Fort Lauderdale, FL, has long been a popular vacation destination with its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and over 300 days of sunshine a year. But it’s a great place to live too, with lots of great restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and a surprising array of cultural and family-friendly attractions.
If you plan on getting married in Fort Lauderdale, the possibilities are endless. From breezy beach weddings by the North Atlantic Ocean to more traditional affairs, intimate gatherings, and huge celebrations, there’s nothing to stop you from planning the wedding ceremony you’ve been dreaming of in this South Florida gem.
What makes a perfect wedding celebration? Is it the event venue, the decor, the food, the guests, or maybe the music? In reality, it’s a combination of several factors that come together to create a memorable and romantic atmosphere, so there are lots of boxes to tick when planning your dream day in Fort Lauderdale.
Wedding venues
Are you searching for the best Fort Lauderdale wedding venues? There’s a huge range of options to choose from, from intimate and cozy small wedding venues to grand banquet halls. Outdoor weddings are also popular in this part of the world, so be sure to compare a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces in Fort Lauderdale before deciding on your ideal venue to tie the knot.
Photographers
The best wedding photographers in Fort Lauderdale have honed their skills to perfection. They can capture every special moment of your big day, creating images you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Whether your wedding venue in Fort Lauderdale is a beachfront location or a charming garden, these photographers know how to make every shot count.
Musicians and bands
Whether you want your wedding reception to have an intimate, romantic feel or more of a party vibe, live entertainment goes a long way toward creating the atmosphere you want. Start searching for performers who can play the tunes you love and embrace the vibe you want, and make sure to see them live before deciding whether they’re a perfect fit for your big day.
Feeling overwhelmed by the myriad tasks you need to complete to plan a wedding? Engaging a wedding planner in Fort Lauderdale can make the process much easier and less stressful. Here are a few options you might like to consider to help you find the perfect Fort Lauderdale wedding venue and organize all the finer details of your day.
Blue Orchid Events & Design
This South Florida wedding and event planning service specializes in luxury weddings. Operating on the philosophy that every wedding is unique, Blue Orchid Events & Design allows you to customize your special day to ensure it’s everything you hope it will be.
Keith Willard Events
Keith Willard Events plans a wide range of social and corporate events, but they also specialize in real weddings. This South Florida company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offers a range of services to help turn your dream wedding into reality.
It’s All in the Details
This boutique wedding planning and event design company creates unique and stress-free celebrations. From day/month-of packages to full planning, It’s All in the Details can help make planning your perfect wedding a piece of cake.
As you plan your wedding in Fort Lauderdale, consider the pros and cons of this fantastic location compared to other wedding venues.
Great if you like warm weather
Hate the winter chill? The climate of Fort Lauderdale is sure to put a smile on your face.
Beautiful beaches
If you love long walks on the beach and swimming or fishing in the ocean, you’ll find lots to enjoy here. Maybe a Fort Lauderdale beach wedding sounds nice!
Laid-back lifestyle
If you like enjoying life at your own pace and a relaxed style of living, you’ll feel right at home in Fort Lauderdale.
Thriving dining scene
Love eating out? You’re spoiled for choice with a wide range of restaurants and caterers in downtown Fort Lauderdale to choose from.
Vibrant nightlife
You’ll also find plenty to do after dark in Fort Lauderdale, thanks to its many bars and nightclubs.
Humidity
If you don’t cope well with humid conditions, this may not be the city for you. Look for wedding venues in Fort Lauderdale that have accommodations suitable for a celebration in the heat.
Insects
Can’t stand mosquitoes and other bugs? You’ll need to get used to them if you’re looking for outdoor event spaces or reception venues in Fort Lauderdale.
Traffic
Traffic can be a major hassle here, so be prepared to spend plenty of time in your car while traveling between your wedding venues in Fort Lauderdale.
Tourists
Millions of tourists visit Fort Lauderdale each year, so you’ll need to get used to dealing with crowds.
High cost of living
The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is quite high, so you’ll need to factor that into your wedding venue budget.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
There are 24 miles of golden beaches to enjoy in the area, but Fort Lauderdale Beach is, without a doubt, the main attraction. Whether you’re taking to the water for a cooling swim, indulging in other watersports, or just enjoying the feeling of sand between your toes, the beach is quite simply a must-visit.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Described as Fort Lauderdale’s own version of Central Park, this beautiful urban oasis boasts a prime position between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you’re camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, or swimming, there’s a huge range of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
If you fancy yourself as a history buff, this unique museum will help you step back in time. Created in 1920, this oceanfront estate was home to artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn. Today, it’s a gorgeous house museum where you can learn more about the heady days of the early 20th century, admire famous artworks, and tour tranquil tropical gardens.