D e s t i n | F t . W a l t o n B e a c h | o k a l o o s a i s l a n D
Wedding Guide
taBlE of ContEnts
An Invitation from Our Team: Benefits of Working with the CVB page 4
What You Need to Know: Getting Married on a Public Beach page 6
Making It Legal: Florida Marriage License Details page 8
Tying the Knot – Nautically: Weddings at Sea page 10
Before & After Your “I Dos”: Activities & Attractions page 12
A Honeymooner-Do List page 15
Listings
All in One: Accommodations with Reception Space page 16
Reception Perfection: Banquet Facilities page 20
Culinary Delights: Caterers page 24
Leave It to the Pros: Wedding Coordinators page 26
Capture the Moment: Photographers & Videographers page 28
Wedding Essentials: Jewelers page 31
Formalwear & Wedding Dresses page 31
Florists page 32
Wedding Cakes & Bakeries page 33
Music page 34
Limousines & Transportation page 35
Rentals & Other Services page 35
Salons & Spas page 36
Golf Courses page 37
ExtrasPlan Ahead: Little Extras for Your Big Day page 38
Budget-saving Tips page 38
Sample Itinerary page 39
Beach Wedding FAQs page 40
Weddings of the Emerald Coast page 41
Your Wedding Checklists page 42
An Invitation from Our Team
BEnEfits of thE EmErald Coast ConvEntion & visitors BurEau
Many happy couples recite vows to one another every year on the sugar-white sands
of the Emerald Coast. Call us romantics, but here at the Emerald Coast Convention &
Visitors Bureau, we love a good wedding and look forward to helping make your vision a
reality. If you can dream it, we can make it happen. For starters, we can help you with
the following:
• aCCommodation assistanCE – We have contacts with all the local lodging
facilities, so we can send a request to them asking for their best group rate.
• loCal information & rEfErrals – Since we live and work in the community,
we are happy to answer any questions about the area or refer you to local vendors.
• ComplimEntary WElComE information for GuEsts – Our office will
provide information for your guests with maps, coupons and brochures on things to do
while visiting the Emerald Coast. A minimum 10-day advance notice is required.
This Emerald Coast Wedding Guide was assembled to make your wedding planning
experience every bit as wonderful as your future life together. Inside these pages, you’ll
find everything you need to know to plan your dream wedding.
4
“We’ve written a lot of thank-you notes this week, but please believe us when we tell you this one is straight from the heart. You guys at the Emerald Coast Convention Center rock! We can’t wait to come back for our first anniversary. Courtney and Brad Miller, Dallas
5
Get Married on a Public Beach What you nEEd to KnoW
Okaloosa County public beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. Who needs
something blue when you’ve got emerald green waters and sugar-white sand?
Public access ways and parks can be found at:
www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/dept_pw_resources_parks_list.html
To reserve a pavilion or obtain a special event permit at a county park (required for parties of
50 or more), please contact Sheri Whitman in Public Works at 850-689-5772.
For more information or to book Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, please
visit www.floridastateparks.org/HendersonBeach or call 850-269-1062.
Please note: Phone is manned Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6
“We are so glad we got married on the sugar-white beaches of the Emerald Coast. We couldn’t have ordered a more perfect sunset.
Tom and Kimberly McKinley,New Orleans
7
florida marriaGE liCEnsE dEtailsMaking It Legal
On the Emerald Coast, out-of-state residents can get married the same day they obtain their licenses.
A marriage license may be obtained Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Clerk of
the Circuit Court’s Office in either one of the two courthouses below.
Okaloosa County Courthouse Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex
101 E James Lee Blvd Room 10 1250 N Eglin Pkwy
Crestview, FL 32536 Shalimar, FL 32579
850-689-5000 Extension 3 850-651-7200 Extension 3
www.clerkofcourts.cc/pages/marriage_licenses.htm
marriaGE liCEnsE appliCation information & fEEsEach person will need one valid form of I.D. – Photo I.D., valid driver’s license, Military I.D. card,
state I.D. card or valid passport.
Non-residents and residents who have not completed the premarital counseling course – $93.50.
Residents who have completed the course – $61.00.
Performance of marriage ceremony by the Clerk of Court – $30.00.
8
QuEstions you may havE
is thErE a minimum WaitinG pEriod to havE a liCEnsE BEforE it is solEmnizEd?If you are an out-of-state resident, there is no waiting period. You can get married the same day you
obtain your license. If you are a Florida resident, there is a minimum 3-day waiting period, unless you
complete a 4-hour marriage prep course in the county.
hoW lonG is a marriaGE liCEnsE valid onCE it is issuEd?The marriage must be solemnized within 60 days of issuance of the marriage license. The ceremony
can be performed anywhere in the state of Florida.
