Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Beach Weddings Information
Now that you have had a chance to choose your Florida destination wedding location and the beach wedding package that fits your needs, let’s answer your questions.
Beachfront weddings are a beautiful experience, and our Florida Beach Wedding company has rules and policies in place to ensure you have the best day possible.
Interested in how the marriage license works? What happens if it rains? How does our added ceremony photography work? Below are frequently asked questions and answers to make sure all our Florida weddings on the beach are a success. If you have further questions or are ready to reserve your beach wedding date, please contact us.
What is the best beach to get married on in Florida?
All of our Florida Beach Wedding locations are known for different areas of interest. Some are known for their laid back and relaxing atmosphere, while others provide you with the party of a lifetime.
On the east coast of Florida we include:
- Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach
- Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach
- Cocoa Beach
- Port Canaveral
- St. Augustine, Flagler Beach
- Jacksonville, Palm Coast
On the Gulf coast we include:
- Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach
- Pass-e-grille
- Siesta Key, Lido Key, Long Boat Key
- Venice Beach, Turtle Beach
Do I need a Florida Marriage License for weddings on the beach in Florida?
Absolutely! YES, You need a Florida marriage license to get married anywhere in Florida. No matter which state you live in, you must obtain a Florida marriage license but we make it easy!
For our out of state and international couples who are having their weddings on the beach in Florida, we can provide you with information on how to obtain your Florida marriage license by mail by once you have reserved your wedding with us. It is an easy process and we will officially file it after the ceremony,
You can also obtain your Florida marriage license in any county in Florida, in person (check county hours, etc… before going to the courthouse). if our wedding officiant has performed your ceremony. In your client portal, there is a whole page of information on everything you need to know about getting your Florida marriage license.
Learn more about Florida marriage licenses by clicking here.
Wedding Packages and Wedding Attire
Packages: Our Packages for weddings on the beach in Florida, are sold as they are. You will have choices that will be listed on the package (such as chair sash color, material colors, etc…). You will also be choosing your own ceremony and music, as well as sand colors. If there are some things you may not need, such as the sand ceremony, you can take them off your package, but no credit will be given. You can bring your own minister, too (no credit issued).
Wedding Attire: Any type of wedding attire is great for weddings on the beach in Florida. A bride’s dress can never be too formal, even if the groom is opting to wear khakis and a dress shirt. Brides, keep in mind for your hair and veil: even on the best of beach days, there is usually a breeze, so remember to have extra pins to pin up unruly bangs or fly-away curls (a full, or partial updo, are highly recommended). A veil can be beautiful at a wedding, but a long veil can easily be twisted in the wind at your beach wedding. We recommend skipping the veil, but if you must wear one, make sure you can easily take off your veil, if needed to.
What happens if we will be going over the guest count for our package?
Our beach wedding packages have a guest limit for very specific reasons. Our larger packages include chairs, aisle-ways, etc..to help keep your guests from walking around the ceremony site, blocking the photographer, allowing a clear path for the bridal party to walk down and more. If you need to upgrade your package, please reach out to us about the package that would best fit your needs. We have packages for 2-90 participants.
Beach Wedding Locations, Permit and Parking Fees
BEACH LOCATIONS: Remember, all beaches are public. Even at private resorts, the beaches are public. In most cases, you cannot block off any area of the beach for weddings. However, we try and choose the best location on the beach to give us the most privacy, as well as the best access for you, and your guests, as well as us. And, as most weddings are performed in the evening (near the most popular sunset time), the beaches are usually much quieter. We can provide you with beach locations in the city of your choice. If you are staying directly on the beach, and they give you permission to use their beach access, and there is reasonable beach access, and parking for us, we can certainly have your beach wedding ceremony there. Florida Beach Weddings will determine the location on the beach, unless otherwise directed by rules at your chosen location.
BEACH WEDDING PERMIT: If any beach wedding permits are required, we will obtain them for you, and add the cost of the permit to your package. Permits may not be available for weddings on national holidays such as July 4th, Easter weekend, etc…
PARKING: Beach parking lots can fill up quickly, and some beach-goers will stay all day. Arriving on time is crucial to ensure you and your guests can find parking before the ceremony begins. We are not responsible for any parking fees, but we do have suggestions for your guests to park as conveniently as possible for your ceremony.
Deposit, Cancellation, Rescheduling and Refund Policies
- A deposit is needed to reserve your date. All deposits are non-refundable NO EXCEPTIONS. This reserves your date, package, photographer, staff, location, etc..
- The amount of the deposit depends on the package chosen. Each deposit amount is listed under the package price on our packages page.
- You have the opportunity to reschedule your wedding ceremony one time, as long as it is over 60 days from the ceremony date, and the new date is available. You will also need to put down an additional $300.00 non-refundable deposit to reserve this new date. Certain dates are blacked out for reschedules (popular dates, weekends in March, April, May, etc..)
Are all the beaches in Florida public?
Yes all of the Florida beaches (as well as parking lots/spaces) are public, however most beach goers are respectful of your wedding site. We work hard to make sure your beach ceremony is as intimate and special as possible.
Officiant (Person who legally performs the ceremony) Policies
All of our packages for weddings on the beach in Florida, include the wedding officiant. You are welcome to bring your own minister, or officiant. However, we do not discount the packages as we will still provide you with a ceremony coordinator to ensure a smooth beach wedding ceremony. Their ceremony must stay within a twenty minute time limit (this does not include you walking down the aisle, etc. it includes the actual ceremony “talking” time). If you have your own officiant, they will be responsible to legally marry you and file your Florida marriage license.
