Florida has long been one of America’s most beloved wedding destinations, and it’s easy to understand why. With warm sunshine year-round, gentle ocean breezes, and a blend of luxury resorts and laid-back coastal towns, the state offers endless possibilities for couples planning a beautiful celebration. What many don’t realize is just how many islands Florida has to choose from, ranging from quiet natural preserves to lively island communities like Key West.

For many couples, the idea of an island wedding feels magical but intimidating. It’s common to assume it requires complicated logistics, expensive travel, or resort-level budgets. In reality, Florida’s islands make planning surprisingly simple. Many offer easy access, plenty of accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, all without the cost or passport requirements of a Caribbean destination.

Every island on this list is equally wonderful in its own way, and the order below is not a ranking. Each destination offers something unique: different scenery, different vibes, and different levels of convenience, making it easy for couples to find the island that fits their vision.

Below are ten of the best islands in Florida for a romantic wedding experience, including what makes each one special, how to get there, and general budget expectations.

1. Key Biscayne

Vibe: tropical, polished, and close to Miami. Why couples love it: palm-lined beaches, upscale venues, and effortless travel.

Key Biscayne offers the best of both worlds: a true island feel just minutes from downtown Miami. Connected by the Rickenbacker Causeway, it’s one of the easiest island destinations for guests to reach. Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) provide abundant flight options.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $2,000-$6,000.

Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.

Larger weddings: $30,000-$70,000.

2. Anna Maria Island

Vibe: peaceful, charming, and timeless. Why couples love it: soft white sand, turquoise water, and a relaxed Old Florida atmosphere.

Anna Maria Island has become one of Florida’s most iconic wedding destinations, often referred to as the Wedding Capital of Florida thanks to the more than 1,000 ceremonies held here each year. Its popularity comes from a rare mix of natural beauty, convenience, and guest-friendly accessibility. The island is only minutes from Bradenton and a short drive from Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Tampa – ideal for guests flying in from across the country.

Accommodations are plentiful both on and off the island, from boutique inns and beachfront rentals to larger hotels in nearby cities. This flexibility makes planning multi-day celebrations simple and budget-friendly.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $1,500-$4,000.

Small weddings: $6,000-$15,000.

Larger weddings: $20,000-$40,000.

Wedding Photography on Anna Maria Island, Florida

3. Sanibel Island

Vibe: serene, nature‑focused, and quietly luxurious. Why couples love it: seashell-covered beaches, wildlife preserves, and a peaceful upscale feel.

Sanibel Island offers a refined yet natural setting that feels secluded without being difficult to reach. Connected to the mainland by the Sanibel Causeway, the island sits next to Cape Coral and Fort Myers, making travel simple for guests. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the closest major airport, with SRQ and PBI offering additional flight options.

Couples choose Sanibel for its blend of elegance and untouched beauty: perfect for intimate, romantic celebrations.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $2,000-$5,000.

Small weddings: $8,000-$20,000.

Larger weddings: $25,000-$50,000.

4. Santa Rosa Island

Vibe: breezy, scenic, and naturally romantic. Why couples love it: sugar-white sand, emerald water, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Santa Rosa Island stretches along the Florida Panhandle and is home to some of the state’s most photogenic beaches. It offers a completely different experience from Southwest Florida’s islands: wide open shorelines, gentle dunes, and a peaceful, airy atmosphere. The island is easily accessible from Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, with nearby airports (PNS and VPS) making travel straightforward for guests.

Couples appreciate the island’s natural beauty, charming beach towns, and the balance of quiet spaces with modern amenities.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $2,000-$6,000.

Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.

Larger weddings: $30,000-$60,000.

5. Islamorada

Vibe: relaxed luxury with a tropical Florida Keys atmosphere. Why couples love it: waterfront resorts, crystal-clear water, and a slow, romantic pace

Islamorada, a collection of six islands in the Upper Keys, is one of the most accessible destinations in the Keys. Located along the Overseas Highway, it’s an easy drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Guests typically fly into MIA or FLL, making travel simple and predictable.

