In love with the idea of a Florida destination beach wedding? Well did you know 2/3 of Florida is along the coast? We’re talking 1,300 miles of beach! So that puts Florida on the map for largest coast in the contiguous United States. So just which beach should you choose for your beach wedding location? While all these cities are vying for the #1 beach wedding location, every beach is unquestionably going to be an amazing experience. So take a look and see which beach matches your dream wedding scene. Read on to find out all about the Gulf Coast Beaches of Florida. And don’t forget to check out Best Beach Wedding Locations in Florida – East Coast Edition too!
Best Gulf Beach Wedding Locations in Florida
The best Florida beach wedding locations are unique 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)
Siesta Key Beach
Couples agree that this beach is the place to be. In recent years, Siesta Key was voted #1 Beach in America by Travelers’ Choice Awards. And that’s not the first best beach in America award this amazing coastal town has received. Siesta Key Beach maintains a tremendous average ranking of 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor’s site. The white quartz crystal sand, amazing sunset viewing spots, lush landscape, and hospitable residents all make this an unforgettable location. And you can easily search the best accommodations in Siesta Key. There are Hotels, B&B, Boutique Hotel, RV Resort, Vacation Rentals, Condos. So no matter your style or wedding party size, you can find the perfect place to stay in Siesta Key Beach. With quaint bed and breakfasts, gorgeous shade trees and miles of white sandy beach, you will never want to leave this charming beach town.
Top Things to do in Siesta Key:
CB’s Saltwater Outfitter’s – The largest on-the-water Bait & Tackle Shop in Sarasota. This spot offers Siesta Key Boat Rentals, Fishing Charters, Fishing Tackle, Jet Ski Rentals, and clothing for everyone. A must stop for outdoor adventures and apparel.
Siesta Trolley – Have a great time exploring the streets of Siesta via a trolley ride! A perfect way to transport wedding party and guests to and from your beach wedding location or great for a rehearsal dinner!
Ophelia’s on the Bay – For fine dining, waterfront experience, check out Ophelia’s. You can enjoy a 3 course meal for $39! They claim here you can “eat like the locals.”
SKOB – Siesta Ket Oyster Bar, or as the locals call it, “SKOB.” A laidback hangout- this place has all you need for the island experience. Fresh seafood, live music, laid back atmosphere and over 21 beers on tap! Walk a few steps down and have a “daiquiri dessert” at the Daiquiri Deck!
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach made the top 10 beaches in the world list according to Trip Advisor. Oh, and top 10 beaches in America list by USA Today. So just what is it that puts this city at the top of the charts? Clearwater boasts “sugar white sand, tranquil Gulf breezes, and crystal clear waters” and “endless supply of sun, warm weather, and great dining, along with extensive outdoor activities both on land and at sea.” And Tampa International Airport is a favorite among travelers for it’s convenience and ease of travel, just 19 miles from the beach.
Top Things to do in Clearwater Beach:
Events Sunset cinemas, Jazz Festivals,Concerts.. This city has that “just big enough” feel. There’s plenty to do and experience without the hustle bustle of a major city. ,
Water Sports Sailing, Jet Ski Rentals, Pirate Cruises, Dive Tours. There is no shortage of fun to be had on the water!
Attractions There is certainly plenty to out on your Clearwater Beach bucket list. Trolley Ride, Moped Rental, Indoor Surfing, Sea Life Safari, the list goes on.
Accommodations Check out the city of Clearwater’s accommodations page. Clear checklist of amenities and links.
St. Pete Beach
Appropriately nicknamed, The “Sunshine City.” St. Pete holds a Guinness World Record for logging the most consecutive days of sunshine – a stretch lasting 768 days that began in 1967. One of the bigger, busier, gulf coast cities means you will not be bored here! Well, unless of course you want to just pull up a beach chair and lounge on the beach all day which sounds like a pretty good idea! You’ll find the signature gulf coast white sand and typically calm blue gulf water. So if it’s a mix of beautiful beach, culturally rich, and variety of activity, St. Petersburg is your spot.
Parks There’s the 245-acre Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, the botanical attraction Sunken Gardens, Treasure Island Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, and the historic Weedon Island Preserve. Avid hiker? The Pinellas Trail, a 37-mile hiking/biking trail is the longest urban linear trail in the Eastern U.S.
While there will be two less “fish in the sea” after your wedding day, there is no shortage of actual fishing game in Destin. Named the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” Destin Beach is a great spot for catching fish in the gulf. And if fishing isn’t your thing, there are miles of white sandy beach and emerald water for fisherman and land lubbers alike. So if it’s nature, outdoors, water activities are your love language, you’ll find Destin a nice break from the busy, entertaining, neighboring cities.