Who may pErform marriaGE CErEmoniEs?A regularly ordained minister or other ordained clergy, elders in communion with a church, all judicial
officers (judges) of the state of Florida, Public Notaries of the state of Florida and among Quakers or
Friends in the manner and form used or practiced within these societies.
Who is ConsidErEd a “rEGularly ordainEd ministEr”?He/she is a minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the
respective denomination to perform marriage ceremonies.
arE Blood tEsts and physiCal Exams rEQuirEd?No. The law requiring these tests was abolished Oct. 1, 1986.
must i apply for a marriaGE liCEnsE in thE County WhErE i livE or GEt marriEd? No, a marriage license may be applied for and solemnized in any Florida county whether you live there or not.
WhEn and Who should rEturn thE liCEnsE to thE ClErK?A marriage cannot be officially recorded until the license is returned to the Clerk. It should be
returned within 10 days after the wedding. The party who performed the wedding is responsible for
returning the completed license. 9
BuCCanEEr piratE CruisEYou’ve found your matey. Now marry him on the
Buccaneer, a 100-foot pirate ship built in 2012.
850-269-0896
destinpirateship.com
dEstin CruisEs20- to 45-foot private vessels available for small,
intimate weddings and cruises. Officiant provided,
ceremony on boat or at a nearby romantic beach.
Wedding coordinating also available.
850-259-8816
850-699-1012
destincruise.net
southErn star dolphin CruisESouthern Star glistens, as she is decorated in rib-
bons, bows and flowers. Food is catered to your
taste from simple to the most exquisite, including an
open bar/bartender.
888-424-7217
southernstardolphincruise.com
WEddinGs at sEa
Surround yourself with the people you love and miles and miles of emerald-green water.
Whether you choose to be married on a 1946 mahogany yacht or a glass-bottom boat, you’ll
be creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Tying the Knot – Nautically
10
11 11
What to Do Before and After Your “I Dos”
aCtivitiEs & attraCtions
12
The Emerald Coast is a great place for honeymooners, and the great thing about a destination wed-
ding is that all your guests get a vacation as well.
Snorkeling, tubing, kayaking, parasailing…you can do it all. Do your future in-laws love to golf? The
Emerald Coast is home to eight championship golf courses. Rather go fishing? Destin is known as the
“world’s luckiest fishing village.” How about a deep-sea fishing excursion before the bachelor party?
That something blue the bride is looking for might be a marlin.
Of course, where there is great fishing there are always great seafood restaurants, and the Emerald
Coast is no exception. Here, you’ll find fresh, local cuisine, brought in daily by Florida’s largest fishing
fleet. Whether you’re looking for fine cuisine or just beach casual, you’ll find it here.
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The Emerald Coast is also known for its top-notch attractions. Spend the afternoon at a live marine
show, feed alligators or take a dolphin sightseeing cruise. Discover the culture and rich history of the
area at one of our fascinating museums.
If shopping is your passion, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Take your pick from traditional malls, open-
air complexes, designer outlets and distinctive boutiques. Are you a collector? The area’s natural
beauty and coastal charm have become a haven for artists of all kinds, so this is a great place to find a
one-of-a-kind souvenir.
The Emerald Coast offers something for everyone on your guest list. Find out more at emeraldcoastfl.com.
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A Honeymooner-Do List
The honey-do list can wait until you get home. Here are some romantic ideas
for your honeymoon on the Emerald Coast.