Couples love Islamorada for its boutique resorts, boating culture, and intimate coastal charm.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $2,500-$7,000.

Small weddings: $12,000-$30,000.

Larger weddings: $35,000-$80,000.

6. Bahia Honda

Vibe: untouched, natural, and postcard-perfect. Why couples love it: iconic bridge views, turquoise water, and a peaceful state-park setting.

Bahia Honda is one of the most breathtaking natural locations in the Florida Keys, and its state-park setting is exactly what gives it that pristine, untouched atmosphere couples fall in love with. Located in the Lower Keys, it sits between Marathon and Big Pine Key and is easily reached via the Overseas Highway. Guests typically fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Key West International Airport (EYW), with the drive itself offering some of the most scenic views in Florida.

Because Bahia Honda is a state park, there are no traditional on-island accommodations. The only lodging option is the state park campground, which is extremely popular and almost always fully booked. Couples typically arrange guest accommodations on nearby islands such as Marathon, Big Pine Key, or Key West: a setup that works beautifully for destination weddings.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $1,000-$3,000.

Small weddings: $4,000-$10,000.

Larger weddings: $12,000-$25,000.

7. Marco Island

Vibe: refined, calm, and resort-friendly. Why couples love it: wide beaches, luxury hotels, and gentle Gulf waters.

Marco Island is one of Southwest Florida’s most accessible island destinations. Connected to the mainland by bridges, it’s an easy drive from Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. RSW is the closest major airport, with SRQ and PBI offering additional options.

Couples choose Marco Island for its polished atmosphere and beautiful beachfront venues.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $2,000-$6,000.

Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.

Larger weddings: $30,000-$70,000.

8. Amelia Island

Vibe: historic, elegant, and quietly romantic. Why couples love it: Victorian charm, peaceful beaches, and upscale resorts.

Located in Northeast Florida, Amelia Island is surprisingly easy to reach. It’s connected to the mainland by bridges and sits just north of Jacksonville, making JAX the primary airport for guests. It’s also within driving distance of Savannah and St. Augustine.

Couples love its blend of history, natural beauty, and refined coastal style.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $1,500-$4,000.

Small weddings: $8,000-$20,000.

Larger weddings: $25,000-$60,000.

9. Gasparilla Island (Boca Grande)

Vibe: timeless, quiet, and upscale. Why couples love it: pristine beaches, charming village streets, and boutique inns.

Gasparilla Island is connected to the mainland via the Boca Grande Causeway near Placida. Conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, it offers easy access from both SRQ and RSW airports.

Couples choose Boca Grande for its peaceful atmosphere and classic coastal beauty.

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $2,000-$5,000.

Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.

Larger weddings: $30,000-$60,000.

10. Honeymoon Island

Vibe: natural, relaxed, and authentically Florida. Why couples love it: quiet beaches, nature trails, and a laid‑back coastal feel.

Honeymoon Island is one of Florida’s most popular wedding islands, hosting a large number of ceremonies each year thanks to its scenic shoreline and easy access from Dunedin and Clearwater. As a state park, it offers a beautiful natural setting, but it also means the island experiences heavy visitor traffic for most of the year, especially from February through November. The only truly quiet months tend to be December and January, which many couples appreciate for more peaceful celebrations.

Even during busy seasons, parking is plentiful, and for small to medium-size weddings, it’s rarely a concern. Guests flying in typically use Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).

Budget Expectation:

Elopements: $1,500-$4,000.

Small weddings: $6,000-$15,000.

Larger weddings: $20,000-$40,000.

Conclusion

Florida’s islands offer an incredible range of romantic wedding settings: from untouched natural parks to luxurious resort destinations. For couples watching their budget, Bahia Honda, Anna Maria Island, and Honeymoon Island stand out as the most affordable options without sacrificing beauty.

The best part is that couples don’t need to leave the country or plan an expensive international trip to enjoy a tropical wedding experience. Florida’s islands deliver oceanfront romance, unforgettable scenery, and stress‑free planning – all right here at home.