Florida lighthouse sites have stood as beacons of guidance for sailors and offer a glimpse into the state’s maritime past while providing stunning views and unique settings for modern visitors. Home to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, the country’s southeast has a rich history of lighthouses that is deeply intertwined with Florida history, given the importance of navigation along its extensive coastline.
How historic lighthouse sites shaped Florida history
The history of Florida lighthouse sites dates back to the Spanish explorers in the 16th century. As the Spanish established settlements along the coast, they relied on navigational aids, though these were not formal lighthouses. They often used simple fires or beacons to help sailors navigate Florida’s treacherous waters.
The first official lighthouse in Florida was built in 1820 on the St. John’s River at the entrance to the port of Jacksonville. It was a simple structure, but it marked the beginning of a broader effort to establish lighthouses along Florida’s coastline.
As trade and shipping increased in Florida in the 19th century, the need for more reliable and visible navigation aids became urgent. Florida’s many inlets and shoals were dangerous, especially for ships that relied on sailing in open water. The U.S. Lighthouse Board, which was established in 1852, began to prioritize the construction of lighthouses in Florida. Several iconic lighthouses were built during this time, marking major milestones in Florida’s maritime history.
Many lighthouses, including those in Florida, were automated in the mid-20th century, making it possible for lighthouses to be run without a keeper on-site. This was a significant shift because it reduced the need for lighthouse keepers but also led to the abandonment of some lighthouses that were no longer needed for manual operation.
By the 1950s, the use of lighthouses began to decline with the advent of more advanced navigation systems like radar and GPS, which made traditional lighthouses less necessary. However, many Florida lighthouses remained active and were maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
In the 1980s and 1990s, many of Florida’s historic lighthouses were saved from demolition through preservation efforts. Groups like the Florida Lighthouse Association and local organizations helped restore lighthouses and keep them open to the public for tours, educational programs, and sometimes as venues for events like weddings.
Today, many Florida lighthouses serve as important historical sites, museums, and even wedding venues and locations for other private events. They are maintained as part of the state’s heritage and continue to be symbols of Florida’s rich maritime history.
5 Historic Lighthouse Wedding Venues in Florida
Several historic lighthouses along Florida’s east coast offer unique settings for wedding ceremonies and events.
1. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offers a picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies. Built in 1887 and originally known as the Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse, it was constructed to guide vessels around the dangerous shoals near Ponce Inlet, in Florida’s Fun Coast. At 175 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the U.S. The lighthouse was built with a distinctive red brick structure and a unique white tower. Today, it operates as a museum and remains an active aid to navigation, with ongoing preservation efforts, educational programs, and private events such as weddings.
Smaller, intimate wedding ceremonies lasting up to one hour and consisting of 50 guests or less can be held in a designated grassy area with views of the tower during regular operating hours. The location offers some privacy and photos can be taken throughout the grounds, but the lighthouse, exhibits, and historic buildings will remain open to the public.
The cost for the ceremony is a non-refundable $750 donation, which includes the use of the ceremony area, event seating setup, and admission for all guests. A $250 refundable security deposit is required to reserve the space. If the ceremony exceeds the one-hour limit, additional charges of $250 for each extra 30-minute block will apply.
The lighthouse, one of the last complete and authentic light stations in the U.S., is a National Historic Landmark and the tallest beacon in Florida, providing a stunning backdrop for your special day. The site is dedicated to preserving maritime history and is open year-round, featuring exhibits including one of the largest collections of rare Fresnel lenses. While the location is unique and memorable, certain rules due to its landmark status may limit some events, but it remains an exceptional choice for a memorable wedding ceremony.
2. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse in Jupiter offers a stunning and historic setting for wedding ceremonies at the base of its majestic 1860 tower. The lighthouse was completed in 1860 and lit on July 10th. During the Civil War, it was darkened by Confederate sympathizers to aid in blockade running. The light was restored in 1866 and has been operational ever since, with James Armour serving as a dedicated keeper for 40 years. The lighthouse was staffed by over 70 keepers until 1939 when it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard and continued with military personnel until automation in 1987. The Loxahatchee River Historical Society has managed the lighthouse since 1994, restoring, preserving, and offering public access and historical interpretation.
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, this waterfront venue features a charming gazebo, lush greenery, and the sparkling inlet waters, making it an unforgettable wedding destination. A large Ficus tree, planted in the 1930s to honor the first Lighthouse Keeper’s House, offers shaded seating on the lighthouse deck, making it a charming spot for wedding ceremonies.
