About Fort Lauderdale
With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Fort Lauderdale has long been a popular vacation destination. 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.
And if you’re getting married in Fort Lauderdale, the possibilities are endless. From breezy beach weddings to more traditional affairs, intimate gatherings to huge celebrations, there’s nothing to stop you from planning the wedding you’ve been dreaming of in this south Florida gem.
Wedding Options in Fort Lauderdale
What makes a perfect wedding? Is it the venue, the decor, the food, the guests, or maybe the music? In reality, it’s a combination of a number of factors that come together to create a memorable and romantic atmosphere, so there are lots of boxes to tick when planning your dream day.
- Wedding venues
Searching for the best Fort Lauderdale wedding venues? There’s a huge range of options to choose from, from intimate and cozy spaces to grand banquet halls. Outdoor weddings are also popular in this part of the world, so be sure to compare a variety of venues before deciding where to tie the knot.
- Photographers
The best Fort Lauderdale wedding photographers 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.
- 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 towards creating the atmosphere you want. Start searching for the 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.
Wedding Planning Companies in Fort Lauderdale
Feeling overwhelmed by the myriad tasks you need to complete to plan a wedding? Engaging a Fort Lauderdale wedding planner 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 weddings. This south Florida company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offers a range of services to help make your dream wedding a 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.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Fort Lauderdale
As you plan your wedding in Fort Lauderdale, consider the pros and cons of this fantastic location.
Advantages
- Great if you like warm weather
Hate the winter chill? The Fort Lauderdale climate 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 even a beach wedding!
- 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 Fort Lauderdale restaurants to choose from.
- Vibrant nightlife
You’ll also find plenty to do after dark in Fort Lauderdale thanks to its many bars and nightclubs.
Disadvantages
- Humidity
If you don’t cope well with humid conditions, this may not be the city for you. Look for a Fort Lauderdale wedding venue that has accommodation 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 going to live here.
- Traffic
Traffic can be a major hassle in Fort Lauderdale, so be prepared to spend plenty of time in your car, maybe on the day of the wedding also.
- 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 budget.
Famous Locations in Fort Lauderdale
- 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.