Photo : The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Tucked along Florida’s northeastern coast, Amelia Island is a dream destination for island-inspired weddings filled with natural beauty and coastal charm. Thirteen miles of pristine beaches, golden dunes dotted with sea oats, and the gentle sway of palms create a romantic, windswept setting that feels worlds away. With mild weather throughout the year and a warm, welcoming spirit, this barrier island offers couples the perfect place to start their forever, surrounded by sand, sea, and a touch of Southern elegance.
photo via : Brooke Images | Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Our Picks for Best Venues, Stays, & Views
photo via: @sarahcebulskiphotography
From elegant five-star hotels and luxurious beach clubs to historic B&Bs and everything in between, here are our picks for the best venues on Amelia Island.
the ritz-carlton, amelia island
Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
One of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, this island resort provides a welcome barrier between you and the world beyond. Located on a grand stretch of the island’s 13 miles of coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is a luxury resort. From crystal chandeliers and dynamic floral arrangements to lush palm trees and dune-lined beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, presents an array of exquisite wedding venues, both indoor and outdoor, ensuring your Florida beachfront wedding is tailored precisely to your desires, whether intimate or grand. The resort also has an extremely talented catering team that can craft a menu based on your personal preferences, as well as advisors who can assist with flowers, linens, music, décor, and more. Plus, with 446 newly renovated guestrooms, there is more than enough room for you and all of your guests to stay on-site!
omni amelia island resort & spa
photo via: Brooke Images | Walker’s Landing at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Let the on-property wedding consultants at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa take care of your every need with a relaxing, worry-free wedding. They make expert use of the resort’s seven different wedding spaces, ranging from a 16,800 square feet indoor ballroom to a breathtaking oceanside terrace. Located on the marsh side of the resort, Walker’s Landing has a grand deck that overlooks a magnificent sunset view of the Intracoastal Waterway. For couples wanting magnificent and manicured golf views, the Oak Point Lawn is carefully placed between Spanish moss-covered oak trees and the beautiful marsh. For a more rustic, intimate setting, The Sprouting Project offers a one-of-a-kind experience with a garden, greenhouse, and outdoor bar—perfect for nature-loving couples. The list of possibilities for a spectacular wedding celebration is virtually endless. Another spacious resort, with 402 guestrooms, you and your guests can all stay for the wedding weekend!
the preserve at the amelia river club
photo via : The Preserve at The Amelia River Club
The Preserve at The Amelia River Club offers an exclusive, private, and elegant wedding venue on Amelia Island’s stunning Intracoastal Waterway. The venue features breathtaking sunset views and total seclusion, ensuring a peaceful, noise-free atmosphere. Newly opened in 2025, their new, permanent 6,000 sq. ft. building can accommodate up to 437 guests, providing the perfect space for both intimate and grand celebrations. The venue includes an arbor by the water for ceremonies, bride and groom rooms, heating, air conditioning, cleaning, and security services. Couples are encouraged to work with the venue’s preferred caterers and vendors to ensure a seamless and elevated wedding experience. This venue is perfect for the couple who wants the breathtaking natural views for their big day but enjoys modern luxuries and vendor flexibility.
florida house inn
Photo: Simply Grace Photography
Perfect for elopements or micro-weddings, The Florida House Inn is located in the very heart of Fernandina Beach and is the oldest surviving hotel in the state of Florida. She serves as the matriarch of the historic district of Fernandina Beach and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1857, the Inn has been restored into an eclectic mix of vintage charm and southern hospitality, making the Inn a very unique bed and breakfast. Just steps away from live nightly entertainment! The inn offers 17 guest rooms, an English-style pub, a parlor room, private breakfast room, seating for 75 in the dining room, large wrap-around porches, private parking, and a beautifully landscaped garden and courtyard.
the ocean club of amelia island
Photo: Saltmarsh Hospitality Group
If you’re envisioning a more laid-back wedding with a more intimate guest list, then you need to check out The Ocean Club of Amelia Island. This historic event space boasts a private beach with one of the island’s best views. The Ocean Club of Amelia is an exclusive oceanfront private event space offering perfect panoramic views of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
Best Rehearsal Dinner Spots
From good ‘ol Southern home cooking to elevated gastronomic experiences, Amelia Island has something for every palate. These are our picks for best rehearsal dinner spots on the island…
best elevated casual: pogo’s kitchen
Laidback but beautifully curated, POGO’s is a cozy, casual restaurant with banquet seating, a bar, covered outdoor seating, and a private dining room featuring a wall of wine. Executive Chef Alan Heckman has crafted a menu that celebrates a medley of modern flavors. Alan’s storied culinary career only recently drew him to beautiful Amelia Island, after being featured at the James Beard House and receiving a 4-star review from the New York Times.
