With seemingly endless wedding venue options in Florida, it can be a daunting task to narrow down your choices of where you want to have your special day. From private beach ceremonies to Renaissance courtyards and historic hotels, Florida offers a diverse collection of wedding venues that provide the perfect backdrop for both laid-back celebrations and extravagant soirees. Serving as an inspiration for your big day, here are some of the best destination wedding venues in Florida.
The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach
A historic hotel that dates back to 1928 (and one of Central Florida’s top luxury spa resorts), you can’t beat Don CeSar’s prime Gulf Coast beach location in St. Pete Beach, once the stomping grounds of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Nicknamed the “Pink Palace”, you can get married in the sand or on the iconic courtyard staircase, and personalize your wedding with Marry Me cocktails, spa treatments, floral and wedding decor and a farewell brunch to wrap up your celebration.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami
The garden ceremonies in Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami are nothing short of magical, as its lush subtropical forest surroundings in Coconut Grove provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. Its 18th-century Italian-style architecture sits beautifully next to the shores of Biscayne Bay, while its elaborate hallway and geometrically shaped garden will make you feel like royalty as you celebrate your love.
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your wedding ceremony on the beach, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort should be one of your top choices. One of Florida’s best beachfront hotels, you can fulfill your dream of a destination island wedding at this resort and exchange vows on the beach at sunset or dance under the stars. You can design the wedding of your dreams, whether that includes a Cinderella grand ballroom wedding or an after-party at the Tiki Bar.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, St. Augustine
Dating back to 1888, Casa Monica in St. Augustine showcases features an enchanting, old-world charm. You can get married in America’s oldest city in a tropical, fountain-filled garden, then hold a sophisticated reception in one of the elegant ballrooms. Its historic charm is highlighted by nearly 10,000 square feet of space, where both indoor and outdoor spaces set the tone for a romantic evening.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West dates back to 1849 and is the place where Hemingway lived and wrote for almost a decade. It’s beautifully landscaped garden is surrounded by a tall brick wall and a lush canopy of trees, creating a special ambiance for you and your loved ones. Literary enthusiasts will delight in meeting the 50 six-toed cats that roam the property and are named after famous people, a tradition that Hemingway started.
The Boca Raton, Boca Raton
A historic resort in Boca Raton, the Boca Raton was built in the 1920s. A nod to the Gatsby era, you’ll find a wide array of places to tie the knot on their property, from a private beach area to the garden and a Yacht Club Terrace. If you’re looking for something elegant, book the Cathedral Room with its soaring coffered ceiling, gold-leafed pillars and striking stained glass windows.
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
One of the most popular gardens in Florida is also an excellent wedding venue. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales offers a secluded garden setting that combines natural beauty with a sense of serenity. The canopy of trees and singing birds highlight the enchanting sounds of the 60 carillon bells, while its blooming flowers make it a spectacular setting throughout the year. Choose from an array of venues, from the Tower Lawn and Sundian Overlook to the Round Garden surrounded by lush foliage.
Key Largo Lighthouse, Key Largo
An idyllic beach getaway, the Key Largo Lighthouse offers intimate wedding ceremonies with a reception and provides a four-night stay to enjoy time with your friends and family. You’ll have perfect views of the sunset from both the Hidden Beach and Coral Beach venue, with the accommodations directly on the property. A combination of privacy and natural beauty, a wedding in this island paradise will be a memory no one will soon forget.
The Ringling, Sarasota
A 20-acre waterfront property in Sarasota, The Ringling is an estate-turned museum that is home to a beautiful Renaissance courtyard. Lined with classical statues of Michelangelo’s David and a colorful rose garden, you can make your marriage official under a canopy of Banyan trees, the largest collection of these trees in Florida. It’s stunning architecture and tropical grounds offer stunning views of Sarasota Bay, setting the scene for a wedding that boasts timeless elegance.
Villa Woodbine, Miami
A private mansion designed in a Mediterranean-Renaissance style by Walter De Garmo in 1930, Villa Woodbine in Miami is a fairytale setting just a stone’s throw away from the bustle of the big city. A historic property that sits on a limestone bluff overlooking Biscayne Bay, it is noted for its craftsmanship with colorful tiles in the stairway and dining room, elegant arched openings and elaborate landscaping in its outdoor gardens. It’s central open courtyard and fountain serve as the center point, while its front lawn is composed of imposing oak trees and a string of lights.
Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami Beach
Nestled amongst Spanish oaks and dangling moss, the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach allows you to have a traditional wedding in the chapel or in the gardens of the reconstructed 12th century Romanesque and Gothic building. An 870-year-old building, its 20 acres of lush landscaping and subtropical vegetation exude a tranquil atmosphere.
Lightner Museum, St. Augustine
Built by Henry Flagler in 1988, the Lighter Museum is an iconic treasure that houses collections from Tiffany jewels to 19th-century decorative art and has played host to the city’s most regal celebrations for over 125 years. It’s opulent details and grand setting make the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding, with its historic pool area, grand lobby and outdoor courtyards available for use.
The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach
The Breakers Palm Beach offers over-the-top wedding venues that will make your luxury wedding vision come to life. Take your vows on the beach or celebrate in the lavish Mediterranean Ballroom, as the striking settings here are perfect for both intimate ceremonies and grand affairs. Styled after Italian villas with frescoed ceilings and Venetian-style chandeliers, it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the enchanting ambiance of this resort.