Weddings are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5:00 or 5:30 pm, with rehearsals available the day before. Weddings at this iconic location are subject to preservation regulations, and arrangements must be approved by the historical society. The site is part of the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue provides a unique and intimate experience, with newlyweds receiving a complimentary Lighthouse & Museum Companion Membership. All proceeds from the ceremonies benefit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.
3. Cape Florida Lighthouse
Located within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the southern tip of Key Biscayne, the Cape Florida Lighthouse dates back to 1825. This historic lighthouse has a long and colorful history. It was first built by the Spanish, and has withstood nearly 200 years of challenges, including erosion, hurricanes, a Seminole attack, and an explosion of lantern oil and gunpowder. After being destroyed during the Second Seminole War in 1835, it was rebuilt and still stands as one of the oldest lighthouses in Florida and the oldest structure in Miami-Dade. Originally guiding sailors around the Florida reef, it now stands as a cultural landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The park offers scenic spots for intimate beach weddings, with the lighthouse serving as a beautiful backdrop. Its unique location also offers views of the vast Atlantic Ocean, the lush surroundings of the park, and even beautiful Florida sunsets. The lighthouse’s top boasts a wrap-around balcony that offers breathtaking views: to the north, Miami Beach; to the east, the Atlantic Ocean with its marine life; to the south, Stiltsville’s floating homes; and to the west, the vibrant Cape Florida and Key Biscayne.
Weddings are typically held with specific guidelines and may require a permit. For more detailed information, including available dates, fees, and regulations, it’s recommended to contact the park directly or visit the official website for Cape Florida State Park.
With it’s old Florida charm, this historic lighthouse is a symbol of Florida’s rich history and a perfect venue for an unforgettable and breathtaking wedding ceremony.
4. St. Augustine Lighthouse
Built after a series of shipwrecks along the Florida coast, the St. Augustine Lighthouse’s history dates back to 1589 when a watchtower was first documented at the northern tip of Anastasia Island near St. Augustine. Over centuries, it evolved from a Spanish defensive tower into a British lighthouse in 1763, and later a vital aid to navigation after the U.S. Civil War. The 165-foot tower is one of the most recognized lighthouses in the U.S. and remains a symbol of the region’s maritime history, supporting defense, trade, and navigation for centuries.
As one of the few still operational lighthouses in the U.S., the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers historic gardens and grounds for weddings, which weddings are hosted on a limited basis and pricing is available upon enquiry. The site provides diverse photography opportunities amidst its rich history. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top, with signs providing fascinating stories of lightning strikes, hurricanes, and even an earthquake as well as stunning views. Choosing such a unique site for your ceremony will provide a dramatic and lasting memory for you and your guests to cherish forever.
5. Key West Lighthouse
Located in the heart of Key West, The Key West Lighthouse offers a beautiful, historic setting for a wedding, with views of the island and surrounding waters. This historic lighthouse was created almost immediately after the U.S. Navy established a base in that same location in 1823 and played a key role in guiding military and commercial ships into the port. The original structure was replaced in 1848 with a taller tower boasting 88 steps to the top to improve visibility for vessels approaching the island given its reef-filled, shallow turquoise waters.
The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters offers a historic and picturesque setting for events, accommodating 100-150 guests. The air-conditioned Keeper’s Quarters with a wrap-around porch serves as a bridal suite, while the scenic fig tree provides a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies and photos. The grounds can easily host dance floors, tables, and caterers.
For stunning photographs, the tower’s lower observation deck offers panoramic views of the island, nearshore waters, and sunsets. Located in Bahama Village, across from the Hemingway Home, the property is mostly ADA accessible, with restrooms available at the Museum Store.
The Key West Art & Historical Society has an additional three museums, the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, the Tennessee Williams Museum, and the Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens. Be sure to consider these venues to find the one that best fit your taste and event size.
Lighthouses in Florida are more than just navigational aids; they represent the state’s maritime culture and resilience. From their role in guiding ships safely into port to their place in modern-day Florida as historical and cultural landmarks, these lighthouses continue to captivate the imagination of visitors and act as the backdrop for memorable events, such as weddings.
Each of these lighthouses offers a distinctive setting for a memorable wedding experience. It is advisable to contact each individual venue directly for availability, wedding packages and pricing, and specific rental details.
