Commonly asked Questions and Answers on "How to" plan a beach wedding in Florida
I have decided to have a beach wedding. What now?
Call or e-mail for date and time availability..
It is very beautiful in southern Florida are ALL YEAR LONG! We are lucky to be in the Caribbean jet stream. That advantage keeps us cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The most popular months being May, June, September and October.
Keep in mind that Friday & Saturday sunset ceremonies are the first to be booked .
We will be able to provide you the sunset time for the date upon your inquiry.
Where are you located?
We are located on the Southwestern coast of Florida.
We service the Florida Keys including Marathon, Key Largo, Key West and surrounding areas.
We do not refer to ourselves as "Wedding Coordinators".. we are a "Beach Wedding Service".
How soon should we reserve our date and time?
If you choose a Friday or Saturday sunset- we suggest putting a deposit down as soon as you have decided
(to hold the date) We will not take bookings any further than 1 year in advance.
How do we book our wedding?
Once you've decided the time and date and the availability is confirmed through our office-
We require the appropriate deposit/ payment for the services requested.
There is a Request Form available on this site that can be printed to be filled out to be mailed with proper deposit/ payment. We accept personal checks and Money Orders.
Once the beach request form is received, a consent form , service agreement and welcome letter will be mailed to you.
Do you pick the location for the ceremony or do we?
The location is your choice. We go to County/ State Parks, hotels, condos and beach houses.
There is an additional travel fee for “out of the area”. The fee is based upon the services requested.
Some of the locations do charge a fee for the use of the beach as well as a "Special Use Permit"...
these fees are NOT included in any of the Wedding Packages"
Can we get married at the location we are staying at?
As long as you obtain permission from the hotel/ condo.
Be sure to ask if there is an additional fee for the use of the beach for the wedding.
The couple is responsible for any “fees” that may be charged.
Are rehearsals included?
No. If you need additional help with the cermemony, we suggest a wedding coordinator from the a la carte menu.
What happens if it rains?
It is the responsibility of the Couple to have a "back-up" location in case of inclement weather. You may want to consider WEDDING INSURANCE
**The majority of Hotels/ Condos generally do not have any type of outside shelter
** If you are having a reception- it can be moved to that location.
** If you have only a few guests- it can be “postponed” until the next day- **time based upon availability. The couple makes the final decision.
Will there be other people on the beach?
Yes. All beaches in the State of Florida are public beaches. We cannot “rope off” any part of the beach.
There are obviously certain times of the year when the beaches have more beachgoers than others.
Even “in season” the Families are usually beginning to “pack up” and leave the beach around 4:00. Then there are usually couples going for strolls along the beach. Many of them “watch” from a distance. There are some areas that are less populated than others. In all of the weddings that we have done we haven’t had any interference with beach goers.
Who performs the ceremony?
Florida Notary Public
Can we bring our own Officiate?
Certainly, as long as he/she is Ordained or a Notary for the State of FL.
We do not charge for officiate services, therefore we do not deduct any fees if you bring your own officiate.
NOTE: We will not release our ceremony which includes the verses for the heart of sand and the Blessing stones. Only Officiates directly affiliated with Mermaid Beach Weddings are provided this information with whom a confidentiality agreement has been signed.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, we encourage couples to be creative. When couples write their own vows- we suggest the “Message in the Bottle Vows” - as the vows are usually more “personal” and do not sound right being repeated after the Officiate.
Can we have a friend read a poem?
Yes, you can have a Friend/ Family member read a poem, sing, or lead in prayer.
Who takes the photographs?
All of our packages include photos by “our“ photographers. We have many couples ask if they are “professional”- no they are “free-lance” and shoot for Seashell Beach Weddings only.
Couples will receive 4X6 color prints.
We strive to provide our clients with quality photos... however weather conditions may affect the outcome. If you are scheduled for a sunset wedding and arrive more than 15 minutes late- we may not be able to take the amount of photos in package... there will be NO adjustment on costs
Can we provide our own photographer/ videographer?
Yes, you may...hire your own photographer.
We provide complimentary photography that is included at no charge with our packages.
Since we do not charge for photography, we do not reduce our package price if you choose to hire an outside photograper.
Some Companies DO NOT allow "other" cameras.
We have found that most of the guests come with a camera/ camcorder in hand. We do ask you do not get any “rear” shots of us.. Ha!)
*** Here's a Camcorder Tip for Friends and Family-****
Be sure to take your Camcorder equipment out of the A/C at least an hour prior to the ceremony... when you go from A/C into the heat- the dew condensation will not allow most camcorders to work. Also, tell them not to put it on "pause".. you can always edit it...
Can we bring our own decorations for the beach?
** Effective Immediately ***
Any person(s), companies or individuals, using Florida State Park Recreational facilities for weddings and/ or receptions must show proof of liability insurance. This includes, and not limited to, wedding decoration, tent/ chair rental companies, musicians, caterers, etc. For more information.. contact Fl State Park Recreational Services. ** Our insurance DOES NOT cover any decoration/ services other than our own**
Do you provide music?
Yes. Music is an a la carte item- the fee is $50.00. We will play “mood music” as the guests arrive on the beach, the processional and recessional, then put the mood music back on during the photos being taken.
Do you provide chairs?
Yes, we do have chairs available on the ala carte list. However keep in mind that most of the guests will have a camera/ camcorder in hand and do not “sit” in the chairs provided. We do not recommend having a chair for each guest. If you’re having approx 40 guests, we recommend approx 16 chairs for immediate Family or for any elderly guests or guests with health problems.
How do we obtain the Marriage license?
Both of you must apply in person, together at the Clerk of the Court. Both of must have a State issued photo ID (Drivers license)** make sure it is not expired- if you are not a FL resident there is NO waiting period, you will receive the marriage license the same day- Florida residents have a 3 day wait. The fee is $93.50 If either of you have been divorced within the past 6 months- you must bring a copy of your divorce decree. If it has been more than 6 months- you will be asked the County/ State and date the divorce was finalized.
What happens to license after the ceremony?
The following business day of the marriage we will mail the license to the local County Clerk of the court, provided this is where the couple obtained it from. The Clerk's office will then mail the couple the certified copy. If the license was obtained through another county in the State of Florida- it will be mailed to them the next business day.
What happens if we have to “postpone”?
Any deposits/ payments will be applied to your new date.
What happens if we have to cancel?
All deposits are non-refundable. If you paid in full at the time of booking you will be refunded the difference of the appropriate deposit along with any other costs incurred of the amount paid in full.
Do you handle the receptions?
No, we do not- however we are more than happy to refer you to area restaurants, caterers, etc.
Please Note:
If wedding guests have health conditions or disabilities that would prevent them from walking to the wedding site, it is the responsibility of the couple to rent/provide appropriate health care equipment, such as but not limited to a beach wheelchair. Barefoot Key Beach Weddings is not responsible for providing specialty equipment for any guests, nor do we assume any liability in case of injury or health problems associated with walking down to the wedding site or being on the beach.
Mother Nature can be one tough cookie~ impossible to control!
Your wedding day weather can be windy, sunny, rainy or sea fog can roll in.
It can even be just plain cold!
Have a back up plan/kit including but not limited to:
Bobby pins, barettes, headbands, scarf, shawl, coverup and sunglasses!
See you AT THE BEACH!!!!
Servicing The Florida Keys including Key West, Marathon and Key Largo, Islamorada
a licensed company of Barefoot Weddings
Copyright 2007 Barefoot Key Beach Weddings
a licensed company of Barefoot Weddings