Snorkle Spot sting rays, dolphin, nurse sharks (don’t worry, you aren’t on their menu ;) ), sea turtles and more underwater wildlife.
Henderson State Park Hike, swim, picnic, geo tour, or bird watch. And you’ll marvel over the 30 feet tall white sand dunes!
Gulfarium Love the idea of getting face to face with wild animals but within the proximity of trained animal experts? You can get close up and personal with dolphins, sting rays, seals, turtles, sea lions and gators!
Panama City Beach
Panama City seems to have the best of both worlds if you’re looking for a balance of entertainment and natural landscape. Beach preservation and appreciation is a clear value of Panama City residents. You can grab a bite on the water or explore concession-free Shell Island for an exclusive island experience. And with 27 miles of beach and over 100 beach access points, there is plenty of beach to enjoy! And This “Vacation Vibe” quiz is on point. Answer 10 questions and you’ll be provided with local Panama City activities that match your vacation style. And to get a idea of what to expect at Panama City Beach, you can check out the dozens of webcams Panama Beach has available streaming live!
Entertainment There is so much to do in Panama City. Live music, golf, spas, water parks, eco tours, dance club. So wherever you fit on the scale from nature hippy to disco dancin’ machine, Panama City has something for you.
Water Activities Fishing, boating, diving, paddle boarding, jet skiing just name a few of the many water activities in Panama City Beach.
Romance Check out this collection of activities and places to visit chosen especially for couples. Whether it’s the spa, a private sailing excursion, or romantic dinner, there are plenty of ways to connect and create lasting memories with your spouse!
Ready to exchange your vows and enjoy the amazing Gulf 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!
Does the thought of white, sandy beaches and palm trees rustling while you say your I-do’s sound perfect? Right now, maybe you know more about shoveling snow than shoveling sand. And maybe the thought of planning an entire wedding from hundreds or even thousands of miles away sounds pretty intimidating. Well put your fears to rest. Take a look at some common destination wedding planning concerns and see how a Florida Destination Wedding is easier and more affordable than you think.
Pamela Fuit Beach Wedding Officiant
Top Florida Destination Wedding Planning Concerns:
Destination-Unknown: Whether Clearwater Beach is on your frequent flyer destination list or you’re a first time visitor, this beautiful Gulf beach is what wedding dreams are made of. Don’t believe it? Well, Trip Advisor also agrees that Clearwater Beach is a pretty sweet spot, for couples and families alike.
Coordinating plans: Don’t try to coordinate multiple vendors and hours of stressful emails and phone calls… so much stress. Our Florida Beach Weddings company takes care of everything for the perfect wedding:
Officiant (performs ceremony and provides assistance directing you on how to obtain a Florida marriage license)
Affordable: All inclusive means less out of pocket expenses. Florida Beach Weddings offers affordable beach wedding packages with no hidden fees or costs. In addition, multiple airports are within an hour or two (Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville) which allows for cheap airfare for the couple and their guests.
Affordable Part 2: Honeymoon/Vacation: Finally, your honeymoon and your guests’ vacations are a built in bonus when choosing a Florida destination wedding. Hence, no additional travel expenses. For example, the list of things to do in Clearwater Beach is extensive, beautiful and affordable hotels abound, and consequently a perfectly intimate beach wedding experience allows you to escape to a tropical paradise! If you’re looking for a relaxing, stress free, and beautiful atmosphere, a Florida wedding on the beach is right for you! Book here!
Florida destination weddings are more popular than ever for couples that are planning a beach wedding. A wedding on the beach is the perfect romantic way to say “I do” for many people. Planning early can be the best way to ensure your wedding ceremony comes together perfectly. Of course, the perfect beach wedding starts with picking your beach venue. Getting married on the beach does not mean that you need to travel out of the USA, but it does mean you need to make preparations a few months in advance. Choosing a reputable, professional beach wedding company will go a long way to reducing any stress you have about planning a destination wedding.
Tips for Planning A Wedding On the Beach
Beach weddings in Florida are popular destination wedding spaces so you do want to book early. Your first step to getting married on the beach is to ensure that you have your date booked. You should plan as far in advance as possible. Of course, you can always book later, but it is best if you can book around 6-12 months out from your planned date, especially if you want a weekend wedding. One of the things you can do to make the process easier is to be a little more flexible on your wedding date: have a few options in mind when you speak to your wedding provider.
