Of all the things that are important to get right for a wedding, the venue is near the top of the list.

Yes, you have to make sure to invite all the right people, and of course, the decorations, the menu, and the wedding dress are all crucial as well. But if you want to have a truly memorable day, the right venue is what will make the magic happen for your celebration. 

Speaking of making the magic happen, there’s nothing quite like a beach wedding – and there’s hardly a better place for beaches than Florida. All that coastline means countless stretches of pure sand and sparkling water, which are essential ingredients for the perfect beach wedding. And with the variety of resorts in Florida, you can find the perfect fit for your special day.

And guess what else? A picture-perfect wedding means that photos or videos of the special day will look like a million dollars. Not only will you have amazing memories of the event, but you’ll be able to rediscover just how great it was over the years. 

As a matter of fact, the way their wedding ceremony will look on-screen is a big consideration for some people when choosing the venue. Luxury spots along the beach deserve luxury wedding videographers like Dalton Young Films & Photography – the kind of service that will not only capture the charm but the opulence of the celebrations. Even the more intimate, out-of-the-way beaches, like the ones in Lover’s Key State Park, are ideal for wedding videos or pictures that are so vivid you can almost hear the ocean around you. 

If you’ve decided on a beach wedding in Florida, the next task is to actually find the right one. And with so many to choose from, that can be a pretty tall order. Fortunately, there are a few that stand out, and you can read all about them below.

Some of them are more upscale venues, while others are popular for their gorgeous views in a natural setting. Whatever you’re hoping to find, chances are there will be a couple of solid options below. 

1. Siesta Key

As you may have guessed from the name, Siesta Key isn’t quite part of Florida’s coastline; it’s actually a barrier island right off of Florida’s west coast. Finely textured sand, gentle breezes, and welcoming locals are the highlights of this location.

You could hardly ask for more hospitable weather; since the area is known for being consistently sunny (but not too hot), you won’t have to worry about taking those wedding videos under unexpected cloud cover.

Given how much room there is on the island’s public beaches, you shouldn’t have any trouble setting up your wedding. Guests could even bring their swimsuits for after the ceremony; not only are the waters warm and fairly shallow but they’re also monitored by lifeguards all year long. 

2. Clearwater Beach

When someone says “Florida beach,” the image that pops into your head probably looks a lot like Clearwater Beach.

This is where nearly a million people go each year for their fill of surf, sand, and sun, and they have good reason to pick this particular location – TripAdvisor named it the “best beach in America” in 2018. Plus, with an average of 361 sunny days each year, your chances of running into a cloudy day here are close to zero.

Are you worried about overheating in your wedding attire? You might get a little warm, but since temperatures barely touch 80 degrees at the height of summer, the most you have to do is opt for lighter-weight fabrics – the ocean breezes will take care of the rest.

The area may be busier than some, but the advantage is that neither you nor your guests will run out of things to do before or after the wedding. 

3. Treasure Island

This locale got its name from an imaginative hotel owner, who faked the discovery of a treasure trove, and made sure everyone knew about his amazing find.

These days it’s known for offering the beaches, tourist attractions, and restaurants of a big-name coastal destination, but with a more private, relaxing feel. It’s also another beach that doesn’t require a wedding permit, which is always a nice plus.

At about three miles wide, you might end up making a bit of a trek in order to find the right spot, but that also means the ceremony will feel more secluded.

If you want to focus on what to do before and after the ceremony, as well as the beach wedding itself, this is a good pick; it’s within driving distance of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and several theme parks located in Central Florida. 

4. St. Pete Beach

Here you’ll find the classic Florida combination of sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waves, and brilliant blue waters further out into the ocean. The beach lasts for 35 miles, too, so there’s always room for a wedding ceremony when you need it.

You and your guests might even be treated to a glimpse of dolphins, so keep your eyes peeled! If you’re looking for a good spot for videos and photos, try Pass-A-Grille Beach. It’s free of high-rises, restaurants, and hotels, so you probably won’t have to deal with quite as much tourist traffic there. Plus, the wedding permit is only $25 – not a bad deal for such a stunning location. 

5. Fort Myers Beach

Another beach featuring Florida’s famous sugary sand, Fort Myers Beach, is a paradise for parasailers, kayakers, or people who simply love to chill out in the sand. It’s part of a barrier island that stretches for about seven miles; since it’s quite wide, there’s a long, gentle slope towards the sea.

Anyone who’s looking for an adventure can book an eco-tour to go see some dolphins or charter a fishing boat. There are even a couple of islands within easy reach of the beach, one called Sanibel and the other Captiva.

