Clearwater Beach Weddings

Formalities First

Before you begin planning your Florida destination wedding, you need to know what is involved in getting married in Clearwater Beach. Florida state marriage laws will apply. These include:

• Applying for a license in person with your spouse-to-be.
• Showing a photo ID and knowing your Social Security number.
• Being at least the age of 18.
• Waiting three days before the ceremony if you are a Florida resident (no waiting period for out of state couples).

The cost of the marriage license is approximately $100 and is good for 60 days. Reservations for beach areas must be made 30 days in advance. For more information and contact phone numbers, visit the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The Sand Key Park area of Clearwater Beach requires a Pinellas County Special Events Permit.

Planning a Florida Beach Wedding

Arranging Clearwater Beach weddings when you are not from the area can be difficult. However, it can be much cheaper to do it yourself, rather than hire a wedding planner. To plan a destination wedding in Clearwater Beach:

1. Reserve the area of beach for your wedding date and time and apply for any necessary permits.
2. Find a nearby reception location (such as historical monument, recreation center, or hotel) and reserve your wedding date.
3. Send out save-the-dates to guests.
4. Reserve additional services and rental items, such as a beach wedding photographer, caterer, and florist.
5. Mail out wedding invitations.
6. Two weeks before the wedding, call all your vendors to double check that arrangements are on track.
7. Call to double check that all permits and forms have been filed and that fees have been paid.

Upon arriving in Clearwater Beach, you will want to check into your accommodations and then head to the county clerk’s office to apply for your marriage license.

Finding vendors can be difficult when you are not from the area. Once you have secured your reception location, the coordinator may be able to recommend other area services that brides have successfully worked with. Also check out the listings of vendors from these sites:

• Florida Wedding Services, LLC provides a listing of “suggested” local vendors for things from hair to attire to entertainment to limousine service. Vendor listings are divided into region, and contact information is provided.
• The US Wedding Directory: Pinellas County Wedding Planning Directory has over 4,000 vendors listed for the county. Because Clearwater Beach is in Pinellas County, most vendors should be within reasonable driving distance from your location, but double check when you call or email to inquire.

Planning Services for Clearwater Beach Weddings

Planning a destination beach wedding can be extremely stressful and time consuming. If your budget allows, you may want to hire a destination wedding planning service. These services offer a number of packages that range from the most basic or intimate wedding to galas for hundreds of guests. Different items are included in each package, ranging from flowers to photographers to receptions to transportation to accommodations.

Resorts offer reception venues.

Resorts and hotels, like the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort also offer a number of beach wedding packages for you to choose from.

Allen Wedding Company

Allen Wedding Company specializes in weddings that take place on Clearwater Beach. They have eight different packages available, with add-on ideas and upgrades. Prices (before taxes) begin at $195 for the Simple Ceremony and go up to over $2,000 for the Beach Luau Wedding with price points at varying places in between.

Florida Gulf Beach Weddings

Florida Gulf Beach Weddings has several packages available, starting at $600 for the Party of Two (no photographer) and goes upwards of $2,900 for the Beach Wedding Celebration. Several packages offer the choice of a lower cost by cutting out the photographer.

Dial “M” for Matrimony

All packages from Dial “M” for Matrimony include:

• Bride’s bouquet/groom’s boutonniere
• Wedding music
• Circle of love
• Ceremony and vow choice
• Champagne toast
• Sands of time (only on beach weddings)
• Official wedding certificate
• Filing of marriage license
• Copy of wedding ceremony

A number of packages are available that include different features, such as cruises and varying photography options.

Clearwater Beach weddings have many options for interested couples, whether they would like simple sunset vows or a more formal party. By investigating options thoroughly, couples can plan their beach ceremony with ease.