Imagine rolling sand dunes that spill into crystal beaches, the sound of the waves crashing into the shore, a place where romance meets Southern charm. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, Amelia Island is a perfect setting for your destination wedding. From the most intimate ceremonies to extravagant affairs, beach gatherings to traditional chapel services, a destination wedding should be a mix of fairy tale nuptials and seamless holiday experience to create a wedding dream come true. With numerous picturesque locations, fabulous venues and talented vendors, one of our top picks for a destination wedding is Amelia Island.

Amelia Island has endless options for venue locations. Extravagant affairs can be celebrated at four diamond resorts where you can host your guests in ocean-side luxury. Host an intimate gathering at a cozy beach and breakfast. Or escape just the two of you and elope in historic downtown. Looking to get your toes in the sand? Opt for a beach wedding! Before the big day, take some time to take advantage of all Amelia Island has to offer with a spa day, golf outing, beach bonfire or rehearsal dinner. The list of enhancements for your big day is virtually endless.

Amelia Island does its best to assist with the stress of planning a destination wedding. The island itself offers 13 miles of pristine beach, framed by natural splendor, and over 40 public beach access points. You do not need a permit to get married on the sand. However, nesting for sea turtles takes places between May 1 – October 31st so the city does request that you smooth out the sand after the ceremony is complete. The variety of venues on the island can accommodate any style. There are a number of options for wedding planners that can be priceless when planning from afar. And the island provides all the information in order to obtain a Florida marriage license, which is required. Make sure to bring your driver’s license, social security number and non-U.S. citizens should submit naturalization number, immigration number or passport number. The license costs $93.50 and can be obtained at the Nassau County Historic Courthouse in Fernandina Beach.

Rich with natural history and beauty, Amelia Island is a destination wedding favorite. A perfect mix of quaint charm, world-class resorts, pristine golf courses, lavish spas and delicious restaurants, the romantic appeal of the island seeps through all you see to provide the happiest of ever afters.


About Amelia Island

At a Glance

  • GIDDY UP: Take an evening stroll by horse on the beach at Amelia Island State Park.
  • CULTURE AND TOURS: Walk or ride in the steps of history with ghost tours, museum visits, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or even a Segway tour! Want to hit the links? Enjoy a round of golf at one of the best courses in Florida, Long Point Golf Course.
  • SPLISH SPLASH: From parasailing to deep-sea fishing, underwater adventures to dolphin watching, there is as much to explore on and in the water as there is on land.
  • ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT: Looking to become one with nature? Maybe get a little exercise in at the same time? Head to Talbot Island State Park and spend the morning kayaking the salt marsh.
  • HAPPY HOUR: Looking for a place to unwind after a day of activities? Take in the atmosphere at 1878 Palace Saloon, supposedly one of the oldest bars in Florida!
  • FESTIVALS: Amelia Island has its fair share of unforgettable festivals. Some fan favorites include Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Amelia Island Jazz Festival and America Island Film Festival. If you around town, make sure to stop by and enjoy!
  • RIVER CRUISING: Learn about the history of the area with a sightseeing river cruise. In the early 20th Century, Amelia Island became the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Today, nearly 80 percent of Florida’s intake of shrimp is harvested in Amelia’s waters and its downtown docks are still home to the shrimp fleet.

Travel Tips

  • ISLAND WEATHER: No matter the season, Amelia Island offers the perfect climate. Enjoy warm spring temperatures; excellent summer swimming weather, crisp fall evenings, and temperate winter days – all comfortable for any type of island play.
  • GETTING THERE: By car, air or boat, Amelia Island is surprisingly easy to get to. Although located only 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport, you’ll feel miles away from it all on this charming, tranquil island.
  • DINING: Seafood is the way to go when on the island. Whatever the selection, you can’t go wrong. Head to the Golden Grouper, where seafood is made in traditional style – fried, broiled or baked! Want a view with you dinner? Hit up Brett’s Waterway Cafe where you will enjoy some of the best seafood, as well as an amazing view of the Intracoastal Highway
  • FERNANDINA BEACH: The once-vibrant, Victorian seaport village of Fernandina Beach is now postcard perfect with rows of shops, an eclectic assortment of boutiques and delicious restaurants.