You dream destination wedding memories without needing to venture out of the U.S. WHAT ELSE WITH A FLORIDA COASTAL WEDDING? Whether you've been dreaming up a beach ceremony or just can't be too far from my beloved turquoise water, soft sand and sunset glows that twinkle like champagne, together they help ensure a day you'll remember forever! This ultimate guide dives into the top 10 beach wedding sites to get dream wedding in the Sunshine State for 2025, discussing what makes each unique, accommodations, permits and considerations by season so you can find the perfect stretch of coast for your ceremony.
Florida Beach Venue Comparison
| Location | Region | Star Attraction | Best Season | Permits Needed (other than National Park entry) | Accessible (ADA)? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota) | Gulf (SW) | Ultra-fine white quartz sand | Nov–May | Commonly | Excellent |
| Clearwater Beach | Gulf (Central) | Wide beach, lively boardwalk | Oct–Apr | Often | Good |
| Sanibel Island (Lighthouse) | Gulf (SW) | Seashell-splattered shores, tranquil feel | Nov–Apr | Often | Moderate |
| Key West (Fort Zachary Taylor) | Keys (South) | Rocky-coral shore, sunset pier | Nov–May | Yes | Mod. |
| South Beach (Miami Beach) | Atlantic (SE) | Art Deco glam, nightlife | Dec–Apr | Required | Good |
| Fort Lauderdale Beach | Atlantic (SE) | Calm surf, hotel-flanked promenade | Nov–Apr | Required | Good |
| Amelia Island (Fernandina) | Atlantic (NE) | Dunes, historic charm | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov | Often | Mod |
| St. Augustine Beach (Anastasia) | Atlantic (NE) | State Park dunes, coquina sand | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Yes | Fair |
| Destin (Henderson Beach SP) | Gulf (NW) | Emerald water, sugar sand | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Permit needed | Moderate |
| Naples (Vanderbilt/Lowdermilk) | Gulf (SW) | Upscale setting, golden sunsets | Nov–Apr | Often | Good |
1) Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota County)
Siesta Key boasts powdery, cool-to-the-touch sand that gleams in the photos taken at golden hour. The laid-back yet upscale vibe is matched by great dining on the key or in downtown Sarasota. The sand, which is especially bright, reflects less radiant heat and yields softer photo shadows on feet. Beach access Public beach access includes boardwalks as well as accessible mats at main entrances. Best visit November to May; be wary of intermittent Gulf red tide. Nik Wallenda's circus and aviation-themed stunt show features a high-wire walk in a replica plane you can tour, right next to the nearby Sarasota-Bradenton Airport for added ease of regional travel.
2) Clearwater Beach (Pinellas County)
Clearwater offers broad, groomed beaches perfect for a larger ceremony, with Pier 60 sunsets and amenities that are walking distance. The ebullient vibe and numerous hotel partnerships make logistics a breeze. First-rate ADA access directly from the beachfront promenades and many hotels will take transportation out of the equation. The peak comfort months are October through April. You also want to plan ahead for permits and hotel blocks (the park sees heavier visitor traffic and afternoon storms throughout summer).
3) Sanibel Island (Lighthouse Beach)
The shell-laden beaches of Sanibel, and the quiet, nature-forward vibe is perfect for intimate ceremonies. Portraits take on a coastal character with the lighthouse and fishing pier. Beach accesses are smaller and the parking is limited, making them great for micro-weddings or coordinated shuttles. Best visited during the milder November to April months. Check in for updates on post-storm and red tide outlooks. Evening ceremonies reduce the glare from whiter sands.
4) Key West (Fort Zachary Taylor State Park)
Key West mixes classic fort backdrops with dramatic sunsets and teal water. Cinematic framing: The rocky-coral shoreline and photogenic jetty contribute to the gorgeous framing. Sunsets are legend here — keep an eye on the clock. Small geography keeps the guests where they should be. High season is November to May, when humidity is on the lower side. State park permits are required and premium dates sell out. Hurricane season peaks August–October.
5) South Beach (Miami Beach)
South Beach is contemporary with its chic, metropolitan look of Art Deco design, posh hotels and professional operators. There are picture-perfect shots at every turn, from the iconic lifeguard towers to palm-lined sands. Miami International Airport is just minutes away. You can also expect decent temperatures and less rainfall from December to April. Permission is firmly enforced, especially for amplified sound and structures in the public sands.
6) Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale combines manicured beachfront with a more subdued pace, and yacht/waterway backdrops. The elongated promenade is connected easily with the guest arrival and ceremony strolls afterwards. Sunset cruises can be arranged for rehearsal dinners at nearby marinas. The Brightline train extends regional access, and Fort Lauderdale Airport is just nearby. Try November to April; summer sees afternoon showers and occasional sargassum.
7) Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach)
Amelia Island has windswept dunes, maritime forests and historic downtown charm. The natural dune lines and sea oats add texture to photos. The Jacksonville airport is less than an hour away. Beach parks come with boardwalks and scant parking. Best in March–June, September–November. Winters can be breezier and cooler — which some couples may prefer for formal attire.
