Cocoa Beach, Florida is a barrier island city in Brevard County, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon. It has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers, mild winters, and frequent rainfall. Cocoa Beach is located in East-Central Florida, about 50 miles southeast of Orlando. Cocoa Beach is a quintessential Florida beach town blending surf culture, space history, and natural beauty, making it ideal for visitors and residents seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Climate type: humid subtropical - no true dry season, with September being the wettest month. Best times to visit Cocoa Beach: early March - May and late October - December, when temperatures are warm but not oppressively humid.
Despite its fairly small population, Cocoa Beach has well developed infrastructure with lots of accommodation and dining options. It is undoubtedly a great wedding destination in Florida, for both locals and out-of-state visitors.
Couples can exchange vows on the beach, at the Cocoa Beach Pier (extending 800 feet over the Atlantic with 180-degree ocean views), or in oceanfront parks like Lori Wilson Park, which features sand dunes, boardwalks, and nature trails. Other options include private resorts, vacation homes, or historic venues.
If you are planning your wedding in Cocoa Beach, one of the key things to consider is finding a reputable photographer to capture the memories of this special day. Best Memories Photography is a professional wedding photography service based in Florida. Established in 2013. Proudly serving Cocoa Beach and Space Coast.
Your wedding
day is one of the most important days of your life.
We are here to capture the best memories of your special day at the highest quality. Best Memories Photography offers the mix of photojournalistic and traditional styles.
We have years of experience, a diverse portfolio and budget friendly wedding photography packages, best deals in Cocoa Beach!
Let's create your best memories together!
All types of weddings: indoor, outdoor, small or big, church weddings, traditional weddings, beach weddings, courthouse weddings, backyard weddings, themed weddings, ethnic weddings, elopements. Best Memories Photography: elevating Florida weddings with timeless visual storytelling.
Unbeatable turnaround time: 5 business days for all wedding packages (fully edited).
• Half day (5 hours of coverage, 1 photographer, unlimited digital photos, minimum 350 files, edited) $1050.
• Full day (10 hours of coverage, 1 photographer, unlimited digital photos, minimum 750 files, edited) $1850.
• Delivery: 5 business days (all wedding packages).
"Planning in Cocoa Beach felt effortless - everything was set up beautifully on the sand, and the ceremony flowed with zero stress."
"The beach setup was intimate and elegant, perfect for a small guest count and a meaningful oceanfront moment."
"Guests loved having both the beach and chapel options. It made the day feel organized and worry-free."
"The Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront delivered a dreamlike backdrop - ocean views, smooth coordination, and a seamless experience."
"Cocoa Beach has a relaxed, sunny energy: soft sand, warm water, and a classic Florida shoreline perfect for slow walks and easy days."
"A true surf-town vibe with great waves, local dining, and the unforgettable thrill of watching rocket launches from the beach."
Polished oceanfront hotel venue with direct beach access, indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and capacity for up to 250 guests. Photography notes: clean architectural lines, wide beachfront, and consistent lighting conditions thanks to open coastal exposure.
Popular Cocoa Beach venue offering beach ceremonies, a private banquet room, and on-site accommodations. Photography notes: the resort's private beach access and banquet room provide variety: sunset portraits, shaded areas, and indoor reception coverage.
Versatile hotel venue with indoor/outdoor spaces and capacity up to 200 guests. Photography notes: great for couples wanting a clean, modern backdrop with easy access to the beach for portraits.
Boutique oceanfront property offering intimate beachfront weddings with a relaxed, upscale vibe. Photography notes: lush landscaping, textured architecture, and quiet beachfront areas ideal for intimate storytelling.
Lesser-known waterfront venue on the Banana River with a private, tropical feel and capacity up to 150 guests. Photography notes: golden-hour riverfront light, palm-lined walkways, and secluded spaces perfect for romantic portraits.
Located on a peninsula surrounded by the Banana River, this venue offers indoor event space with scenic water views. Photography notes: wide-open water views and dramatic skies: ideal for sunset silhouettes and long-lens landscape portraits.
The city offers multiple beach access points and park spaces for small weddings (50 guests or fewer) with a simple permit process. Photography notes: natural dunes, open beaches, and the ability to choose the perfect light direction based on time of day.
A small, stylish restaurant venue listed in Brevard County's venue directory: great for intimate receptions near Cocoa Beach. Photography notes: warm interior tones and a modern aesthetic ideal for candid reception storytelling.
