Florida Keys Destination Weddings
Couples that desire a romantic wedding set to a backdrop of sun, sand, and surf, but don't want to leave the country may choose a Florida Keys destination wedding. Situated off the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys offer a variety of destination wedding opportunities from which to choose.
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Benefits
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Many beachfront destination weddings take place in Mexico or on tropical islands. A passport or other travel documents are necessary to travel to these types of locations. This may limit who can attend your wedding. Travel costs to and from island and foreign destinations is usually higher than travel costs within the 48 contiguous states. Airlines frequently offer sale prices to and from destinations in Florida. You may even be able to drive to the Florida Keys, which further lowers travel costs. Since the Florida Keys is a domestic wedding destination, exchanging currency and dealing with foreign language issues are also not required.
Florida Marriage License Requirements
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You might have up to a three day waiting period after obtaining a marriage license before you can get married in the Florida Keys, if you have not successfully completed a premarital counseling course. You and your future spouse will need to show a state official at the Clerks of Court office your government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport. You do not have to be a resident of Florida to marry in Florida. If you or your spouse were previously married, a certified copy of a divorce decree or death certificate could be required before the state of Florida will issue a marriage license. You will also be required to pay a filing fee. The cost of a marriage license can change at any time, and most Clerks of Court offices do not accept credit or debit cards. Contact the office in the county where your destination wedding will take place for detailed fee information.
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Considerations
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Consider the cost of travel and accommodations when planning your Florida Keys destination wedding. Most packages do not include travel, and many packages only include accommodations for the bride and groom. Couples that wish to have their close friends and family at the wedding may need to add in travel, food, and lodging costs for their guests when planning the overall wedding budget.
Potential
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A Florida Keys destination wedding can be as lavish or as simple as you want it to be. Inexpensive wedding packages start at $375, and include performance of the ceremony and the bride and groom's flowers. For those that wish to have an exquisite wedding, there are several local wedding planners that can assist you in creating your perfect fairy tale wedding. Keep in mind that many of the customized wedding plans do not come in packages and that the cost of a wedding planner is usually on top of the costs of other wedding expenses.
Warning
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Hurricane season runs from August to November, and peaks in September. Consider purchasing travel insurance if you are concerned that a hurricane could interrupt your trip. Travel insurance may only cover your travel arrangements including airfare and accommodations. A wedding insurance policy could be necessary to ensure that the cost of your wedding is recovered in the event of extreme weather.
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