Beach Wedding Questions and Answers
What beaches do you serve in Florida?
Clearwater Beach, St Pete Beach, Sand Key Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Pass a Grille Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Sunset Beach in Pinellas County and Siesta Key Beach, Anna Maria Beach, and Turtle Beach in Sarasota County. We are on the Vendor List for Pinellas County for vendors they have verified and approved.
Where are the locations for a Florida Beach Wedding ?
The beach location is always your choice for a beach wedding, although we can certainly help to guide you if you are unfamiliar with the beaches of Florida. Some of these beaches require a special permit which is not included in our pricing. If you wish, we are able to handle the permit request upon receipt of your payment for permit fee.
Are the locations a private beach?
Every beach in Florida is a public beach so there are no beaches that can be reserved privately unless you are staying at a private resort or condo that would allow you to host a beach wedding on their property. At sunset there would be a less congested beach and also cooler weather. Most of the beach tourists leave the beaches by late afternoon, so a sunset wedding would have far less people around, and perfect for a more intimate beach wedding setting.
What type of beach weddings do you offer?
We really love all sizes and types of ceremonies on the beach! Elopements, intimate beach weddings, vow renewals, destination weddings, and large celebrations too! We can customize any beach wedding, whether its an elopement or a vow renewal or a larger than life affair! Each is special to us, our couples are special to us as well!
Come celebrate love with us! Thats what we love to do!
Can we get married at the hotel, resort, condo, or beach house where we are guests?
It is possible as long as you obtain permission from the hotel/resort, condo or beach house owner. Always make sure to ask the property owners if there is an additional fee for allowing a wedding on their property. Any additional fees are the couples sole responsibility. This option only applies to the Florida Beach Weddings.
Are pets allowed to be a part of our beach wedding?
If you are staying and hosting a beach wedding at a location where pets are allowed. Public beaches do not allow pets directly on the beach.
What is the procedure of a Marriage License By Mail for our Beach Wedding?
We are registered providers of a Marriage License by Mail, and upon payment of the 200.00 fee, instructions are sent to the couple via email including forms that have to be signed and notarized along with photo IDS. This eliminates a time consuming visit to the courthouse as the Officiant will have your Marriage License in hand on your beach wedding day. Both out of state couples and Florida residents are able to have this service provided to them if the necessary documents are completed in a timely manner by the couple. The process can begin 60 days prior to your beach wedding date but no later than 3 weeks prior to your date.
Is there a permit required to get married on the beach?
Many beaches require a permit, but a few do not. Permit fees range in price and would be the sole financial responsibility of the couple. The fees range from 75.00 and up depending on the beach chosen. There are beaches in the area that require no permit depending on the amount of people, so this is the popular way to go with a lot of couples!
Which are the best months to have a Florida Beach Wedding?
The busiest times of the year for outdoor weddings are March through November. The chances of rain are higher in the summer months, but because of the temperate weather here in Florida, outdoor weddings are popular all year round!
What are the best times to be married on the beach?
Sunset beach weddings are the most popular times because of the beautiful sunset photography produced, followed by morning beach weddings but we can arrange your preferred time if desired.
What time should we arrive for our ceremony?
You should arrive on the beach 20 minutes prior to your ceremony start time so there is no rush. If you are not familiar with the beach areas we would suggest either a drive by before the beach wedding or to drive out early as there is also parking to consider and sometimes the beaches are crowded, and no beach wedding service has control over this. Please remember to plan ahead, to be prepared, and to be on time so your wedding ceremony can flow smoothly. We cannot stress how important this is in order for us to handle your beach wedding with time on our side to serve you in the best possible way.
Can you describe the ceremony?
A beach wedding ceremony is a loving and romantic pronouncement of your wedding vows. It also includes the sand ceremony and the blessing shells. The sand ceremony has the couple picking up sand from the beach or if they prefer, any color sand they choose, and pouring the sand into a keepsake heart bottle, while the blessing shells has the couple and guests tossing shells into the water after the ceremony with a special wish for the couple. Please note these are always optional but there is no price reduction to remove them from your ceremony, as they are added as a courtesy.
