10 Reasons to Consider an Inland Florida Wedding Over a Beachfront One
Florida’s beaches may be beautiful, but some of the most unforgettable weddings happen miles from the coast! From oak-shaded courtyards and citrus groves to historic Inns and garden estates, inland Florida offers a kind of beauty and warmth that’s hard to find anywhere else. Here’s why more couples are saying “I do” under the palms and pines of Old Florida.
1. Inland Wedding Venues Tend to Be More Affordable
Coastal venues often come with premium pricing for permits, insurance, and location. Inland venues such as especially privately owned farms, estates, and historic properties, typically offer more flexible rental hours, fewer restrictions, and overall better value for your budget.
2. Weather-Friendly Options
Wind, salt air, and unpredictable beach weather can make planning tricky. Inland properties often feature shaded courtyards, open gardens, and covered patios that keep your celebration comfortable and wedding plan in tact
3. Tap Into the Highly Underrated Authentic Old Florida Charm
From moss-draped oaks, acres of open field, to wraparound vintage porches and modern barns, inland Florida captures the spirit of “Old Florida” — timeless, warm, and effortlessly romantic.
4. Still Close Enough to the Coast for a Beach Honeymoon
Hosting inland doesn’t mean missing out on the beach. Many inland counties are only a short drive from the Gulf, making it easy to turn your wedding weekend into a coastal honeymoon or mini-vacation for family!
5. Greater Venue and Vendor Availability
Beachfront areas book quickly and often come with travel surcharges. Inland Florida gives you access to equally talented vendors and gorgeous venues, with more flexibility and friendlier pricing.
6. Convenient Access for Out-of-Town Guests
Most inland destinations are still within easy driving distance of major airports like Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. That means simple travel logistics for guests flying in for your big day.
7. More Affordable Lodging for Guests
From traditional bed & breakfasts to cozy Inns, inland towns offer plenty of comfortable and budget-friendly lodging options. Perfect for guests planning to stay the full weekend.
8. Endless Variety of Backdrops
Think citrus groves, wildflower fields, timeless grassy plains, and historic properties! Inland Florida offers incredible visual variety for your ceremony and photos, no matter your theme or aesthetic.
9. Something Different for You and Your Guests
A beachfront wedding is lovely, but an inland setting feels refreshingly unique. Guests will experience a side of Florida they’ve likely never seen! I’m talking wide-open fields, rolling acreage, and the quiet beauty of rural landscapes filled with history, charm, and character.
10. Small-Town Southern Hospitality
Couples often find that inland venues come with genuine warmth and personal care. From family-owned farms to locally run estates, you’ll experience the kind of hospitality that makes your wedding feel truly one-of-a-kind.
