Average costs by city, beach wedding pricing, and budget tips for Sunshine State weddings
Florida's year-round warm weather, stunning beaches, and world-class resorts make it one of America's most popular wedding destinations. From intimate Key West ceremonies to lavish Palm Beach celebrations, the Sunshine State offers wedding experiences for every style and budget. As both a local wedding market and a top destination for couples from colder climates, Florida's venues and vendors cater to diverse needs with well-developed destination wedding expertise.
Florida wedding costs sit near the national average, with significant variation between regions. South Florida commands premium pricing comparable to major coastal cities, while Central Florida and the Gulf Coast offer more accessible options. Understanding these regional differences is essential for realistic budget planning, as a Miami Beach wedding may cost double what you would spend in Jacksonville or the Panhandle.
The state's tourism infrastructure means vendors and venues are experienced with out-of-town guests, travel logistics, and destination wedding coordination. This expertise comes at various price points, from luxury resort packages to charming beach house rentals that accommodate intimate celebrations. Whether you envision a glamorous South Beach affair or a barefoot ceremony on Clearwater Beach, this guide helps you understand what to expect across Florida's diverse regions.
Florida's wedding market divides into distinct regions, each with unique venue options, vendor availability, and pricing structures. South Florida mirrors coastal city pricing, while the Gulf Coast and North Florida offer excellent value.
Miami commands Florida's highest wedding prices, driven by a sophisticated luxury market, celebrity culture, and international clientele. South Beach hotels, Coral Gables estates, and waterfront venues set premium rates, though Miami's diversity also creates options at various price points. The area excels in modern, glamorous celebrations with world-class catering and entertainment.
Palm Beach epitomizes old-money elegance with some of Florida's most exclusive venues. The Breakers sets the luxury standard, but the broader Palm Beach County offers beautiful options at varying price points, from Jupiter to Boca Raton. The area attracts couples seeking classic, refined celebrations with impeccable service.
Orlando's massive tourism infrastructure creates a unique wedding market with world-class vendors accustomed to destination guests. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings draws couples worldwide, but beyond the parks, the region offers diverse options from historic downtown venues to lakeside estates, often at better value than coastal Florida.
Tampa Bay offers excellent wedding value with beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, downtown venues, and historic Ybor City options. Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, and Sarasota provide stunning waterfront settings at more accessible prices than Miami or Palm Beach. The region's growing arts scene adds unique venue options.
The Keys offer unique destination wedding experiences with Caribbean vibes and stunning ocean views. Key West is the most popular, with prices reflecting limited venue inventory and high demand. Marathon and Islamorada provide alternatives with similar beauty at lower costs. Perfect for couples seeking tropical intimacy.
North Florida offers the state's most affordable wedding market with beautiful Amelia Island beaches, historic St. Augustine venues, and Jacksonville's urban options. The Panhandle's Destin and 30A beaches rival South Florida beauty at significantly lower prices. Perfect for budget-conscious couples seeking beach beauty.
Florida's venue landscape ranges from iconic beach resorts to historic mansions and theme park magic. Understanding venue types helps identify options that match your vision and budget.
| Venue Type | Typical Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Beach Resort | $15,000-$40,000+ | Venue, catering, coordination, often lodging discounts |
| Historic Estate/Museum | $5,000-$18,000 | Venue rental, grounds access, some include tables/chairs |
| Public Beach (permit) | $50-$500 | Ceremony permit only, BYO everything |
| Disney Fairy Tale Wedding | $12,000-$75,000+ | Venue, catering, coordination, Disney magic |
| Botanical Garden | $4,000-$12,000 | Venue rental, natural backdrops, limited outdoor catering |
| Restaurant/Private Dining | $3,000-$15,000 | Venue, catering, often includes setup |
Florida's wedding calendar is driven largely by weather, with dramatic seasonal differences in pricing and availability. Hurricane season creates significant off-peak savings for couples willing to accept weather uncertainty.
Dry season brings comfortable temperatures and snowbird couples escaping winter. Premium pricing and limited availability, especially January-March. Book 15-18 months ahead for popular venues.
Shoulder months offer decent weather with improved availability. May can get warm but precedes hurricane season. November avoids peak holiday pricing while offering pleasant temperatures.
Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but morning and evening celebrations work well. Lower pricing and good availability. Indoor backup essential.
Lowest prices but highest weather risk. Event insurance mandatory. Many couples avoid entirely, creating availability for risk-tolerant budget-conscious couples.
Beach weddings are Florida's signature experience, but costs vary dramatically based on venue type and location.
Florida allows weddings on public beaches with proper permits. Costs include permit fees ($50-$500 depending on county), portable chairs and altar rentals ($500-$2,000), and coordination challenges with weather and beachgoers. Popular for intimate ceremonies, these work best with nearby indoor reception venues.
Beach resorts and private estates offer controlled beach access with amenities, climate backup options, and vendor coordination. Expect venue fees of $5,000-$25,000 plus catering minimums. Most popular beach venues book 12-18 months ahead for peak season.
| Vendor Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photography | $2,000-$3,500 | $4,000-$6,500 | $7,000-$12,000 |
| Videography | $1,800-$3,000 | $3,500-$5,500 | $6,000-$10,000 |
| DJ | $900-$1,500 | $1,800-$2,800 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Florist | $1,500-$3,000 | $3,500-$6,000 | $7,000-$15,000 |
| Catering (per person) | $75-$100 | $110-$150 | $160-$300 |
Achievable in North Florida, the Gulf Coast, or with off-peak timing in Central Florida. Expect smaller guest lists (75-100), morning or afternoon ceremonies, and venues outside major resort areas. Public beach ceremonies with restaurant receptions work well at this budget.
Opens doors to quality Orlando and Tampa venues, Gulf Coast beach resorts, and Keys options outside Key West. Allows 100-150 guests, established vendors, and Saturday dates. All-inclusive resort packages often provide good value at this tier.
Access to Miami's finest venues, Palm Beach elegance, and Key West's premium properties. Five-star resort experiences, top-tier vendors, elaborate tropical floral installations. 150+ guests with guest experience enhancements like welcome parties.
Palm Beach offers classic old-money elegance at venues like The Breakers, while Miami delivers glamorous, modern celebrations with international flair. Both attract couples seeking the finest Florida has to offer, with pricing to match their prestige.
Tampa Bay's Gulf Coast beaches and growing urban scene offer excellent wedding value, while Jacksonville and Amelia Island provide affordable luxury. St. Augustine adds historic charm at North Florida prices.
Key West delivers intimate tropical destination experiences with built-in guest activities. Orlando's tourism infrastructure makes it ideal for destination weddings where guests can extend their trip with theme park adventures.
Clearwater and St. Pete Beach offer stunning Gulf sunsets at accessible prices. The Panhandle's 30A area (Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Alys Beach) provides Instagram-worthy beach charm at lower costs than South Florida.
Get a personalized breakdown based on your budget and preferred Florida region.
Start CalculatingFlorida weddings combine stunning natural beauty with world-class hospitality, creating celebrations that feel like vacations for you and your guests. Whether you dream of a Miami rooftop, a Key West sunset, or an Orlando fairy tale, understanding regional costs helps you plan the Florida wedding that fits your vision and budget. Use our Cost by State Calculator to compare Florida estimates with other destinations.