weddings are extremely popular and organizers can create anything a couple desires, even
a replica of Cinderella’s castle.
Florida is also famous for its unusual weddings. Couples can exchange vows while golfing,
fishing, on the beach, or in a hot-air balloon. Many local planners offer ceremonies to fulfill
every fantasy, and honeymoon packages to suit all budgets.
WEDDING PACKAGES
Most resorts and hotels in Florida offer a wide range of wedding and vacation combination packages to those getting married in the state.
The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando offers a Bohemian-themed wedding, with the ceremony conducted at their rooftop garden. Prices, including a one-night stay in the Art Deco-inspired hotel, range from $1,600 to more than $3,000. The Inn on Fifth in Naples is housed in a renovated 1930s bank, and retains most of the original architecture and decor, including crystal chandeliers, stairs lined with burgundy carpeting, and wrought-iron railings.
The hotel’s newly constructed rooftop pool area, complete with waterfalls, also makes a
scenic setting for a wedding. The legendary Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables offers a variety of stunning locations to exchange vows, from a lovely rose-strewn pool gazebo to the spacious ballroom, with packages starting at $3000.
Key West sunsets are absolutely gorgeous, and getting married in front of one can make the ceremony even more romantic. The Westin Key West Resort & Marina andits sister resort, Westin Key Guest Cottages, allow you to do just that. Tie the knot on the Hilton Pier with the setting sun in the background, or on the beach at Sunset Key, which is a separate island, a three-minute boat ride away from the Hilton. For the ultimate tropical wedding, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, just off Little Torch Key, offers an unmatched island ambience. Packages start at $1500, barring accommodation, but come with a guarantee that yours will be the only wedding held on the island that day.
THEME PARKS
Call it romantic, child-like, or corny, a Walt Disney World® Resort wedding is always special. More than 2,000 couples take the plunge every year, and the wedding packages start at around $3,000, while custom arrangements begin at about $7,500 and can cost upwards of $20,000 for large gatherings. You could opt for a fairytale wedding at Magic
Kingdom® where the bride arrives in Cinderella’s glass coach, a safari-themed affair
in Animal Kingdom®, or a country pavilion of your choice at Epcot. There are lots of other options too – check their official website for details.
SeaWorld not only has space, it also provides guests.
Ceremonies take place among dolphins, penguins, and a ring-bearing sea lion.
If giraffes and gazelles are your thing, Busch Gardens will host your ceremony in one of its exotic habitats.
OUTDOOR
EXTRAVAGANZAS
Located close to downtown Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a lush 50 acres (20 ha) of horticultural splendor. It offers several garden settings for weddings amid masses of roses and camellias.
The Rose Garden, the Floral Clock, and the Butterfly Garden here are very popular wedding venues.
Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales is one of the highest points in Florida, and is a National Historic Landmark. Exchange marriage vows in a romantic setting of palm trees, flowering plants, and a 57-bell carillon.
THE UNUSUAL
Couples who wish to have a truly unique wedding have a range of options. Orlando Balloon Rides offers hot-air balloon weddings, including transport to the flight site, a ground-based ceremony, an hour long balloon flight for two, and a champagne toast.
The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament allows you to wed against a backdrop of 11th-century England, while biker couples can rev it up at Orlando Harley-Davidson®.
The bride and groom ride on Harleys, followed by a cavalcade of bikes. At Daytona
International Speedway the ceremony is performed in the winner’s circle and includes a victory lap. High-fliers will love the Fantasy of Flight, where the wedding ceremony is held in an aircraft-laden hangar. Brevard Zoo offers its Serengeti Pavilion, Flamingo Pond, and Australian Aviary for weddings and receptions.
WEDDING DETAILS
There are entire books filled with lists of wedding planners, caterers, and photographers.
The free publication, Perfect Wedding Guide, is a great starting point. Order invitations from print stores and office supply shops. Flowers can be bought from budget dealers or boutique florists. Haute couture shops and stores in high-end shopping malls supply wedding gowns.
Wedding planners can take care of all these details.
LEGALITIES
Marriage licenses are available at any courthouse in the state. The State of Florida Official Marriage Guide lists all their addresses. The bride and groom need to present proper identification such as a driver’s license or a passport. The license will be issued at the time of application and is effective immediately; it must be used within 60 days. No blood test or waiting period is needed for out-of-state residents. If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse’s death is required.
DIRECTORY
WEDDING
PACKAGES
Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables.
Tel (305) 445-1926.
Grand Bohemian
Hotel
325 S Orange Ave,
Orlando.
Tel (407) 313-9000.
Little Palm Island
Resort & Spa
28500 Overseas Hwy,
Little Torch Key.
Tel (800) 343-8567.
The Inn on Fifth
699 5th Avenue S, Naples.
Tel (888) 403-8778.
Westin Key Guest
Cottages
245 Front St, Key West.
Tel (305) 294-5300.
www.sunsetkeyisland.com
Westin Key West
Resort & Marina
245 Front St, Key West.
Tel (305) 294-4000.
www.starwoodhotels.com
THEME PARKS
Busch Gardens
www.buschgardensgroupevents.com/fla/
SeaWorld
www.seaworldgroupevents.com
Walt Disney
World® Resort
www.disneyweddings.com
OUTDOOR
EXTRAVAGANZAS
Harry P. Leu Gardens
www.leugardens.org
Historic Bok
Sanctuary
www.boksanctuary.org
THE UNUSUAL
Brevard Zoo
8225 N. Wickham Rd,
Melbourne.
Tel (321) 254-9453.
www.brevardzoo.org
Daytona
International
Speedway
1801 W International
Speedway Blvd, Daytona
Beach. Tel (386) 253-7223.
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Blvd SE,
Polk City.
Tel (863) 984-3500.
www.fantasyofflight.com
Medieval Times
Dinner & Tournament
4510 W Irlo Bronson Hwy,
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