Virtual Getaway: Clearwater Beach Weddings

3 Palms Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater, Florida

3 Palms Retreat is an ideal rental property in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

With all the stress we are experiencing during this period of “social distancing”, many of us dream of getting away…so Florida Beach Weddings wants to offer you an escape. We will be publishing a series of Virtual Tours of our most popular destination wedding locations, starting with Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Stunning beach wedding in Clearwater, FL with couple kissing under wedding arch

Look at that white sand, Gulf water and blue sky against this Beach Bliss wedding decor

Clearwater Beach is one of the best places to get married on the beach. Why? Primarily because of the sunsets and the ability to have stunning wedding pictures taken as the sun dips down into the Gulf of Mexico. This great Tampa, Florida beach is rated one of the top beaches in the world and our couples love gulf beach weddings combined with a wonderful vacation. Why leave the US when you can have a beautiful beach wedding that costs less than a traditional wedding at home?

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach aerial view

Like many of our destination wedding locations, there are a variety of beaches to choose from in Clearwater. Clearwater Beach includes: Indian Rocks Beach, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Pass-A-Grille Beach, Sunset Beach, Fort De Soto, Sand Key and St. Pete Beach. Each has it’s own personality and attributes. Whether you are having a simple beach wedding or a fully decorated, complete beach wedding with a larger number of guests, we can help you find the best beach venue for your needs.

Let’s take a closer look:

Indian Rocks Beach – 20 minutes south of Clearwater

Known originally as “Tampa’s Playground”, Indian Rocks Beach proper is a barrier island just under three miles long. This gorgeous Gulf beach wedding location has sunsets, peaceful beaches, calm sea waters, is family-friendly with less crowds than the other nearby tourist-centered beaches. 

Indian Rocks beach weddings in Clearwater, Florida.

Couple after wedding in Indian Rocks Beach by the Gulf waters

Madeira Beach – perfect for fishing

Madeira Beach is known as the Grouper Capital of the world. Enjoy a deep sea fishing excursion or be entertained at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, a large outdoor shopping. Madeira Beach is still a mostly residential area, making the beaches less populated for a beach wedding ceremony.

Couple strolls on beach with white sand after marriage in Madeira Beach, FL

Couple strolls on beach after marriage ceremony in Madeira Beach, FL

Redington Beach – small town charm

With a population of just over 1,000, Redington Beach is the perfect chance to get off the beaten path and enjoy a low-key Gulf beach wedding ceremony.

Redington Beach wedding couple

Married couple has their first dance after their sunset wedding

Treasure Island – fluffy white sand and perfect sunsets

Treasure Island is most famous for its three miles of white sandy Gulf beaches. Treasure Island has many hotels, restaurants and attractions to keep you and your wedding guests entertained while you visit.

Couple on beach getting married in Treasure Island, FL

A taste of paradise on Treasure Island for this Gulf beach wedding couple

Pass-A-Grille Beach – dolphins and seashells

Very relaxed with local boutiques, what stands out to us the most about having a Pass-A-Grille Beach Wedding? The dolphins! You are sure to catch amazing views of the dolphins swimming while you are watching the sunset. Fun is the name of the game here as you and your beloved spend time together in the fluffy sand.

Pass-a-grille sunset beach wedding couple in Florida/

Couple kisses in the sand after beach wedding in Pass-A-Grille.

Sunset Beach – less crowds on Treasure Island

Sunset Beach on Treasure Island is located in a more residential community, allowing you to escape the major crowds of Clearwater Beach. Sunset Beach is known for its views of the jetty, the presence of sea oats, its availability to rent the Sunset Beach Pavilion, and being open to LBTG marriage.

Sunset Beach wedding with flower petals and Tiki torches

Fort De Soto Park Beach – Gulf beach wedding paradise

Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto Beach. Have your Gulf beach wedding on white sand that sparkles like snow, with a gentle sea breeze to accompany your vows. 

Our Beach Wedding in Clearwater, Florida shows off this Bride and Groom and a romantic sunset kiss.

Bride and groom as the sun sets over the Gulf beach

St. Pete Beach – upbeat and lively

St. Pete beach is within 30 miles of the Tampa International Airport and the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Keep busy on the days leading up to your wedding with many water activities, such as parasailing, paddle boarding, and windsurfing, followed by your favorite drink at a hotel Tiki bar. 

