Florida has long been one of America’s most sought-after wedding destinations, and it’s easy to see why. With year-round sunshine, warm coastal breezes, and a mix of luxury venues and laid-back beach towns, the state offers endless possibilities for couples planning their dream celebration. What many don’t realize is just how many islands Florida has, ranging from tiny, uninhabited sandbars to fully developed island cities like Key West.
For countless couples, the idea of an island wedding feels magical… but also intimidating. Many assume it requires complicated logistics, sky-high travel costs, or resort-level budgets. The truth is far more encouraging: a Florida island wedding doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Many of Florida’s islands offer smooth, stress-free planning, easy access for guests, and breathtaking scenery, without the price tag of a Caribbean passport-required getaway.
Below are ten of the best islands in Florida for a romantic wedding experience, including what each island offers, how to get there, and approximate budget expectations.
1. Anna Maria Island
Vibe: quiet, charming, Old Florida elegance. Why couples love it: soft white sand, turquoise water, and a relaxed, no-high-rise atmosphere.
Anna Maria Island is widely recognized as a true wedding island, so much so that it has been named the Wedding Capital of Florida, hosting more than 1,000 weddings every year. Its popularity comes from a rare combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and convenience. The island sits just minutes from Bradenton and a short drive from Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, making it incredibly easy for guests flying in or driving from nearby cities.
Couples also appreciate the abundance of both on-island and off-island accommodations, ranging from boutique hotels and beachfront rentals to larger resorts in the surrounding areas. This flexibility makes planning simple and budget-friendly, especially for multi-day celebrations.
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
2. Sanibel Island
Vibe: nature‑focused, serene, upscale but not flashy. Why couples love it: seashell-covered beaches, wildlife preserves, and quiet luxury.
Sanibel Island offers a refined yet natural backdrop, and its accessibility is a major advantage for wedding guests. The island sits directly next to Cape Coral and Fort Myers, connected to the mainland by a convenient causeway bridge, making travel simple and stress-free. Guests flying in have multiple airport options: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the closest, while Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) are within reasonable driving distance for those seeking additional flight availability.
This combination of natural beauty and easy access makes Sanibel a favorite for couples who want a romantic, secluded feel without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $2,000-$5,000.
- Small weddings: $8,000-$20,000.
- Larger weddings: $25,000-$50,000.
3. Captiva Island
Vibe: romantic, exclusive, boutique-resort atmosphere. Why couples love it: dramatic sunsets, charming resorts, and intimate beaches.
Captiva Island sits just north of Sanibel, sharing the same convenient access via the Sanibel Causeway. Its proximity to Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the broader Southwest Florida region makes it surprisingly easy for guests to reach despite its private-island feel. Like Sanibel, Captiva benefits from nearby airports including RSW, with SRQ and PBI offering additional travel options for out-of-state guests.
Couples love Captiva for its upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for those wanting a resort-supported wedding with a secluded, tropical vibe.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $2,500-$6,000.
- Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.
- Larger weddings: $30,000-$60,000.
4. Key Biscayne
Vibe: tropical island minutes from Miami. Why couples love it: palm-lined beaches, luxury venues, and easy access for guests.
Key Biscayne blends convenience with tropical beauty. Located just across the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami, it offers an island feel without long travel times or complicated logistics. Guests can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), making it one of the most accessible island wedding destinations in the state.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $2,000-$6,000.
- Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.
- Larger weddings: $30,000-$70,000.
5. Islamorada
Vibe: laid-back luxury in the Upper Keys. Why couples love it: waterfront resorts, clear water, boats and a romantic, slow-paced atmosphere.
Islamorada (chain of six islands) is one of the most accessible islands in the Florida Keys. Located along the Overseas Highway, it’s an easy drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, making MIA and FLL the primary airports for guests. Its central location in the Upper Keys also makes it convenient for exploring nearby islands, giving couples and guests a full tropical experience without the crowds of Key West.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $2,500-$7,000.
- Small weddings: $12,000-$30,000.
- Larger weddings: $35,000-$80,000.
6. Bahia Honda
Vibe: natural, untouched, postcard-perfect. Why couples love it: one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, iconic old bridge views, and state-park simplicity.
Bahia Honda is located in the Lower Florida Keys and is easily accessible via the Overseas Highway (US‑1). It sits between Marathon and Big Pine Key, making it reachable by car from Miami International Airport (MIA) or Key West International Airport (EYW). This straightforward drive, famous for its ocean views, makes Bahia Honda a dream location for couples who want a natural, budget-friendly island wedding without complicated travel.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $1,000-$3,000.
- Small weddings: $4,000-$10,000.
- Larger weddings: $12,000-$25,000.
7. Marco Island
Vibe: refined, peaceful, resort‑friendly. Why couples love it: wide beaches, luxury hotels, and calm Gulf waters.
Marco Island is one of the most accessible islands in Southwest Florida. It’s connected to the mainland by bridges, making it easy to reach by car from Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. The closest major airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), with additional options in Sarasota (SRQ) and Palm Beach (PBI) for guests needing broader flight availability. This convenience makes Marco Island ideal for destination weddings that still feel effortless for traveling guests.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $2,000-$6,000.
- Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.
- Larger weddings: $30,000-$70,000.
8. Amelia Island
Vibe: historic charm meets coastal romance. Why couples love it: Victorian architecture, quiet beaches, and upscale resorts.
Amelia Island is located in Northeast Florida and is surprisingly easy to reach. It’s connected to the mainland by bridges and sits just north of Jacksonville, making Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) the primary gateway for guests. The island is also within driving distance of Savannah and St. Augustine, offering multiple travel routes for out-of-state visitors. This accessibility, combined with its historic charm, makes Amelia Island a standout for couples wanting a refined coastal celebration.
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: exclusive, quiet, timeless. Why couples love it: pristine beaches, charming village streets, and boutique inns.
Gasparilla Island is accessible via the Boca Grande Causeway, which connects the island to the mainland near Placida. It’s conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, making both SRQ and RSW practical airport options for guests. Despite its peaceful, upscale atmosphere, the island is surprisingly easy to reach, offering a secluded feel without complicated travel logistics.
Budget Expectation:
- Elopements: $2,000-$5,000.
- Small weddings: $10,000-$25,000.
- Larger weddings: $30,000-$60,000.
10. Siesta Key
Vibe: fun, vibrant, and famous for its powder-soft sand. Why couples love it: award-winning beaches, lively atmosphere, and easy access from Sarasota.
Siesta Key is a favorite for couples who want a lively beach town with world-class sand and plenty of guest accommodations. It’s easily accessible from Sarasota, with SRQ as the closest airport and TPA and PIE offering additional flight options for guests.
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 experiences: from untouched natural beauty to refined resort luxury. For couples watching their budget, Bahia Honda, Anna Maria Island, and Siesta Key stand out as the most affordable options without sacrificing scenery or charm.
The best part is that couples don’t need to travel abroad or commit to a massive destination-wedding budget to enjoy a breathtaking island celebration. Florida’s islands deliver the tropical atmosphere, the oceanfront romance, and the unforgettable experience: right here at home, and often at a fraction of the cost.