Florida has long been one of America’s most beloved wedding destinations, thanks to its year-round sunshine, warm ocean breezes, and endless stretches of coastline. While major hotspots like Miami, Clearwater, and Key West attract the spotlight, many couples are discovering Florida’s quieter coastal towns: places where the beaches feel more intimate, the crowds thin out, and the atmosphere leans effortlessly romantic. These lesser-known coastal gems offer everything couples love about Florida weddings: soft sand, pastel sunsets, charming local culture, and a relaxed vibe that makes the entire celebration feel like a vacation. Below are ten standout towns that deliver beauty, character, and memorable wedding experiences without the big-city chaos.
Ormond Beach
Just north of Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Ormond Beach offers a calm, nostalgic, and naturally beautiful atmosphere that feels like Old Florida at its best. The beaches are wide and uncrowded, creating a serene setting for couples who want a peaceful shoreline without the bustle of larger cities. What makes Ormond Beach special is its blend of quiet beaches, historic estates, and riverfront parks along the Halifax River. Weddings here often feature beach ceremonies with minimal foot traffic, riverfront venues with scenic views, and gorgeous sunrise lighting that photographers love. With Daytona’s airport nearby, logistics are easy for guests. Typical wedding budgets in Ormond Beach range from $15,000 to $28,000 depending on venue type and guest count.
Vero Beach
Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast between Melbourne and Fort Pierce, Vero Beach offers an upscale yet relaxed coastal experience. The beaches are pristine, the water clarity rivals South Florida, and the atmosphere feels refined without being pretentious. Couples choose Vero Beach for its boutique resorts, golden sand, and polished coastal charm. Weddings here often take place at oceanfront resorts with private ceremony lawns, supported by excellent guest accommodations, strong local vendors, and naturally beautiful backdrops for portraits. Most couples planning a Vero Beach wedding spend between $20,000 and $40,000, with luxury resorts reaching higher ranges.
Wedding photography in Vero Beach, Florida
Stuart
Situated on the Atlantic Coast just north of Jupiter, Stuart is a nautical, character-rich town known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Its historic downtown, waterfront parks, and lively marina create a charming coastal-town feel that’s ideal for intimate weddings. Stuart’s appeal lies in its blend of riverfront beauty and small-town personality. Couples can expect waterfront venues overlooking the St. Lucie River, boutique inns for guest lodging, and marina-side settings perfect for boat-themed celebrations. Sunset views over the river are especially stunning. Typical wedding budgets in Stuart fall between $18,000 and $32,000.
Deerfield Beach
Just north of Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach offers a clean, modern, and vibrant coastal experience anchored by its award-winning Blue Wave-certified shoreline. It delivers South Florida beauty at a more approachable price point, with a lively pier and walkable beachfront that guests love. Weddings in Deerfield Beach often take place at oceanfront hotels with ceremony decks overlooking the water. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and the area offers excellent accommodations, dining, and nightlife. Clear water and wide beaches make it a strong choice for photography. Most couples spend between $18,000 and $35,000 for a Deerfield Beach wedding.
Marathon
Located in the Middle Florida Keys, roughly halfway between Key Largo and Key West, Marathon is tropical, laid-back, and authentically “Keys.” It’s a paradise for couples who want turquoise water, palm-lined beaches, and a true island-destination feel. Marathon stands out because it offers the beauty of the Keys with more space, more privacy, and often more budget flexibility than Key West. Weddings here typically take place at waterfront resorts or private beach houses, with sunset ceremonies over the Gulf and lush tropical landscaping surrounding the celebration. Most Marathon weddings range from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on resort or private-estate rentals.
Cape Coral
On Florida’s Gulf Coast near Fort Myers, Cape Coral is known for its waterfront living and more than 400 miles of canals. The result is a unique coastal-urban vibe that blends marina views, waterfront estates, and easy access to nearby beaches. Couples choose Cape Coral for its canal-front homes perfect for intimate gatherings, waterfront parks, yacht-club venues, and stunning golden-hour lighting. Wedding budgets in Cape Coral typically fall between $15,000 and $30,000, with private estates reaching higher.
Venice
South of Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, Venice is romantic, Mediterranean-inspired, and peaceful. The town is known for its Italian-style architecture, charming downtown streets, and fossil-rich beaches. Venice offers one of the most picturesque small-town settings in Florida, with dramatic Gulf sunsets that elevate any wedding day. Couples planning a Venice wedding can expect beach ceremonies on Venice Beach or Caspersen Beach, historic venues with Mediterranean architecture, and quiet, scenic backdrops ideal for portraits. Most Venice weddings cost between $18,000 and $33,000.
Treasure Island
Situated between St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach, Treasure Island has a retro-cool, wide-open, and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It feels like a classic Florida beach town, with some of the widest beaches in the state, giving couples plenty of space and privacy for ceremonies. Weddings here often take place at beachfront hotels with ceremony setups directly on the sand. The spacious shoreline is ideal for larger groups, and the area offers vibrant sunsets, soft Gulf waves, and easy access to St. Pete’s nightlife and dining. Typical wedding budgets range from $15,000 to $28,000.
Tarpon Springs
North of Clearwater on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs is cultural, historic, and full of character. Famous for its Greek heritage and sponge-diving history, the town offers a rare blend of waterfront beauty and cultural charm. Couples can expect waterfront parks, marina-side venues, Greek-inspired architecture, and a distinctive atmosphere that sets Tarpon Springs apart from typical beach towns. The sponge docks and historic chapels provide unique backdrops for portraits. Most weddings in Tarpon Springs fall between $16,000 and $30,000.
Alys Beach
Located along Scenic Highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle, Alys Beach is luxurious, architectural, and impossibly photogenic. Its iconic white-washed buildings create a Mediterranean-meets-Bermuda aesthetic that feels like a world of its own. Alys Beach is one of the most visually stunning towns in Florida, offering a high-end, exclusive wedding experience. Couples can expect courtyard ceremonies surrounded by white architecture, beach access with emerald-green Gulf water, and elevated accommodations and dining. Alys Beach is a premium destination, with typical wedding budgets ranging from $40,000 to $90,000 or more depending on venue and guest count.
Conclusion
Florida’s lesser-known coastal towns offer an incredible range of wedding experiences: from tropical island escapes to Mediterranean-inspired architecture, from quiet Atlantic beaches to vibrant Gulf sunsets. These destinations deliver the beauty and romance couples expect from Florida, but with more intimacy, more character, and often more budget flexibility than the major hotspots. Whether the dream is a barefoot ceremony, a boutique-resort celebration, or a waterfront estate gathering, these ten coastal gems prove that Florida’s most magical wedding locations are often the ones just off the beaten path.