where to get hitched in FL??

[EngagedToBeMrsB]

Hi all! After months of pondering, my FI and I have decided to have a private wedding (only the two of us) on a beach in Florida and then stay at a reasonably-priced (thinking 200 or less a night) for the honeymoon at the same location. We dont want to do it all in the FL keys but cant seem to pick a location bc there are just so many beaches!!!! Ideally, we are looking for a beach that is within walking distance of our hotel, not too overcrowded, and offers a lot of area for swimming with possibly a "swimming with the dolphins" experience." We really just want to hang out together at the beach all day and it would be nice if the hotel/resort offered a pool or two as well. I was hoping you all would have some suggestions and any would be sooo appreciated! Thanks everyone!

[EngagedToBeMrsB]

I should prolly mention that wedding/honeymoon would be set for the second of third week of June 2009!

[lil_miss_frogg]

Have you thought about Destin, FL. It isn't very croweded and it's beautiful

[~Melissa~]

I live by the Destin beaches and to put it simply it's a piece of paradise. The sand is almost as white as snow!!! I don't know of any "swim with the dolphins" businesses but I do know I've seen dolphins on several occasions jumping out of the water along Okaloosa beach. It's quite the sight!

 

As for hotels along the beach there are plenty off the top of my head there is a Sheraton and a Hilton. You may want to check out Pensacola beach too. I've stayed at the Hampton (got engaged there during sunset) and it was super clean and very nice.

[FLgator]

I live in the Tampa area, but I wouldn't recommend our beaches (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, etc.), b/c they will be way too crowded. We don't have any "swim with the dolphins" places, just boats that will take you out to see them, although they can't get too close b/c there is a law against "harrassment."

 

Have you checked out the Sanibel area? Good luck!

[IslamoradaBride]

Well, my suggestion would be for the Keys but you've already vetoed that . Islamorada has a place called Theater of the Sea that has swimming with dolphins. Also there are a lot of resorts and beachy places in the area. Let me know if you need more information cuz I am packed with details!

[EngagedToBeMrsB]

Thanks for all the replies! I checked out those areas last night (for way too many hours!) and am really hooked on Sanibel. It looks amazing there and seems like it just couldnt match our personalities any better. I posted again today to see what other insights I can get on the Sanibel area.

[sharibare]

I'll second Sanibel. It has such a world-away feel, you feel like you are in another country. There are lots of great hotels, and that time of year I think you should be able to find $200 a night rates.

 

South Seas is my favorite venue on Captiva, which is right next to Sanibel (it's often called Sanibel/Captiva), but I think it may be more than $200.

 

I don't think there are any organized swim with the dolphin trips here but you're sure to see them almost every day at sunset. One swam up right behind my fiance a few months ago.

[NSB Wedding]

I'm having my wedding just South of Daytona in a place called New Smyrna Beach. There are so many beach areas that have beach and sand dunes instead of beach and high rises. It's one hour from Orlando where there is a dolphin swim at SeaWorld.

[Fleur Jolie]

Here in Key West we have several beaches that cater to weddings; Smathers beach is free and Fort Zack has reasonable sight fees. Several hotels have private beaches such as Pier House, Casa Marina, and Sunset Key.