Picnic on a sailboat
Get a couples massage at a spa
Escape from reality with a nap in a beach chair
Shop for a special piece of art to hang in your new home
Go parasailing
Enjoy nature in a kayak for two
Share a fabulous dessert at an elegant restaurant
Dance till dawn to the music of a great local band
Take a barefoot stroll at sunrise
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All in One
aCCommodations With rECEption spaCE
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Breakers of Ft. Walton Beach
381 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-395-4853 breakersfwb.com
100 no onsite catering available
Comfort Inn Destin 19001 Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin, FL 32541
850-654-8611 comfortinn destin.com
40 catering service optional
Destin Gulfgate 1180 Scenic Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-837-3556 50 no onsite catering available
Destin Pointe 480 Gulf Shore Dr Destin, FL 32541
850-837-4800 20-30 no onsite catering available
Emerald Grande 10 Harbor Blvd Destin, FL 32541
800-676-0091 emeraldgrande .com
190-220 onsite catering only, wedding packages
The Enclave 3655 Scenic Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
866-682-5309 60-100 no onsite catering available
Four Points by Sheraton
1325 Miracle Strip Pkwy Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-8116 fourpoints.com/destinfwb .com
150-200 onsite catering only, wedding packages
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin
1625 Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-301-0906 hamptoninn.hilton.com/destin
40 catering service optional
Hampton Inn Ft. Walton Beach
1112 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-301-0906 ftwaltonbeach.hamptoninn.com
75 wedding packages
Heart of Destin 514 Vera Cruz Dr Destin, FL 32541
314-402-3736 vrbo.com/13200
sleeps 20 no onsite catering available
Henderson Park Inn 2700 Scenic Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-269-8646 henderson parkinn.com
up to 200 indoor/deck/lawn area
onsite catering available
vEnuE loCation ContaCt CapaCity sErviCEs
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aCCommodations With rECEption spaCEvEnuE loCation ContaCt CapaCity sErviCEs
“Destin was our destiny! Our wedding and honeymoon on the Emerald Coast was everything we dreamt it would be. That clear, clear water made our friends back home green with envy.” Jill and Dan Bourke, Baton Rouge
Holiday Inn Resort 573 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-238-8686 hifwb.com
280-480 onsite catering only, wedding packages
Holiday Surf & Racquet
510 Gulf Shore Dr Destin, FL 32541
800-367-1801 holidaysurf.com
30-50 no onsite cater-ing available, full kitchen
Inn at Crystal Beach 2996 Scenic Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-650-7005 destinresorts.com
50 onsite and offsite catering available, onsite restaurant
Island Echos 676 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-654-4030 resortquest nwfl.com
50-60 onsite and offsite catering available
Islander Beach Resort
790 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
888-244-4137 emeraldcoast rentals.com
100-150 no onsite catering available
Jetty East 500 Gulf Shore Dr Destin, FL 32541
800-368-0222 jettyeast.net
64-100 no onsite catering available
Oceania 720 Gulf Shore DrDestin, FL 32541
800-837-5102holidayisle.net
50-75 no onsite catering available
Palms of Destin Re-sort & Conference Center
4201 Indian Bayou Tr Destin, FL 32541
850-351-0515 Palmsofdestin.com
350-600 onsite catering only
Pelican Beach Resort
1002 US Hwy 98 E Destin, FL 32541
800-431-9281 Pelican-beach.com
250-450 onsite catering only
Quality Inn Bayside 322 Miracle Strip PkwyFt. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-424-6423 qualityinn.com/hotel/FL685
120 no onsite catering available
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vEnuE loCation ContaCt CapaCity sErviCEs
Ramada Plaza Beach Resort
1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-472-1790 ramadafwb.com
300-400 onsite catering only, wedding packages
SeaCrest Condos 895 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-476-1885 seacrestcondos .com
50-60 no onsite cater-ing available, full kitchen
Sea Oats Resort Condos
1114 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-451-2343 beaconresorts.com
60 no onsite catering available
Seaspray Condos 1530 Miracle Strip Pkwy Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
800-428-2726 seaspraycondos .com
60 no onsite catering available
Sterling Sands/Sterling Shores
1751 Scenic Hwy 98Destin, FL 32541
850-837-0433sterlingresorts.com
50-100/ 30-40
no onsite cateringavailable
Summer Place Inn 14047 Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin, FL 32541
888-689-7681summerplace inn.com
30 no onsite cateringavailable
SunDestin Beach & Meeting Resort
1040 Hwy 98 EDestin, FL 32541
800-654-4030 Beachwedding NWFL.com
150-200 onsite catering available
The Terrace at Pelican Beach
1002 Hwy 98 EDestin, FL 32541
