The Venue

Carillon Beach is located approximately 10 miles east of Seaside and 2 miles east of Rosemary Beach adjacent to Lake Powell. A breathtaking oceanfront setting, Carillon Beach is perfect for an elegant wedding in paradise. The community of Carillon Beach features chic shopping and dining, and there are both rental homes and condos available for guests as well as the intimate Carillon Inn. Weddings can take place either on the beach, overlooking the beautiful lake, or on a manicured lawn adjacent to the crystal-clear pool. Function rooms are available on-site for a reception to remember, and Bella Bridesmaid is located at downtown Carillon for all your bride and bridesmaid needs. Call (850) 230 9255 for Carillon Beach’s exclusive wedding coordinator. 

Eden Gardens State Park is a wedding venue unlike any other in the area. Situated approximately 25 minutes west of Panama City Beach, Eden Gardens State Park offers a charming and historical setting for your wedding. The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States.  Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley house inspires visions of hoop skirts, mint juleps and the old south. The ceremony can be held under a magnificent, old live oak tree, or in the gorgeous gardens. Call (850) 231 4214 for more details on weddings at Eden Gardens.

The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa offers a convenient location in the heart of Panama City Beach, within the spectacular community of Bay Point. This full-service resort boasts stunning views of St. Andrew’s Bay and features 320 individually appointed guestrooms including 60 one and two bedroom golf villas. The grand ballrooms are ideal for lavish receptions, while the more intimate suites provide everything you need for a memorable gathering. The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is home to two magnificent 18-hole golf courses, including the Niklaus design course, plus The Serenity Spa, where you and your guests can get pampered and primped prior to the ceremony. For a truly unique experience, the resort staff can arrange for you and your guest to enjoy hors d’oeuvres on a sunset sailing cruise.  Contact Lindsey Crawson, wedding coordinator, for more details at (850) 236 6094.

The Boardwalk Beach Resort also offers a central Panama City Beach location close to all of the area’s attractions, shopping and nightlife. The resort features a gulf-front gazebo, perfect for your “I do’s”. Receptions can be held on the spacious Sun Deck or Sunset Pavilion, each offering plenty of room for parties of any size and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations include well-appointed hotel guestrooms in a tropical décor, and beautiful condo suites with extra space, perfect for families or groups. Professional planners and catering staff are available to help you plan your wedding and to give you peace of mind on your special day. Consider a sunset wedding – it doesn’t get any more romantic. Contact a wedding consultant at (850) 234 3484 for more details.

The Lady Anderson Cruise is an elegant alternative to a beach wedding. Set sail on northwest Florida’s premier dining yacht from the Captain Anderson’s Marina on Thomas Drive. The entertaining dinner dance cruises are perfect for weddings, wedding receptions, the rehearsal dinner, bridal showers and even bachelorette parties. Cruise the sparkling waters of Grand Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico, spot playful dolphins and watch the sunset paint the sky red and gold. The Lady Anderson can host the ultimate wedding for up to 300 guests, and has over 30 years experience so you can sit back, relax, and get married in style. Call (850) 360 0510 for more details.

The Cake

Fatty Patty’s Cakes is located at 21903 Panama City Beach Parkway at Fatty Patty’s café. Cake designer Renee Schaarschmidt invites bridal couples to visit the café for a complimentary cake tasting and consultation. Bring photographs, magazine pages or hand drawn sketches to illustrate your idea of the perfect wedding cake. If you can dream it, Renee can bake it! At your consultation, Renee will discuss with you the fine details, including cake size, shape, design, budget, flavors and delivery options. You will get to sample several delicious cakes and view photographs of some of the most beautiful edible art you have ever seen. Fatty Patty’s cakes are original, exquisite and the perfect choice for your wedding. Call (850) 236 9276 for a consultation.

The Flowers

The flowers and floral arrangements set the tone and are the centerpiece of your wedding celebration. Florals by the Sea can start from the very beginning of your wedding and plan all the special details, or can simply put together the perfect bouquet or centerpiece. They can provide shimmering lights, fresh flowers and greenery, lanterns, fabric draping and candlelight, as well as specialty linens and glassware. With 20 years experience in designing weddings, Lori Fenster and Sally LaCourse focus on helping you create a wedding that will express your individuality, hopes and dreams. Call (850) 650 6687 for a consultation.

