Destination Weddings

It is a perfect, magical day for a wedding in this unspoiled island sanctuary. Getting married in a beautiful beach setting is all about location, and this popular wedding destination offers many choices and packages for a picture-perfect backdrop.

Balmy breezes, endless Gulf beaches and year-round sunshine make southwest Florida’s Fort Myers one of the world’s most romantic wedding destinations. For those seeking a secluded spot for a wedding in paradise, the area offers every accommodation and setting to make your special day unforgettable.

With the popularity of destination weddings in tropical locales, area resorts and hotels offer special packages and options that make this the perfect time to plan a wedding that is affordable for the wedding party and guests. Wedding parties are drawn to the area because of its island feel without traveling outside of the country.

Who can resist a wedding under a gazebo at Lovers Key, Florida’s most romantic state park? Lovers Key’s secluded Gulf-front setting resulted in recognition as Florida’s most romantic state park, and it is a preferred site for beachside weddings and the party that follows. Or sail away on the Sanibel Princess, a 100-foot luxury yacht that accommodates 103 wedding guests for a fairytale ceremony and reception surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. For a riverfront setting steeped in history, the beautiful and tropical landscape of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will make unforgettable memories with a backdrop of royal palms, historic bamboo, orchids and other exotic plants. Or exchange vows at sunset on a private island with all the details arranged by the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.

The choices are endless depending upon the size and budget of the wedding. There are world-class resorts, restaurants, services and facilities that cater to weddings of all sizes and types. From a simple sunset ceremony on the beach to a formal wedding with a reception in a luxury resort, the area is a popular destination for memorable weddings.
 

Get married on your own private island

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa offers a tropical paradise complete with lavish gardens, sparkling water and green golf course fairways. The resort also features an Asian-inspired spa, access to a secluded beach, three pools, six restaurants and lounges.

With impeccable service and attention to detail, the resort provides locations including the Wedding Pavilion, Cypress Courtyard and Royal Palm Courtyard, as well as ballroom settings. Dream weddings are planned by an on-site wedding coordinator who handles everything from start to finish.

Wedding ceremonies may also take place on the resort’s private island located between Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The perfect location for sunset weddings for up to 75 people, this choice includes a private 20-minute boat trip out to the island, with possible glimpses of dolphins and bald eagles. Receptions are held on the resort property.

For information call (239) 444-1234 or (800) 233-1234 or visit www.hyatt.com

Island weddings in paradise

Casa Ybel Resort, Sanibel Island
Gracing the secluded, shell-strewn beaches of Sanibel Island, Casa Ybel Resort weddings can be as grand or intimate as desired. Choose a site from swaying coconut palms on the beach to a grand old-island manor.

The Thistle Lodge restaurant has been hosting weddings for more than 100 years. In fact, the romantic beachfront manor was built by a groom as a wedding gift to his betrothed. Today, from rehearsal dinner to honeymoon arrangements, Casa Ybel continues the tradition of romance in breath-taking beach side surroundings with top-notch service and distinctive catering.

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For information call (239) 472-0693 or (866) 748-8958 or visit www.casaybelweddings.com.

Holiday Inn Beach Resort, Sanibel Island
This quaint beachside resort, directly on the Gulf of Mexico, provides the lush, tropical setting for outdoor beach weddings for as many as 50 people. Food and beverage is catered by Courtney's, the resort’s on-site restaurant. Access to wedding planners may be found on the resort’s Web site. Ceremony may be planned in front of live “Beach Cam” and viewed from around the world on Web site.

Packages are quoted individually, based upon season and number of guests, from a basic package to tents with a sit down gourmet meal and reception. For more information call (239) 472-4123 or (800) 443-0909 or visit www.sanibelbeachresort.com.

West Wind Inn, Sanibel Island
Weddings are held at this Gulfside inn with a choice of locations including beautiful sandy beach, butterfly garden or under a tent on the lawn. The beach is the most popular location and sunset services the most coveted time. Reception areas include a conference room, poolside or on the lawn. The Normandie Seaside Café provides catering.

Individual quotes are provided. Price depends upon the size of the wedding and season. For more information call (239) 472-1541 or (800) 824-0476 or visit www.westwindinn.com.

Island Inn, Sanibel Island
Magical weddings take place at private locations and Gulf views along the 10 acres of beach front property that feature picture-perfect sunsets over this quaint property.

