When you picture your ideal wedding or honeymoon, what comes to mind? Active and adventurous? Casual and relaxed? Luxurious and indulgent? Or chic and artsy? No matter which you pick, you’ll find your perfect combination in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
Florida’s Paradise Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, abundant arts and culture, thrilling outdoor excursions and endless ways to relax. While you’re here, savor the flavors of the area’s thriving dining scene, led by the creative chefs and world-class restaurants that make Paradise a sought-after destination for foodies. Accommodations range from comfortable, value-priced hotels to luxurious beachfront resorts.
So what are you waiting for? The many pleasures of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades are yours to discover here on Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Hit the Beach
Whether it’s a long walk on a secluded beach, a stand-up paddleboard excursion into warm Gulf of Mexico waters, or a sunset watch party, the Paradise Coast’s 30 miles of unspoiled beaches create the perfect backdrop for lasting memories. Oceanfront resorts offer long stretches of beach and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. In downtown Naples, there are several beach access points. Marco Island, with four miles of beautiful shoreline, offers beachfront resorts only steps away from gentle waves.
If you’re staying at off-beach hotels, you’ll find many public access beach parks—some with full facilities. For the ultimate beach escape, venture to one of the many nearby island beaches accessible only by boat. You can rent a boat for a day or take one of many sightseeing boats or shelling tours.
Dine Well
Florida’s Paradise Coast has earned its reputation as a culinary mecca for top chefs and restaurants. In fact, the area is consistently named among the best cities for food in the United States. You won’t want to miss our fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood—especially our world-famous stone crab claws. This local delicacy is only available from October through May, and is served chilled with a side of tangy mustard sauce.
With everything from casual beachside eateries to elegant downtown restaurants, Florida’s Paradise Coast combines unforgettable dining with a luxurious vacation experience. But dining isn’t the only epicurean delight in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades—the local craft beer scene is booming, as well. Check out local favorites like Naples Beach Brewery, Riptide Brewing Co., Bone Hook Brewing, Marco Island Brewery, Oil Well Craft Beer and Ankrolab Brewing.
Stay in Style
If luxurious accommodations are what you crave, you’ll find them at the many world-class resorts and hotels in Naples and Marco Island. With wide swaths of pristine beaches, abundant amenities and ultra-relaxing spas, your options for the retreat of a lifetime are plentiful on Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Check into the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, and enjoy their new Lanai Tower, featuring an adult-exclusive collection of plush suites with a rooftop pool and bar, restaurants with photo-worthy beach views and even 10K Alley, a 12,000-square-foot indoor virtual entertainment center. Plus, with a Spa by JW on-site and private beachside cabanas, it’ll check every box on your honeymoon wish list.
Shop to It
The Naples area is known for the finer things in life, and its great shopping is one of the destination’s most enticing aspects. From eclectic, one-of-a-kind accessories at stylish boutiques to top fashions at upscale malls to discounted designer finds at consignment shops, you’ll likely strike gold in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
When you feel the urge to shop, Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples is the perfect spot. You’ll find an incredible range of shops—from familiar favorites to locally loved boutiques—along a walkable stretch of Fifth that lies between Third and Eighth streets. Whether you’re looking for the latest swimwear or something stunning to wear out on the town, Fifth Avenue South features expertly curated boutiques where you’re bound to find the perfect clothing and accessories.
For the shopping enthusiast, a visit to Waterside Shops is a must when in Naples. Set amid a lush landscape of tropical plants, flowering shrubs and dramatic water features, this picturesque, open-air shopping and dining destination is home to more than 60 shops and restaurants, making it a perfect spot to enjoy great food, sunshine—and a little retail therapy. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, Waterside Shops offers a variety of shopping options, from clothing and accessories to home goods and even electronics, with a completely renovated and expanded Apple store. Go for a stroll along the palm tree-lined walkways and browse luxury goods at Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Ferragamo.
All Aboard
Want to truly wow your guests? Nothing’s more memorable than viewing a breathtaking Gulf of Mexico sunset from the deck of a luxury yacht. The newly renovated Naples Princess offers several ways to impress groups of any size. Get on board an afternoon sightseeing cruise through the waters around the spectacular mansions of Port Royal, where playful dolphins make frequent appearances. Treat your guests to an evening dinner cruise, where they’ll enjoy delicious, fresh fare with a side of stunning natural beauty. Or wrap up a weekend of celebrations with an impressive spread of hors d’oeuvres and desserts in air-conditioned luxury during a Sunday sunset cruise.
You can even exchange your vows surrounded by miles of sparkling waters. Boats of every type and size are available for private charter on Florida’s Paradise Coast. The Sweet Liberty sailing catamaran is a popular choice for a sunset cruise for smaller groups, while two luxury yachts, the Marco Island Princess and the Naples Princess, can each accommodate more than 100 guests. After all, what could be more romantic than sipping champagne at sunset and dancing under the stars?
This post is sponsored by Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades: Florida’s Paradise Coast. If your business is interested in reaching the largest community of LGBTQ+ couples planning their weddings and supporting Equally Wed’s award-winning editorial mission of showcasing gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer couples’ weddings through advertising via sponsored posts, banner ads, other partnerships or you have any other ideas for us, please reach out to advertising@equallywed.com.
