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.
Here are a few fundamental tips to consider when thinking about locations:
Enlisting the help of a wedding planner can help ensure you’ve got everything–and everyone–covered.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.