For more information on planning your wedding, contact (239) 472-1561 or (800) 851-5088 or visit www.islandinnsanibel.com.

South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island
With the resort's two-and-a-half miles of shell-strewn beaches, waterfront location and a well-rounded offering of recreational options, South Seas provides a truly intimate Captiva wedding location with all of the signature features to ensure lasting memories. Couples enjoy a wedding geared toward their individual tastes and styles, including the options of indoor/outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

For more information call (239) 472-472-7685 or (800) 524-7601 or visit www.southseas.com.

‘Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Island
Somewhere between vows of love and tears of joy, the kiss you’ll remember forever awaits your Florida beach wedding on Captiva Island, at ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort. Here, unlike any other Gulf of Mexico sunset setting on Sanibel or Captiva, you’ll enjoy a happier-ever-after rehearsal, ceremony and reception — intimate groups to parties of 150 or more.

For more information and additional services, contact sales@tween-waters.com or call (800) 223-5865 or visit www.tween-waters.com.

Captiva Island Inn, Captiva Island
Located in the historic Captiva Village, the pastel painted cottages with gingerbread and white picket fences give this inn the charm that appeals to many wedding planners. The inn has been featured in Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines. With gentle breezes and a relaxed island style atmosphere, the inn has hosted everything from pool parties with guests in flip flops to romantic weddings on the beach for up to 100 people. The inn will assist with every detail including flowers, photography, food, music, accommodations, transportation and salon appointments. Accommodations for the wedding party or guests include the “Celebration House” with five bedrooms.

Packages are customized depending upon size of wedding. For information call (800) 454-9898 or visit www.captivaislandinn.com.

Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Myers
Captivating island views, spectacular sunsets and a romantic setting in a tropical paradise all combine for the perfect wedding and honeymoon at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa. This 85-acre bayside resort, situated on a private peninsula overlooking Sanibel and Captiva islands, creates storybook weddings and receptions.

For the wedding ceremony, couples may choose a poolside terrace surrounded by lush foliage and fountains, a magnificent 100-foot private luxury yacht, an elegant ballroom or a secluded cove on the beach with swaying palms. The main ballroom may accommodate up to 965 people and can be easily divided into three individual sections, each with breathtaking views.

Luxurious receptions are created by the resort’s award-winning chefs and catering staff. An in-house pastry chef creates customized wedding cakes for any theme. A favorite location is the Island Room which provides floor-to-ceiling views of the tropical setting. For out of town guests and the wedding party, arrangements may be made for services in the luxurious spa, as well as for golfing, kayaking and nature tours to nearby barrier islands.

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For information call the resort’s team of wedding planners at (239) 466-4000 or (888) 767-7777 or visit www.sanibel-resort.com/weddingpackages.
 

Tropical weddings on beautiful Fort Myers Beach

Lovers Key Resort
Located on pristine Estero Bay across from Lovers Key State Park, this resort’s tropical setting allows for casually elegant locations that include a private beach and a bayside lagoon-style pool with waterfall.

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For more information contact april@loverskeybeachweddings.com or (239) 765-7788 or (877) 798-4879 or visit www.LoversKey.com.

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa
With its quiet beachfront, awesome sunset views, and elegant waterfront locations that may be arranged on land and boat, this Gulfside resort has all of the components for a tropical wedding and reception.

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For information call (888) 222-7465 or visit https://www.pinkshell.com/fort-myers-beach-weddings.

DiamondHead Beach Resort
With white sandy beaches, emerald waters and bright blue skies, the pristine beauty of Fort Myers Beach provides a picturesque backdrop for the special day. DiamondHead Beach Resort is the only property on the island that can accommodate beachfront wedding ceremonies for up to 200 guests.

For information call (888) 865-5844 or (844) 652-3696 or visit www.diamondheadfl.com/weddings.

Outrigger Beach Resort
At The Outrigger Beach Resort, your destination wedding dreams can become reality. Our sugary-white sand beach and our affordable, all-inclusive wedding packages ensure that your event will be as stress-free as it is memorable. A package includes everything, even the cake. When the bride and groom arrive all they need to do is enjoy, have fun and show up on the beach.

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For information call (239) 463-3131 or (800) 657-4967 or visit www.outriggerfmb.com.