8) St. Augustine Beach (Anastasia State Park)
St. Augustine mixes old town personality with pure dune systems. Warm tones from the coquina sands and Castillo de SAn marcos is nearby for more portraiture options. State park procedures are straight forward with reservations made well in advance. Best visited March–May and September–November. Both summer heat and afternoon storms are normal when visiting during prime time.
9) Destin (Henderson Beach State Park)
The color of the water on Destin's Emerald Coast and the sugar-white sand will rival anything you see in the Caribbean. Dune walkovers and conservation beach makes for great colorful high contrast shots. The emerald water looks fantastic even on a cloudy day. Plan for April–June and September–October. State park permits and specified ceremony sites serve to protect the fragile dunes. Draft wind strategies for arches and deco.
10) Naples (Vanderbilt Beach / Lowdermilk Park)
In Naples, all is sophistication by the sea, with manicured parks and high-end hospitality. The waters of the Gulf are calm, and watching the sun set over it glowing light is romantic. Palm clusters and pier make timeless ceremony frames. Many higher-end resorts back up beach ceremonies with private lawns. Prime season is November–April. Look to see if there are seasonal seaweed maintenance and grooming schedules.
Seasonal Planning Strategy
Picking dates is as important as picking a beach. So Florida's climate depends on the coast and how close to a parallel it is positioned.
December-February: Mild-cool, drier and less sargassum. Great light and lower humidity.
March–May: Warming up, and most of the time, comfortable with dry conditions. For hot dates, get vendors from 12 months in advance.
June-August: Warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Highest sargassum on Atlantic. Plan shade and indoor backup.
September to November = Mixed temperatures on a cooling trend. Early peak then easing storm risk. Good shoulder season value.
The hurricane season is June - November, with the most activity around August - October. Get flexible contracts, and event insurance. The Gulf Coast red tide isn't constant; monitor local advisories before your trip.
Accessibility and Permitting
Even small ceremonies typically require permits at public beaches. There are rules about guest counts, arches, chairs, amplified audio devices, alcohol and dune protection. State parks and municipalities designate particular zones and times.
Key considerations:
- Check to see if the boardwalks have been overlaid with beach mats, restrooms are accessible or there is ADA parking close by
- Urban beaches can require shuttle coodination; island sites typically have scheduled transportation
- Check whether there are approved vendors lists, load-in routes, power availability or sound restrictions
- Most parks are battery power speakers ONLY
Choosing Your Perfect Beach
- Define guest travel with closes practical airport and hotel block
- Coordinate size of match ceremony and style to the space and any location restrictions
- Selecting season and time of day based on heat, wind quality, light quality
- Do this First: Check on permit requirements, noise restrictions and decor regulations before booking vendors
- There is local weather backup ideally within 15 minutes Defensive driving required.
- Apply for permits 60–180 days ahead of time depending on where you are applying
Photography and Guest Comfort
Time your ceremonies to start no later than two hours before sunset for gorgeously flattering light and cooler temps. On pale sand, reflections from the high sun make squinting and harsh contrast unavoidable. Think about lapel mics, and battery-operated p.a. systems within jurisdiction limits. Offer water stations, parasols, or program fans during the summer. Ask guests to wear sandals, or go shoeless and place bamboo tiles or rolled-up strips of carpet at the doors.
Sustainability Guidelines
No confetti, unless it's biodegradable like flower petals; no balloons at the ceremony; all décor must be secured from blowing in the wind. Keep chairs and frames off dune vegetations. Volunteer (or hire) the help you will need to clean up after the ceremony. Many nesting seasons of sea turtles are usually from March–October, so light and structures may be limited after dark.
FAQs
Will I always need a permit if I want to have my wedding on the beach in Florida?
Yes, even for small ceremonies, most public beaches have a requirement that you obtain a permit for any organized event and if you're planning chairs or an arch at which to be married or an amplifier for sound. State parks and cities have their own forms, fees and lead time.
What is the best month for a beach wedding in Florida?
For the easy answer in terms of least variables, November–April on the Gulf and December–April on the Atlantic tend to produce less-severe temperatures and fewer storms.
How do I address Concerns With Seaweed or Red Tides?
Check with your venue about their grooming schedule and seasonal trends. Continue with an indoor or lawn back up close by and add rescheduling clauses in your contracts, when available.
Can we serve alcohol at the beach?
Policies vary by jurisdiction. Many public beaches restrict alcohol. Think about a hotel terrace, restaurant or private location for your reception and bar.
Can a beach wedding be wheelchair accessible?
Select beaches that have boardwalks, beach access mats and accessible restrooms. Hotel partnerships typically offer the most seamless access and logistics for guests with mobility devices.
What time should the ceremony begin?
The waning 90 to 120 minutes before sunset will offer optimal light and cooler temperatures. Morning or morning-scaled ceremonies do well for summer heat, but light can be harsher as can beaches.
Conclusion
With its varied options Florida's coastline has everything from peaceful dunes to elegant promenades with full resort service and support. What 2025 looks like: Success relies on your vision matching the right shore, followed by some careful planning around seasonality, accessibility and local regulation. Narrow down beaches that fit your vibe, figure out permitting (preferably) as early as possible and have weather-proofed backups close by. And with careful planning and coordination of vendors, your seaside Florida celebration will combine beautiful backdrop with guest comfort in equally unforgettable photos on a ceremony site that is totally you.
