St. Augustine Beach vs. Clearwater: Which is Better for Weddings?
St. Augustine Beach is the perfect spot for your Florida Destination Wedding. Florida takes the cake for best beaches in the U.S., and St. Augustine is making a name for itself world wide as a perfect Atlantic coast location for outdoor weddings on the beach. However, Clearwater Beach, on the Florida west coast, keeps holding its own as one of the most beautiful beaches in the USA. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this white, sand beauty is popular with many of our brides. Keep reading for all the details on both beach side wedding venues to make a decision on a location for your Florida ceremony.
Let’s Compare Beach Wedding Locations
Fun is in the air:
St. Augustine: There is no shortage of amazing things to do in America’s Oldest City. Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth, downtown boutiques, delicious cuisine, an alligator farm, lighthouse, romantic cobblestone streets… the list goes on. There is also surfing and fishing. So whether you get here early or extend your stay with a St. Augustine honeymoon, you and your guests will find yourselves thrilled with all the beauty, nature, and charm this historic city has to offer.
Clearwater: It’s hard to beat this location for Tampa beach wedding packages. Being so close to the big city, you can take advantage of great entertainment after your Clearwater wedding. Ybor City food tours, Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium will keep you busy and delighted. Clearwater Beach on its on has much to offer any newly married couple: boating, golfing, dolphin sightseeing tours and more.
Beauty of the Beach:
St. Augustine: Who doesn’t love the thought of the fresh ocean breeze, sandy toes, waves rolling and a relaxed and intimate wedding ceremony? The Atlantic coast of St. Augustine offers a variety of beachfront options for your ceremony and wedding photography. Rocky shorelines at Vilano Beach make a stunning background or you can choose Anastasia State Park with sugary brown sand. Anastasia State Park is just minutes from downtown St. Augustine, Florida and one of the best beach wedding locations! You and your guests can enjoy a small beach wedding reception at the park under their pavilion. Or, if you prefer, it is only minutes to get to one of the many unique restaurants in downtown St. Augustine for dinner.
Clearwater: Clearwater Beach is a top choice among our couples for so many reasons. The white sand will make for a perfect aisle-way as you share your wedding. Then, as you say, “I do” and share your vows, the deep vibrant sunset will begin directly over the calm, emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, you can finish up your Gulf island wedding with our photographers capturing every perfect moment.
Evening Skies:
St. Augustine: Although sun does not actually set on the east coast (it has the sunrise), you can experience a softly lit sky and ocean with dreamy, pastel color at the end of the day. Your wedding photographs will provide you with romantic memories for years to come. If you love pinks, golds, oranges and blue clouds reflecting off the white-capped water, then a St. Augustine Beach wedding is for you! Vilano Beach at sunset is shown below.
Clearwater: Of course Clearwater Beach is famous for its sunsets. We time your ceremony just right so that our wedding photographer can get perfect pictures of the two of you as the sun goes down over the Gulf of Mexico. Vibrant reds and oranges make a stunning backdrop as you share your love for each other…maybe even trashing your wedding dress in the Gulf beach water!
Lodging and Reception Dinner:
St. Augustine: a fast growing city, but everything is so easily accessible. You and your guests can choose to stay downtown just steps away from the must see St. George Street where you’ll find a gambit of fun shops and tasty eateries like A1A Ale Works overlooking the river: they have two private dining options for wedding receptions also. Or if you want an entirely tropical get away, you can stay right on the beach! Just make sure you know there is a difference between “ocean front” and “ocean side” if you’re looking to be “on” or “near” the beach. A popular hotel is the Castillo Real resort. We can also perform all of our St. Augustine beach wedding packages here. If you are having a smaller beach wedding here, the La Cocina is located directly in the hotel.
Clearwater: Like St. Augustine Beach, there are several beachfront locations to choose from in Clearwater including: Indian Rocks Beach, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Pass-A-Grille Beach, Sunset Beach, and Sand Key. Yes…it just got more difficult to choose but our Beach Wedding Specialists can help you with your decision. Lodging in the area includes hotels like the Holiday Inn Harbourside which is an ideal location for couples to both stay and have a reception. It is a one minute walk to 4th Avenue, where we will hold an Indian Rocks Beach wedding ceremony. At Sunset Beach, we highly recommend renting the Sunset Beach Pavilion. This Pavilion is located directly on the Gulf beach, making it easy and convenient for you and your guests to enjoy a simple beach wedding reception. Take advantage of the beautiful sunset, affordable pavilion rental, and let your guests relax on the beach during your beach wedding reception. You also have the option to rent a lot in the parking lot.
Now that you’ve had a chance to look at the benefits and features of both these Florida destination beaches, it’s time to give it some thought. Once you’ve made up your mind you can begin to design your wedding online! Without leaving the comfort of your living room, you can browse our beach wedding packages and customize one just for the two of you. We take care of the rest without you having to lift a finger. Your dream wedding awaits in Florida. Don’t hesitate to contact us at pam@floridabeachweddings.com if you have more questions.
