Best Luxury Destination Weddings in Florida

The popularity of destination weddings has continued to grow over the years. The market is expected to exceed $21 billion this year and shows no signs of slowing down.

Destination weddings are exciting. They combine the emotional pleasure and thrill of a wedding with the relaxation of a luxury vacation. But first, you’ll need to figure out the ideal spot for your luxury wedding. 

Look no further than Florida. The Sunshine State consistently ranks among the top U.S. locations for destination weddings.

Tips for Choosing Your Florida Wedding Destination

Here are a few fundamental tips to consider when thinking about locations:

• Type of place you’d like for your wedding. Common wedding venue categories include:
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Historic locations

• Focus on a particular region in Florida. The state is large and has distinct environments between the Northern Gulf or Atlantic and Southern Keys. 

• Research how close a venue is to a major airport. This will improve convenience for yourself and your guests. 

• Determine the size of your wedding party and guests. This will influence your venue and accommodations availability.
• Decide what amenities you and your guests might want or need. Guests who pay to attend a destination wedding usually like to make a short vacation of it. They will appreciate the convenient access to dining, entertainment, and recreational activities. 
  
  

Enlisting the help of a wedding planner can help ensure you’ve got everything–and everyone–covered.

Dreamy Florida Destination Wedding Venues

1. Hotel Effie, Miramar Beach

On the Emerald Coast up in Florida’s panhandle, striking blue-green waters lap against clean, sandy shores. Luxurious Hotel Effie shines with Southern charm. You can have a beach or indoor ceremony, depending on your choice of indoor ballrooms. 

Amenity examples:

• In-room bridal spa services
• Event planning specialists
• Catering

If you want to splurge on your wedding dinner, have the hotel’s celebrity chef prepare your meal. 

2. Up the Creek Farms, Melbourne

On the Atlantic Coast in Central Florida, you can opt for a lavish country setting at Up the Creek Farms. Your ceremony can unfold surrounded by giant oaks with Spanish moss swaying from the branches. 

Amenity examples:

• Event planning specialists
• Catering
• Floral design

The rustic estate accommodates weddings of up to 175 people but also welcomes smaller weddings. Whatever the size, the bridal party gets access to the lovingly restored farmhouse and climate-controlled barn.

3. Villa Woodbine, Miami

Villa Woodbine is a private mansion built in 1930 located on a bluff over Biscayne Bay. Subtropical gardens surround the Mediterranean-Renaissance-style mansion in Miami’s oldest upscale neighborhood, Coconut Grove. 

Amenity examples:

• Music and entertainment
• Photography / Videography
• Catering
• Decorations and flowers
  
  

4. The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach

This hotel’s flamingo pink tower rises over a long stretch of white beach on the Gulf Coast near Tampa. Built in 1928 and called the “Pink Palace,” the Don CeSar design embodies old-school Florida luxury. The hotel organizes ceremonies on the beach or its historic courtyard staircase. 

Amenity examples:

• Event planning specialists
• Beach house suites
• Custom catering menu
• Photography and lighting

The resort has everything from the rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch for a complete wedding weekend.

5. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island

The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is located along the Gulf of Mexico and includes three miles of private beaches plus two championship golf courses. It is a popular destination for business travelers and families.

Amenity examples:

• 12 restaurants
• Rooftop, oceanfront terraces
• Adult-exclusive accommodation options

The resort includes over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event venues and can accommodate large weddings. You’ll have your choice of ballrooms or outdoor banquet rooms.

6. Casa Monica Resort & Spa, St. Augustine

This historic location on Northern Florida’s Atlantic Coast boasts beautiful ballrooms and crystal chandeliers. The 1888 hotel includes art galleries. If you want to wander, Casa Monica is in the middle of St. Augustine’s Historic District. 

Amenity examples:

• Catering
• Event planning specialists
• Photographer

• Three separate event spaces
• Garden ceremonies
• Elopement packages
• Rehearsal dinners

Hemingway House, located in the heart of Key West, accommodates small to medium-sized wedding events.

8. Key Largo Lighthouse, Key Largo

Ocean-fresh air is everywhere in the Florida Keys. The Key Largo Lighthouse specializes in private beach-front weddings and receptions. 

Amenity examples:

• Hair and makeup services
• Photographer
• Catering
• Wedding favors and gifts

Everything here is about producing the ultimate romantic event that can range from a few hours to a four-day event for you and your guests. 

9. Bella Collina, Montverde

We’ve saved the best for last! Everything you need for a wedding is in one beautiful setting at Bella Collina. Located just outside Orlando, Bella Collina is your perfect luxury wedding destination. Mediterranean architecture inspires the clubhouse and wedding venue. Stone walls, sunshine, and elegant gardens can be the backdrop for your nuptials.

Amenity examples:

• Wedding weekend destination experience
• Renowned catering and culinary team
• Multiple, distinctive wedding venues for different experiences
• Complimentary cake-cutting service

Bella Collina offers something truly unique with rare Florida rolling hills, scenic lakes, a manicured golf course, and more. The talented wedding team works with you to plan all your wedding details.