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Wedding Venues in Longwood, Florida
Florida Wedding Venues
Florida wedding venues range from peaceful gardens to Shakespearean theaters. A popular choice is to wed on the shores of one of the many majestic beaches or tie the knot on a luxury yacht. Book a hotel in the famous Art Deco district of Miami, or minutes away from one of the many theme parks of Orlando. Hold a more traditionally religious ceremony in an awe-inspiring cathedral or temple, or say your vows in a modern private club.
Florida's year round beautiful weather makes it a great location for off-season weddings in the months of November through February. Off-season weddings are easier on the budget while still offering the sun and fun feel of the summer months. If you do want that summer wedding, utilize an indoor venue in July or August to beat the heat and still get those off-season prices.
Miami is the second largest city in Florida—located in the southeast part of the state—and is a popular vacation destination with sparkling beaches and lively nightlife. If you want to avoid the crowds, schedule your wedding for the off-season months of May through October. If you don't mind a bit of the bustle, year round warm weather makes any time a good time to say your vows in Miami, though it can get cool in the early mornings and late evenings. Remember to check the weather forecast for hurricane warnings!
Famous for its many theme parks, Orlando is a magical inland city with year round warm weather, though the summer months may be too hot for an outdoor ceremony. Locations include rustic yet elegant barns and historic manors, as well as lakeside hotels and charming restaurants. You can even get hitched near famous attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios!
Tampa is located in the Tampa Bay on the gulf coast side of Florida and is a historic hub that is also home to attractions like Busch Gardens. It's known as “Cigar City” for the historic Ybor City neighborhood that was developed by cigar factory workers. It's also a beautiful location for sunset wedding photos on the beach.
Northwest Florida, also known as the Florida panhandle, stretches from east Pensacola to Tallahassee. With temperatures mirroring that of the rest of Florida, Northwest Florida is another great destination. However, outdoor weddings here may be best held outside of the summer months due to the heat. There is an array of resort venues that capitalize on some of the best beaches in the country to offer exquisite backdrops for your special day.
The Florida Keys is a chain of tropical islands off the southern coast of Florida that is popular with vacationers looking for the Caribbean experience without leaving the US. The weather here is cooler than in other parts of Florida, with temperatures rarely reaching 90 degrees. An abundance of beach side resort venues is a given in a tropical paradise, but the Keys also boasts unique locations such as the Earnest Hemingway House and the Siena Tavern.
Wedding Venue Prices in Florida
Florida weddings range from $93 to $421 per guest for both ceremony and reception, though locations for a ceremony only can be found for under $500 for 50 guests. Florida's sales tax is 6%, though some municipalities charge more, bringing Miami and Tampa to 7% and Orlando to 6.5%. Remember to ask your prospective venues about their service fee, as it will generally be between 18% and 22%, and locations that serve food may charge a gratuity fee of 15% to 18%.
Information and Resources for Weddings in Florida
To obtain a Florida marriage license you will need:
A picture ID such as a driver's license, passport or state ID card. You will also need to provide your social security numbers, though you don't need to present your social security cards.
A fee of $93.50, which can be reduced to $32.50 upon completion of a licensed Florida per-marital course.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days and you can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk's office. Any ordained minister or clergy, judicial official, including those retired, court clerks and any notary public can perform marriage ceremonies.