Wedding on Anastasia Beach St. Augustine
A St. Augustine Wedding Day Like No Other
Being inside all the time has many of us feeling a little down, but in Florida things are looking up. And at Anastasia Beach you can trade your gray skies for blue. Trade boots for bare feet. Trade layers of clothes for sun dresses. And when you hear “white wedding,” the white sandy beaches are a perfect match for your stunning wedding dress. Well, let’s see just what a dream beach wedding at Anastasia Beach looks like.
What We Love about an Anastasia Beach Wedding :
Accessibility:
Anastasia Beach offers easy beach access with plenty of parking. Some neighboring beaches are equally as beautiful, but guests may be forced to walk up to a mile or more from the closest parking spots. Parking can be at a premium for many beaches and the large parking lot relieves that concern for your beach wedding ceremony. In addition, this beach also offers a very easily accessible handicap ramp right by your wedding ceremony location. There are no buildings on the beach and no driving, so you get nothing but beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and beach dunes. The Sea Turtle Pavilion is available for small, outdoor wedding receptions. There is a permit fee for an Anastasia State Park Wedding, the price depends on the size of your wedding.
The View:
It’s a common misconception to think all Florida beaches are alike. Each has it’s own unique characteristics. And these can change within the short distance of just 5-10 miles up or down the coast. Anastasia Beach is made up of gorgeous white sand, untouched sand dunes, and beautiful rolling ocean waves. Think poster print beach wedding photography.
Local Fun:
St. Augustine is a treasure chest full of adventures, nature, and history. And within just a couple miles of your Anastasia Beach Wedding, you can rent bikes or paddle boards, catch an outdoor concert, or zipline through the Alligator Farm. St. Augustine is a top destination for Florida weddings. Well, here’s proof. These are some of our favorite shots from Clari and Ciro’s February beach wedding at Anastasia Beach. Her short wedding dress was perfect with the groom’s white attire. This couple are a picture of joy in these photographs take by our professional wedding photographer.
Clari & Ciro’s Anastasia Beach Wedding
There are many all inclusive wedding packages and elopement packages for you to choose from with our beach wedding company. Click here to book your Anastasia Beach Wedding today!
Say Yes to a Beach Wedding Dress
Bride Guide: Choosing a Beach Wedding Dress
You know the tune, “Here comes the bride all dressed in….see through!?!” Wait, what? Your beach wedding dress should have guests dropping their jaws at your beauty and elegance. However, jaw drops should NOT be due to the fact you look like you’re auditioning for a Victoria Secret lingerie photo shoot or because of the amount of sweat pouring down your body. After many years of operating a wedding store, we want to help guide you in choosing the perfect dress whether it’s magical mermaid, classic beauty, or boho chic style. So here are a few pointers for choosing the perfect beach wedding dress.
How to Choose the Perfect Beach Wedding Dress
- Material, girl: We’re not talking Madonna here, we’re talking fabric. Choose a breathable wedding dress made from fabrics like chiffon, cotton blends, or organza. And if you want one of those crazy sweat inducing wraps to shed those last few pre-wedding pounds, go for it. However, sweating off pounds in a satin suction cup dress while walking down the aisle is just a bad idea. Keep it cool and comfortable.
- Length: You may be thinking, warm, sunny weather hence a shorter dress. Well, that MAY be an option, but the sun isn’t the only factor to consider. While that sea breeze will keep you cool and relaxed, a swift breeze in a short dress could have your guests getting to know you in ways you didn’t expect. Beach brides may be afraid of “dirtying up” a floor length dress, but a little saltwater and sand is nothing a professional cleaning can’t take care of. In fact, many brides love to wade into the sea for a few stunning photos! If you’re set on avoiding a full length dress, above the knee and tea length are great options also.
- Stylin’: Choose a style that magnifies your natural beauty and is comfortable for you. You may choose to stick with your already non-traditional wedding theme and go with a flowing and mystical gown or opt for a classic, timeless look. Check out our Beach Wedding photo gallery below to get an idea of some beach wedding dresses.
- Trial: Lighting in a retail store provides a totally different effect from natural sunlight. Think you’ve found the perfect dress? Take a step outside in your dress to make sure it’s not see through. It’s also a good idea to take a couple of pictures in that natural light. Often the camera has some sort of tricky x-ray vision and without testing out the lighting and visibility, you could end up with some very revealing wedding photos.
- Underneath it all: Make sure to wear no show/seamless undergarments. Again, do a trial run. Get your whole ensemble together and step outside. Have a friend check front and back to make sure there are no see through surprises or funky strap lines. You can also add a personal touch with a fun garter.
- Coordinate with your decor: Don’t forget you can style your beach wedding package decor to match your bride and groom vibe! Tropical island mermaid or elegant, simple and neutral? We have the bamboo, flowers and draping for that. Floral or seashells? At Florida Beach Weddings company it’s your choice.
Beach Wedding Dress Gallery
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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
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 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
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
“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
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!