Clearwater Beach Weddings with pink and white beach wedding canopy.

Couple just married in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Planning a beach wedding can be done completely from the comfort of your home and it is easy to browse beautiful photos of real couples posing after their ceremony for ideas. You can find the wedding decorations you like best and customize them for your own special day. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to get married in Florida, our Florida wedding professionals can help you plan every detail just right, including getting your Florida marriage license.

Is a Beach Wedding in Clearwater Right for You?

Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. No need for a passport. Florida Beach Weddings all inclusive packages can provide you with the beautiful, tropical backdrop you want for your wedding ceremony without breaking the bank for everyone. Worrying about how you will pay for a destination wedding can add undue anxiety to an already stressful situation.

Our Tropical Distinctive Package is one of our colorful beach wedding packages.

Tropical Distinctive Design complete wedding package on Sand Key Beach, FL

According to several surveys, getting people to a destination wedding can be difficult enough with only 50% of guests showing up. A Florida Beach Wedding can be the choice that brings your wedding together effortlessly, since it is less costly not only in terms of travel, but also provides your guests with a great vacation!

Are you trying to decide between Clearwater vs Siesta Key? Stay tuned for our next Virtual Tour in the series…

Best Beach Wedding Locations in Florida – East Coast Edition

While the Constitution holds fast to the truth that “All Men are created equal,” the same cannot be said when it comes to Florida’s beaches. All Florida beach weddings can guarantee a relaxing beach scene. However, each beach along the Florida peninsula has its own unique features. From horizon sun rise OR sun set, acres of natural landscape OR bustling beach town, there is a wide variety of beach options. Discover our picks for the Best Florida Beach Wedding Locations along the east coast

5 Best Florida Beach Wedding Locations

East Coast Edition 

Our wedding planners recommend unique beach wedding locations in cities that offer both famous landmarks and hidden gems. However, some things are just part of the Florida Beach Wedding experience no matter your GPS coordinates. Some common points of ALL Florida Beach Wedding Locations:

  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Affordability 
  • All Inclusive/Stress-Free Planning
  • Sand, Water, Fresh Ocean Air (ok, you already knew that)
  • Water Activities (kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing charters)

So if all of these points have you ready to say, “I do!” then read on to make your next decision, just which Florida Beach?

Some say all east coast cities can be considered some of the beast Florida beach wedding locations because of their absolutely stunning ocean sunrise views. Don’t run to the other coast just yet though if your heart is set on a “sunset” on the horizon wedding. East coast sunsets produce some magical skies and brilliant colors too! Check out these photos for proof of that! As for the ocean, the Atlantic tends to be a little more adventurous when it comes to ocean sports. So “surf’s up” east coast wedding couples!

St. Augustine Beach

City of St. Augustine FL

Admired by residents and tourists alike, St. Augustine is hands-down the one of the best Florida beach wedding locations. It’s packed full of rich history and colonial architecture amidst 42 miles of gorgeous beaches. Historic buildings, horse drawn carriages, and hidden courtyards are all charming features of the St. Augustine experience. Luxurious hotels and resorts or quaint bed and breakfasts, St. Augustine has a place to match your lodging personality. Live music, cobblestone streets, unique stores and incredible local cuisine are irresistible.  

Top Things to do in St. Augustine Beach:

  • St. George Street  Unique shops, amazing eateries, live music, and who can say no to homemade gourmet popsicles and the Chocolate Factory??
  • Trolley Tours Learn and see all this city has to offer in one trolley ride. Then after passing through the town you can pick out which spots are worth a closer look. The Castillo de San Marcos fort, Old Jail, Lightner Museum, Colonial Quarter, Ghost Tours, Wax Museum, Distillery are just some of the many things to do in St. Augustine. 
  • Blue Water Boat Rental and Tours  Check out the city and natural landscape from a different perspective. The “Craig Cat Catamaran” is a unique and fun way to ride the water!

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach sign over the street

 

Daytona Beach Weddings can be the most affordable amongst the best Florida Beach Wedding locations. With miles of beachfront hotel property, hotel prices are competitively priced and there’s no shortage of budget friendly entertainment. Couples who want to really pack the punch when it comes to getting to do A LOT of things on one trip consider a Daytona Beach Wedding.

