Beach Weddings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Do you need a permit for a Fort Lauderdale beach wedding?

Yes. Ceremonies on Fort Lauderdale’s public beaches require a permit, and the rules differ by stretch of sand and by city — Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, and Hollywood each run their own process and fees. We pull the permit for every wedding we coordinate, so you never deal with city hall or risk getting moved mid-ceremony. We also know which areas allow chairs, arches, and décor and which keep it simple.

Getting your Florida marriage license

Before the ceremony you’ll need a Florida marriage license from a county clerk — for most of our couples, the Broward County Clerk. The license is $93.50 (a discount applies if Florida residents complete a state-approved premarital course), both partners must appear in person with valid photo ID, and it stays valid for 60 days. Florida residents have a three-day waiting period unless they take the premarital course; out-of-state couples have no waiting period, which makes Fort Lauderdale an easy destination ceremony. After your ceremony we file the signed license and your certified marriage certificate is issued within about ten days.

Elopement, full ceremony, or vow renewal?

A beach elopement is the simplest — just the two of you with your officiant and witnesses, ideal for couples who want the beach without the production. A full ceremony package scales up for guests, with seating, an arch, florals, and music. A vow renewal celebrates a milestone with all the beauty of a wedding and none of the paperwork. Not sure which fits? We’ll talk through your guest count, budget, and vision and build the day around it.

When is the best time for a beach wedding in Fort Lauderdale?

South Florida is a year-round wedding destination, but the most comfortable stretch runs late October through April, when humidity drops and the light turns soft. Sunrise and late-afternoon “golden hour” ceremonies give you the best photos and the smallest crowds. Popular Saturday sunset slots book months ahead, so if you have a date in mind, reach out early.

What does “all-inclusive” actually cover?

Our all-inclusive Fort Lauderdale all-inclusive ceremonies bundle the essentials so there are no surprises: the licensed officiant, the beach permit, ceremony setup and breakdown, custom-written vows, and marriage certificate filing. Add-ons like a floral arch, chairs, photography, and a sand or champagne ceremony are there when you want them — coordinated by one team on one simple timeline.

Which Fort Lauderdale beaches are best for a wedding?

Fort Lauderdale Beach along A1A is the classic choice — wide, soft sand with the iconic wave wall behind you. For something quieter, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and the north end toward Pompano Beach offer calmer, less-crowded stretches that photograph beautifully at sunrise. Dania Beach and Hollywood give you a more laid-back, local feel, and the Hollywood Broadwalk is a favorite for couples who want a stroll after the ceremony. Each beach has its own permit rules and its own personality; once we know the look you’re after and your guest count, we recommend the spot that fits and secure it for your date.

Planning a destination beach wedding from out of state

A large share of our couples fly in for their Fort Lauderdale ceremony, and Florida makes it simple: there’s no residency requirement and no waiting period for out-of-state couples, so you can land, pick up your marriage license from the Broward County Clerk, and marry on the sand within days. We coordinate everything before you arrive — permit, setup, officiant, vows, and timing — and send a clear checklist so the only thing left when you touch down is the beach. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport sits about fifteen minutes from most of our ceremony beaches, which keeps travel easy for you and your guests.

What should we plan for a beach ceremony?

Beach ceremonies are relaxed, but a few details make the day smoother. Plan for bare feet or flat sandals — heels and sand don’t mix — and think about shade or a parasol for guests during midday sun. Light, breathable fabrics move and photograph well in the ocean breeze, and a wind-friendly hair plan saves stress in your photos. We time ceremonies around the tide and the light, keep them short and meaningful (most run 20 to 30 minutes), and handle every bit of setup so you and your guests simply arrive and enjoy it.