Do you help with the wedding reception?
No, we do NOT provide wedding receptions. While we are always happy to assist our brides with the entire beach wedding process, our main focus is on the ceremony. We will, however, provide you with a list of several local recommendations, near beach wedding ceremony site to make this process easier for you.
How does photography work at a beach wedding?
Using our staff photographers will capture the perfect wedding pictures of your special day. They are professionally trained for outside beach wedding photography. All of the photographs you see on our website, facebook and instagram were taken by our skilled and caring professional photographers.
If you have chosen to add our ceremony photographer they will be on the beach for up to one hour. They cover the ceremony, some immediate family photos at the ceremony site with the bridal couple, bridal party photos and photos of the two of you down by the water. Our in-house photographers work solely on the beach. You will receive the photos via digital download link at no additional cost (a keepsake USB can be purchased).
What happens if it rains on my beach wedding day?
Our goal is to get you on the beach for your wedding ceremony. It Is unusual that it rains all day in Florida, and most of the time is just a passing shower. If this is the case and moving your wedding time up is not an option, we can wait it out for up to 30 minutes. Most public beaches do have a covered area that is available on a first come first served basis and this is what we use as an absolute last resort. If there is a chance of rain, we highly recommend being prepared with umbrellas.
We do not offer any kind of reschedule in the event of rain. Permits cannot be transferred this quickly, hair/make, florals and our staffing are all locked in. Changing with less than 24 hours notice is not possible.
What is the closest beach to Orlando?
Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach on the east coast of Florida are both about an hour from Orlando and each have beautiful but different Atlantic beaches and amenities. You can drive and park on many areas of Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach is about ten minutes to Port Canaveral if you are having a beach wedding and cruise honeymoon.
What is the best beach for a cruise honeymoon?
Cocoa Beach is ten minutes away from Port Canaveral where many cruises depart. You can get married on the beach in the morning and board your ship for your honeymoon in the afternoon. We take care of officially filing your Florida marriage license if you have used our officiant for your beach wedding ceremony.
What is the most affordable beach to get married on?
Having a Daytona Beach, or New Smyrna Beach, Florida wedding is your most affordable option! With an array of affordable hotels directly on the beach, more affordable restaurants, and just a short drive from Orlando, couples can save upwards of 50% on wedding expenses. Our wedding packages are also cheaper in Daytona Beach, and most beaches do not need the additional fee of adding a wedding permit.
Which beach location has the most unique things to do?
Each beach city in Florida is unique with its own “vibe”. We can recommend St. Augustine, Florida as a top location for beach weddings because it provides you with the most unique experience you could ask for. With a historic city of local restaurants, horse and carriage rides and local shopping areas, you and your guests will be entertained the entire time. The beauty and history of the city of St. Augustine is also a great place to take photos for your wedding week. You and your guests can also enjoy trolley rides, or do a haunted ghost tour at the local bars.
Can I bring small children to the ceremony?
Yes and we have taken some great candid and planned photos of children at the ceremony. Having an organized wedding schedule for your kids presence to be felt is a great way for them the find their place in your wedding story.
We recommend having someone assigned to be responsible for children since the sand and water can be irresistible to them!
Animals, in general may not be allowed on the beach although some beaches in St. Augustine are dog friendly.
Do you perform same-sex weddings?
Yes we do! At Florida Beach Weddings, we believe that our motto of “love from coast to coast” should be for everyone, therefore we are proud to be inclusive wedding professionals. We have performed many same sex weddings on the beach in Florida, and want to make it easy for those in the LGBTQIA community to have a beautiful ceremony to remember forever. We have joyfully performed many lesbian and gay marriage ceremonies over the years. Please contact our dedicated wedding planners today so we can do the same for you.
Which beach has the best sunsets for my wedding?
If you want a truly unforgettable sunset, Clearwater beach weddings are what you need. Clearwater Beach/St. Pete have vibrant sunsets that take over the entire sky over the ocean (of course, when weather conditions are right). Your friends and family back home will be in awe of the beautiful atmosphere and photos you will receive from your sunset beach wedding. We work to schedule your ceremony at the just the right time, so give us a call today to get started.
How do we know how our wedding ceremony will go?
At time of your reservation, we will provide you with a general timeline of the ceremony day. Once all of your selections have been made, and your package paid for in full – you will receive a detailed ceremony agenda. This will include confirmation of your ceremony choices, as well as arrival times for guests, the bride getting married, bridal party, etc… In your reservation packet, you will also receive an aerial view of the beach area where you ceremony will take place (as well as landmarks around this area).
Questions About Wedding Vows
Each Florida Beach Weddings ceremony is designed to fit the needs of the couple. Each of our beach ceremony packages is unique and your vows can have that personal touch too. As professional wedding officiates our complete weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and elopements. We can include traditional vows, or you can bring your own written personal vows. As well as the included sand ceremony. Click here to read our sample vows for you to use.
Our Florida weddings are meant to be a stress-free, affordable and unforgettable experience. We have taken the knowledge learned over 14+ years performing beach weddings to create a destination wedding as unique as you are. We make it easy for your to plan your beach wedding from the comfort of your couch. Contact our dedicated wedding planners today!