Sandestin Hilton, anyone???

[Olga_usa]

Hi, everyone!

We changed the location for our destination wedding (again )... and now we're seriously considering having it at the Sandestin Hilton. We're planning on 20-25 people and very limited budget...

I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who had their wedding there or attended one... As well as suggestions on vendors and services...

I really loved the ceremony photos they have on the website and the ceremony package that seems to include everything, but the reception prices seem a little too much for us...

we're open to any suggestions and would really really appreciate any help

thank you!

[EmilyB]

Hi! Have you looked at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort? I helped my friend plan her wedding there last summer and it was amazing! (hopefully I will quit changing my date so I can have my wedding there soon) She had her wedding on the beach, and the same weekend there was another one on a grass lawn so they have different options especially if you are working on a budget. My friend was on a bit of a budget as well and the contact at Sandestin was really helpful in offering creative solutions for her. Here is a link to their photo gallery Destin Wedding: *Plan Your Destin Beach Wedding Today at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Good luck, and I hope you find the perfect place

[Olga_usa]

HI! thanks so much for the advice! that sounds good for the reception! I'll definitely call them for pricing...

We also keep changing our date. I think we'll set it for some time in September 2010. Just hope the weather will be nice.

I was looking at Hilton, since they have an all-inclusive ceremony package, which sounds very convenient considering we're coming from Chicago and know nothing about the area or the vendors...

it would be nice to hear from anyone who's been there at an event or had their wedding there...

as for the reception, we're still looking for a place. Hilton wants $135/person, and it's a little too much for us... any suggestions?

[roxyqt]

Hello Olga,

I am from the Gulf Coast Area... Are you set on Destin?... since you are having a smaller wedding party, you might want to look into having it on Pensacola Beach, FL, it is just a beautiful as Destin, but is a much smaller community... just a 1 1/2 from Destin, The Hilton, Pensacola Beach is really nice and could accommodate the smaller ceremony/reception with no problems. Plus the area has plenty of hotels in many price ranges, the airport is a short 20-25 minute drive, which is much closer than Panama City or Okaloosa Regional. The area is smaller, with less restaurants, but has a few really great places on the beach, all within walking distance to the Hilton!! Just a thought for you. Happy Planning!!

[gwynemark]

Hey Olga, Yes, the SD Hilton is expensive for receptions for sure. For a party of 25 such as yours I suggest renting a beach house instead of going somewhere large like the Hilton. You can find some great deals at VRBO is Vacation Rentals By Owner

 

Good luck and if you have any further questions about our area just send me a note.

 

take care,

 

Gwyne and Mark

[Olga_usa]

Thank you very much for all suggestions!

I do agree that HIlton might be a little too big and too expensive. But considering the diversity of our guests, we're jsut not sure that a big house would be a good idea.

I'm wondering if we could hire a co for ceremony (small and simple, any suggestions?) and then go to a nice place for dinner...

how does it sound?

[roxyqt]

OH.... here is a place that I just thought of for you, it is a B&B in Santa Rosa Beach, FL which is close to Destin. They do lots of Wedding there all sizes and are willing to work with many different budgets. It is close enough to walk to the beach and have the wedding in the Sand then head up to the House and have reception there on the huge lawn in the front! Its called Highlands House, It is way bigger than a beach rental due to the size of the lawn and they have great! prices in the off season, which of course it is Florida so the colder months/days are Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb and by march it starts to warm up.

A Highlands House Bed and Breakfast Inn - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

[Olga_usa]

Thank you for all suggestions! I'll definitely check the Highlands House out. It looks very nice, but I looked to see if they have any wedding packages and what I saw doesn't look very affordable... I'll have to give them a call and find out if they can just host a reception without renting the whole house

[gwynemark]

Highlands House is pretty nice and we have shot many weddings there. However, I can tell you that they wont let you have reception there without renting the house. They require you to rent the entire house in order to get married and have a reception there. We have photographed many, many weddings there and we do think its a great location. Its nice to have the green and the beach to utilize.

 

Gwyne and Mark

 

 

Gwyne and Mark

[Olga_usa]

thank you, Gwynemark, for the responce! BTW, I checked your photography! you're wonderful! Too bad I can't really afford to have you at my wedding .

We've considered renting a house, but it doesn't sound too good for us.

I'm looking for a nice company/place to have the reception on the beach and a restaurant (not too far from the beach) for the reception. Considering we're only going to have about 20 people, I thought we dont' really need a big banquet hall or anything like that...

Can you suggest any nice places?

thank you!