850-654-1425pelican-beach.com
50-80 onsite catering only
Wingate Inn Destin 117 Palm StDestin, FL 32541
850-654-4678wingatehotels.com
30 no onsite cateringavailable
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Reception Perfection
BanQuEt faCilitiEs
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Anglers Beachside Grill
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-796-0260anglersgrill.com
200 onsite catering only
American Legion 105 Hollywood Blvd NW Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-0221americanlegion post235.com
275-300 onsite catering only, full service bar available
Brooks Beal Center 100 Beal Pkwy NW Ft. Walton Beach, FL 35248
850-797-1467 200 catering services optional, full kitchen
Cuvee Catering 12590 Emerald Coast Pkwy Miramar Beach, FL 32550
850-650-8900cuveecatering.com
125 catering services optional
Destin Community Center
101 Stahlman Ave Destin, FL 32541
850-654-5184cityofdestin.com
150-300 no catering available, full kitchen, stage, sound system and dance floor
Elks Lodge #1795 PO Box 535 Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-244-5632 200-300 catering services optional, full service bar
Emerald Bay Golf Club
4781 Clubhouse DrDestin, FL 32541
850-837-5197 emeraldbay golfclub.com
75-100 catering services optional, full bar service available
Emerald Coast Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-609-3800 emeraldcoast convention center.com
10-2000 call for details & layout options
ARAMARK cater-ing services op-tional, full service kitchen available
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-9046 living seas exhibit or entire park available
no onsite catering available, outside catering allowed
vEnuE loCation ContaCt CapaCity sErviCEs
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BanQuEt faCilitiEs
vEnuE loCation ContaCt CapaCity sErviCEs
HarborWalk Village Restaurants
10 Harbor Blvd Destin, FL 32541
harborwalk destin.com
varies call for availability
Henderson Park Inn 2700 Old Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-269-5443 henderson parkinn.com
up to 200 indoor/deck/lawn area
onsite catering available
Kelly Plantation 307 Kelly Plantation Dr Destin, FL 32541
850-650-7600 kellyplanta tiongolf.com
50-400 onsite catering only, full service bar and onsite event coordinator available
Knights of Columbus
205 Carol Ave Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-864-2588 75-250 catering services optional, full ser-vice bar available
Magnolia Grill 157 Brooks St SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-302-0266 magnoliagrill fwb.com
125 onsite catering only, beer & wine bar
Pandora's Steakhouse
1226 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-244-8669 pandorassteak house.com
40-90 onsite catering only
Pranzo's Italian Seafood Restaurant
1225 Santa Rosa Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-244-9955 pranzoseafood .com
80-100 onsite catering only
Presidio 124 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-225-4717 150 no onsite catering available, must rent own tables/chairs, kitchen available
“Our family and friends were so happy we decided on a destination wedding on the Emerald Coast. They got a vacation, too!”
Amanda Witherspoon, Mobile
vEnuE loCation ContaCt CapaCity sErviCEs
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
15000 Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-337-5108ruthschris destin.com
30 onsite catering only
Rutherford's 465 465 Regatta Bay Blvd Destin, FL 32541
850-337-8888rutherfords465.com
350-500 onsite catering only, full bar/staff/event coordinator available
Shalimar Pointe Clubhouse
302 Country Club DrShalimar, FL 32579
850-651-4300 shalimar pointe.com
130 catering services optional
Sons of Italy 808 South Dr Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
125-225 catering services optional, full service bar and stage available
Southern Bay Manor 181 Brooks StFt. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-685-7033southernbay manor.com
500 catering services optional, full bar/staff/event coordi-nator available
Staff's Restaurant 24 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-3482 100 on and offsite catering only, full service bar available
Tuscany Italian Bistro
36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin, FL 32541
850-650-2451 tuscanybistro destin.com
200 onsite catering only, full bar available
Two Trees Restau-rant @ Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
1959 Lewis Turner Blvd Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-833-9665 ext. 2
132-150 onsite catering only
The Venue at Crystal Beach
2715 Scenic Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541
850-424-7811 500 onsite catering available, kitchen and wedding planner available
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Culinary Delights
CatErErs
790 on the Gulf eatmoregumbo.com 850-650-4853
Ali’s Bistro alisbistro.com 850-226-4708
