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.

14

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

16

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

24

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

29

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

32

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

37

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

38

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

39

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.

40

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

42

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

43

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

45

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.)

47

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