Top Things to do in Daytona Beach:

  • Daytona International Speedway Catch a race, ride in a real NASCAR race car, experience the “birthplace of speed” up close and personal 
  • One Daytona  Shopping, Restaurants, Concerts, Movie Theater, Arcade, Bowling Alley… This one stop has. it. all. 
  • Learn to Surf– Daytona Beach waves are great for veterans and rookies alike. With a surf school like Pure Life, you’ll have an amazing time learning and riding the waves. 

Ponce Inlet Beach 

Ponce Inlet Beach lighthouse in Florida

Just a couple of miles south of Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet is the best Florida beach wedding location for couples who want a quiet, natural beach atmosphere. AND Ponce Inlet is within arm’s reach of all the entertainment but without the “city” feel. Ponce Inlet is tucked away at the end of a “no outlet” stretch of barrier island. It’s a 15 minute drive to all of Daytona’s main attractions, but has a private island feel. The rich history of this small beach town attracts couples looking for an intimate, “old Florida” beach wedding. 

Top Things to do in Ponce Inlet:

  • Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Tallest lighthouse in Florida and second tallest in the nation, this structure represents one of the best preserved and most authentic historic light stations in the nation today. You can climb the 203 steps to the top for a view like no other. 
  • Ponce Preserve 1.6 miles of easy to moderate trails take you through dunes and across a boardwalk with spectacular views of the Halifax River and Atlantic Ocean. 
  • Ponce Inlet Watersports Whether it’s catching the “big one” on a fishing charter, paddle boarding, parasailing, or an ECO tour, you can find it here!

Cocoa Beach 

Cocoa Beach FL welcome sign

“Fun Surf City” is the name of this game here in Cocoa Beach. It’s one of the best Florida beach wedding locations. Cocoa Beach is a popular beach for those who enjoy a mix of surf life and entertainment. Easily accessible from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a pretty straight shot west of “The Magical World of Disney.” It makes for great day trip for those wanting to stay in Orlando but still get a taste of the beach. Surf festivals and competitions create a real surf-side beach town feel. 

Top Things to do in Cocoa Beach:

  • Ron Jon Surf Shop Quite possibly the most famous surf shop in Florida. Ron Jon is full of fun souvenirs, surf gear, and apparel. Also a great spot to get connected for all your water sport adventures. Ron Jon has it’s own surf school, offers kiteboarding opportunites and knowledgeable on any “surf” questions you may have. 
  • Kennedy Space Center Amazing spot to see all things space. From the history of space exploration to viewing actual rockets, simulators to present day launch pad viewings, KSC is nothing short of a spectacular experience. 
  • Lori Wilson Park A beautiful beach spot with umbrella/chair rentals, showers, free parking, and scenic boardwalk trails. 

Miami Beach

Miami Beach FL sunset through the palm trees

If it’s blue skies, lush palm trees, white sand, and late night partying, you know it’s one of the best Florida beach wedding locations. Miami is the 2nd largest Florida city, behind Jacksonville, this city is full of bright colors, culture, and life! Lots of art deco architecture, gorgeous beachfront resorts, and glamorous beach goers. So grab a beach chair, a frozen drink, and take in all Miami Beach has to offer. You can even visit a site to narrow down the best Miami “must see experiences” according to your travel preferences. 

Top Things to do in Miami

  • Cultural Festivals: The city of Miami is dedicated to promoting the arts and culture. With an Art in Public Places Program and Cultural Arts Council, there is always something inspiring to do or see in Miami. 
  • Nature Tours: Leave the party scene and explore the literal “wild side” of Miami. Ride a double decker bus, cruise an air boat through the Everglades, or go offshore fishing!
  • Dance Clubs: Dance the night away as you celebrate your marriage at one of Miami’s many night clubs. You can learn salsa and sip mojitos until 5:00 A.M. at Miami’s famous Mango’s Tropical Cafe!!

Ready to exchange your vows and enjoy the amazing beaches of Florida? Contact us to book your Florida Beach Wedding! Or browse our site to check out more photos from real Florida Beach Weddings and find out more about the Best Beach Wedding Locations in Florida!