ARAMARK Catering emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com 850-609-3905
Beal Street Jazz Blues and BBQ bealstreetbottleclub.com 850-362-6390
Bella Donna Catering 850-362-9581
Cabana Cafe cabanacafedestin.com 850-424-3574
Chef on the Go chefonthegoinc.com 850-729-3377
Chez J Catering 850-543-3875
Classic Catering 850-243-7001
Culinary Catering 365 culinarycatering365.com 850-428-3060
Cuvee Catering cuveecatering.com 850-650-8900
Destin Ice House destinice.com 850-837-8333
The Eventful Planner theeventfulplanner.com 850-424-6215
Fudpucker’s fudtv.com 850-654-4200
A Grand Elegance Catering agrandelegance.com 850-582-3317
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Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q jimnnicks.com 850-351-1991
La Paz Restaurant & Cantina lapaz.com 850-837-2247
LesGo Personal Chef & Catering lesgopersonalchef.com 850-862-7379
Magnolia Grill magnoliagrillfwb.com 850-302-0266
Marie’s Bistro mariesbistro.com 850-278-6856
McAlister’s Deli mcalistersdeli.com 850-650-0923
Mulhollow’s Bistro at 215 bistroat215.com 850-796-3663
Rocco’s Seafood roccoscatering.webs.com 850-243-4880
Ruby Tuesday Catering rubytuesday.com 850-862-0295
Rutherford’s 465 rutherfords465.com 850-337-8888
Sarah K’s Gourmet sarahks.com 850-269-0044
Say Cake saycake.com 850-729-2253
Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q sonnysbbq.com 850-314-0717
Zoe’s Kitchen zoeskitchen.com 850-650-6525
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Leave It to the Pros
WEddinG Coordinators
All Occasions Photographyand Event Coordinator tracyriddlephotos.com 850-376-6749
Barefoot Weddings barefootwedding.net 850-244-9277
Barrios Celebrations, LLC barrioscelebrations.com 850-218-4367
Beach Side Ceremonies& Events beachsideceremonies.com 850-685-7033
Celebrations by the Sea celebrationsbythesea.com 850-217-5710
Charlotte Kaegi Wedding Services destincruise.com 850-699-1012
Destin Beach Brides destinbeachbrides.com 850-642-1010
Destin Wedding Company destinweddingcompany.com 850-502-0085
The Eventful Planner theeventfulplanner.com 850-424-6215
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Footprints in the Sand footprintsinthesandweddings.com 850-314-9333
Forever I Do foreveridoweddings.com 850-314-9448
Gulfside Beach Weddings gulfsidebeachweddings.com 386-235-1549
Lough Tide Beach Weddings loughtidebeachweddings.com 850-420-5035
Mix, Mingle, Glow mixmingleglow.com 850-974-4454
Ocean Breeze Weddings & Events oceanbreezeweddings.com 850-420-1335
RSVP Events rsvpdestin.com 850-837-6595
Simple Destin Weddings simpledestinweddings.com 850-725-2598
Surfside Brides surfsidebrides.com 850-654-4439
Sugar Beach Weddings sugarbeachweddings.com 850-650-1515
Weddings by Webster 850-499-1094
Weddings on a Beach 850-837-5656
Yours Truly Weddings yourstrulyweddings.net 850-543-9204
“Thank you for all you did to make our wedding a huge success. I know I was kind of a Bridezilla, but, honestly, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Stephanie MacGowan, Atlanta
Capture the Moment
photoGraphErs
Beachside Photography/ 850-424-6616Wolf Creek Images beachsidephotography.net 850-499-4606
Blu Chic Photographer bluchicphotographer.com 850-796-0000
Craig Garrison destinflbeachweddings.com 850-974-2990
CSP-Images 850-315-1414
Dex Designs Photography dexdesignsphotography.com 850-687-9575
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Barefoot Weddings destinfloridabeachweddings.com 850-244-9277
Craig’s Video and Photographic Studio craigs-studio.com 850-974-2990
Life in Motion Films lifeinmotionfilms.com 850-687-6011
Wilkinson Production wilkinsonproduction.com 318-218-4992
Gulf Reflections Studio, Inc gulfreflections.com 850-863-2288
Larry Kirk Photography larrykirkphotography.com 850-758-8987
Mari Darr~Welch:Modern Photojournalist maridarrwelch.com 850-699-3403
Olimb Photography olimbphotography.com
Photocraft Tom photocrafttom.com 850-803-1161
Portraits by the Sea pbts.com 850-862-8324
Precious Memories Photography preciousmemoriesphoto.net 850-863-9555
Pure 7 Studios pure7studios.com 850-654-6523
Ron’s Images by the Sea Photography ronsimagesbythesea.com 850-543-9348
Sandprints Photography sandprintsphotography.com 850-225-5514
Tricia & Co. beach-portraits.com 850-269-2206
vidEoGraphErs
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WEddinG EssEntials
30
JEWElErsAurum Jewelry Studio 850-862-9211
A Diamond & Gold Exchange adiamondandgoldexchange.com 850-243-3900
Emerald Lady Jewelry emeraldladyjewelry.com 850-424-3823
Goldsmith Jewelers goldsmithjewelersfwb.com 850-244-2144
Jewelry & Watch Express jewelryandwatchexpress.com 850-664-9042
Kimberly’s Jewelers 850-864-2040
Merlins Jewelers merlinsjewelers.com 850-243-4405
REEDS Jewelers reeds.com 850-269-0133
The Silver Mine thesilvermine.biz 850-862-4133
Vandegriff Jewelers vandegriff.com 850-243-3333
Zales zales.com 850-650-4291
formalWEar & WEddinG drEssEs
Anna’s Bridal & Formal annasbridalandformal.com 850-729-8088
Dennis & Company dennisandcompanyclothing.com 850-226-4380
