When it comes to destination weddings in Florida, couples often gravitate toward the same familiar names of Miami and Key West. But for those looking for something a little more unexpected, Florida is filled with beautiful destinations that offer all the ingredients for a memorable wedding weekend without quite as much of the spotlight.
From secluded Gulf Coast islands to charming Old Florida towns, these five destinations offer couples scenery, unique experiences, and resorts that can make the entire wedding weekend feel like a getaway.
1. Captiva Island
If the goal is an island wedding that feels removed from everyday life, Captiva Island is hard to beat. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the small island offers white sand beaches, tropical scenery, legendary sunsets, and a distinctly laid-back atmosphere.
It’s an especially appealing destination for couples who want their wedding to become an entire weekend experience. Guests can spend their days on the water, exploring the island, enjoying the beach, and gathering for sunset before celebrating the big day.
Where to stay: South Seas Resort
At the northern tip of Captiva Island, South Seas Resort offers a 330-acre waterfront setting that combines barefoot luxury with Old Florida charm. The resort’s wedding offerings include beachfront and waterfront ceremony locations, including Sunset Pointe, Bayview Lawn, and other outdoor spaces.
The resort also offers accommodations ranging from villas to private homes, making it possible to keep much of the wedding party together throughout the celebration. Wedding groups can also take advantage of group rates when meeting the resort’s minimum room requirements.
For couples who want their wedding to feel less like a single event and more like an island escape with their favorite people, Captiva Island is a destination worth putting on the list.
2. Amelia Island
On Florida’s northeast coast, Amelia Island offers a completely different take on the destination wedding. Here, wide Atlantic beaches meet historic architecture, moss-draped oaks, and the charming streets of Fernandina Beach.
It’s a natural fit for couples who want a coastal wedding but aren’t necessarily looking for a tropical aesthetic. A wedding weekend can include everything from a beach ceremony to a historic downtown rehearsal dinner or a sunset celebration overlooking the marsh.
Where to stay: Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa offers a full-service resort experience on the island, with oceanfront accommodations and a wide range of amenities that can keep wedding guests entertained throughout the weekend.
The resort is also an established wedding destination, with multiple event spaces and settings ranging from oceanfront locations to venues overlooking the island’s marshes. Amelia Island’s tourism organization specifically highlights the resort, along with The Ritz-Carlton, as premier accommodations for wedding guests.
For couples who want their guests to have plenty to do before and after the wedding, Amelia Island offers a nice balance of relaxation, history, and resort amenities.
3. St. George Island
For couples dreaming of a relaxed beach wedding away from Florida’s busier coastal destinations, St. George Island offers a slower pace and plenty of natural beauty.
Located in Florida’s Panhandle, the barrier island is known for its wide Gulf beaches, laid-back atmosphere and Old Florida character. It’s the type of destination where guests can spend the weekend biking, fishing, relaxing on the beach and gathering for sunset before the wedding.
Where to stay: St. George Inn
St. George Inn is a small, Florida vintage hotel located on the island, offering a more intimate alternative to a large resort.
Another option for couples who want their guests right on the water is Buccaneer Inn, a beachfront hotel and conference center. With relatively limited traditional hotel inventory on St. George Island, couples planning a larger wedding may also want to consider vacation rentals for additional guest accommodations.
The destination is particularly well suited to couples who want a casual, beach-focused wedding weekend rather than a formal resort affair.
4. Islamorada
The Florida Keys may be a familiar name for destination weddings, but Islamorada offers a more relaxed alternative to the energy and nightlife associated with Key West.
Known for its turquoise waters, boating, fishing and laid-back island personality, Islamorada gives couples plenty of opportunities to make the water part of their wedding weekend. Think sunset ceremonies, waterfront receptions, boat excursions and casual gatherings with family and friends.
Where to stay: Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a full-service oceanfront resort in Islamorada with a private beach, lush grounds, spa and wedding facilities, making it a strong option for couples who want accommodations and wedding festivities centered around one property.
Another option is Amara Cay Resort, an oceanfront boutique-style resort that offers wedding venues and accommodations. The property is part of the Islamorada Resort Collection, which gives wedding groups access to experiences and amenities across its sister resorts.
For couples who love the idea of a Florida Keys wedding but want something a little quieter and more intimate, Islamorada is a destination worth considering.
5. Cedar Key
If the phrase “hidden gem” could describe a Florida wedding destination, Cedar Key would make a strong case.
Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, this small island community feels worlds away from the state’s major tourist destinations. Its waterfront setting, historic buildings, seafood restaurants and slow pace give it a distinctly Old Florida personality.
Cedar Key is best suited for couples who want an intimate wedding weekend rather than a large resort celebration. Guests can spend their time exploring the waterfront, getting out on the water, enjoying local seafood and watching the sun set over the Gulf.
Where to stay: Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast
Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast offers an intimate, historic stay in an 1880 home with porches, gardens and an Old Florida atmosphere. The property also functions as an event and wedding venue, making it an option for couples who want their accommodations and celebration to have a more personal, intimate feel.
For guests who prefer a waterfront hotel, Cedar Key Harbour Master Suites offers suites with Gulf views and easy access to the island’s waterfront and downtown.
Cedar Key may not have the large-scale wedding infrastructure of Florida’s better-known destinations, but that’s part of its charm. For the right couple, that sense of seclusion is exactly what makes it special.
Finding Your Florida Wedding Escape
A destination wedding doesn’t have to mean choosing one of Florida’s most famous resort cities. Some of the state’s most memorable celebrations can happen in places where the pace is slower, the beaches are quieter, and the destination itself becomes part of the experience.
Captiva Island, Amelia Island, St. George Island, Islamorada and Cedar Key each offer something different and something for every type of couple.
For couples planning a wedding where the celebration extends beyond the ceremony, choosing the right accommodations can make all the difference. The best destination wedding resorts aren’t just places for guests to sleep; they become the home base for the entire wedding weekend, from welcome drinks and rehearsal dinners to beach days, excursions, and farewell brunches.
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