A small outdoor ceremony in South Florida — 20 guests, floral arch, and warm Florida light
Small weddings are having a moment — and South Florida is one of the best places in the country to have one. The weather, the venues, the flexibility. If you're planning an intimate wedding for under 30 guests, here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Small Wedding?
There's no official definition, but we work with couples planning ceremonies for anywhere from 2 to 30 guests. Under 10 is typically an elopement. 10–30 guests is what most people mean by "small wedding." Both are beautiful. Both are completely achievable in South Florida on a reasonable timeline.
Why South Florida Is Perfect for a Small Wedding
- Weather — November through April is virtually perfect. Outdoor ceremonies work year-round if you plan timing right.
- Venues — parks, beaches, private homes, restaurant buyouts, hotel gardens. Most of these are accessible and affordable for small groups.
- No long lead times — a small wedding can be planned in 3–4 weeks. Large weddings need a year. Small ones don't.
- Cost — dramatically lower than a large wedding. Our all-inclusive packages start at $4,000.
Best Venues for Small Weddings in South Florida
- Beach parks — Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, Spanish River Park (Boca), John U. Lloyd (Dania Beach). Most allow ceremonies with a permit for small groups.
- Private homes and villas — backyard ceremonies work beautifully with the right floral setup. We've done dozens.
- Restaurant private rooms — ceremony and reception in one location. Many South Florida restaurants accommodate 20-30 guests.
- Hotel gardens and terraces — upscale option with built-in catering and service.
An intimate reception table for 20 guests — white florals, candles, and warm evening light
What's Included in Our Small Wedding Package
Our all-inclusive small wedding packages start at $4,000 and include:
- Bridal bouquet + boutonnière
- Ceremony floral arch (heart, round, or rectangular)
- Rose petal aisle or ground arrangement
- Candles for ceremony
- Setup and breakdown
Add-ons available: professional photographer, officiant, live music (violinist or guitarist), additional florals for reception tables.
Elopement vs Small Wedding
| Elopement | Small Wedding | |
|---|---|---|
| Guests | Just the two of you | Up to 30 |
| Starting price | From $2,000 | From $4,000 |
| Lead time | 2–3 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
| Reception | Not included | Optional add-on |
A classic bridal bouquet for an intimate South Florida ceremony
Getting a Marriage License in Florida
You'll need a Florida marriage license before the ceremony. Requirements:
- Both parties appear in person at the Clerk of Courts
- Photo ID required
- $93.50 fee (waived if you complete a 4-hour premarital course)
- No waiting period for Florida residents; 3-day wait for non-residents (waived with premarital course)
- License is valid for 60 days
Nearest offices: Broward County Clerk (Fort Lauderdale), Miami-Dade County Clerk, Palm Beach County Clerk.
Timeline: Planning a Small Wedding in 4 Weeks
- Week 1 — choose date, venue, and confirm guest list
- Week 2 — book florals, officiant, photographer; apply for marriage license
- Week 3 — finalize ceremony details, confirm all vendors
- Week 4 — final walkthrough, enjoy your wedding
We Serve All of South Florida
We've helped couples plan intimate weddings across the region — Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, Hollywood Beach, and more. If you're considering an elopement, see our complete elopement guide →