FLORIDA WEDDING VENUES

Don’t Sleep On These Florida Wedding Venues!

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the first things you do and one of the most important decisions is selecting the right wedding venue. The venue sets the stage for the entire event and plays a significant role in creating an atmosphere that reflects the couple’s style and vision. This can range from grand and opulent to intimate and romantic. No matter the case the right venue should align with your preferences and represent YOUR love story. Whether it’s a modern art gallery or a historic mansion, the venue should reflect your personalities, creating a meaningful and authentic experience for you and your guests.

A man and a woman are holding hands and playfully walking along a beach. The man is dressed in a light pink shirt and khaki pants, while the woman is wearing a white mid-length dress. Both are barefoot, and their movement suggests a light, joyful dan

Why Florida is a Great Destination Choice For Your Wedding

  1. Diversity of wedding settings.
    When you think of Florida you think beach right? Well guess what! There are SO many other beautiful venues to be considered in addition to the beach such as gardens, yachts, historic mansions, farmhouses, etc.

  2. Ideal weather.
    Florida offers a year full of ideal weather and natural beauty that elevates the scenery of the wedding day without having to spend money on additional decor. 

  3. Easy Access.
    Guests coming from various parts of the US have easy access and reasonably priced airfare.

A close-up view of a man and a woman's bare feet on a sandy beach, with the hem of the woman's white dress just visible at the top of the frame. The sand is sprinkled with small shells and pebbles, and the water's edge is approaching their feet.

Top Florida Wedding Venues Worth Considering 

close-up of a man and woman sharing a gentle kiss. The woman's blonde hair is styled in a bob cut, and she's wearing what appears to be a white bridal veil.
A couple stands intimately on a beach, the man embracing the woman while they both gaze into each other's eyes. The woman, in a long white dress and veil trailing behind her, and the man, in white shirt and khaki pants, create a classic wedding look.

Beachside Bliss

If you are looking to get married on the beach check out these iconic wedding venues.

  1. Isla Bella Beach Resort A dreamy white-sand beach with swaying palm trees and waves that lap the shore. Isla Bella Beach Resort is a luxury stay on the Florida Keys. You can see a outdoor terrace and ocean view from every room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors give in all the natural sunshine to enjoy. The resort has a beach bar shaded by palms and overlook the vibrant sunsets of Florida. Reception includes dancing under the Italian lights, sand between toes and all the memories. Other events that can be enjoyed are activities such as fishing, biking, and kayaking through the mangrove tunnels and Florida coastline. (Great for adventure sessions!)

  2. The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is a flexible indoor and outdoor venue with a spectacular 4,000-square-foot rooftop Sky Terrace, flooded with sunshine and offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding waters. The Las Olas and Atlantic Ballroom are designed so they may be arranged in a variety of configurations to best suit an array of event needs. With many elegant rooms for guests to enjoy they also have a spa, outdoor pool, and waterfront activities to fill the downtime. On-site dining at Lona restaurant offering or Waves Bar & Grill make it easy to gather your groups for meals.

  3. Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront This oceanfront hotel offers scenic indoor and outdoor spaces with breathtaking views for a unique wedding day. Couples can choose to get married with sand underfoot or opt for indoors with windows overlooking the ocean. The expansive oceanfront deck features Longboards Tiki Beach Grille and fire pits; and offers a welcoming setting for a pre-function cocktail hour. You may also opt to enjoy an alfresco reception out on the deck. The Grand Ballroom is an elegant alternative for a fabulous indoor reception. Smaller parties like to use the Horizon Oceanfront Junior Ballroom. So many beautiful and flexible options that utilize the location of the beach.

Lush Garden Setting

A Pride and Prejudice vibe, garden venues foster a natural beautiful and romantic atmosphere that cannot be ignored. 

  1. Sunken Gardens Having started life as a roadside attraction, this incredible space is now St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, with more than 50,000 tropical specimens, some of them over 100 years old. (It’s also home to a flock of quite photogenic flamingos) Ceremony options include the historic Wedding Lawn, with a cascade of flowering vines, and the Oak Pavilion, sheltered by towering shade trees. Receptions may be held in the pretty Garden Room, or on one of the lawns. It’s owned and operated by the City of St. Petersburg, and your rental fees help with the ongoing mission of preserving and maintaining this precious oasis for future generations to enjoy.

  2. Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens This rooftop wedding venue located in Ormond Beach, FL. Was established in 1946, and offers stunning gardens, diverse exhibits, and friendly turtles making it a beautiful setting for an unforgettable wedding celebration. The Memorial Gardens feature both native and exotic plants with both landscaped and natural areas. It hosts artisan walkways and quiet nooks throughout the urban oasis. Ceremony site is held in the Garden Gazebo and brick patio, surrounded by lush gardens and large trees. The Gazebo is a great option for an intimate ceremony that is immersed with diverse plants and flowers. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Rooftop Terrace is an elegant space where you can dine, dance and celebrate with loved ones. A palette of gray and pale pink gives it a contemporary feel and oversized lamps help provide the perfect ambiance for evening celebrations. 