Men’s Wearhouse menswearhouse.com 850-837-7447
Simply Elegant sebridals.com 850-862-3334
The Red Raspberry Boutique theredraspberryboutique.com 850-682-2446
florists
Alyce’s Floral Design alycesfloral.com 850-862-8331
Connect with Flowers connectwithflowers.com 850-651-0200
Destin Floral Designs destinfloraldesigns.com 850-837-5656
Florals by the Sea floralsbythesea.com 850-650-6687
Friendly Florist of Fort Walton Beach ftwaltonfriendlyflorist.com 850-244-5387
Myrtie Blue Wedding, Event & Floral Design myrtieblue.com 850-243-2500
Pavlic’s Unique Florist pavlicsflorist.net 850-837-6941
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WEddinG CaKEs & BaKEriEs
Adonna’s Bakery and Café adonnasbakery.com 850-424-5847
Bake My Day bakemydaydestin.com 850-269-0763
Cakemaster’s Bakery cakemastersbakery.com 850-862-4911
Creative Celebrations creativecelebrations.com 850-315-0969
Cupcakery by the Sea cupcakesbythebeach.com 850-362-6244
Publix Bakery publix.com Destin: 850-837-9094 FWB: 850-796-1841
Walmart Bakery walmart.com Destin: 850-650-0346 FWB: 850-863-7001Winn-Dixie winndixie.com 850-654-5353
American DJ Zoran celebrationsbythesea.com/ americandj.html 850-217-5710
Beach Music Productions beachmusicproductions.com 850-830-7433
Chuck Lawson Wedding and Event Music chucklawson.com 850-496-7230
déjà vu Band dejavudestin.com 850-240-2573
Destin Wedding DJ destinweddingdj.com 850-803-8270
Diamond Dan DJ Services 850-496-7930
D’Vyne Entertainment dvyneonline.com 850-642-2221
Life Tunes life-tunes.com 850-685-5560
Michael J Thomas (saxophonist) michaeljthomas.net 850-496-4885
Rick’s Sounds ricksounds.com 850-654-5855
Sandee Paradisi DJ sandeedj.com 850-862-8774 850-585-9044
musiC
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limousinEs & transportation
654 Limo 654limo.com 850-654-5466
654 Taxi 654taxi.com 850-654-8294
Bayside Airport Shuttle baysideshuttle.com 866-581-1505
Beach Party Bus beachpartybus.com 850-687-7302
Marquee Limousines & Bay Limousine baylimousineservice.com 850-269-1200
Northwest Florida flyvps.com ORRegional Airport flyvps.com/taxis-and-shuttles.html 850-651-7160
Royal Limousine Destin royallimodestin.com 850-803-5466
Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine sunshineshuttle.com 850-650-6333
White Sands Party Bus whitesandspartybus.com 850-699-7392
rEntals & othEr sErviCEs
A2Z Specialty Advertising a2zdestin.com 850-654-3080
Abrakadoodle Special Events abrakadoodle.com 850-424-5058
The Big Day Event Rentals thebigdayrentals.com 850-862-3176
DESTINation Management LC destinationmanagementfl.com 850-269-2242
Edible Arrangements ediblearrangements.com 850-226-4111
NationWide Tents ‘N’ Events nationwidetents.com 877-796-0400
RSVP Weddings, Inc. rsvpdestin.com 850-837-6595
Things Remembered thingsremembered.com 850-244-0889
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salons & spas
Allure Salon Day Spa alluresalondayspafl.com 850-362-6788
Art of Relaxation Day Spa artofrelaxation.com 850-650-6888
Avantgarde Salon Spa avantgardeaveda.com 850-654-1303
Bella Day Spa & Hair Studio belladayspafwb.com 850-581-3772
Beverly Hills Day Spa beverlyhillsdayspa.com 850-654-8544
Brava Hair Studio & Day Spa bravahairstudio.com 850-833-3003
Edge of Paradise Day Spa dayspadestin.com 850-650-4569
It’s All About You Massage itsallaboutyouspa.com 850-314-6642
L E Skincare leskincarefwb.com 850-244-6664
La Renaissance larenaissancesalon.com 850-837-5707
Massage Works massageworksfwb.com 850-862-5155
The Posh Daisy Skin Care theposhdaisy.com 850-244-7633
Raspberry Attic Hair & Nail 850-664-6600
The Royal Palm Spa palmsofdestin.com/spa 850-351-0600
Shelly’s Style Studio 850-302-0300
Spa at the Emerald Grande emeraldgrande.com/ spafitness.asp 850-337-8150
Spa at Silver Shells silvershells.com/spa 850-337-5107
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Golf CoursEs
Blackstone Golf Courses blackstonemossyhead.com 850-520-4670
Bluewater Bay Resort bwbresort.com 850-897-3241
Eglin Air Force Base Golf Course eglinforcesupport.com 850-678-1415
Emerald Bay Golf Club emeraldbaygolfclub.com 888-465-3229
Ft. Walton Beach Golf Club fwb.org 850-833-9528
Foxwood Country Club foxwoodcc.com 850-682-2012
Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club indianbayougolf.com 850-837-6191
Kelly Plantation Golf Club kellyplantationgolf.com 850-650-7600
Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club regattabay.com 850-337-8080
Shalimar Pointe Country Club shalimarpointe.com 850-651-4300
Golf Courses Aren’t Just For Groomsmen Many make beautiful venues for receptions and ceremonies as well
“Our ceremony on the golf course was absolutely magical, and we ended up coming in under budget, too! I can’t thank the team at the CVB enough.” Jessica Thomas, Houston
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BudGEt-savinG tipsWith destination weddings you may find you’ll have a shorter guest list
because not everyone will be able to travel. This will cut your costs significantly.
