Great Florida Beach Weddings…Ideas For You!

Florida Beach Weddings are a wonderful choice for couples who want to tie the knot in paradise. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from it’s hard to pick one, so I have a few ideas for you.

Favorite Places:

Lover’s Key State Park, near Ft. Meyers has become a popular spot for saying I do, they even have a gazebo for wedding ceremonies. If you’re all about nature, you’ll love this wildlife haven. The park is home to dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, and roseate spoonbills (my fave).

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park:
Located on Key Biscayne, the park is home to a Lighthouse (built in 1825) the oldest standing building in Miami/Dade county. The park offers a beautiful setting for your beach wedding. And you’re not far from Miami, a “hot” spot for a honeymoon! Visit Florida State Parks to learn more about our wonderful park system.

Your Favorite:
If you’re reading this you probably already have a favorite beach in Florida, one that you have visited with your loved one. What a wonderful way to make more memories…to have a beach wedding in your special spot!  And since you’re here tying the knot, why not stay for a great honeymoon!

Other Florida Beach Weddings:
If your idea of roughing it is a room at a 3-star instead of a 4-star hotel, then you’re in the right place. Florida is home to some of the most gorgeous hotels and resorts. And most of them offer their services for beach weddings. They will host anything from boutique style beach weddings to receptions for 1000.

Many of our hotels/resorts have great  spas. What a great way to relax and unwind before the wedding…with your friends and family. And guys, that includes you too. Lots of men have manicures and pedicures done these days!

A Few Picks for You:
The Don CeSar Beach Resort on St.Pete Beach. Built in 1928, the legendary hotel (also known as the pink palace) is truly a gem on the powdery(great for bare feet) beaches of St.Pete. Read their web site at www.doncesar.com. And even if you don’t have your Florida beach wedding there, check it out when you can…it is even more beautiful in person.

Another luxurious venue is The Breakers Hotel & Resort in Palm Beach. Need I say more? What a wonderful to way to start your life together, we’re talking fairy-tale beach wedding here! Check them out at www.thebreakers.com.

Ok…I know it sounds like I have expensive taste, when I’m not doing the nature thing. I may just a little, but just so you know…there are many wonderful hotels and resorts in Florida for any taste or budget.

I could devote an entire web-site to all of the great hotels, resorts, and every beach in every city in this beautiful state of mine, but I’ll leave that up to the travel agents. I’m here to share my personal recommendations with you and do not have any affiliations with any of the hotels or resorts listed above.

Helpful Tips for Outdoor/Beach Weddings:
~Don’t forget your marriage license when you’re planning for your Florida beach wedding!
Read here…Florida Marriage License for more info on what you’ll need to get a marriage license in Florida.

~If you’re planning a beach wedding at a park or public beach there are local restaurants, caterers, wedding planners and other wedding professionals that will offer their services. Do your homework; make sure the pro’s you hire have experience in outdoor/beach weddings. Their expertise will go a long way to making your special day memorable.

~Bring lots of sunscreen, extra water, sunglasses, hats or umbrellas and extra sandals (el-cheapo flip-flops will do). Remember Aunt Mary or little Joey may not do well in the direct sun, so it’s best to be prepared.

~Wear your comfy shoes or plan on a barefoot beach wedding… there’s nothing worse than a romantic walk down the aisle getting those spiked heals stuck in the sand!

~Oh, and one last tip:
Always have a Plan B in case of unexpected weather like rain. Most public beach parks have pavilions that you can rent (just call ahead). Tent rentals are also a great idea, especially if you are staying at the beach for your reception. Just make sure to get the o.k. from the city in which you are planning your wedding.

Happy Planning for Your Florida Beach Wedding!

Picture Above…Pirate Themed Wedding-Fernandina Beach

Online Resources:

Cheap Chic Weddings.com
Advice and tips on having a cheap wedding that looks like a million bucks.

Beautiful Beach Weddings
Beach wedding advice and helpful information for planning a destination beach wedding.