While we do offer a Tent Option, this may not be what you expect as it is not a full reception.  We recommend this for couples looking to have something simple (Cake Cutting and/or Champagne Toast) for about 20-30 minutes following the ceremony towards Sunset.  This would not involve a caterer, additional tables/seating, or function as a backup in case of rain as we are limited to the size of 10×10. Keep in mind only certain locations allow this and additional fees apply for permits and/or additional time. Further, any food put out…the local wildlife (birds) will be joining you.  The Beach Locations that allow the small Tent Option are often the most crowded sections of beach as they tend to be able to accommodate larger gatherings. We have found, the best solution is to have the ceremony at a remote, more private location and the reception nearby (within 5-15 minute drive). Most of the guests coming into town for the ceremony will be renting a car, carpooling or using a ride-share option! We do not provide alcohol or engage in any alcohol related activities associated with our Beach Wedding Ceremonies. The Champagne Toast we provide is an alcohol removed substitute in this regard.

*Please note the Tent Reception cannot be booked last minute for a rain backup or shade covering. This must be done well in advance and is only available at certain locations. 

We do offer a Wedding + Reception Packages at our reception facility on St. Pete Beach (6655 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL):  www.affordablebanquet.com. This is arguably the best options since it has a built-in back up plan in case of inclement weather!

Please Contact Us via email or call (727) 475-2272 for more options!

Unfortunately, the deposit, plus any fees spent on your behalf for items to service your wedding are non-refundable. They are paid to individuals and companies to reserve their date and time. This includes but is not limited to permits, flowers, cakes, supplies, outside deposits to specialty vendors.

This applies to Photography, Videography, Live Musicians that are booked and cancelled months prior to the Wedding.  Their deposit is forfeited as part of holding the date and foregoing other opportunities.

You may have the choice to apply the fee to another date, time or location. This date must be discussed and agreed upon to avoid conflicts with previous bookings.

Yes, of course! Feel free to add readings, prayers, poems to your liking. You may choose your own ceremony to include family and friends – this is often recommended during the ‘Unity Sand’ portion.

Please provide us with a printable word document of your ceremony via email 2-weeks prior (we will make sure everything flows and sounds right)!

This is a fun way to include family members, but also add personal vows to really make your Wedding Day unique!

Our Wedding Packages are designed to be All-Inclusive in Nature. However, as we move toward more Fully-Custom Offerings – there is simply no way to eliminate these additions/upgrades, etc. This is also what makes it more fun – you can completely Customize Your Beach Wedding Ceremony specific to your style and taste! Please Check out our proprietary Beach WeddingStudio: Dream Beach WeddingStudio

Permits: These are not included with the Wedding Packages we offer, since each Municipality has a different set of Rules & Regulations, thus Permit Requirements.  The Beach Ratings’ Pages offer this in more detail and are automatically integrated to the Wedding Package as you make your selections:  Tampa Beach Ratings – Destin Beach Ratings

There is absolutely no additional charge for any of these! Unity Sand or Blessing Stones are a fun addition and included with all of our Wedding Packages.

All locations are subject to Public Parking.  Certain locations include the Entrance Fee (Henderson Beach State Park for example) however, we are not allowed to reserve parking spots.  For this reason, we have recommended time frames for everyone to arrive:  Ceremony Timeline.  Further, we recommend avoiding the middle of the day on Saturday/Holiday weekends (+$250 Premium).  Most locations have metered parking and can range from $1.50-4/hour or a flat fee for the day.  Please Contact Us if you have specific questions in this regard.

Technically No (as a rule of thumb). However, Yes at some locations.  Please contact us or the Beach Municipality to confirm.

Yes – the PA System is included with all of our Wedding Packages. Please confirm ahead of time so we set out the appropriate Microphone and extension chord!  We do offer several instruments for Live Music if this is of interest:  https://gulfbeachweddings.com/music/

We do offer rehearsal services conducted by an Officiant and takes place the afternoon prior to the ceremony. The cost for a rehearsal is $250 for all beach locations (+$50 for Travel outside Okaloosa & Pinellas Counties).  This pays for the Officiant’s time and travel. We will conduct a full rehearsal and ‘run through’ of the ceremony only (music and decor will not be provided). Typically, this is not necessary unless you have a very large wedding party (more than 8-10) as we are able to go over everything the day of the ceremony when you arrive at the beach. The main benefit for electing to have a rehearsal is to determine the approximate wedding location, flow from the parking lot, staging area, and other site specific requirements. Keep in mind the Wedding Dreams Package and above includes the dedicated ‘Wedding Coordinator’ at the ceremony who will direct and coordinate your guests. Beach weddings are typically more casual and the ceremony is very straight forward in terms of its coordination. Please note the beach may be more or less crowded the day of the actual event (For Example: A rehearsal conducted on Friday afternoon will have far less beach goers than the following Saturday time frame).

Here is the link to our Online Templates: Ceremony/Vows

Yes, you may use your own officiant.

Keep in mind our Officiates are familiar with The Order of Ceremony for our specific Company. This may differ should you decide to have a friend/family perform the same. If you use your own officiant we are not responsible for any aspect of the ceremony, guest control, signs or marriage license information.

We have a number of professionals who have been doing Wedding Ceremonies for Decades. Many are former Pastors, Non-Denominational Ministers, Notary’s, and Rabbi’s. Please inquire should you have any further questions!

Rabbi’s and Priests have a different fee structure than what is included with our packages.  Based on availability, the fee for the Rabbi and Priest is to be discussed and paid direct. Often, many Priests do charge significantly more than your Pastor/Non-Denominational minister ($350-1,500 just to give you an idea on pricing).

We do have 1 priest on-staff who is a retired reverend that can be requested – please Contact Us for availability.

We have a number of Outside Vendors (Photographers, Videographers, Live Musician, etc.) that are all Professional and wonderful to work with.  These can be added to the base wedding package.

You are more than welcome to use your own Vendors as you see fit – keep in mind we are not responsible for any service provided for outside vendors, booked or paid for direct.

Due to the cost of just about everything going up (Gas, Materials, Insurance, Hiring & Training, Travel associated) we have seen our costs rise dramatically since the beginning of 2021.  Across the board, everything we do has increased 10-50% in some instances.  Further, many of the setup crew, coordinators, and vendors do not live directly on the beach (this is particularly True in the Destin area as many come from within a 25 mile radius). Therefore, to offer the same high-quality personnel/experience at a fraction of the hotel and competitor rates – many of our Team Members travel in.  We simply pass this savings on to the customer directly, only adding a small travel cost associated to your wedding.  This is automatically updated as you make selections during checkout (i.e. no hidden fees!).  Just another way Gulf Beach Weddings has found a way to offer the best to its clients!