Should I include a Beach Wedding Coordinator for the ceremony?
For elopements and small beach weddings a coordinator is not necessary as the Officiant will host your ceremony.
If your guest list is large it is at your discretion to include a coordinator at additional cost.
Are Florida Beach Weddings "barefoot"?
Many couples ask this question, and it is simply and totally at the discretion of each couple. If you are wanting a more laid back setting, then this would fit right in.
How long does a beach wedding last?
Typically, the ceremony on the beach plus the photography afterwards do not extend more than an hour .
Who are your Officiants?
Because beach weddings vary in time and date, we have a preferred list of Officiants available who would either be a Florida Notary Public or Ordained Minister secured by Cherished Ceremonies.
What about any outside vendors?
Any specialty vendors such as florists, photographers, videographers, rentals providing services to the wedding couple on their beach wedding day are totally responsible for the services they provide, whether paid directly or indirectly through Cherished Ceremonies Weddings.
Are we allowed to use our own Officiant?
Yes, as long as your Officiant is Ordained or a Notary for the State of FL recognizing the laws in the state of Florida that have to be abided by. Your Officiant is solely responsible for any rehearsals, creating & performing the ceremony, working with you to create your vows, and signing and filing your marriage license after the ceremony.
Are rehearsals included in the price?
No, rehearsals are additional and handled by the Officiant and the charge for this is 100.00 if you have reserved a beach wedding package and are using one of our Officiants for your beach wedding.
What does the Officiant do with the marriage license application we provide him/her on our beach wedding day?
The Officiant signs and promptly sends back your document to the County Courthouse and you will receive a certified copy of your marriage license in the mail, usually with 14 days of wedding date. Another option is for the Officiant to sign your marriage license after the ceremony and return to couple to handle themselves.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, we encourage couples to include their vows as this adds such a heartfelt touch to the ceremony. You can make it short and sweet, fun, or romantic and touching! The most important thing to remember is this day belongs to you as a couple, so make it uniquely and personally yours!
Can our Beach Wedding Ceremony include our children?
Of course! You may choose your own custom ceremony, its your wedding day, and whatever you decide to do we can accommodate, but we need to have everything in order no less than 30 days prior to wedding day to allow for the Officiant to prepare for your big day!
Can we bring our own decorations, flowers, or personal touches to our beach wedding?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring anything your heart desires but the couple is completely responsible for whatever items they wish to include in their beach wedding. Anything not purchased through Cherished Ceremonies Weddings is the couples sole responsibility. Any items you wish to add must be brought to us at the beach wedding site and we will be happy to set those items up if provided with concise instructions. We cannot enter private property such as a hotel, condo, or resort to pick up any items.
Can you provide some information on the photography?
The wedding photography packages include images taken by preferred professional photographers and dependent on budget and availability. They are independent free lance photographers with specialized experience in the wedding industry so you can rest assured they are dedicated to producing the best photographs on your wedding day. Every photography package includes an on line photo gallery to share with your family and friends and a photo cd. Additional photography may be purchased from the photographers that include photo albums and prints. Additional photography time may also be added such as engagement photos, getting ready photos, and reception photography at additional cost. All photos come with a copyright print release which means the photographer has the rights to your images, but is providing you with permission allowing you unlimited personal use of the images including reproduction and the ability to post images on Social Media.
How long do we have to wait for our photos after the beach wedding?
The photography takes approximately three weeks for completion after your beach wedding. This could vary according to the photographers busy schedule.
Are we able to bring our own Photographer?
Yes, if you have a specific photographer you would rather hire on your own, we welcome them as well!
What about Videography?
A highlight wedding video is 400.00 and up and includes a song of your choice. Drone aerial clips, additional time, or custom requests are additional also.
Do you include music for our beach wedding ?