Here are some other money-saving tips:
Add a personal touch – make your own invites and place setting cards
Use candles and sand instead of flowers
Have your wedding in non-peak season when costs are lower
(ask the CVB to reach out for best room rates)
Get married during the week instead of on Saturday
Have your reception at the same venue as your ceremony
Research honeymoon packages and stay on after the wedding
littlE Extras for your BiG dayThe beach isn’t just a location – it’s a theme! Here are some fun ideas to make
your big day even more memorable.
Roll up your wedding invitations and put them in bottles
Arrive by boat instead of limo
Instead of wearing shoes on the beach, opt for elegant barefoot jewelry
Fill conch shells with toothpicks for hors d’oeuvres
Purchase some his and hers flip-flops
Get some photos of the bride and groom in sunglasses
Extras
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There are so many different things to do and see when you come to Northwest Florida’s Emerald
Coast that it can seem overwhelming when you add a wedding to the mix. In addition, you still have
to accomplish all your wedding to-dos. To try to make your life more simple, the Emerald Coast
Convention & Visitors Bureau has put together a sample itinerary for you and your guests.
WElComE * WEdnEsdayBride & groom fly into Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) and arrive on Florida’s Emerald Coast!
WarminG up * thursday • Pre-wedding consultation with the officiant • Pick up information for your guests, compliments of the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau• Have a guest welcome reception• Enjoy the soft, sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters with a stroll along the beach • Take in a breathtaking sunset• Head back to your accommodations for a good night’s rest
primp & play timE * friday• Spa day for the ladies• Charter fishing trip (or early morning round of golf) for the men• Luncheon for the wedding party• Wedding rehearsal • Rehearsal dinner• Rehearsal after-party
thE BiG day * saturday• Ladies meet for breakfast• Ladies head to the salon for primping • Guys meet for breakfast• Lunch• Photos with the ladies• Photos with the men• Family photos • Places, everyone • Let the festivities begin – wedding ceremony & reception• Say “Ciao” as you leave for the honeymoon
until nExt timE * sundayWhile you are waking up to the love of your life, the celebration continues back on the Emerald Coast!
Have the family enjoy a scrumptious brunch at one of the Emerald Coast’s beachfront cafés before
heading home.
Plan AheadsamplE itinErary
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In Case You Were WonderingfrEQuEntly asKEd QuEstions
WhErE is thE ClosEst airport?The Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is a 15-mile drive from Destin.
American Eagle, United, Delta and US Airways operate out of VPS. Several rental
car counters are located in the baggage claim lobby. Taxis and shuttle services are
also available. Visit flyvps.com for more information.
What if it rains on thE BiG day?They say rain on your wedding day means you’ll have good luck, but it won’t feel
that way if you’ve arranged for an outdoor ceremony and don’t have a back-up
plan. You’ll find that most wedding venues have alternate locations available just in
case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Ask about options.
Who do i asK to find out aBout WhEElChair sErviCEs on thE BEaCh? In Ft. Walton Beach, call 850-259-4131.
In Destin, call 850-837-8413.
Can WE GEt marriEd on a puBliC BEaCh?Weddings are allowed at all public-access beaches in Okaloosa County because
they are owned by the county or the state. Private-access beaches, however, are
owned by private citizens or businesses and require permission from the owner or
a property manager. See page 6 for more information about getting married on a
public beach.
Can WE sEt up Chairs, arChEs and othEr dECorations on thE BEaCh?Of course! For information, contact Sheri Whitman in Public Works at 850-689-5772.
should WE GEt insuranCE for our WEddinG?Weddings sometimes need to be postponed due to a family illness or another
unforeseen circumstance, so it is always a good idea to have insurance. Note: If
you’re planning to have more than 50 people at your wedding, you may be
required to obtain liability insurance and a special event permit.
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Weddings of the Emerald Coast
Photos provided by (from left to right): Top row: Surfside Brides, Sandprints Photography,
Surfside Brides. Second Row: Barefoot Beach Weddings, Surfside Brides. Bottom Row:
Surfside Brides, Sandprints Photography, Surfside Brides.41
Checklist6 or morE months prior
Consider the type of wedding you want (big, small, formal, informal) and what time of year
Determine your budget
Hire a wedding coordinator if one is needed
Create a guest list and begin to organize addresses
Finalize the wedding date
Call the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-322-3319
Reserve the place(s) for the ceremony and reception
Order your wedding dress and accessories
Determine attendants
Secure the caterer
Secure the florist
Secure the music for both the ceremony and reception
Secure the photographer and videographer
Order the wedding cake
Plan and book the honeymoon
Send save-the-dates
“The Emerald Coast was the perfect setting for our fairytale wedding. We look forward to coming back for our first anniversary.”