6. Lover’s Key State Park (Fort Myers Beach)

There’s a lot going on at Fort Myers Beach; part of it is actually a state park. It’s perfect for more intimate weddings, no matter what time of year you’re getting married.

There are two beach venues available, so if you’re considering this location, it would be best to confirm the booking early before the dates fill up. It’s also possible to do a vow renewal ceremony on Valentine’s Day; as many as 120 couples can reserve their spot for this occasion. If you want a little more structure than a wedding that’s literally on the beach, the park also offers a gazebo that’s just a few steps away from the shoreline.

Once the ceremony is over, your guests will still have plenty to do; there are park tours, nature walks, bike rentals, fishing, and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding.

7. Naples

Both the beach and the town are famous for the same thing – luxury. Naples is among the richest cities in Florida, and the beach is filled with people staying at the nearby Ritz Carlton or Waldorf Astoria hotels. As if the pristine white beaches and turquoise waters weren’t beautiful enough, couples can use the ocean-view gazebo on Naples Beach for their dream wedding ceremony. 

There’s plenty to do here besides get married and enjoy the beach; you could also visit Old Naples to check out the little cottages and historic mansions of the neighborhood. Want to explore even more upscale neighborhoods? Swing by Port Royal and Pelican Bay. Here you can also find shopping hotspots such as Fifth Avenue, Gallery Row, and Third Street.

8. Indian Rocks Beach

Located within easy driving distance from both St. Petersburg and Tampa, Indian Rocks Beach is composed of almost three miles of sand and sea on the Gulf of Mexico. The beach shares a name with the adjoining city, which is a popular tourist spot for visitors from everywhere in the world. With 27 access points leading from the city to the beach, all you have to do is drive along Gulf Boulevard and find an open spot.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this is one to consider; you won’t have to pay a wedding permit fee, and since there aren’t any big-name resorts here, you don’t have to worry about being priced out of your budget in matters like accommodations and catering. Instead, rent a couple of beach cottages, put together your dream ceremony, and then migrate into town for the reception – any of the numerous restaurants would be happy to help you celebrate!

9. Miami Beach

The “beach wedding” stereotype tends to be quite romantic and picturesque, but that doesn’t mean yours has to be! If you want your beach wedding to have a little bit of Las Vegas in it, too, Miami is full of everything you need for either weddings or bachelor/bachelorette shindigs.

You could do the ceremony at one of the many resorts there, so you wouldn’t even have to go somewhere different for the reception. Another option is to secure a wedding permit and find the right spot on a public beach or even a park that overlooks the ocean. With so many options, there’s a little something for everybody.

10. Key Largo Lighthouse Beach

This option is more intimate, more customizable, and more expensive. You can customize your package to include a welcoming party, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and reception, whatever you want to do. Up to 24 people can stay in a guest house and a beach house that is located on the property; these are just a short distance away from the wedding venues.

There are two of these to choose from, Coral Beach and Hidden Beach; since both of them are dedicated wedding venues, you won’t have to bring your own chairs or hope that random tourists don’t wander into the background of your wedding video. And since you’ll have the beach all to yourself, you can stay as late as you want, dancing on the white sand underneath waving palm trees. 

11. Ponte Vedra Beach

Here’s another classic Florida beach, full of white sand and ocean views. It’s popular for collecting shark teeth and seashells, and there are several access points all along the beach (although the parking situation could be better). People don’t choose this destination for the parking, though; a lot of couples get married at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, which offers a taste of old Florida.

With fine dining, a full-service spa, a tennis court, and a couple of golf courses, this isn’t just a place to get married; it’s also a place where you can get pampered. Of course, they have plenty to offer for wedding parties, too, with a rooftop terrace, the club’s patio, or the courtyard that faces the ocean.

12. Palm Beach

With tawny sands and activities for every budget, Palm Beach is a great choice for a blissful beach wedding. One popular wedding destination is the Brazilian Court Hotel, which is quite close to the beach itself. With a conservatory, an elegant ballroom, and an absolutely iconic courtyard (wishing well included!), this hotel has been putting on weddings for almost a century.

Aside from the actual festivities, guests may be able to catch some local events, such as the South Florida Fair, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, or the music festival SunFest. Need a little retail therapy? Worth Avenue’s got you covered. Nature-lovers can get in some more beach time or visit the Florida Everglades for a change of scenery. 

What will your beach wedding look like?

Even if you’re only looking at beaches in the great state of Florida, there are almost too many options – it’s a blessing and a curse. The good news is, it’s pretty easy to find the ones that really stand out, no matter what you’re going for.

There are private beaches for smaller ceremonies, public beaches for a more casual feel, and even swanky resorts that’ll cater to your every desire. Now all that’s left to do is figure out what your dream wedding is supposed to be, and then make it happen!