1. Siesta Key
As you may have guessed from the name, Siesta Key isn’t quite part of Florida’s coastline; it’s actually a barrier island right off of Florida’s west coast. Finely textured sand, gentle breezes, and welcoming locals are the highlights of this location.
You could hardly ask for more hospitable weather; since the area is known for being consistently sunny (but not too hot), you won’t have to worry about taking those wedding videos under unexpected cloud cover.
Given how much room there is on the island’s public beaches, you shouldn’t have any trouble setting up your wedding. Guests could even bring their swimsuits for after the ceremony; not only are the waters warm and fairly shallow but they’re also monitored by lifeguards all year long.
2. Clearwater Beach
When someone says “Florida beach,” the image that pops into your head probably looks a lot like Clearwater Beach.
This is where nearly a million people go each year for their fill of surf, sand, and sun, and they have good reason to pick this particular location – TripAdvisor named it the “best beach in America” in 2018. Plus, with an average of 361 sunny days each year, your chances of running into a cloudy day here are close to zero.
Are you worried about overheating in your wedding attire? You might get a little warm, but since temperatures barely touch 80 degrees at the height of summer, the most you have to do is opt for lighter-weight fabrics – the ocean breezes will take care of the rest.
The area may be busier than some, but the advantage is that neither you nor your guests will run out of things to do before or after the wedding.
3. Treasure Island
This locale got its name from an imaginative hotel owner, who faked the discovery of a treasure trove, and made sure everyone knew about his amazing find.
These days it’s known for offering the beaches, tourist attractions, and restaurants of a big-name coastal destination, but with a more private, relaxing feel. It’s also another beach that doesn’t require a wedding permit, which is always a nice plus.
At about three miles wide, you might end up making a bit of a trek in order to find the right spot, but that also means the ceremony will feel more secluded.
If you want to focus on what to do before and after the ceremony, as well as the beach wedding itself, this is a good pick; it’s within driving distance of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and several theme parks located in Central Florida.