  3. Villa Toscana Miami Experience the enchanting Tuscany-inspired whimsical gardens in the heart of the Miami countryside. This venue offers a picturesque and romantic setting for a dream wedding. Guests will love the stunning tropical gardens, serene fountains, Laguna, and cascading waterfalls that surround the secluded mansion. Villa Toscana covers a spacious 4-acre area, offering its charming Tuscan-inspired ambiance. The property provides beautiful panoramic views and more than seven unique areas inspired by themes such as Wynwood Street Art and Alice in Wonderland to top off the garden enchantment.

A bride and groom stand side by side in a natural landscape dotted with palm trees. The image captures a moment of quiet togetherness against a backdrop of natural beauty.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a sandy trail, their backs to the camera. The bride turns her head to glance back, giving a view of her profile and her bright blonde hair.
A bride and groom are holding hands on a beach, facing each other as they dance or walk in step. The bride's long veil is carried by the wind, and the overcast sky above the sea creates a serene and intimate setting for the couple.
A close-up of a bride on her wedding day, her hand gently resting behind her head. She is gazing into the distance with a look of contemplation.
A bride leans softly against her groom in an intimate embrace. The groom's face is partially obscured from view, focusing the image on the bride's contented expression. Her white veil cascades gently around her, and the backdrop of a cloudy sky.

Historic and Culturally Rich Venues

If you appreciate history and beautiful architecture in addition to a lush landscape here are some venues to consider.

  1. Deering Estate Offers a picturesque front lawn is lined with royal palms and endless views of Biscayne Bay. From the beautiful wooden gate to the lush covered path and two historic houses, this 450+-acre historical preserve offers all the photo backdrops. You can dine and dance under the stars in the flagstone courtyard, which is bordered by manicured gardens and the site's historical homes. Or, if you prefer, set up a large tent on the lawn for a grand affair. Couples can add customize their day by including access to the Stone House where you can have an intimate ceremony in the ballroom, or host a cocktail reception that invites guests to immerse themselves in the house's history, art, and architecture—and admire the current exhibit—on the first and second floors.

  2. The Blanche Since 1902, The Blanche has been a focal point in North Florida. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Blanche offers timeless elegance - historic charm with modern conveniences. The facility will make your intimate wedding of 25 guests feel comfortable but can also accommodate a large soiree of up to 300 in the multiple event spaces offered. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available to fulfill whatever need for the wedding day. Spaces available for wedding day are: the lobby, ballroom, courtyard, catering kitchen, staircase, parlor, balcony, bridal suite and groom’s suite. A beautiful and charming hotel to host your big day. 

  3. Lightner Museum This historic gem began life as the Hotel Alcazar in 1888, and has hosted some of St. Augustine's most memorable events for over 130 years. The Historic Pool was once the the world's largest indoor swimming pool and now serves as an incredible "sunken" ballroom surrounded by a three-story balcony—an off-the-charts "wow factor". Cocktails are served in the Grand Lobby, with crystal chandeliers, mosaic tile flooring, and dramatic arched windows. Guests can explore the courtyards, which are home to manicured gardens and a stone footbridge spanning a tranquil koi pond.

Modern and Chic Locations

For couples looking for something a little different that is on the more experiential side here are three top venues to check out.

  1. Whitehurst The Whitehurst Gallery is a privately owned residence in Tarpon Springs and is available for private bookings for a variety of intimate weddings (75 person capacity). Inspired by the Jefferson Memorial, the building’s exterior features iconic neoclassical architecture including bold columns and a domed roof. The building’s interior boasts timeless artwork and sculptures from the renaissance to modern day as well as a library of over ten thousand books. While standing in the center of the home, as you look up at the interior of the domed ceiling, the decorative detail is an exact replica of the Capitol’s, in Washington, DC.

  2. Seafair Miami This yacht is the largest commercial ship on the Intercoastal Waterway, stretching an 228 feet and 47 feet above the water. Ballrooms and bars and lounges, are available on all four decks. Guests can enjoy the completely open-air View Sky Deck, which offers unobstructed 360-degree views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami Skyline. Though Seafair's home base is Miami, she can dock at other harbors as far out as Palm Beach. This makes planning so much easier—you can reserve hotel rooms and schedule other wedding-related activities in the area of your choosing, and still ensure your guests have easy access to the main event.

  3. Ever After Farms Surrounded by twenty acres of lush citrus groves, this sweet property is truly a hidden gem just twenty minutes from Disney and an hour from Tampa and Orlando. The ceremony site is held on a citrus beneath a shady, twinkle light-wrapped orange tree. The event barn is equally lovely, with a whitewashed interior, glowing market lights, and soft drapery throughout. Oversized windows flood the space with natural light, and provide fabulous views of the surrounding grounds.

