How to Plan a Beach Wedding for a Large Group on the Emerald Coast

A beach wedding on the Emerald Coast is a dream come true. With the stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm of places like Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A, it’s easy to see why couples choose this area to tie the knot. When you’re planning a wedding for a large group, the logistics can be tricky. From finding the perfect venue to managing catering, vendors, and accommodations, here’s your guide to organizing a memorable beach wedding on the Emerald Coast.

1. Choose the Perfect Beachfront Venue

The first step in planning a large beach wedding is finding the perfect venue. Whether you’re looking at Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or 30A, there are plenty of beachfront options to consider. From private beachside resorts to public beaches with event permits, the Emerald Coast offers a variety of stunning locations.

• Relevant Links: Henderson Beach State Park, WaterColor Inn
• Estimated Time: 1-2 hours to visit and evaluate venues
• Cost: $1,000–$5,000 depending on venue and permits

2. Secure Catering for Your Large Group

Catering is a crucial part of your wedding, especially when hosting a large group. The Emerald Coast boasts excellent local caterers who specialize in fresh seafood and regional cuisine. Many venues in Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach have partnerships with local caterers, or you can hire your own.

• Relevant Links: Emerald Coast Catering, 30A Signature Catering
• Estimated Time: 1 hour for a tasting and 2-4 hours for menu selection
• Cost: $50–$150 per person depending on menu

3. Find Local Vendors for Décor and Photography

Finding the right local vendors for your beach wedding is key to making your vision come to life. Whether you’re in 30A or Destin, the Emerald Coast has talented florists, photographers, and decorators who specialize in beach weddings. These professionals will help you bring your dream wedding to life.

• Relevant Links: SunQuest Weddings, Dear Wesleyann Photography
• Estimated Time: 2-4 hours for consultations and vendor selection
• Cost: $2,000–$10,000 depending on services needed

4. Book Spacious Accommodations for Large Wedding Parties

When it comes to housing your large wedding group, look no further than Legacy Beach Homes. We offer the most extensive collection of newly-built, large beach vacation rental homes along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Our homes, located in Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A, are perfect for multi-family vacations or large wedding groups. With up to 8 bedrooms and space for 20+ people, your entire group can enjoy luxurious accommodations with easy beach access, private pools, and free use of golf carts and paddleboards. Legacy Beach Homes also offers side-by-side homes that can accommodate 50+ guests, making it ideal for large wedding groups.

• Relevant Links: Legacy Beach Homes
• Estimated Time: Less than 10 minutes to book
• Cost: $3,200–$28,000 per week, depending on home size and season

5. Get the Necessary Beach Wedding Permits

If you’re planning a large wedding on a public beach, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits. Beaches in Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach each have their own regulations. It’s important to apply early to ensure everything is in place for your big day.

• Relevant Links: Walton County Beach Permits
• Estimated Time: 1 hour to file permits
• Cost: $50–$300 depending on location

6. Plan Group Activities for Before and After the Wedding

One of the best things about having a beach wedding on the Emerald Coast is the variety of group activities available. Whether it’s a sunset cruise in Destin or paddleboarding in Santa Rosa Beach, these activities will make your wedding weekend unforgettable for your guests. Note: Guests at Legacy Beach Homes receive complimentary paddleboards, making beach fun easy and accessible.

• Relevant Links: AJ’s Water Adventures, Paddleboard Rentals 30A
• Estimated Time: 2-4 hours per activity
• Cost: $50–$200 per person depending on activity

7. Consider Transportation for Your Guests

When hosting a large wedding on the Emerald Coast, it’s important to think about transportation. Many areas, especially along 30A and in Santa Rosa Beach, have limited parking near the beach. Renting a shuttle service can help make transportation seamless for your guests.

• Relevant Links: 30A Trolley, Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine
• Estimated Time: 1 hour to book services
• Cost: $500–$2,000 depending on group size and duration

8. Set Up a Rain Backup Plan

Florida weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a backup plan for your beach wedding. Many venues in Destin, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach offer indoor spaces as part of their wedding packages, so make sure to confirm this with your venue. For alternative indoor spaces, consider The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach.

• Relevant Links: Seaside Beach Weddings
• Estimated Time: 30 minutes to coordinate with your venue
• Cost: Varies based on venue and package

9. Coordinate Day-Of Logistics

With a large group, having a wedding coordinator to manage day-of logistics is invaluable. There are plenty of experienced wedding planners along 30A, Destin, and Miramar Beach who specialize in beach weddings and can ensure everything runs smoothly.

• Relevant Links: It’s a Shore Thing Weddings, Destin To Wed
• Estimated Time: Ongoing during planning, 8-12 hours on the wedding day
• Cost: $3,000–$7,000 depending on services

10. Enjoy Your Honeymoon on the Emerald Coast

After the wedding, there’s no need to travel far for your honeymoon. Stay right on the Emerald Coast and enjoy the beauty of Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A. With luxurious vacation rentals from Legacy Beach Homes, you can unwind in a spacious beach home with private pools, ocean views, and all the amenities you need for a romantic getaway. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a beachside picnic, the Emerald Coast provides the perfect setting for your honeymoon.

Conclusion

Planning a beach wedding for a large group on the Emerald Coast is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it requires thoughtful coordination. Whether you’re celebrating in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or along 30A, the area’s natural beauty and excellent local vendors make it the ideal destination for your big day. For spacious accommodations for your wedding group, check out our stunning beach homes. At Legacy Beach Homes, we offer the largest collection of newly-built, big beach vacation rentals perfect for multi-family or large group vacations, with everything you need to make your stay unforgettable.

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