Yes. You can add a live musician at additional cost of 300.00 for your beach wedding ceremony. The most common are a steel drum player, guitarist, or harpist, bagpiper or violinist for a beach wedding. Live singers would be at an additional cost as well. Please make sure to let us know you would like to add this additional service. As another option, your own song selection for processional walk down the aisle may be added and providing the song chosen and artist to us a month in advance of your beach wedding.
What happens if it rains on the day of our beach wedding ?
The couple needs to have a back-up location in case of bad weather. From our experience, having a sunset wedding is rarely interrupted by rain. If a shower passes through, it is usually not serious enough to postpone a beach wedding. If the couple desires, a tent may be rented,but it is the responsibility of the couple to reserve this option also. The best months with very little chance of rain are from November to early March.
Do you provide a back up location in case of rain?
We are a service based company, and we do not have a venue. Couples are solely responsible for securing and paying a back up location if necessary for their beach wedding. We would have to be notified of this change no less than 24 hours from the wedding date so we can arrange to set up at an alternate location for you.
What happens to our payment if it does rain on the beach?
There are no guarantees anywhere with any wedding service because the weather cannot be controlled. If the couple has a back up location, we can hold the ceremony there, or at the reception location as another option. All payments are final once wedding has been paid for and planned and scheduled.
What happens if we have to cancel?
We are sorry, but there are no refunds on deposits, including any deposits to vendors, but we are happy to set a new date for you agreed upon by both Cherished Ceremonies and couple. A new date must be chosen within 60 days of original wedding date in order to schedule you in.
Why should we choose Cherished Ceremonies Weddings to arrange our beach wedding?
Cherished Ceremonies Weddings has been officiating, coordinating, arranging, and decorating all types of beach weddings for 10 years and we love what we do! From a simple and private elopement on the beach to a large beach affair, we have had the honor of doing them all! We are dedicated to each couple we serve, and we keep our pricing very affordable and competitive. Our team is professional and knowledgable, and we are familiar with all the beaches in the area and extend our services to all west central Florida beaches.
Clearwater Beach, St Pete Beach, Sand Key Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Pass a Grille Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Sunset Beach in Pinellas County and Siesta Key Beach, Anna Maria Beach, and Turtle Beach in Sarasota County. We are on the Vendor List for Pinellas County for vendors they have verified and approved.
Where are the locations for a Florida Beach Wedding ?
The beach location is always your choice for a beach wedding, although we can certainly help to guide you if you are unfamiliar with the beaches of Florida. Some of these beaches require a special permit which is not included in our pricing. If you wish, we are able to handle the permit request upon receipt of your payment for permit fee.
Are the locations a private beach?
Every beach in Florida is a public beach so there are no beaches that can be reserved privately unless you are staying at a private resort or condo that would allow you to host a beach wedding on their property. At sunset there would be a less congested beach and also cooler weather. Most of the beach tourists leave the beaches by late afternoon, so a sunset wedding would have far less people around, and perfect for a more intimate beach wedding setting.
What type of beach weddings do you offer?
We really love all sizes and types of ceremonies on the beach! Elopements, intimate beach weddings, vow renewals, destination weddings, and large celebrations too! We can customize any beach wedding, whether its an elopement or a vow renewal or a larger than life affair! Each is special to us, our couples are special to us as well!
Come celebrate love with us! Thats what we love to do!
Can we get married at the hotel, resort, condo, or beach house where we are guests?
It is possible as long as you obtain permission from the hotel/resort, condo or beach house owner. Always make sure to ask the property owners if there is an additional fee for allowing a wedding on their property. Any additional fees are the couples sole responsibility. This option only applies to the Florida Beach Weddings.
Are pets allowed to be a part of our beach wedding?
If you are staying and hosting a beach wedding at a location where pets are allowed. Public beaches do not allow pets directly on the beach.
What is the procedure of a Marriage License By Mail for our Beach Wedding?
