Why Fernandina is the Perfect Wedding Destination

Image Courtesy of The Pavilion

Elements that Make Fernandina an Ideal Spot to Tie the Knot

In a world where weddings are multi-day celebrations, the location you choose is incredibly important. A nearby airport, plenty of activities, amazing food, and a variety of accommodations are all crucial for a great experience for you and your guests. Of course, your dream wedding venue also has to be there! Luckily for you, Fernandina has all of these elements and more.

Venues and Dining for Every Occasion

The Pavilion is the island’s premier outdoor wedding venue. Its design makes you feel as if you’re in your own private oasis with picturesque landscaping and gorgeous pieces of history all around. The Pavilion’s open air concept allows your guests to enjoy the Florida weather without running the risk of a rainstorm ruining your big day. The best part about this venue though, is that the food is actually good.

Image Courtesy of The Pavilion

Cafe Karibo is a great spot for a welcome party and rehearsal dinner. With its eclectic menu, the Cafe offers unique bites that your guests will love. It’s a rare occurrence when you can find Korean style BBQ ribs, steak and shrimp frites, and Mediterranean couscous salad all at the same restaurant. This menu variety paired with the laidback atmosphere make it an enjoyable gathering place for the night before you walk down the aisle. 

For the day after the wedding, the Sandbar’s beachfront brunch is a wonderful idea. They’ve got all the classics including avocado toast and chicken and waffles. If your crew was a little rowdy the night before, you could come on down to Timoti’s Seafood Shak for some chicken tenders or fried shrimp. There’s nothing like a basket of fried food and a Coca-Cola to cure a hangover!

Stays for All Price Points

Amelia Island boasts two of the nation’s top luxury hotels: The Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Both resorts have spas and golf courses, along with many other experiences to occupy your down time in Fernandina. If you’re planning a last minute bachelor or bachelorette trip before the wedding day, these accommodations would provide the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation!

For those seeking a more authentic Fernandina stay, the Amelia Island Williams House would be our top recommendation. It was built in 1856 and now operates as a charming bed and breakfast. The Florida House Inn also offers quaint guest rooms with two onsite dining options, Leddy’s Porch and the Mermaid Bar. Both establishments are right in the heart of downtown Fernandina, which means they’re within walking distance from the best activities on the island! If these don’t sound like perfect accommodations for you and your guests, there are plenty of other amazing places to stay on the island!

Entertainment for the Whole Family

Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links & Drinks and Duck Pinz are two of the most popular things to do in downtown, and they’re fun for little ones and adults. MacGregor’s is an 18-hole putt putt course with a 19th hole that serves frozen drinks, cocktails, fun bites, and ice cream. Duck Pinz is a retro bowling alley and arcade serving craft cocktails and snacks. Whether these are late night or midday activities, they are sure to provide a good time for your wedding weekend! You can even reserve MacGregor’s, Duck Pinz, Café Karibo, and The Pavilion together for a full-on block party.

Fernandina is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia River, and Intracoastal Waterway. This means there are so many water-based adventures that await you and your loved ones. Fishing, cruising, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and more–the world is your oyster! If you’re wanting a more casual day in the sun, the beach is only a 5-minute drive from downtown. 

Image Courtesy of Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links & Drinks

Get Married in Fernandina Beach

Take advantage of all that our little beach town has to offer from the picture-perfect wedding venues to the idyllic bed and breakfasts. Don’t forget to stop by Timoti’s while you’re in town for a dose of Southern hospitality and good food!