If you’re dreaming of a Winter Wedding in Florida, there’s no better place than the historic and picturesque cities of St. Augustine or Jacksonville. Most of the country battles freezing temperatures and snowstorms. But not Florida! There you will find sunshine, mild weather, and breathtaking coastal scenery. This makes Florida an ideal destination for couples looking to say “I do” in the winter months.
Why Plan a Winter Wedding in Florida?
The Weather During the Winter in Florida
If you live here, you might be excited for the “cooler” weather. But, if you are planning a destination wedding, you may be coming to Florida for the “warmer” winter weather. Whatever the case may be, this might be the perfect option for you!
Winter Temperatures in Northeast Florida
The average temperature in for your wedding in St. Augustine during the winter months is:
November: High 71 and the low is 61, the average number of days of rain is 6.3 days. November is the month with the fewest number of rainy days in St. Augustine.
December: High 65 and the low is 54. There is a 20% chance of rain on average during any given day in December.
January: High 61 and the low is 51. The average chance of rainfall in January fluctuates from 21% to 26%, so it is relatively dry. It is considered the coldest month in St. Augustine.
February: High 65 and the low is 53, February averages 3 days of rain. These are GREAT odds of a dry wedding in St. Augustine!
As you look at these temperatures, depending on your personality, these temperatures might look like a dream or they may look frigid.
Fewer Crowds
Since winter is Florida’s off-season for tourism, you may find that popular venues hotels, and vendors have more availability and potentially better pricing. Your wedding will also feel more intimate without the peak-season crowds.
Although wedding vendors or venues in Jacksonville or St. Augustine area may not give seasonal discounts. Flights and travel accommodations for your guest do tend to be less expensive during the winter months and that is definitely a bonus!
If you decide on a beach wedding in St. Augustine or Jacksonville, you could end up having the beach all to yourself! Some popular beaches in Northeast Florida for your wedding would be: Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, Palm Coast, and Flagler Beach.
Gorgeous Sunset Timing for your winter wedding in Florida
During the winter the sun sets earlier, which, if you think of this as a bonus, you can plan a beautiful golden hour ceremony.
For reference, in November the sunset is around 5:30 pm to 5:20 pm, in December it is also between 5:30 pm and 5:20 pm depending on the day. In January, the sun starts to set between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm and then in February it sets between 6:00 pm and 6:20 pm, depending on the day.
This is great, but, coming from a photographer, take into consideration the sunset when you plan your ceremony time and pictures (unless you want pictures in the dark). Consult with your photographer and planner to come up with optimal times. A first look may be recommended during the winter months to take advantage of the light during these early sunset months.
Stunning Outdoor Jacksonville Wedding Venues
St. Augustine and Jacksonville (as well as other area nearby like Amelia Island and St. Simons Island) boast incredible wedding venues, from historic estates and oceanfront resorts to charming courtyards and gardens. A winter wedding allows you to take full advantage of these beautiful outdoor locations without battling the summer heat. Some of my favorite venues with outdoor options are:
Epping Forrest Yacht & Country Club
And so many more! One thing I learned about winter weddings in Florida, before I lived here, I flew from California to Florida to shoot a destination wedding. I thought, “I’m going to Florida, it won’t be cold.” I learned the hard way that it can be cold in Florida in January at an outdoor wedding. Remind your guests to be prepared, you many need a little more than a light jacket and sandals.
Tips for Planning your Winter wedding in Florida
Always Have a Backup Plan for your Northeast Florida winter wedding
The amazing Jacksonville and St. Augustine wedding planner, Heather at First Coast Wedding and Events offered her #1 tip for planning your winter wedding in Florida. It is to, “always have a backup plan for any outdoor activities. ‘Winter’ in Florida can mean 80 degrees and sunny one day, 40 degrees and rainy the next. Whether it’s a tent, heaters, or an indoor Plan B, a backup plan is crucial year-round in Florida!” Thank you Heather! Check her out HERE for all of your St. Augustine or Jacksonville wedding.
Such great advice!! Always ask your venue what your options are for cold and rain. Make sure you like the options because you never know when it might be necessary.
Book your St. Augustine Wedding Venue and Vendors early for your Florida Winter Wedding
While winter is less crowded, Florida is still a popular wedding destination. Secure your venue early, especially if you’re eyeing a sought-after locations.
Embrace Seasonal Decor for your winter wedding in Florida
Winter in Florida doesn’t mean snow. But you can still incorporate elegant seasonal elements like deep greens, classic whites, and candlelit ambiance, like this wedding in the blog! Neutral Christmas trees and fake snow really add that holiday vibe without being “too much”. If you want a tropical touch, add palm fronds and light bougainvillea pinks for a Florida winter vibe.
Utilize the Historic Holiday Charm of St. Augustine
If you love a romantic, old-world feel, St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets, historic venues, and waterfront views provide an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photos. Consider booking a horse-drawn carriage ride or planning a first look near the Castillo de San Marcos.
If you’re planning a December or early January wedding, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights Festival transforms the city into a twinkling wonderland. The festive lights make for magical wedding portraits and an extra touch of holiday charm.
An amazingly talented local wedding planner, Kelsie, with Kelsie Elizabeth Events gave this advice for couples planning their winter wedding in Florida in the St. Augustine area. “Couples definitely want to consider the Night of Lights, which begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs through the last weekend of January, typically. It can be a very popular time of year here as the whole City Downtown is decorated with white Christmas lights. It’s beautiful, but it can be very busy so couples want to plan ahead. It’s a great time for a wedding if you don’t mind the larger crowds in the downtown area, and the bay front is a beautiful spot for photos during that time with the city skyline lit up as the backdrop. This would be considered peak season here so, again, plan in advance.”
Thank you Kelsie, check her out HERE to help you plan your St. Augustine wedding any time of year.
A Winter Wedding in Florida is the perfect way to enjoy beautiful weather, stunning locations, and a stress-free celebration. Whether you choose a beachfront ceremony in Jacksonville or a historic courtyard in St. Augustine, winter provides a unique and elegant setting for your big day.
If you’re ready to plan your dream wedding, be sure to book your photographer early to capture all the magical moments of your special day!
I would LOVE to be the one to photograph your winter wedding in Florida! Click HERE to hop on over to my website and learn all about Mollie Jane Photography!
