How to plan a beach wedding on Anna Maria Island in Florida
- 1). Explore the island by taking the free trolley that runs continuously along Gulf Drive. There are numerous restaurants and resorts on the island that offer beachside wedding and reception packages.
- 2). Stop at a few of the restaurants and beaches on the south end of the island in Bradenton Beach. Here you will find the BeachHouse Restaurant, a casual dining location with a large beachside patio that features daily live entertainment and a fun Florida atmosphere. With two covered areas and an elevated sandy terrace above large rocks lining the beach, it is a great location for a fun and informal beach wedding. Offering beautiful views, private parking and an array of catering options, the BeachHouse provides a wonderful setting for dancing the night away under the stars.
- 3). Visit Holmes Beach to search for ideal areas to hold the ceremony or take wedding photos. Holmes Beach is Anna Maria Island's central residential area with an expanse of quiet sandy shoreline. Here, small bungalows and local retreats like the Harrington House Bed & Breakfast offer peaceful settings to host a small wedding reception after exchanging vows on the beach.
- 4). Have dinner at the Sandbar Restaurant in the city of Anna Maria to get a feel for the north end of the island. With a covered beachside pavilion, the Sandbar provides a relaxed getaway for your special day. Like other restaurants and resorts in the area, the event planners and coordinators will go out of their way to ensure that the catering, decor and all of the other details are perfect.
- 5). Decide if you would like to have the wedding ceremony and reception at the same location. For the convenience of your guests and for easier planning, it can be beneficial to have both at the same location. Although a permit is not required to hold the ceremony on the beach, it is often advantageous to hold the wedding at a private resort or restaurant to avoid unexpected beach-goers.
- 6). Choose the location for your wedding, giving consideration to your budget and the total number that will be in attendance. The location will influence whether you need to rent chairs and how you want to decorate. You may want to arrange for an archway in the sand or plan to set up colorful tiki torches.
- 7). Plan the colors and decor for your wedding. Tropical flowers, hawaiian attire and seashell themes all complement the Anna Maria Island beach wedding. Stop by a few of the local shops to find the perfect table setting pieces or a Floridian guest book and stationary. When searching for a wedding dress, be sure to find something light, casual and comfortable in the heat and humidity that won't drag in the sand.
- 8). Set aside some time to gather essentials for the wedding rehearsal or gift opening. The cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach include many local businesses where family members can go grocery shopping and stock up on supplies. Be sure to incorporate some time to relax during all of the planning and preparation. There are several locations on the island where the wedding party can get spa treatments or massages before the big day.
- 9). Set up consultations with local entertainers and photographers. Individuals providing DJ services in the area are very experienced with beach weddings and offer musical stylings perfectly-suited to memorable island evenings. Visit photographers' websites to view portfolios of beach wedding images. If you are holding the wedding at a local venue, find professionals who have experience at the location and are recommended by the facility.
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Find a provider for the wedding cake. The bakery at Publix in Holmes Beach offers a wide selection and will deliver the cake to your wedding location. - 11
Choose a resort or hotel to block rooms for guests or the wedding party. If the majority of those who will be attending are traveling for the wedding, it will be convenient to stay on the island. Discounts are often available at locations where wedding packages are booked. - 12
Apply for your marriage license online or in person from the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court. With an office located in nearby Bradenton, couples can quickly and easily obtain their marriage license. - 13
Attend the annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Festival that is held early in the year. The festival features island merchants who will be eager to help you plan every aspect of your special day.