We are registered providers of a Marriage License by Mail, and upon payment of the 200.00 fee, instructions are sent to the couple via email including forms that have to be signed and notarized along with photo IDS. This eliminates a time consuming visit to the courthouse as the Officiant will have your Marriage License in hand on your beach wedding day. Both out of state couples and Florida residents are able to have this service provided to them if the necessary documents are completed in a timely manner by the couple. The process can begin 60 days prior to your beach wedding date but no later than 3 weeks prior to your date.
Is there a permit required to get married on the beach?
Many beaches require a permit, but a few do not. Permit fees range in price and would be the sole financial responsibility of the couple. The fees range from 75.00 and up depending on the beach chosen. There are beaches in the area that require no permit depending on the amount of people, so this is the popular way to go with a lot of couples!
Which are the best months to have a Florida Beach Wedding?
The busiest times of the year for outdoor weddings are March through November. The chances of rain are higher in the summer months, but because of the temperate weather here in Florida, outdoor weddings are popular all year round!
What are the best times to be married on the beach?
Sunset beach weddings are the most popular times because of the beautiful sunset photography produced, followed by morning beach weddings but we can arrange your preferred time if desired.
What time should we arrive for our ceremony?
You should arrive on the beach 20 minutes prior to your ceremony start time so there is no rush. If you are not familiar with the beach areas we would suggest either a drive by before the beach wedding or to drive out early as there is also parking to consider and sometimes the beaches are crowded, and no beach wedding service has control over this. Please remember to plan ahead, to be prepared, and to be on time so your wedding ceremony can flow smoothly. We cannot stress how important this is in order for us to handle your beach wedding with time on our side to serve you in the best possible way.
Can you describe the ceremony?
A beach wedding ceremony is a loving and romantic pronouncement of your wedding vows. It also includes the sand ceremony and the blessing shells. The sand ceremony has the couple picking up sand from the beach or if they prefer, any color sand they choose, and pouring the sand into a keepsake heart bottle, while the blessing shells has the couple and guests tossing shells into the water after the ceremony with a special wish for the couple. Please note these are always optional but there is no price reduction to remove them from your ceremony, as they are added as a courtesy.
Should I include a Beach Wedding Coordinator for the ceremony?
For elopements and small beach weddings a coordinator is not necessary as the Officiant will host your ceremony.
If your guest list is large it is at your discretion to include a coordinator at additional cost.
Are Florida Beach Weddings "barefoot"?
Many couples ask this question, and it is simply and totally at the discretion of each couple. If you are wanting a more laid back setting, then this would fit right in.
How long does a beach wedding last?
Typically, the ceremony on the beach plus the photography afterwards do not extend more than an hour .
Who are your Officiants?
Because beach weddings vary in time and date, we have a preferred list of Officiants available who would either be a Florida Notary Public or Ordained Minister secured by Cherished Ceremonies.
What about any outside vendors?
Any specialty vendors such as florists, photographers, videographers, rentals providing services to the wedding couple on their beach wedding day are totally responsible for the services they provide, whether paid directly or indirectly through Cherished Ceremonies Weddings.
Are we allowed to use our own Officiant?
Yes, as long as your Officiant is Ordained or a Notary for the State of FL recognizing the laws in the state of Florida that have to be abided by. Your Officiant is solely responsible for any rehearsals, creating & performing the ceremony, working with you to create your vows, and signing and filing your marriage license after the ceremony.
Are rehearsals included in the price?
No, rehearsals are additional and handled by the Officiant and the charge for this is 100.00 if you have reserved a beach wedding package and are using one of our Officiants for your beach wedding.
What does the Officiant do with the marriage license application we provide him/her on our beach wedding day?
The Officiant signs and promptly sends back your document to the County Courthouse and you will receive a certified copy of your marriage license in the mail, usually with 14 days of wedding date. Another option is for the Officiant to sign your marriage license after the ceremony and return to couple to handle themselves.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, we encourage couples to include their vows as this adds such a heartfelt touch to the ceremony. You can make it short and sweet, fun, or romantic and touching! The most important thing to remember is this day belongs to you as a couple, so make it uniquely and personally yours!
