Important Information
Weather PolicyPlanning for Florida Weather
Florida's beaches are stunning, and most of our weddings happen exactly as planned under beautiful skies. This page explains how we handle inclement weather so you can prepare with confidence and focus on what matters most — your wedding day.
Outdoor Weddings & Weather
We are so excited to be a part of your beach wedding! Over our 22+ years of experience, our team has learned everything there is to know about planning beautiful ceremonies — rain or shine.
When you choose an outdoor event, you are accepting that weather may play a role in your day. Florida's beaches are breathtaking, but no outdoor venue can guarantee perfect skies. Florida Weddings is a service provider, not a physical venue, so we do not own or operate a backup indoor space.
Securing a Backup Location
We strongly recommend that every couple identify and secure a backup location for their ceremony. When you book with us, we provide a curated list of local hotels, resorts, and private dining rooms that offer indoor ceremony space — along with contact information so you can easily reach out for pricing and availability.
Some venues allow same-day walk-in access; others require advance reservations and deposits. We suggest making a few calls in the months leading up to your wedding so you have a solid plan in place. That peace of mind is priceless.
Securing and paying for any backup space is the responsibility of the couple, as stated in our contracts. If you choose not to reserve a backup location, we will honor that decision — but our office will not be able to assist in finding one last minute should inclement weather occur.
Rain-or-Shine Ceremonies
Some couples decide ahead of time that they will get married on the beach regardless of the weather — and that is a perfectly valid choice. We will never stand in the way of what you want for your day.
That said, there are two important limitations to be aware of:
- Lightning within a 15-mile radius: Florida is the lightning capital of the world. If lightning is detected within 15 miles of your ceremony site, none of our vendors will be permitted on the beach, and we strongly advise that you and your guests stay off the beach as well. Safety is non-negotiable.
- Photography and videography in the rain: Our photographers and videographers will not provide services outdoors in active rainfall. Their equipment is expensive and irreplaceable, and protecting it is essential to their livelihood. If it is raining, they will provide their full services indoors within your scheduled time frame.
Your Officiant
If it is raining but there is no lightning, your officiant may be willing to stand on the beach and marry you. We will communicate with them on your behalf and let you know what is possible given conditions on the day.
Décor Setup
Your ceremony décor is set up once. Due to the time required to arrange everything, there is not enough flexibility to tear down, transport, and reset at a second location while still starting on time.
If weather is not a concern at setup time, we will arrange your décor on the beach as planned — sometimes clouds clear and the ceremony proceeds beautifully. If you prefer, and your backup location approves, we can set up indoors from the start.
There are no refunds on décor items due to inclement weather, as stated in our contract.
Day-of Communication
Please contact our team on the morning of your wedding if you are concerned about the weather. We will work through the situation with you, help you weigh your options, and support whatever decision is best for you and your guests.
Our goal — always — is to get you on the beach. The overwhelming majority of our weddings take place exactly as planned, and we will do everything in our power to make yours one of them.