Welcome to your dream Florida beach wedding! As a top photographer based in Santa Rosa Beach, I specialize in capturing the magic of weddings along the stunning 30A coastline. With over 20 years of experience in fashion styling and body image confidence, I’m dedicated to making you look and feel amazing on your special day. In this guide, I’ll share valuable tips to ensure your beach wedding is not only beautiful but also seamlessly executed, allowing you to create cherished memories that you’ll treasure forever. Let’s dive into the details that will make your celebration truly unforgettable!
As the top 30A Photographer, destination beach weddings have always been a favorite among many couples wanting to get hitched. Not only does the beach provide a naturally romantic background for your special day, but it also saves you the trouble of setting up elaborate decor. Beach weddings have a casual yet elegant vibe, which can be perfect for couples who want a more intimate but no less luxurious ceremony.
If you’re looking for a great beach wedding venue, Destin, Florida has more than a handful of beaches that can provide a marvelous backdrop as you and your partner utter your sweetest vows. When planning for a Destin beach wedding, here are a couple of things that you need to consider:
Best Time to Have Beach Weddings in Destin
Picking the right date is crucial for your Destin beach wedding. This is to make sure that your event goes as planned. Spring is typically an ideal time for those who want warmer weather with cooler water temperatures. Hotels also tend to provide better deals between January and March. You might want to skip having a wedding from March to April as it’s Spring Break for many vacationers. Instead, consider having your wedding around May, when spring rainstorms are starting to fade.
Of course, many couples aspire to have a summer beach wedding, but the only downside is June to August are the peak months in Destin. If you’re going for a summer wedding, make sure to reserve a location in advance for your venue, your accommodations, as well as that of your guests.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming for the best sunset images photography in Destin has to offer, fall is a great time to have a beach wedding. This is when sunsets usually have the most vivid colors. The only downside to the fall season, which happens around September to October, is that peak hurricane season is afoot. Consider this when planning your wedding. Otherwise, your big day might just get swept away.
Winter arrives by November and the weather remains cold until February. Though it’s not a typical time for beach weddings, those who may want more privacy can consider a winter beach wedding as the crowds are much thinner. Despite the season, Destin beaches remain tantalizing, so you can still have picture-perfect moments during your wedding.
See why we are the top 30A Photographer for beach wedddings.
Where to Have Your Beach Wedding in Destin
There are more than a couple of beaches in Destin where you can have your dream wedding. Some places you can look at include:
Crab Island
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach Hotel
James Lee Beach
June White Decker Beach Park
Miramar Beach
Norriego Point Beach Park
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Shore at Crystal Beach Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Should You Have a Wedding at a Public Beach or a Private Beach?
You’ll find that most beaches in Destin appear to be private, though there are still various beach parks available. Initially, you might think that having your wedding ceremony in a public beach would be the more economical choice. This may be true to some degree, but perhaps the biggest downside to conducting public beach weddings are the permits that need to be secured for your event to push through. Of course, since your wedding is in a public area, one of the other things you’re bound to contend with are the other people on the beach. This might not be most ideal for couples who want to have a private, intimate gathering. However, if this is not an issue, you can very well choose to have a public beach wedding. If you’re going this route, make sure to schedule your wedding date away from peak beach seasons.
On the other hand, choosing to have your wedding in a private beach may be a little bit pricier, but it does come with a ton of conveniences. For one thing, most, if not all, private beach wedding destinations offer wedding packages that include a wedding planner, coordinator, and other vendors such as florists, bakers, and photographers. Private beach venues also have numerous options for wedding ceremonies for both indoor and outdoor settings. Naturally, the privacy of these venues are also an advantage as you wouldn’t have to worry about other people being present in the area. It will also be easier for you and your guests to transfer to the reception area as most private beach weddings happen in resorts or hotels, which have a dedicated reception venue nearby. This can be convenient when your guests include elderly people or children who may not be too comfortable traveling for long.
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Picking a Beach Wedding 30A Photographer
Since the area is well-known for its numerous beaches, you can find various Destin beach wedding photography services that you can check out in advance. When searching for the right photographer, keep these tips in mind:
Find an experienced photographer: One of the first things you should take into account is whether the photographer you will hire has experience with beach photography in Destin, FL or beach wedding photography in general. Keep in mind that unlike other venues, beaches have their own set of challenges such as the varying lighting, wind movement, sunsets, etc. An experienced beach wedding photographer will know how to best deal with these factors and get the best angles for your photos.
Go local: Aside from finding an experienced beach wedding photographer, it’s ideal to go local. This is because local photographers likely have prior knowledge of many of the beaches in Destin. Thus, they would know which spots are the best for your picture-perfect moments. They may also have connections with the venue of your choice and can suggest how to maximize the area for the best photos. If you’re going to have your wedding on a public beach, a photographer may also suggest which spots can be great for photos.
Work closely with your photographer: Communication is key in any wedding. Make it a point to meet with your photographer, whether online or in person, to discuss specific details. These can include who’s going to be in the bridal party or who are key relatives that need to be in certain photos. As much as possible, give your photographer a list of what should be and should not be included in your wedding photos. Additionally, take this opportunity to speak to your photographer about their rates. Ask as many questions as you can, so there would be no surprises down the line.
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Choosing Catering Services | 30A Photographer recommendations
Choosing the right catering services for your Destin beach wedding isn’t any different from picking a photographer; you need someone who’s experienced and preferably local. You also need to closely communicate with whatever catering company you’ll choose. Beach weddings often have a tropical vibe, so you can pick your food and drinks around that theme. Regardless of your selection, here are a few considerations to keep in mind when picking your beach wedding menu:
Review your guest list: If you have elderly guests and young children included in your list, make sure there’s something they can enjoy in your menu. Kids will enjoy cold, fruity drinks. On the other hand, some older folks might not be too fond of sweet beverages, so make sure there are a few bottles of wine, scotch, or other drinks parents and grandparents would prefer.
Take note of the weather: Beach weddings are often done in the afternoon, so keep your menu light and refreshing. Pick easy-to-eat options such as salads, mini crab cakes, or filet mignon, which won’t require too much fussing. For your wedding cake, it might be better to choose fondant instead of buttercream as the latter might melt easier under the heat. Your wedding caterer should be able to have the right equipment to keep your food cool.
Don’t forget the wind: An experienced catering service for beach weddings will know that the winds can wreak havoc on table settings that are unsteady or too elaborate. If you’re not in an indoor setting, you might as well skip the table cloths or other paraphernalia that could get blown away by the wind.
Where to Stay | 30A Photographer suggestions
Choosing to have your wedding on a private beach or in a resort or hotel will easily solve the issue of where you and your guests will be staying. Private beaches are often very close to hotels, and the wedding packages they offer typically include lodging, sometimes for both the couple and their guests.
For those who’d rather not stay in hotels, alternative rooming options can be found in listing sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. When searching for and renting lodgings, consider:
Proximity to the wedding venue
Access to transportation
Ease of travel
Size of the rental
Price range
Type of rental (e.g., house, cabin, beach house, etc.)
Wedding Near the Waves, find your 30A Photographer
Saying "I do" on the beaches of Destin, FL is a beautiful way to start your life as a married couple. Beautiful, elegant, and relaxed, beach weddings provide an intimate gathering with a gorgeous backdrop perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. For memories that would last a lifetime, be sure to work closely with your photographer for the most wonderful photos that can immortalize your wedding.
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