Dreaming of a tropical destination wedding? Put your passport away — you don’t have to leave the country to achieve everything on your wedding wish list when you experience the beaches, islands and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Here are 10 reasons to consider this Southwest Florida oasis for your destination wedding.
1. There are 50 miles of white-sand beaches
Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, the natural surroundings create a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding. Uncrowded beaches and natural islands offer the seclusion you crave, and there’s plenty of space to celebrate with your loved ones. Best of all, sunsets of the Gulf side of Florida are unobstructed and incredible.
2. It’s accessible for you and your guests
You’ll feel transported to another place, but as a U.S. destination, there’s no passport required. Over 50 direct flights arrive daily, both domestically and internationally, into Southwest Florida International Airport, making travel a cinch for you and your guests.
3. There’s year-round warm weather
Plan your dream wedding in any season – the weather is beautiful all year round! Beach ceremony opportunities and open-air venues abound, allowing you to take full advantage of the perfect weather.
4. You can get married at a waterfront venue…
It’s no wonder a waterfront ceremony here is a top choice — you get to celebrate your special day in a setting as beautiful as your love. ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is filled with historic charm, with a variety of reception venue choices to continue the party after your beach ceremony. Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection is a modern and inviting choice for unparalleled water views paired with sleek city vibes. And the famed Tarpon Lodge takes you off the beaten path, where you can enjoy a waterfront wedding filled with romance, privacy, and serenity. No matter your wedding style, there’s a perfect spot for you.
5. In a historic home…
Burroughs Home & Gardens dates back to 1918 and is one of the only homes of its time still standing in its original location and open to the public. This property features an open-air pavilion with breathtaking riverfront views, sultry sunsets, and lush gardens.
The Heitman House stems from romance: it was built in 1908 as an engagement gift by Gilmer Heitman for his bride. The beautiful grounds, wrap-around porch, and sunset views, paired with outstanding food and top-notch service, come together to make your wedding dreams come true.
6. Or in a romantic garden filled with Old Florida charm…
The famed inventor Thomas Edison first visited Fort Myers in 1886 and fell in love with the area so much that he purchased 13 acres to build his summer estate. His friend Henry Ford visited in 1914 and quickly purchased the home adjacent to Edison’s winter home. Today, both historic homes have been preserved as museums with immaculate gardens that can be rented for outdoor weddings.
With its tropical climate, the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers invite lush gardens. If your wedding fantasies are filled with gorgeous gardens, then you’ll definitely want to check out Bayan Courtyard at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Shangri-La Springs, and The White Orchid.
7. Pre- and post-wedding activities complete your weekend
Turn your wedding into a fun-filled weekend getaway, with plenty of local favorite activities to choose from. Your guests can try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boating, wind surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. Take a boat tour of the area through the Lagerhead Cycleboats, and spend some time island hopping to really experience the best of the area. Don’t forget to collect seashells!
8. It’s not just for weddings
There are boundless options for bachelor and bachelorette parties, mini moons, honeymoons, engagement trips, and more. The Fort Myers area is home to a number of breweries and distilleries along the Gulf Toast Brew Trail. Catch a live performance at one of the renowned theatres, like Florida Repertory Theatre, Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, and Broadway Palm Dinner. Dining hotspots include Times Square on Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers, Sanibel & Captiva Islands, and the Downtown River District. And best of all, festivals and events are held year-round, featuring art, music, film, lights, food, and more. Some local favorites are Food & Wine Weekend of Boca Grande, Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, Taste of the Islands, ArtFest, and Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.
9. Escape the hustle and bustle with nature and wildlife
The greater Fort Myers area is filled with entertainment, but it’s also an ideal place to escape the frenetic pace of everyday life. Wander the trails of the Six Mile Cypress Slough, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, or Lovers Key State Park. Observe the animals at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find migratory birds, bobcats, river otters, alligators, and more. Visit the Rotary Park, Preserve and Butterfly Garden of Cape Coral for a delightful afternoon surrounded by native butterfly species. And connect with all elements of nature at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, which includes an animal sanctuary, butterfly garden, living history museum, nature trails, and planetarium.
10. There’s an emphasis on sustainability
Fort Myers is a region you can feel good about visiting – sustainability is a top priority. Immerse yourself in a sustainable environment at Shangri-La Springs, a historic hotel that’s also a top choice for weddings featuring an organic garden, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, and more. Eat local through Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm, a sustainable farm raising 100% grass-fed cows and heritage breed pastured pigs and chickens. And be sure to take advantage of the year-round farmers markers to sample fresh farm-to-table foods.
Start planning your dream day at VisitFortMyers.com/Weddings
