Planning a 30A Beach Wedding: The Complete Guide
There’s just something about the beach that makes you feel completely at peace. If you want your wedding day to feel relaxed, intentional, and of course, a little playful, then a 30A beach wedding might be exactly what you need. I mean, name a place more beautiful than saying “I do” with the sound of crashing waves behind you, or taking couples portraits during one of Florida’s breathtaking sunsets.
While a beach wedding is an absolute dream, it can be hard to decide what time of year is best, what beach to choose, and other details that come with the planning process. Luckily for you, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable beach wedding in 30A. Let’s dive in!
Why Couples Love a 30A Beach Wedding
If you’re not already convinced, let me set the stage for you. You wake up to salty, fresh air and the sound of seagulls as you begin a slow morning getting ready for the best day of your life. Before you know it, you’re having a first look and sharing intimate vows that feel unrushed, giving space for the purest joy. You end the day with sand between your toes and bellies that hurt from a full day of laughter.
Whether you’re local to the area or not, the small coastal towns paired with the best beaches in Florida (that’s a fact, I promise) make you feel like you’re somewhere magical and at home all at once. The 30A area has a way of making you feel like you’re having an intimate destination wedding that you and your guests are sure to love.
Best Time of Year for a 30A Beach Wedding
The best time of year for a wedding in 30A depends on what you envision for your day, so let’s break it down:
Spring
In spring, you beat most of the summer heat and rainstorms, while enjoying some lovely breezes. But make sure to plan around spring break for less crowds.
Summer
It’s no secret that summer in Florida is definitely the hottest, but it also brings the best sunsets! And I just have to mention the warm water for a post-wedding beach day. An ocean dip before jetting off on your honeymoon is a must. Unless you’re also honeymooning in 30A, then even better!
Fall
In fall, the summer crowds have slowed and it’s that beautiful time of year where the weather starts to feel just right. With lower humidity and beautiful, sunny weather, this season might just be my favorite.
Winter
Winter at the beach feels more still and intimate. It doesn’t get too cold in Florida, but it can surprise you! If you love a little chill and quiet beaches, then winter is a great time to plan your wedding.
Best Locations for a 30A Beach Wedding
While you can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in 30A, here are some spots I absolutely love and so do my couples:
Rosemary Beach
In Rosemary Beach you can find the most gorgeous architecture nearby, giving an upscale coastal feel. This area is perfect if you love more of a European aesthetic with a storybook feel.
Check out Mia and Keith’s intimate Rosemary Beach wedding here!
Seaside Beach
Full of pastel cottages and southern charm, Seaside is a picturesque option with a vibrant town center.
Alys Beach
Alys Beach is your pick if you’re planning more of a luxurious wedding. With its bright white architecture in town, you’ll feel straight out of a movie.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach State Park is a must for a relaxed and natural beach setting. Its town has more of an artistic and bohemian vibe compared to some of the other beaches.
Fort Walton Beach
With its small-town charm and laid-back vibe, Fort Walton Beach is perfect for an intimate wedding that feels quiet, yet intentional.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is another beauty with rare coastal dune lakes that make for unique photo opportunities! This beach has the perfect mix of feeling relaxed and high-end at the same time.
See inspiration from Darby and Drew’s elegant Santa Rosa beach wedding here!
Choosing a Wedding Venue in 30A
Once you have a beach in mind, now it’s time to choose where to have your ceremony and reception. There are plenty of stunning wedding venues in 30A, including several with oceanfront views. If you have a larger guest count, this might be an easier route to take, for ease of planning and a more traditional wedding feel. You get the wedding you’ve always dreamed of while still being able to run along the beach and dance the night away with all of your loved ones.
Another option is to rent a home on or nearby the beach and host both your ceremony and reception there! This is perfect if you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding without a rigid timeline. A day with space for natural moments that feel calm, meaningful, and true to who you are.
And for the best of both worlds, you can host your ceremony on the beach and your reception at a venue nearby. You get to have a romantic ceremony with the ocean directly behind, and an indoor space to enjoy the rest of the evening right after!
No matter what route you take for your 30A beach wedding, make sure you leave room to breathe. If you want your wedding to feel deeply personal, unhurried, and centered on the experience rather than the expectations, let’s make it happen! You can read all about my wedding packages here!
Tips for Planning Your 30A Beach Wedding
Now let’s talk about some things to consider and plan for to make sure you day runs smoothly and effortlessly:
- Check beach permit requirements: It’s most likely that you’ll need a special event permit for your wedding on the beach. You can learn more and find out how to get a permit in Walton County here.
- Plan your ceremony around sunset: The sunset will vary depending on the time of year. Work backwards to figure out when to start your ceremony so you have plenty of time for dreamy golden hour portraits (my favorite!).
- Prepare for wind and rain: When planning a beach wedding, keep in mind that it can get pretty windy. You’ll want to secure your veil and anything else that could end up flying around. And while it may not be ideal, I always recommend having a back-up ceremony option in case of a thunderstorm. It’s better to be safe than sorry! But thankfully, the 30A area has so many beautiful options, indoors and outdoors!
- Consider hiring local vendors: It can be helpful working with coordinators, vendors, and photographers (like me, hi!) who know the ins and outs of 30A and understand the logistics of a beach wedding. Trust me, this will make wedding planning and the day of your wedding, so much easier.
It’s Time to Plan Your Own 30A Beach Wedding!
If you’re ready to bring your 30A beach wedding dreams to life, I’d love nothing more than to help you plan a day that feels completely you! I can’t wait for you to experience your wedding day with the slower, relaxed pace that the ocean brings.
You can learn more about what it would look like to authentically document your wedding together and find more 30A beach wedding inspiration below! I can’t wait to get to know you and all the details you’re dreaming up!
