The beautiful white sand and calm waves of Southwest Florida makes the area a perfect setting to say “I do” on your special day. Demand is high in the area for beach house weddings as couples search for the best spots.
Whether you select the stunning Sanibel Island or the intimate charm of Captiva Island to exchange vows; planning a stunning beach house wedding in Southwest Florida is simple when nature provides the backdrop.
According to The Knot 2016 Real Wedding Study, beach houses make the list of popular non-traditional ceremony sites. As with any wedding, there are many things to consider in planning a beachfront wedding.
Timing Your Beach House Wedding
Do you have your heart set on a beach house wedding, but have not decided on a specific date? Visit Florida notes that October to May are popular wedding months in Florida. If you are planning your beach destination wedding during those months, it is peak season in Southwest Florida.
The region is a top destination for visitors seeking upscale accommodations with excellent access to the beach. A beach wedding in January or February appeals to couples escaping the winter snow back home. Couples should start planning early to make sure the right beach house is available.
What It Takes to Wed On The Beach
Saying your vows on a Southwest Florida beach comes with a few additional details. Florida couples must follow a required three day waiting period for a marriage license. However couples from outside the state are exempt from this rule.
If working with a wedding planner, they will guide you through the details such as whether a special beach permit is required for the ceremony or reception.
On Sanibel Island beaches for example items such as aisle runners are not allowed. Couples should also be mindful of beach rules during the annual sea turtle nesting season which is May 1st to October 31st. There may be more things couples will need to change in the ceremony to avoid disturbing a new generation of sea turtles.
Shelling It Out For The Beach
When planning your beach wedding, there is still a budget to consider. Add in the costs associated with non-traditional wedding items like beach permits. There are other equipment rentals you will need to include like chairs to seat your guests during the ceremony.
While a beach house wedding venue can range from $5,000 to $10,000, the price depends on how long you use the property. In addition, each homeowner may assess other fees for the use of the property for the event. Deposits are typically required to secure your date so be prepared with those funds and other required information.
Make sure when reserving the beach house to ask upfront how many people are allowed to attend a wedding at the home. Each home is different and the property owner may have different guidelines based on home size, HOA and other municipal guidelines.
There are a host of local wedding supply vendors in the region. Such vendors assist couples add creative and elegant touches to their dream beach wedding. Also work with local weddings planners to obtain recommendations on photographers, caterers and florists who know the region and beach guidelines best.
Stunning Beach House Location
As the saying goes, it’s all about location, location, location. There are a number of things to consider when selecting the perfect beach house as your wedding venue. Do you desire private access to the beach? Or is it OK to be a short distance from the beach?
Determine if the beach house needs enough sleeping space to accommodate everyone included in the wedding party. Or if the property is spacious enough to host a reception following the ceremony. The logistics of parking, sleeping, catering prep, space to dance and other wedding elements should all be considered during planning.
Couples should also take into account whether a private beach house rental includes concierge services while in use. Also inquire about how maintenance issues will be addressed promptly and other support provided.
By selecting a beach house, couples get an intimate wedding venue with breathtaking views to capture all the special moments of a perfect day. Plan the perfect vacation trip to Sanibel Island today to scout your beach wedding.
Plan a Beach House Wedding with Royal Shell’s Help Today
A number of private beach houses in the Southwest Florida region are available to accommodate weddings. In addition, Royal Shell offers additional wedding services to ensure your ceremony is a memorable occasion. So if a beach wedding is your top choice, it’s time now to begin planning for the big day.
Connect with Royal Shell today to find your perfect beach house wedding location in the form of Naples vacation rentals, Sanibel Island vacation rentals and Captiva Island vacation rentals.
