9 Steps to Take After Deciding to Have a Destination Wedding in Florida
Deciding to have a destination wedding in Florida is one of the most exciting choices you can make. Instead of a standard ceremony back home, you get to say your vows somewhere warm, beautiful, and unforgettable — and your guests get a trip to remember alongside it. Florida is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the country, and for good reason. From the Gulf Coast beaches of Southwest Florida to lush vineyard settings in Naples, the state offers a stunning variety of backdrops for couples who want something truly special. Destination weddings come with more moving parts than a traditional wedding, so the sooner you start, the smoother everything will go. Here are nine steps to take after deciding to have a destination wedding in Florida.
1. Set a Detailed Budget
Before you book anything or make any commitments, sit down and get clear on your budget. Destination weddings can be more expensive than local ones — not just for you, but for your guests as well. Factor in travel costs, the venue, vendors, accommodations, legal fees, and any events you plan to host beyond the ceremony itself. Florida wedding venues vary widely in price depending on the region and setting, so having a realistic number to work with before you start researching will save you a lot of time. Going into the planning process without a budget is one of the most common mistakes couples make, and it leads to stress down the road.
2. Choose Your Florida Location and Venue
With your budget in hand, it is time to pick your destination within Florida. The state offers everything from beachfront resorts in Miami to rustic vineyard settings in Southwest Florida. Naples and the surrounding areas are especially popular for couples who want a sophisticated, scenic setting with easy access to warm weather year-round. As you narrow it down, consider how easy it will be for your guests to get there — Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers serves the Naples area and offers direct flights from many major cities. Once you have a destination in mind, visit venues in person before committing.
3. Hire a Local Wedding Planner
This is one of the most valuable investments you can make for a destination wedding. A local Florida planner already knows the best vendors, understands regional logistics, and has established relationships that can save you both money and stress. They are your boots on the ground when you cannot be there in person, and they can catch problems before they become disasters. Many Florida venues, including Corkscrew Weddings & Winery, have preferred vendor lists and on-site coordinators who can guide you through the process. Ask about what planning support is included with your venue and build from there.
4. Send Save the Dates Early
Your guests need more time to prepare for a destination wedding than they would for a local one. They need to request time off work, book flights, arrange childcare, and budget for travel — and none of that happens overnight. Send your save the dates at least nine months before the wedding. The earlier you get the word out, the better your attendance will be. Include the destination, the date, and a link to your wedding website so guests can start gathering the information they need right away.
5. Research Florida’s Legal Requirements
Getting married in Florida involves specific paperwork and requirements worth understanding early. Florida does not have a waiting period after obtaining a marriage license, which is great news for destination couples — you can get your license and use it right away. Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days after issuance, so timing matters. You will need to apply in person at a county clerk's office and bring valid ID. If both of you are Florida residents, you will need to complete a premarital preparation course to waive the three-day waiting period. Sort this out as early as possible so you are not scrambling close to the date.
6. Build a Wedding Website
A wedding website is essential for a destination wedding. This is where your guests will go to find everything they need — flight information, airport recommendations, hotel block links, the wedding schedule, local Florida activities, and answers to frequently asked questions. Keep it updated as new details come in. Your guests will appreciate having one place to go for everything instead of sending you individual messages asking about logistics. A good wedding website also reduces the amount of information you need to cram into your invitations.
7. Secure Accommodations and Group Travel
Start researching hotels near your Florida venue early and ask about room blocks. Naples and the Southwest Florida area have a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, at various price points. A room block holds a set number of rooms at a negotiated rate for your guests, making it easier and more affordable for everyone to book. Also think about transportation — how will guests get from Southwest Florida International Airport to their hotel, and from the hotel to the venue? Organizing shuttles or sharing rideshare information in advance makes a big difference for out-of-town guests.
8. Book Your Key Vendors
Once your venue is locked in, start booking your vendors. A local Florida photographer who knows the best spots at your venue and in the surrounding area is worth prioritizing early, as the best ones book up fast. The same goes for caterers, florists, and musicians. Many Florida couples also look for live entertainment that fits the relaxed, warm-weather vibe — think acoustic guitarists, steel drum players, or a jazz trio. Ask your venue for their preferred vendor list as a starting point, and look for vendors with real destination wedding experience.
9. Plan Guest Experiences Beyond the Ceremony
One of the best parts of a destination wedding in Lee County is that your guests are already there — so take advantage of it. Plan one or two group experiences beyond the wedding itself, like a welcome party the night before or a farewell brunch the morning after. Lee County has no shortage of things to do. Take your guests shell hunting on the world-famous beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, spend a day on the Gulf waters at Fort Myers Beach, or organize a group tour of the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Nature lovers will enjoy a walk along the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve boardwalk, where you can spot alligators, turtles, and otters in their natural habitat. These moments are what turn a wedding weekend into something everyone will talk about for years. Just make sure to build in free time too so guests can explore Lee County on their own.
Before you dive in, make sure to download the Corkscrew Weddings & Winery Wedding Planning Guide — it covers everything you need to know about planning your celebration at our venue and is a great resource to have on hand as you work through these steps.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Florida Wedding? Corkscrew Weddings & Winery Is the Perfect Place to Start.
At Corkscrew Weddings & Winery in Naples, Florida, we offer a stunning destination wedding experience right in the heart of Southwest Florida. Our beautiful winery setting combines natural beauty, warm weather, and world-class hospitality to create a celebration unlike any other. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a larger event, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact Corkscrew Weddings & Winery today to start planning the Florida destination wedding you have always dreamed of.
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