Photo by Sydney Marie Photography

Travel

Getting Married in Miami: The Complete 2024 Guide

by Milica Zarin 16 Feb 2024 •5 min read

Discover your wedding style

Take the style quiz to get personalized content.

Do you know why Miami is called The Magic City? It’s because this is a place where dream weddings come to life. Located in the heart of Florida, Miami offers a combination of tropical charm and cosmopolitan allure, an ideal destination for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience.

Supposing you prefer a romantic beach ceremony, a lavish garden celebration, or maybe an intimate affair in a historic locale? If so, Miami provides the perfect opportunity for your wedding dreams. The city's culinary scene, artistry, and world-class entertainment further contribute to its status as a top-tier wedding destination.

In this article, we’ll present you with a comprehensive guide on getting married in Miami, covering all key steps.

Marriage License in Miami

Getting married in Miami requires you to obtain a marriage license. Both partners must meet certain criteria, such as being 18 or older, having valid identification, and meeting residency requirements.

Here’s how to apply for a license:

Visit the local Clerk of the Courts office or a Marriage License Bureau.

Provide identification (ID cards, driver’s licenses, valid passports).

Pay for the fee, which is $86

Make sure to get married in the next 60 days. After that, the license expires.

Venues

When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, Miami has it all. From the sun-kissed shores to lush gardens and historic landmarks, the options are endless. Choosing the perfect venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day and reflects the love story you're about to celebrate.

Take a look at our wedding venue suggestions:

The Betsy Hotel

A luxurious beachside hotel with both inside and outside venues for your wedding. Many couples decided to have their special day marked by the hotel’s timeless romance and vintage glamour..

Mandarin Oriental

A triple five-star hotel that offers beautiful venues, catering, and services to ensure that both you and your guests never forget that day.

Eden Roc Miami Beach

Their team has a passion for organizing weddings with stunning ocean views. The place offers venues, as well as several wedding packages so you can choose the one you like the most.

Wedding Planners

Miami can offer you countless talented wedding planners, each with their own style and approach. When choosing the one for yourself, consider their expertise and experience in curating events.

Here are our top choices:

Summer Nicole Events is a full-service event planning company that focuses on making each client’s dream a reality. Their team specializes in planning weddings while thinking of all the little details.
Micro Miami was founded with one goal–to make sure you don’t stress while planning your special day. They will give you alternatives to traditional weddings with unique designs.

Bridal Salons

Miami's bridal boutiques offer countless options for brides seeking the perfect wedding dress. From classic and timeless designs to avant-garde styles, the city's bridal salons showcase the latest trends and cater to everyone’s tastes.

Here are some of the trendiest bridal boutiques in Miami:

Lovely Bride offers dresses designed by Made With Love, Alexandra Grecco, Louvienne, Rue De Seine, and others. With these many models, you’ll surely find the perfect dress for your big day.
Couture Bridal Miami lets you choose dresses from all over the world. The salon includes gowns made by designers from Spain, Italy, England, California, Japan, and other countries.

Florists

Flowers are more than decorative elements in your wedding. They are the enchanting language of love, and they add an ethereal touch to the ambiance, symbolizing the beauty of the union.

Loverly’s top florists in Miami include:

Simple Florals promises to make beautiful floral arrangements for your wedding day. They will make all your visions come to life.
LeChat Roses is a family business that specializes in weddings and prides itself on constantly delivering high-standard services.
Designs by Darenda can deliver you fresh flowers from all over the world. Their passions are unique blooms and they always strive to have something different in their shop.

Makeup and Hair Artists

Getting married in Miami also means choosing your makeup and hair artists. The local artists are renowned for their skillful hands, attention to detail, and ability to highlight the natural beauty of every bride.

These are some of the standout makeup and hair artists in Miami:

Lutz Karpf is a man whose muses are brides. He can create an elegant, clean look that will make you feel like a true princess on your wedding day.
Andrea Paola has more than 10 years of experience. She will make all your makeup visions come to life, whether it’s a soft or a glam look.

Photographers

Entrusting your wedding memories to renowned photographers ensures that your photos will be treasures.

Here are some of the most celebrated wedding photographers in the Miami area:

Kristelle Boulos Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer. She will captivate all the intimate and soulful moments of your special day.
Lukas G Photography is your go-to choice if you want to capture the timeless moments of your wedding in images marked by elegance and emotion.
Alisa Ferris documents life and love with a poetic eye. Her work is romantic, natural, and light. She will produce frame-worthy images that you can cherish forever.

Locations for Stunning Wedding Photos

South Beach: The iconic stretch of sandy beaches and colorful lifeguard stands create a classic Miami backdrop.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This historic estate boasts European-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking views.
Wynwood Walls: If you seek an artsy and vibrant backdrop, Wynwood Walls with its colorful street art and murals adds a contemporary and eclectic touch to wedding photography.
Matheson Hammock Park: Nestled along Biscayne Bay, this park offers a picturesque blend of tropical landscapes, coral gables, and a scenic marina.

Average Costs

Knowing the average costs of getting married in Miami will help you plan your budget effectively. You’ll also be prepared for all the expenses, without any unwanted surprises on the way.

The average costs include:

Venue: $2,000-$20,000
Wedding planner: $3,500 - $8,000
Photographer: $1,500 - $5,000
Catering: $20 - $150 per person
Wedding cake: $300 - $800
Flowers and decoration: $1,600 - $2,000
Hair and makeup: $320 - $600

Getting Married in Miami: Guests Guide

When it’s time to inform your guests, it’s important to provide them with detailed information on transportation options and suggest places to stay while in Miami. Our guest guide has you covered.

How to Get to Miami

Getting to Miami for your wedding should be a seamless experience for both you and your guests. Consider the following transportation options:

Air travel: Flying to Miami is a convenient option, especially for out-of-town guests. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Metrorail and Metromover: Miami's Metrorail and Metromover systems provide efficient public transportation options, as they connect key areas of the city. They are also useful for guests looking to explore Miami's downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Buses and trolleys: Miami-Dade Transit operates an extensive bus system that covers the city and neighboring areas. Trolleys are also available in certain districts.

Places for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay

Ensuring your out-of-town guests have comfortable and convenient accommodations is a big part of a memorable wedding experience.

You can consider some of our favorite hotels:

Fontainebleau Miami Beach: A renowned oceanfront resort offering luxurious accommodations, Fontainebleau is an iconic Miami destination with many amenities and easy access to the vibrant South Beach area.
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne: Located on the picturesque Key Biscayne island, this upscale resort provides a relaxing escape while still being close to downtown Miami and popular wedding venues.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Nestled along Brickell Key, this hotel offers stunning views of the city skyline and Biscayne Bay.
Kimpton EPIC Hotel: Situated in downtown Miami, this boutique hotel combines modern luxury with personalized service.

Start Your Wedding Planning Journey with Loverly

Planning a wedding is an exciting adventure, and to make the process even more seamless, consider exploring Loverly, a platform that offers wedding planning tools, expert tips, and a wealth of resources to help couples bring their wedding visions to life.

Whether you're starting your journey or looking for additional support, Loverly is here to assist you every step of the way.

May your wedding celebration be surrounded by the beauty of Miami, the love of family and friends, and the unforgettable moments that mark the beginning of your journey together!

"">