Daytona Beach Wedding Couple
The same goes for location! Have a list of your top 3 beach venues so that you book one that aligns with your date. For example, if you want a Gulf beach wedding then explore Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beaches, and Siesta Key beach. If you prefer the Atlantic coast of Florida with its white capped waves, then explore getting married on St. Augustine Beach, Daytona area beaches and Cocoa Beach.
You should plan for about 50% attendance rate at your beach wedding if it is a destination wedding. If you live in Florida that changes things. A local Florida resident will have a much larger turnout, than those that have to travel a long distance for the wedding at the beach. Don’t worry either way, your Florida marriage license is easy to get.
Sand Key Park, Clearwater FL
Make a List
If your wedding is a destination wedding, lists are a very important part of the planning process. Making lists of everything that you will need for your wedding on the beach is vitally important to ensure a smooth ceremony. Include on your list the following:
Delegation of duties
Transportation
Packing list
Ceremony necessities
In addition to the general bridal planning, you will need to delegate some of the duties for your destination wedding, especially if children are involved. A bride and groom should not be managing young children on their wedding day, so enlist the help of family and friends to assist with them. Also, delegating someone to ensure that guests have all the help they need, directions, etc. is crucial. Ensure every detail is planned for the day and keep a list of who is responsible for what. Your bridal party will be glad to help as well.
New Smyrna Beach wedding couple after saying vows
Transportation Arrangements
Make a list of what transportation you will use to get around during your stay. Contact the transportation method of choice early on to book your transportation so you can check that off your list. Whether it is a beach shuttle, rental car or private limo, make sure it is confirmed and ready when you arrive. We encourage our couples to arrive a few days early to their chosen beach venue in order to become familiar with the beach, their accommodations and transportation. We also provide our wedding couples with a list of local amenities and vendors, once they have booked their ceremony with our top rated beach wedding company.
What To Pack
You will need to arrange to get your wedding attire to the beach venue, and all the things that you will need during your stay. Make a list of everything that you want to bring with you so nothing is left behind…especially your wedding dress! Check with your airline for sizes and carry on regulations. Don’t assume anything. It is important to avoid packing your wedding dress in checked luggage if at all possible. Try to find out how your airline handles passengers with large-but-delicate items like a wedding dress. You can call them ahead of time to see if they would potentially offer closet space (often at the discretion of the flight attendants on duty).
Destin, Florida beach wedding bride in mermaid dress
Ceremony Necessities
Make a list of everything you want at your ceremony. Having a list to check off will ensure that you do not forget anything. Maybe you want guest bags or sunglasses. Maybe some cute flip flops. Do you want chilled water for your guests? We have complete beach wedding packages that include this so you won’t have to worry about their comfort in the Florida weather. Getting organized and using lists to your advantage can help you to have the amazing beach wedding you always dreamed of. Contact our beach wedding specialists for more help. Some of most popular Distinctive Designs are listed below:
Coral Distinctive Design Package – click here for more information
Coral Distinctive Siesta Key
Floral Distinctive Design – click here for more information
Clearwater Floral Distinctive Design
Rustic Geometric Arch – click here for more information
There is an alternative to Georgia beaches tucked just below the Florida-Georgia border: Amelia Island is a perfect Florida wedding venue. A special north Florida beach, Amelia Island is located just off the Atlantic coast and offers 13 miles of beautiful sea beaches, abundant native wildlife, sand dunes, and blue ocean water. This barrier island is a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike and makes a wonderful choice for a romantic destination wedding.
From the sun on the beach to the great restaurants downtown, this area has a quaint island feel. You may wish a small, simple ceremony, a tropical elopement, or a larger decorated ceremony, but having someone help you is priceless, so consider an experienced beach wedding company to help with your planning. Florida Beach Weddings has over 12 years experience and travels to your chosen beach venue to set up your complete wedding package. We arrange your ceremony arbor, chairs, decor and any other details you have chosen for your wedding day. There is no permit fee for marriage on Amelia Island, but you will need a Florida marriage license.
Although there are a few beaches to choose from Seaside Park is a popular, centrally located beach on Amelia Island. It offers parking areas, several covered pavilions, picnic tables and a photo opportunity on the boardwalk to the beachfront. What stunning wedding photos you will have to remember, now and forever.
Sliders Seaside Grill is an oceanfront restaurant/bar with a recently completed upstairs facility overlooking this park: it also has a separate facility for rent that is private and oceanfront. Nearby also is The Ocean Club of Amelia offering space for larger groups.