 

Plan a Gulf-front wedding in Florida’s most romantic state park

Lovers Key State Park, between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach
Just south of Fort Myers Beach, Lovers Key is Florida’s most romantic state park. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the recreation area includes more than 1,900 acres of breathtaking natural habitat and 2.5 miles of beaches. This provides a dramatic backdrop for a unique, turn-of-the-century gazebo/pavilion which is available for weddings. The picturesque, open-air structure and the park’s secluded Gulf-front setting, have bolstered Lovers Key’s recognition as Florida’s most romantic state park and made it a preferred site for beachside weddings and the party after. Each wedding is planned individually based upon the wishes of the wedding party.

For information call (239) 463-4588. For information on Lovers Key, visit www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey.

Luxurious waterfront resort in Cape Coral

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village 
Tucked away in an undisturbed waterfront setting, the resort’s hideaway locale, luxurious amenities and waterfront surroundings are ideal for weddings, with exquisitely appointed indoor and outdoor areas. This luxury resort is located at Tarpon Point Marina.

For information, email CapeCoral.Sales.03851@westin.com or visit www.westincapecoral.com/florida-wedding-venues.

 

Romantic weddings in a historic setting

Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
The beautiful and tropical landscape of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates make the memories of a special wedding day last forever. Guests will be surrounded by royal palms, historic bamboo, orchids and other tropical plants that create the perfect ambiance for a wedding. The Estates offer several outdoor site locations including the historic winter residence of legendary automobile maker, Henry Ford, friend and neighbor of inventor Thomas Edison.

Mr. Ford’s beautiful two-story home with large covered porches was built in 1911 and the recently restored house is situated on the scenic Caloosahatchee River. Mina’s Moonlight Garden provides an intimate, romantic setting filled with fragrant flowers and tall, bougainvillea-entwined trellises for photo opportunities and gatherings of 10 or less. The Edison Caretaker’s House provides a quaint indoor and outdoor space with porches and gardens reflecting the charm of the historic setting. Or Edison’s Coconut Grove between the lily pond and the Caloosahatchee River.

For more information and package pricing, contact Cori Cramsey at (239) 334-7419 or visit www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp.

Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
Located on beautiful Gasparilla Island, The Gasparilla Inn & Club is an idyllic southwest Florida wedding venue. A full-service resort offering old-world ambiance since 1913, the inn is a Historic Hotel of America and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether the bride dreams of walking down a sandy aisle on the beach, or down the glamorous staircase inside the historic inn, the resort offers many options throughout the 170-acre property.

Each wedding is custom designed to suit the client. For more information call (941) 964-4576 or (877) 403-0599 or visit www.the-gasparilla-inn.com.

Burroughs Home, downtown Fort Myers
The romantic backdrop of a historic Georgian Revival mansion on the Caloosahatchee River is the perfect setting for a garden wedding. Built in 1901 by cattleman John Murphy, the home has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Brides may select the front porch or a garden gazebo for a sunset ceremony. An event coordinator is available to assist with ceremony and reception plans.

For more information contact cindy@burroughshome.com or (239) 337-0706 or visit www.burroughshome.com.

 

Plan a wedding in Fort Myers

Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers
Convenient to the beaches, airport and Bell Tower shopping, the Crown Plaza Fort Myers is the perfect centralized location for the wedding party and guests. With a professional staff to assist in organizing plans for the special day, the hotel offers its tropical patio or Fort Myers ballroom for the wedding ceremony and reception.

For additional information call (239) 482-2900 or visit www.https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/fort-myers

Embassy Suites Fort Myers-Estero
Overlooking a 20-acre preserve, this property is situated near the airport and beaches. Wedding and receptions are customized for up to 200 people.

For details, call (239) 949-4222 or visit www.fortmyersembassy.com.

 

Useful information for planning a destination wedding

Wedding planners
To make it easy for out-of-town visitors to plan a destination wedding, there are wedding planners and consultants throughout the area who can assist with everything from site selection and hotel reservations to flowers and photography. For a list of wedding planners, click here.

Marriage license
Getting married in Lee County is easy. Visit the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court to apply for a marriage license. Both parties must have valid photo identification, such as a driver's license and a Social Security number. International visitors who wish to marry in Florida must have a valid passport and a translator, if necessary, who has a valid U.S. driver's license. No blood tests are required for a marriage license, and there is no waiting period unless you are already a Florida resident -- then you must wait three days. Once you have the license, you can get married at any time within the next 60 days. For details and downloadable forms visit www.leeclerk.org/departments/recording-official-records/marriage-licenses