For decades, Florida has been considered one of the top destinations for couples looking for the perfect beach wedding, and we understand why! With its lovely warm weather, white sandy beaches that seem to go on forever, and sunsets that take your breath away, who wouldn’t want a Florida beach wedding?
Okaloosa Island is an especially great location loved for its enchanting emerald waters. So if you’re thinking about having your beach wedding in Florida, here’s a list of incredible wedding venues that we’re sure you’ll love.
The Gulf On Okaloosa Island
Whether you are planning an intimate event or a lavish wedding, the Gulf is the perfect venue to say “I do.” Its romantic site is ideal for couples who want something unique for their wedding. You can choose outdoor spaces with natural surroundings and stunning views. Their waterfront design features decor made from recycled, reclaimed, and salvaged materials.
Their indoor spaces have flexible floor plans allowing you the creative freedom to design your wedding as you like. This charming seaside hideaway has a warm, casual-chic atmosphere. It can accommodate up to 300 guests, making it great for big and small weddings. The venue is also wheelchair-accessible.
If your guests love seafood, they will be delighted by their incredible season-inspired menu that only features the freshest options. In addition, they are committed to sustainability and use in-season, locally sourced ingredients to minimize their carbon footprint.
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is an excellent option if you want to make an adventure out of your wedding day. Yes, you can arrange to get married on one of the most famous boardwalks in Florida! And after the ceremony, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for your wedding dinner. The best thing is that these restaurants are all a short walking distance away, right off the boardwalk.
This venue is also loved for its unique location, the white sandy beach below, and the ample parking spaces, making it one of the most popular places to get married in Florida.
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is another excellent option for your Florida beach wedding. It comfortably seats up to 300 guests and is perfect for a large or intimate ceremony and reception.
You, your friends, and your family will enjoy the scenic view of sparkling white sands and swaying Florida palm trees that overlook the Emerald Gulf Coast. The multi-venue resort offers endless choices, including a casual barefoot beach wedding. Their award-winning chefs can also help you create a custom wedding menu that’s sure to impress your guests.
Their friendly and helpful staff will make you and your guests feel welcome on your wedding day. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy your wedding weekend. Their event coordinator can also plan a Welcome Dinner, Bridesmaids Brunch, Rehearsal Dinner, or Send-off Brunch for you.
John Beasley Park
This small park on Okaloosa Island is another popular wedding venue in the sunshine state; it has two pavilions and a huge parking space with 208 spaces. It also has a great scenic view of Okaloosa Island’s snow-white sandy beaches, where you can catch the most amazing sunsets.
John Beasley Park is a popular event space and hosts more than 100 weddings annually. The area has two dune walkovers, restrooms, changing rooms, 12 picnic tables, and a Life Guard.
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach Hotel
The Holiday Inn Resort on Fort Walton Beach is one of the best places for a coastal wedding on Okaloosa Island. Their 2500 sq. ft. flexible meeting space can accommodate up to 250 people. Some of its best features include the private beach, where you can exchange your vows, and their restaurant, which provides impeccable service and excellent food. They also have two pools, a hot tub, and a cool tiki bar.
The uniqueness of this resort comes from the freedom to choose – you can decide between an indoor or outdoor reception and still have a beach ceremony for your wedding. Plus, there is also a watersports company to keep your guests entertained while they’re there. They also provide tailored packages such as rehearsal dinners and welcome parties to celebrate your wedding weekend in style!
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
If you love bold choices, you can create an incredibly unique wedding celebration at this adventure aquarium. Picture this – a lovely reception dinner surrounded by tropical fish and azure water tanks. Breathtaking, isn’t it? This charming aquarium provides a unique backdrop and calming atmosphere that will leave your guests amazed by the intriguing sea creatures swimming around them.
They offer a variety of packages, including rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions. They have various site locations depending on your guest count. And they also provide security, trash service, tables, white padded chairs, and other ready-to-rent decor items.
To top it off, you can have a beach wedding without sand at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. That’s right; you can still have a beachfront venue without the mess. It is also a wheelchair-accessible location, and The Gulf of Mexico and Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier are not too far away!
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach
This stunning seaside hotel on the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico is perfect for a Gulf Coast wedding. It’s an excellent choice for couples who want something more glamorous for their special day. You can have a romantic ceremony right on the beach with a sand ceremony and charming natural decorations such as a bamboo arbor with white draping and a raked sand aisle.
The Hilton Garden Inn is accessible and provides plenty of parking space for all your guests. Their area lets you host up to 350 guests and has 176 rooms available. They have a range of ceremony and reception packages, including tables and chairs with black or white linen, a private bar, a dance floor, basic decor, and cake-cutting services. You can also make your event more colorful with their DJ and decor add-ons. In addition, a list of preferred vendors – from photographers to flowers – is available upon request.
Manor on the Bay
Organizing a beach wedding in Florida has never been easier than with the Manor on the Bay. This venue specializes in weddings and has a stunning property with lots of greenery along the azure waters. This venue is an exclusive private beach house you can use for your wedding. The house has six bedrooms with 25 beds, so your guests can stay the night. And after having a bayside ceremony, you can have a cocktail reception by the pool. It’s a great place for private and intimate weddings.
Start Planning Your Florida Beach Wedding Today
Organizing a wedding on Okaloosa Island will be great for you as a couple and a fantastic treat for your guests. All you need to do is find the right place for your dream wedding; luckily, you have many excellent options with great services.
All these venues provide convenience, elegance, tropical vibes, and stunning beach settings. And of course, you’ll want to document your special day with experienced professionals such as Dalton Young Films & Photography.
We have worked on many beautiful beach weddings and would be excited to capture yours; feel free to browse our portfolio. If you like what you see and would want something similar or entirely unique for your wedding, you can get in touch with us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Watch this Okaloosa Island Beach Wedding Video
Enjoy watching this Okaloosa Island highlight video!
Photography/Videography: Dalton Young Weddings
