locations and Backdrops
Florida has so much natural beauty, making it easy to find the perfect venue. Not only will you have the perfect backdrop for all your wedding pictures, but you can easily save tons of money on venue decorations.
Looking for a casual and intimate oceanside ceremony? Head to Juno Beach.
Looking to get adventurous and explore the wildlife? Tie the knot in Ocala National Forest.
Maybe you’re looking for that magical, fairytale wedding? Why not choose one of the hotels at Universal Orlando Resort™ or any one of the many incredible theme parks throughout the state?
Home to theme parks, beaches, forests, historical architecture, and other natural sights, Florida has something to offer everyone, no matter your taste.
3. Affordability
Florida is more affordable than you might initially think. Although it has a reputation for being expensive, Florida weddings aren’t as pricey as they seem. In fact, of the 20 largest metropolitan areas across the US, the Tampa Bay area in Florida has the cheapest average wedding cost!
The price of a wedding depends on several factors, including who you choose to work with, your venue of choice, and what you decide to incorporate. Most wedding vendors offer packages that include your wedding day needs.
In addition, because Florida is such a popular wedding destination, there is a lot of competition for wedding vendors and venues. This competition drives the price down, making it cheaper for you.
if you choose a wedding ceremony on a public beach, you may end up only needing to pay the cost of a permit (this cost varies based on location but could be less than $150)
4. Romantic Location
Whether you’re looking for a simple elopement wedding or going all out with a traditional wedding, Florida has everything you might need to create an incredibly romantic wedding occasion. From St. Augustine to Palm Beach, there are so many intimate beaches or resorts to choose from and enjoy together as a couple.
With pristine white sand beaches, sparkling blue and green water lapping the shore, and breathtaking sunsets, Florida is the place to go for a romantic wedding. It’s the perfect destination to begin your forever together.
5. Post-Wedding Activities
Once the ceremonies and festivities are over, there are plenty of options to have fun and enjoy your time in Florida, without having to go very far at all. There are so many activities available to enjoy, including:
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking/Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Dolphin watching
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Hang Gliding
- Fishing
- Cruises/sailboating
- Theme parks (ex. Universal Orlando Resort™, Walt Disney World®, Legoland, etc.)
- State/National Parks (ex. Blue Spring, Everglades, Dry Tortuga, etc.)
- Scooter Rides
- Shopping
There are plenty of options to make the most of your trip, either for you and your guests or just you and your loved one. You could start your marriage off with a bang and include any of these activities as part of your honeymoon.
* BONUS! Marriage License
I know I said I’d share 5 reasons you should get married in Florida, but I couldn’t help but include this last one.
Getting a marriage license in Florida is so simple! Marriage laws differ from state to state, and how you get your marriage license even differs from county to county within the state. Luckily Florida makes it easy.
For Florida residents, there is a 3-day waiting period after applying for your license, so make sure to plan in advance if this is you. This waiting period can be waived if you and your soon-to-be spouse finish a pre-marital course (which also reduces the cost of the marriage license… woot woot!).
For non-Florida residents, there is no waiting period.
Either way, make sure you contact the local county clerk’s office before your wedding and they will guide you through the entire process and tell you everything you need to know.
Florida Has Many Reasons To Make It Your Destination Wedding Location
Florida truly is one of the best states for weddings. Well-known for its beaches and other beautiful destinations, there is honestly something for everyone in the Sunshine State. If you’re looking for incredible wedding destinations, Florida should definitely be at the top of your list. You won’t regret it!
If you’re sold on Florida, don’t wait!