A bride and groom stand side by side, facing forward but with their heads turned to look at each other. The bride is in a white wedding dress with a sheer veil, holding a bouquet of white flowers, while the groom wears a white shirt and khaki pants.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand along the beach, smiling and looking at each other. The bride, in a white dress, is slightly in front, leading the way, while the groom looks at her with a loving gaze. Their relaxed and happy.
A vertical portrait of a bride and groom on a beach. The groom, in a white shirt and khaki pants, stands behind the bride, embracing her. The bride, wearing a white strapless wedding gown, leans back against him with her arm touching her hair.
The bride and groom are partially visible at the edge of the frame, with the bride's veil flowing between them as they walk on the beach. In the foreground, a lone egret stands by the water's edge, creating a peaceful and idyllic beach scene.
A close-up image capturing a tender moment where a groom embraces his bride from behind. The focus is on their clasped hands, the groom's adorned with a watch, and the bride's engagement and wedding rings.

Spotlight on Central Florida Wedding Venues

My family and I moved to central FL this year! If I was to get married all over again I’m convinced I’d choose Florida. The natural beauty of the beach and surrounding plant life are unmatched. PLUS airfare to Florida are typically affordable and logistically ideal. Here are some top rated venues in my neck of the woods.

  1. Estate on Halifax Set on ten lush acres in central Florida, this historic private estate boasts bountiful tropical gardens and so many beautiful gathering spots, each with its own unique charm. (Big fan of the Club Car, a 1940s train car that can be used as a dressing suite) There’s a sweet white turn-of-the-century chapel, complete with intricate stained glass windows, heart pine walls, and an antique bronze bell whose tolling announcing your wedding can be heard throughout the neighborhood. Cocktails can be enjoyed amid the gardens and koi ponds surrounding the adorable little house known as “Snow White’s Cottage”, then dinner and dancing in the Tavern, the estate’s beautifully restored 1920s residence.

  2. The Shores Resort The destination beach wedding of your dreams is within reach on the oceanfront of the Florida coast. One of the most romantic resorts in the region, with a beautiful location overlooking the Atlantic and upscale indoor and outdoor venue options. The Shores Resort is the ultimate full-service wedding destination in Daytona Beach Shores.

  3. The Balocony Orlando Nestled between The Plaza towers in the heart of downtown Orlando, our venue floats eleven stories above the streets below.
    The Balcony Orlando features over 10,000 square feet of outdoor space, and an additional 6,000 square feet of indoor space in our gallery. Offer your guests a view of Lake Eola and the surrounding skylines as they enjoy their night under quaint market-style lighting.

Tips for Picking the Right Venue in Florida

  1. Define your overall wedding theme that fits your personalities and your vibe as a couple. A great way to identify this is to write out what you both are interested in and love to do together. This will spark some ideas for the aesthetic you want to acheive that is reflective of you as a couple.

  2. Consider what typical Florida weather is doing at that time of year. If it’s in peak summer it may be uncomfortably hot to do a outdoor wedding and if it’s peak winter it may be a little chili to have everything outside. Ask the venue what back-up options you have if it rains/is unpredictably cold or hot/etc.

  3. Think about the accommodations for your guests. Is the venue/area easily accessible to guests that are flying in and close to where they are lodging? Does the venue have areas that guests can explore and be entertained during down times? (ex while the bridal party takes photos/family formals/etc)

  4. Consult with a Florida wedding photographer (hint hint, me!) for insights on which venues photograph well.

A close-up of the bride and groom's hands clasped together, with the bride holding the same bouquet of white flowers. They are standing close, with the bride's veil and part of the groom's white shirt and khaki pants visible.
The bride and groom stand side by side on the beach, the bride veiled and holding a bouquet of flowers. They appear contemplative and serene, with the groom's hand gently resting on the bride’s waist.

Sold on a Florida wedding?

Traveling all around the world to document your love story is my bread and butter. Other destination wedding inspiration can be found here. If you are looking for a Florida wedding or another location inquire below!

A candid moment captured where the groom is embracing the bride from behind on the beach. Seagulls are flying in the distance, adding a sense of freedom and expansiveness to the scene. The couple seems to be in their own private world.
A blurred image of the bride and groom dancing or moving quickly, creating an impressionistic view of their white attire against a neutral background. The motion conveys a sense of spontaneity and celebratory spirit.
A groom spins his bride on a beach, her veil flowing around them. The groom is dressed in a white shirt and khaki pants, and the bride is in a white wedding dress, caught mid-twirl in a moment of joy.
The couple is standing in shallow beach waters, facing each other in an intimate dance position. The groom holds the bride's waist while she seems to be adjusting his collar or tie. Both are barefoot, and the bride’s white dress flows.

celebrating a wild / free, unapologetic kind of love

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