Ceremony Design Suggestions for Amelia Island
Natural:
If you love rustic branches and bamboo, take a look at our Natural Distinctive Design Package. No need to go looking on the beach for rustic touches: we bring it to you! This beach wedding package includes the natural scenery of the sun and sea. It is all-inclusive and comes complete with a wedding officiant, set-up crew, chilled water station, sand ceremony vase and so much more.
Nautical:
The Florida Nautical Knot Package is a popular design choice with our couples. It is cheaper than a traditional wedding at home, but a step up from a beach elopement package. If you want to escape to a beautiful destination wedding with a small group of friends and family, our Florida Nautical Knot Package is the ideal choice. With this package you receive beautiful decor including a bamboo wedding arch in your chosen color scheme, decorated aisleway, chairs for your guests, and more. It also comes in a Wildflower option and Beach Chic design.
Rustic Romance: For a unique and elegant beach wedding ceremony, our Rustic Romance package is our newest design. A high, wooden canopy elegantly draped with flowing material and a extra-large cascading floral topper. For the couple that wants those extra touches of elegance and modern design, this complete wedding package will satisfy every wedding day dream you’ve ever had, while still providing an affordable destination wedding.
Rustic Romance Flagler Beach, FL
Other north Florida beaches near Georgia to consider for a beach wedding include: Jacksonville Beach and Vilano Beach in St. Augustine. Contact us today to find out if your desired date is available. Our beach wedding planners can’t wait to hear from you!
A stunning white sand beach awaits you to say your vows with views of the Gulf of Mexico as far as the eye can see. Yes…it’s Destin beach, Florida, our fourth installment in the Virtual Getaway series with a review of the Emerald Coast city of Destin and its heavenly beach.
Destin Beach weddings are elegant, classy, and everything you have been dreaming of. Destin is situated northwest in the Florida panhandle and known for its breathtaking white sand Gulf beaches, countless golf courses, and world class resorts and rentals. It’s the perfect place to have one of the best destination weddings in the USA especially if you want those sundown photos during the perfect Florida weather.
We use a couple of different wedding venues for your beach wedding ceremony. if any beach wedding permits are required for your wedding, Florida Beach Weddings will obtain them for you, and add the cost of the permit to your package.
Destin Beaches for Your Ceremony
Fort Walton Beach
When couples decide to have a relaxing destination beach wedding experience, they choose Fort Walton Beach as one of their top wedding venues. With the white, fluffy sand Gulf beaches, and beautiful emerald sea, you will have the perfect back-drop for your beach wedding photos. Fort Walton Beach is a laid back eclectic community that has plenty of unique experiences for every brideal party to enjoy. Learn more about Florida Beach Weddings at Fort Walton Beach!!
Pensacola Beach
When choosing Pensacola for your destination wedding location, you will have a premiere Gulf beach location for your beach wedding ceremony. With many different adventures waiting for you in Pensacola, your guests will be happy you chose this area with so many activities that they can incorporate into their wedding guest vacation with plenty of fun for children. Learn more about Florida Beach Weddings at Pensacola Beach!
Beachfront Hotel & Reception Venues
The Hilton may be a spot you choose for your beach wedding reception. Located on Pensacola Beach on Florida’s Santa Rosa Island, this modern hotel is 16.7 miles’ drive from the National Naval Aviation Museum and 17 miles’ drive from the 19th-century Pensacola Lighthouse. Amenities include 5 restaurants (including a relaxed grill and a sushi bar), 3 bars (including a poolside bar), a fitness center and 2 outdoor pools.
A very popular beach wedding reception venue is the Palafox Wharf. Their website says, “Historic, elegant, award winning Pensacola’s Palafox Wharf Waterfront was built in 1880 as a shipping company. You and your guests will treasure every moment of your destination or local Wedding Reception or Event in the beautifully renovated interior venue space, large deck, pier, and spacious green overlooking sparkling water and the harbor’s marina.”
With a ton of things to do if you choose this Gulf beach wedding location, you and your guests will not be bored! Aside from the largest protected beach area in the nation, The Gulf Island National Seashore, museums, zoos, zip lining and the Historic Fort Pickens area await!
Destin is very beautiful and one of the best places to get married in Florida. Reserving your Gulf beach wedding date is easy: just contact Floridabeachweddings.com. We make it easy to plan your once-in-a-lifetime special day by offering complete wedding packages that take care of all the important details of your elopement, small beach wedding or large wedding ceremony.
