Few places are better suited to romance than the warm, relaxed and loving atmosphere of Amelia Island. With the Atlantic ocean on one side, Intracoastal waterway on the other, and plenty of nature in between, there are simply no bad backdrops to share your vows with each other.  It is the perfect place for a destination wedding and a lifetime of beautiful memories.

If you’re in wedding planning mode and are looking for a place to get hitched, here are 9 reasons to tie the knot on Amelia Island. 

1. A Variety of Venues

From ballrooms and courtyards to golf courses and the Atlantic shoreline, Amelia Island has no shortage of venues located on, or slightly off, the island. If it’s an intimate setting you’re looking for, The historic Williams House hosts elopements or small weddings for up to 10 guests. Take it to the river on board a 49 or 85 passenger Amelia River Cruises charter for a fun and funky wedding and reception. Need a big space to house guests and have a wedding? The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island or Omni Amelia Island Resort can take care of all your needs. View all wedding venues.

2. Pristine Beaches

With beautiful, serene beaches, soft sea breezes and breathtaking scenery, you’ll be reminded of exactly what made you fall in love in the first place. Unlike many Florida beaches, Amelia Island offers visitors unlimited access to its coast. Stroll hand in hand along the 13 miles of pristine quartz sand and look for those elusive sharks teeth. Take a horseback ride with professional guides to see the coast from a different vantage point. Or, simply relax with your toes in the sand and get lost in a good book. Hit the beaches of Amelia Island.

3. A Charming Historic Downtown

Located just two miles from Amelia Island’s famed beaches, visitors will find a 50-block National Historic District that beckons with independent restaurants, eclectic shops, and beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. Take in all that is historic downtown Fernandina Beach and get swept up in its charm. Stroll the shops and find that perfect Amelia Island souvenir whether it’s homemade fudge from Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge, a pirate book from The Book Loft, or artwork from one of the many galleries. Get lost downtown.

4. Stunning Nature

Amelia Island is known for its beautiful beaches and charming downtown but above all, visitors treasure the island’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Experience the great outdoors like you’ve never seen before. Rediscover all the simple joys like searching for that rare painted bunting at Fort Clinch or Egan’s Creek Greenway or strolling a trail under a canopy of century-old trees dripping in Spanish moss. Take in a breathtaking sunset at the downtown docks or kayak the backwaters of Lofton Creek to see wildlife up close and personal. Get back to nature.

5. An Eclectic Array of Restaurants

Amelia Island is home to an eclectic and authentic mix of cuisine, ranging from the freshest Florida seafood to Italian, French and Spanish specialties. With more than 90 distinctive restaurants to choose from, this small island offers a large variety for every palate and mood. Need a seafood fix? Try Timoti’s or The Salty Pelican. Want a good ol burger? T-Ray’s or Tasty’s has you covered. Looking for a place to host your rehearsal dinner or reception? David’s Restaurant, Salt or Pogo’s come to mind. So much to choose from. So little time. Check out the dining scene.

6. World-Class Spas

A spa day is a day well spent. Book an afternoon spa visit with either The Spa At Omni Amelia Island Resort where you can enjoy “clean & green” therapies and treatments including massage, peels & wraps, and signature scrubs in a peaceful environment — or — escape to the rejuvenating solitude of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island for a variety of massages, facials, Chakra balancing, reflexology, and meditation along with a healing saltwater pool. Soothing spas will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Experience feelings of zen.

7. Airports Close By

Amelia Island is easy to get to no matter if you’re driving or flying (or boating). However, if flying is the better option for you and your guests, Amelia Island is only 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport linking NE Florida to cities all over the world. Air Canada, Delta, American, Frontier, United, JetBlue, and Southwest (just to name a few) are among the carriers that service JIA. If you have your own plane, the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport is designed to accommodate a Gulfstream IV aircraft or smaller. Plan the best way to get here.

8. Activities for All Ages

Whether you are looking for nature trails to hike, bike rides along the miles of bike trails, adventures on the water, or world class links to golf, a trip to Amelia Island has many activities for every age and every type of person. And the best part of all is you can do as much or as little as you want! Bring home your own fish story with an excursion on one of the legendary island fishing charters. Immerse yourself in history at a Civil War fort or one of 3 museums. Take a ghost tour and learn all about the island’s scarier side. Lots to see and do for all of your guests. Get busy.

9. A Lifetime of Memories

Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or a large scale wedding celebration, one thing is for sure. Amelia Island will give you and your guests a lifetime of memories to keep you coming back again and again. There’s a reason we were voted one of the Best Islands in the U.S. and we would love to show you our ever-changing personalities. Fun, beautiful, classy, sassy, clean, green, historical, modern, elegant, and casual. But mostly magical … and we can’t wait for you to celebrate the biggest day of your life with us. Start planning your wedding.