best fine dining: salt at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Elevated and artsy, Salt at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is not just a meal, it’s an experience. After two decades as North Florida’s acclaimed fine dining restaurant, AAA-Five Diamond Salt debuts after a total re-imagination, offering guests an elevated dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastal landscape. The redesign showcases an entirely new look and feel with a re-imagined dining room, expanded lounge, and the addition of an ocean view coastal pergola for al fresco dining, along with curated new epicurean menus and immersive dining experiences led by acclaimed Chef Okan Kizilbayir.
best eclectic menu: Café Karibo
A restaurant with decor as eclectic as its menu, the ambiance of Café Karibo’s large garden courtyard will have you order dessert just so you can linger longer. And next door, you can extend your meal with a cocktail on Karibrew’s back patio.
best crowd pleaser: burlingame
An intimate space featuring beautifully presented comfort food, Burlingame serves seasonally inspired modern American food with a twist. Chef Chad wants guests to find new excitement in classic dishes and goes to great lengths to deliver with every plate.
Best Bars & Breweries for your Afterparty
Photo: The Lobby Bar at The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island
Whether it’s official or unofficial, there will be an afterparty, so you may as well have a say in where it is. From wine bars and breweries to the oldest bar in Florida, here are our picks for best afterparty vibes.
for wine lovers: the decantery
The Decantery, located in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, is the island’s premier wine, craft beer, and cocktail lounge. In addition to an exceptional, rare, and unique wine selection, The Decantery offers delectable homemade desserts and accoutrements. Their state-of-the-art wine dispensing machines, paired with an inviting and comfortable ambiance, give guests a unique imbibing experience. For wine lovers, this is the perfect stop for your afterparty!
for music lovers: Green Turtle Tavern
Amelia Island’s funkiest and friendliest bar. Located in the heart of the historic district, the Green Turtle Tavern offers great hand-crafted cocktails using fresh local fruit and ingredients from their garden. They’re known for their live music on the front porch, mojitos, frozen strawberry margaritas, eclectic beers, and great bourbon selection!
for history lovers: the palace saloon
The Palace is the oldest operating bar in the state of Florida. Their signature rum-infused Pirates Punch will have you singing along with the ghost of Uncle Charlie, who supposedly haunts the place. If you booked a historic venue and want to continue the vintage vibes, this is the place!
Wedding Weekend Activities for you and your Guests
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island has so many fun activities for you and your wedding guests to enjoy in the downtime during your wedding weekend. Being an island, there is no shortage of water sports! While you’re at it, live out all of your Below Deck dreams with a private boat charter. You can even go horseback riding on the beach! Golf is also big on the island, and there are courses for players of all levels. And for the less sporty or guests who just want to relax, there are top knotch spas at every resort and plenty of shopping in the historic downtown district.
Best Farewell Brunch Spots
Saying goodbye is tough, especially when you probably only had the opportunity to chat with each of your guests for just a minute (if that!)–but brunch helps. Not only will a mimosa take the edge off, but it will buy you a few more hours to soak up having all of your favorite people in one place. Here are our picks for best brunch spots on Amelia Island.
for late risers: garden street bistro
Serving breakfast all day long, Garden Street Bistro is the perfect post-wedding brunch spot for couples who plan on partying well into the night. From classic egg dishes to your favorite sweet brunch treats, there’s something for everyone.
for big weddings: FloraBelle at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Welcome the day with Southern charm and coastal elegance at FloraBelle, nestled inside the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. Start your morning with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while savoring the flavors of their signature buffet, The Morning Table, or exploring their thoughtfully curated à la carte menu.
for comfort food: leddy’s porch bistro
Keep the party going at Leddy’s Porch Bistro at the Florida House Inn, where they dish up simple, clean, Southern fare for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They’re known for their famous buttermilk fried chicken & waffles and $15 bottomless Bloody Marys & Mimosas!
Now that you’ve found your perfect island wedding destination, we can’t wait to see the pictures! Start planning at AmeliaIsland.com/weddings today. Who knows, maybe it’ll be your wedding we’re featuring next…
Photo: The Preserve at The Amelia River Golf Club
Follow @visitameliaisland on IG for even more wedding weekend inspo!
We partnered with Amelia Island to bring you Florida’s hidden gem for island weddings full of Southern charm. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!
