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Weddings Tips And Tricks: Having a Summer Wedding in Florida

Updated: Jun 25

Planning a summer wedding in Florida? First of all, congratulations! And second of all, you’re brave. Between the heat, the humidity, and the chance of a surprise thunderstorm at 3:17 PM (you can practically set your watch by it), summer in the Sunshine State can be... spicy. But with a little planning (and a lot of hydration), your Florida wedding can be just as dreamy and photogenic as you imagined. Here are some sweet and slightly sweaty tips for making the most of your big day, while still getting those gorgeous photos!

Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Tampa Palms Wedding
Tampa Palms Country Club

1. Time It Right (Golden Hour is Your BFF)

Let’s start with the basics: when you take your photos matters just as much as where. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony or portraits, aim for the hour and 15 minutes before sunset (hello, golden hour glow). It’s flattering, it’s soft, and, most importantly, it’s cooler. Bonus: no harsh shadows or squinty eyes.

Photographer tip: If you’re not doing a first look, plan your ceremony about 1–1.5 hours before sunset. Read my blog about why this is the perfect time to start your ceremony!

Lakeland Wedding Photographer at the Manor on Lake Juliana.
The Manor on Lake Juliana

2. Choose Your Location Wisely

Florida is full of natural beauty (beaches, gardens, palm trees) but not every spot was made for wedding day comfort. Look for venues with shaded areas, breezy spots, or indoor/outdoor options. A beautiful oak tree? Yes. A wide-open field with zero shade at 2 PM? Maybe not.

Photographer tip: Ask your photographer to scout the venue with you to find the best shady spots with great light!

Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Sydonie Mansion Wedding.
Sydonie Mansion
Lakeland Wedding Photographer at MacKay Gardens.
Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

3. Keep Everyone Cool (Literally)

Your wedding party and guests will thank you. Think handheld fans (bonus if they’re cute and personalized), cute parasols, and cold drinks to sip during the ceremony. And for you? Blotting paper. Lots of it.

Photographer tip: We’ll work in short bursts, taking portraits then letting you cool off before the next round. Efficiency is key when the humidity hits 98%.

Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Haus 820
Haus 820
Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Haus 820.
Haus 820

4. Embrace the Weather (Rain Photos = Romance)

It’s Florida. It might rain. It might downpour. And then it’ll be sunny five minutes later. Don’t panic! Some of the most romantic wedding photos happen in the rain. Think kisses under an umbrella, moody skies, and misty magic.

Photographer tip: I always bring clear umbrellas and a backup plan. Sometimes, the “plan B” photos are even better than plan A!

Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Ever After Wedding Venue.
Ever After Farms Citrus Wedding Venue
Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Ever After Wedding Venue.
Ever After Farms Citrus Wedding Venue

Weddings Tips and Tricks: Having a Summer Wedding in Florida | Cintia Ally Photography

5. Dress for the Weather

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. Brides, that means chiffon, tulle, or crepe. Maybe a short gown?

Grooms, skip the three-piece suit if you want to survive. And shoes? Consider a backup pair for walking through sand, grass, or puddles.

Lakeland Wedding Photographer at Fiorelli Winery.
Ft. DeSoto Beach -- Fiorelli Winery

Final Thoughts

A Florida summer wedding is not for the faint of heart, but it is full of sunshine, color, laughter, and unforgettable memories. If you're looking for real world wedding tips and tricks, having a summer wedding in Florida means being flexible, staying cool, and planning ahead. The beauty is absolutely worth it. If you can embrace the unpredictability (and maybe carry a mini fan), you’ll have the time of your life and the photos to prove it.So raise your iced lemonade, soak up the sunset, and let’s make Florida magic together.


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