Can our Beach Wedding Ceremony include our children?
Of course! You may choose your own custom ceremony, its your wedding day, and whatever you decide to do we can accommodate, but we need to have everything in order no less than 30 days prior to wedding day to allow for the Officiant to prepare for your big day!
Can we bring our own decorations, flowers, or personal touches to our beach wedding?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring anything your heart desires but the couple is completely responsible for whatever items they wish to include in their beach wedding. Anything not purchased through Cherished Ceremonies Weddings is the couples sole responsibility. Any items you wish to add must be brought to us at the beach wedding site and we will be happy to set those items up if provided with concise instructions. We cannot enter private property such as a hotel, condo, or resort to pick up any items.
Can you provide some information on the photography?
The wedding photography packages include images taken by preferred professional photographers and dependent on budget and availability. They are independent free lance photographers with specialized experience in the wedding industry so you can rest assured they are dedicated to producing the best photographs on your wedding day. Every photography package includes an on line photo gallery to share with your family and friends and a photo cd. Additional photography may be purchased from the photographers that include photo albums and prints. Additional photography time may also be added such as engagement photos, getting ready photos, and reception photography at additional cost. All photos come with a copyright print release which means the photographer has the rights to your images, but is providing you with permission allowing you unlimited personal use of the images including reproduction and the ability to post images on Social Media.
How long do we have to wait for our photos after the beach wedding?
The photography takes approximately three weeks for completion after your beach wedding. This could vary according to the photographers busy schedule.
Are we able to bring our own Photographer?
Yes, if you have a specific photographer you would rather hire on your own, we welcome them as well!
What about Videography?
A highlight wedding video is 400.00 and up and includes a song of your choice. Drone aerial clips, additional time, or custom requests are additional also.
Do you include music for our beach wedding ?
Yes. You can add a live musician at additional cost of 300.00 for your beach wedding ceremony. The most common are a steel drum player, guitarist, or harpist, bagpiper or violinist for a beach wedding. Live singers would be at an additional cost as well. Please make sure to let us know you would like to add this additional service. As another option, your own song selection for processional walk down the aisle may be added and providing the song chosen and artist to us a month in advance of your beach wedding.
What happens if it rains on the day of our beach wedding ?
The couple needs to have a back-up location in case of bad weather. From our experience, having a sunset wedding is rarely interrupted by rain. If a shower passes through, it is usually not serious enough to postpone a beach wedding. If the couple desires, a tent may be rented,but it is the responsibility of the couple to reserve this option also. The best months with very little chance of rain are from November to early March.
Do you provide a back up location in case of rain?
We are a service based company, and we do not have a venue. Couples are solely responsible for securing and paying a back up location if necessary for their beach wedding. We would have to be notified of this change no less than 24 hours from the wedding date so we can arrange to set up at an alternate location for you.
What happens to our payment if it does rain on the beach?
There are no guarantees anywhere with any wedding service because the weather cannot be controlled. If the couple has a back up location, we can hold the ceremony there, or at the reception location as another option. All payments are final once wedding has been paid for and planned and scheduled.
What happens if we have to cancel?
We are sorry, but there are no refunds on deposits, including any deposits to vendors, but we are happy to set a new date for you agreed upon by both Cherished Ceremonies and couple. A new date must be chosen within 60 days of original wedding date in order to schedule you in.
Why should we choose Cherished Ceremonies Weddings to arrange our beach wedding?
Cherished Ceremonies Weddings has been officiating, coordinating, arranging, and decorating all types of beach weddings for 10 years and we love what we do! From a simple and private elopement on the beach to a large beach affair, we have had the honor of doing them all! We are dedicated to each couple we serve, and we keep our pricing very affordable and competitive. Our team is professional and knowledgable, and we are familiar with all the beaches in the area and extend our services to all west central Florida beaches.