PARADISE COAST IS A TOP FLORIDA DESTINATION FOR WEDDINGS ON THE BEACH
With Florida being one of the world’s biggest hotspots for weddings, there’s no shortage of scenic destinations for celebrations of all types. From glamorous to rustic, intimate to over-the-top, there’s a city and venue to accommodate any wedding vision. Paradise Coast is a region couples will especially want to consider when hosting weddings on the beach, as it offers the perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, and wilderness.
Where is Paradise Coast located in Florida?
Paradise Coast is located in Southwest Florida and includes Naples, Marco Island, and the iconic Everglades. This is where the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling waters meet white sand, wild islands, and downtown avenues filled with artful treasures, culinary delights, luxury resorts, world-class golf, and more. It’s truly a unique wedding destination that is rich in both culture and wildlife. From Dale Chihuly artworks to world renowned culinary experiences, gator-spotting to gallery-hopping, and trophy beaches to award-winning golf courses, Florida's Paradise Coast is defined by its delightful diversity and luxury lifestyle.
When is the best time of year for Paradise Coast weddings?
Sunset weddings on Paradise Coast are second-to-none, so it’s understandable that it’s an incredibly popular wedding destination. Couples are advised to begin planning as soon as possible – especially so there’s ample time to coordinate the perfect ceremony location. The best months for hosting weddings on the beach are April, May, October, and November. These months offer the best Paradise Coast weather; and since it is not high season, hotel rates are more reasonable.
Paradise Coast Weddings in Naples
Each of the three areas that make up Paradise Coast have a distinct vibe, which is what makes the region so special. For Paradise Coast weddings filled with small town charm and high-end luxury, Naples is the perfect destination. Picturesque streets and avenues are lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries; and of course, it’s all just steps away from gorgeous beaches and spectacular sunsets. With Naples being the cultural hub for entertainment, shopping, and fine dining on Paradise Coast, there’s plenty of activities and experiences for wedding guests to enjoy.
Paradise Coast Weddings on Marco Island
Marco Island is a beachfront paradise, making it an idyllic choice for weddings on the beach. Known worldwide for its white sand beaches, Marco Island is surrounded by the Golf of Mexico on one side, and pristine mangrove estuaries on the other. The island is also the western gateway to Everglades National Park, and its natural environment creates the best backdrop for parasailing, fishing, kayaking, dolphin tours, and manatee sighting.
Paradise Coast Weddings in the Everglades
Visiting Everglades City can only be described as “stepping into the Florida of days gone by.” The Everglades are flanked by Everglades National Park, the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand State Forest, Collier-Seminole State Park, and the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. In short, this small town is located on the edge of the Florida wilderness and caters to couples looking for a wedding destination with a slower pace, rural surroundings, and outdoor adventures. Even if they choose to host their celebration in Naples or Marco Island, the Everglades still makes for an exciting day trip during or after the wedding weekend.
What To Know about Hosting Weddings On the Beach
Due to Hurricane Ian, a few beach access points on Paradise Coast remain closed. Currently, the City of Naples is issuing permits to 8th Avenue South beach access only, until guest safety and accessibility is available at other locations. Collier County Parks & Recreation is issuing permits for the following locations: Vanderbilt Beach, Clam Pass Park, South Marco Island, and Tigertail Beach.
There’s several Paradise Coast resorts that are hosting weddings on the beach without needing a permit from the city. Edgewater Beach Hotel has its own private beach, so a permit from the City of Naples is not required. Naples Grande Beach Resort will arrange weddings at their local beach, Clam Pass Park, permitted by Collier County. On Marco Island, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and Hilton Marco Island can also assist in creating dream weddings on the beach.
Once re-opened, the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, which are both currently closed, will be available for beach weddings as well.
For More information, visit paradisecoast.com/weddings
What To Do in Paradise Coast
When planning a fun-filled Paradise Coast itinerary, couples should always check the events calendar of their destination, as local events add such a special touch to the overall guest experience. Optional activities before the wedding day are always great to include, as some guests may be flying in several days beforehand and will appreciate having some suggestions researched ahead of time. Popular things to do in Paradise Coast include Dale Chihuly artworks at The Baker Museum, taking a paddling tour with Naples Paddleboard, exploring wild islands while gliding through the Everglades on an airboat at Wooten’s Everglades, and learning about the local flora and fauna aboard a sightseeing cruise with Pure FL.
For a touch of romance and luxury, couples and guests may want to indulge in the world-class spas at Naples and Marco Island resorts, where attentive staff takes pampering to the next level. Visitors can experience a sensory overload at the Naples Botanical Garden, where they can tour the butterfly pavilion and explore the cultivated gardens of Asia, Florida, Brazil and the Caribbean and a calmingly reflective Water Garden. In the evening, sunsets may be enjoyed aboard a dinner cruise with Naples Princess Cruises. For all things elegant and refined, visitors should head to Third Street South and 5th Avenue South. This bustling downtown district offers great dining and entertainment.
Visit paradisecoast.com for more information.