Zoe Marquardt, Shreveport
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Checklist4-6 months prior
Reserve any rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, etc.
Make transportation arrangements for the wedding day
Check requirements for blood tests and/or marriage license
Purchase stationery – invitations, thank you cards, programs, place cards, etc.
Register for gifts
Purchase or reserve groom’s attire
Select attendants’ attire
Buy any special garments for your dress
Choose favors
Book a room for the wedding night
Plan and purchase gifts for the wedding party
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
Sign up for dance lessons, if desired
Book hairstylist and makeup artist
Purchase wedding rings
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Checklist2-4 months prior
Review menu details with the caterer
Review details with the officiant
Choose reading(s) for the ceremony
Write weddings vows, if desired
Schedule rehearsal times and dinner
Mail invitations
Write thank you notes for any gifts that arrive early
Go for first dress fitting with shoes and undergarments
Make sure you have addressed all the wedding day accessories
toasting glasses
ring bearer pillow
flower girl basket
unity candle
garter
––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––
Create programs
Obtain marriage license and request certified copies
Organize documents to prepare for changing your name, if desired
Plan your hairstyle and makeup
Send change of address information to the post office, if necessary
Buy a guest book
Checklist2 WEEKs prior
Have final dress fitting with undergarments and accessories
Prepare seating chart and place cards
Provide caterer with guest count
Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and/or wedding reception
Address and mail announcements
Confirm accommodations for guests, especially if you will be providing welcome
notes or gifts in their rooms
Contact the CVB to confirm the number of welcome packets you’ll need and the
day and time you can pick them up
Source: www.weatherchannel.com
Want to find out when the sun sets on your special day? Visit www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/florida.asp.
month Avg. high Avg. Low
Jan 60 37
Feb 64 40
Mar 70 46
Apr 76 52
May 83 61
June 88 69
July 90 72
Aug 89 71
Sep 87 67
Oct 80 55
Nov 71 46
Dec 62 40
avEraGE daily tEmpEraturEs in oKaloosa County
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Checklist1 WEEK prior
Finalize seating chart
Designate wedding day responsibilities
Pick up dress
Confirm details with the caterer
Confirm honeymoon arrangements
Pack for the honeymoon
Provide any updates to the caterer for a final guest count
Provide photographer and/or videographer with a list of the types of photos that you want taken
Prepare welcome notes or gifts for out-of-town guests
Pick up welcome info from CVB
46
Checklist1 day prior
Confirm transportation for ceremony and reception
Arrange for someone to mail announcements for the day after the wedding
Have a manicure and pedicure
Rehearse the ceremony
Have rehearsal dinner and give gifts to wedding parents and party as a thank you for
their support
Prepare tip and payment envelopes for officiant and vendors, and arrange for someone
to distribute them
Be sure to have a “wedding day emergency kit” ready (safety pins, bobby pins,
clear nail polish, etc.)
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We’d like to thank the following vendors for supplying photography: (in order of appearance)
Forever I Do(Page 2, Page 44 left)
Surfside Brides(Page 5 top right, Page 9 left, Page 47 bottom right)
Sandprints Photography(Page 5 bottom, Page 16, Page 19 bottom left, Page 37 right, Page 43 left)
All Occasions Photography and Event Coordinator(Page 7, Page 9 right, Page 29 left, Page 38)
Barefoot Beach Weddings(Page 8, Page 26 right, This page)
ARAMARK Catering(Page 13 bottom left, Page 20, Page 22 bottom left, Page 24 right, Page 32, Page 33 right, Page 47 left)
Michael Macsuga Photography
(Page 21 right)
Olimb Photography(Page 30 left, Page 31 right)
For more information and to check availability, please contact the Sales Department at 877-574-5123 or visit our website at emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com.
You have the diamond. Here’s the emerald. The Emerald Coast Convention Center is
the perfect setting for your wedding and reception. Our experienced, professional staff
assures you the event of a lifetime. Take your pick from a wide range of rooms, including
the breathtaking 21,000-square-foot Emerald Grand Ballroom. And, with onsite catering
provided by Aramark, you’ll find your planning process will be easy and convenient –
the end result nothing short of exquisite.
EmErald Coast ConvEntion & visitors BurEau1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-651-7647 | Fax 850-651-7149 | Toll-Free 800-322-3319
myemeraldcoastevent.com
emeraldcoastfl.com
Facebook.com/FloridasEmeraldCoast@EmeraldCoastFLA
Pinterest.com/EmeraldCoastFla