Charming historic inn just minutes from Cocoa Beach, offering a vintage-style setting for intimate weddings. Photography notes: historic textures, wraparound porches, and soft natural light: perfect for editorial-style portraits.
These venues are located not in Cocoa Beach proper, but frequently chosen due to proximity.
Private oceanfront venue with ceremony options on the sand or patio. Photography notes: clean ocean views, modern architecture, and a quiet stretch of beach.
Rustic barn venue offering a completely different aesthetic just minutes inland. Photography notes: golden fields, rustic textures, and dramatic sunset backdrops.
Versatile indoor/outdoor venue with a classic aesthetic. Photography notes: manicured grounds and clean architectural lines ideal for timeless wedding imagery.
Cocoa Beach offers a mix of iconic coastal scenery, hidden natural gems, and vibrant local landmarks that make it one of Florida's most versatile wedding photography destinations. Couples can capture everything from romantic sunrise beach portraits to elegant shots framed by tropical greenery. For couples planning a photo shoot, timing is everything. Early morning sessions avoid crowds and capture soft pastel skies, while evening shoots deliver dramatic sunsets. Incorporating both beach and nearby village settings creates a balanced album that reflects Cocoa Beach's full personality.
1. Cocoa Beach Pier
Classic landmark with rustic wooden architecture and sweeping ocean views.
Perfect for sunset shots with the pier stretching into the horizon.
Adds a touch of local character and history to wedding albums.
2. Beachfront at Lori Wilson Park
Known for its wide sandy shoreline and natural dunes.
Offers a mix of open beach and shaded greenery with boardwalks.
Ideal for couples who want both coastal and nature-inspired backdrops.
3. Historic Downtown Cocoa Village (nearby)
Quaint streets with brick walkways, murals, and charming storefronts.
Provides a romantic, small-town vibe for engagement or wedding portraits.
Great for couples who want variety beyond the beach.
4. Jetty Park (Port Canaveral area)
Features panoramic ocean views, fishing jetties, and vibrant skies.
Offers unique angles with cruise ships and coastal activity in the background.
Especially striking for adventurous couples who love dynamic scenery.
5. Beach
The beach itself at pretty much any location in Cocoa Beach provides unlimited photo opportunities. Golden hour time before sunset is the best, as the sun shines
from the west and illuminates the ocean.
Cocoa Beach continues to stand out as one of Florida's most accessible and traveler-friendly coastal towns, and the 2026 lodging outlook reflects that same balance of affordability and demand. Current 2025 listings and platform trends provide a clear picture of what travelers can expect as the new year approaches.
Hotel prices in Cocoa Beach remain competitive, with many oceanfront and family-focused properties starting in the $150-$220 per night range during standard travel periods. Budget-friendly hotels often fall between $100 and $130, while premium oceanfront options, including well-known names like Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, typically range from $200 to $300 or more depending on the season. Travel platforms such as Travelocity list many mid-range hotels beginning around $96 to $175 per night, reinforcing the fact that Cocoa Beach maintains a strong inventory of affordable accommodations even during peak months.
Airbnb continues to be a popular choice, especially for families and long-weekend travelers who want more space and a home-style experience. Current listings show a wide mix of private homes, condos, and beachside apartments, many with excellent guest ratings and convenient access to the beach, Cocoa Beach Pier, and Port Canaveral. Based on 2025 pricing, the 2026 Airbnb range is expected to fall between $140 and $220 per night for condos and small homes, while larger homes or premium locations east of A1A typically range from $220 to $350 or more. The strong inventory of beachfront homes keeps Airbnb pricing competitive and appealing for extended stays.
VRBO offers one of the largest vacation-rental inventories in the area, with more than 2,400 properties available across houses, condos, and oceanfront units. This variety creates a wide pricing spectrum. Condos and small apartments generally range from $130 to $200 per night, single-family homes fall between $200 and $350 per night, and premium oceanfront homes can range from $350 to $600 or more. VRBO's strength lies in its multi-bedroom homes, which are ideal for families, wedding groups, and long-stay travelers who want extra space and privacy.
Overall, the 2026 lodging landscape shows that Cocoa Beach remains one of Florida's best-value beach destinations. Whether travelers are looking for a budget-friendly hotel, a stylish Airbnb near the pier, or a spacious VRBO for a family gathering, the pricing trends demonstrate that Cocoa Beach continues to offer strong value without sacrificing the classic Florida beach experience.
Check also: Wedding photography in Satellite Beach, Florida