The Details

In order to get married in Panama City Beach or the surrounding area, you must first obtain a Florida marriage license. The license may be purchased at the Bay County courthouse at 300 E 4^th Street in downtown Panama City, at a cost of $93.50. Both parties must be 18 years of age or older, and both must be present to obtain the license. The marriage license will be valid for 60 days from the effective date, and Florida residents will have a 3 day waiting period. If you are not a Florida resident there is no waiting period, however you cannot apply for the license out of the state. Florida residents can take a 4 hour pre-marital course, and if both parties do so, the 3 day waiting period is waived and you will receive a discounted license fee of $61.00. You can contact the office with additional questions at (850) 747 5156.

Photo credit: Genya Garrett

This elegant resort community covers 104 acres, with 3900 feet of sugar white beach. Carillon Beach is certainly an upscale resort, however it also manages to maintain a laid-back, casual vibe – the combination of which is perfect. In the heart of the community, Lake Carillon is a 13 acre lake that is abundant with turtles, bass and migratory birds. Nowhere else on the beach do you feel so in tune with nature, so secluded, just minutes away from all the action. Carillon Beach is a truly idyllic setting for a family vacation, a wedding, a romantic getaway, or reunion. Even if you are not staying at Carillon Beach, non-guests are also extremely welcome to come and enjoy Carillon’s fantastic shopping, dining and special events.

The Village

Downtown Carillon provides a charming, relaxed atmosphere where you can stroll the streets, shop, and admire the unique architecture. There’s no vehicles allowed, and the village is reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter, thanks to the vision of a noted Louisiana architect named Lloyd Vogt. Shopping options include Bella Bridesmaid, an upscale collection for the modern bridesmaid, and Shipwreck Ltd, where you can find beachwear, gifts, accessories and toys. Carillon Beach Fitness is open to the public, and offers a great location and reasonable rates. You can rent bikes ($18 per day or $68 per week), or simply relax on the village green with a good book. When it’s time to eat, there’s something for everyone. The Muddy Rudder offers Cajun-inspired cuisine including gumbo, oysters, burgers, fresh salads and more. Hava Java provides locally roasted coffee, iced coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, sandwiches, a variety of excellent homemade salads, plus milk shakes and Blue Bell ice cream.

Accommodations

Accommodation options at Carillon Beach consist of suites at The Inn at Carillon, 3 bedroom units at the Sunrise and Sunset condominiums, or homes to rent by owner. The Inn at Carillon is an intimate, casually chic hotel with 70 guest suites. Each suite is cozy and luxurious, with a décor in neutral tones. Suites feature a king sized bed, full kitchen with granite countertops, a pull-out sleeper sofa in the living room, flat screen TV and private balcony with stunning views over the Gulf of Mexico. Located in the hotel lobby is The Leaping Frog Wine Bar, where you can sample a fine selection of wines, champagnes, and imported beers. The Sunrise and Sunset Condominiums are equally as impressive as the suites at the Inn, featuring  3 bedrooms in each, and all the comforts (and then some) of home. Units are spacious, airy, and beautifully decorated. Carillon Beach Rentals is the on-site rental management company for the community, and there are a wide variety of sensational homes to rent by owner, each with its own distinctive beach style. Homes range from studio apartments to 5-bedroom homes directly on the beach. Even the homes not right on the beach are less than a 5-minute walk to one of the 7 community dune walkovers, so you don’t have to cross a highway to put sand between your toes!

Amenities

Carillon Beach offers extensive amenities throughout the community, and if you’re looking to just kick back and relax without leaving the resort, this is the place. The resort features eight different walkways to the private beach, three swimming pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, plus live night-time entertainment at Muddy Rudder. For those seeking some adventure, nearby beaches and Lake Powell provide opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. The lovely village green is home to the “Groovin’ on the Green’ free concert series and other community and public events. Here, you can just grab your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music or entertainment under the stars. Carillon Beach is also a very popular wedding destination – and it’s easy to see why. The grace and charm of the location combined with the spectacular setting make this a perfect choice for a beach or lakefront wedding. Carillon has an exclusive wedding coordinator, plus several reception venues including a 3,000 square foot ballroom, a smaller indoor space, and a beautiful resort green overlooking the sparkling pool.

Whether you are a Carillon Beach guest, a visitor, or a Panama City Beach resident, it is definitely worth spending some time discovering what makes this exquisite resort community so special. Everybody is welcome – check the official website for special events, or just come and browse the shops, have a great meal or relax and watch the sunset with a glass of wine.

Carillon Beach is located on the west end of Panama City Beach Parkway opposite the Publix Plaza. For more information, call (850) 234 5600.

1. Take window shopping to a whole new level at Pier Park. Panama City Beach’s 1.1 million acre open-air lifestyle center is the place to see and be seen. Gorgeous pastel colors and ocean breezes make walking the streets a pleasure. A destination in itself, Pier Park is home to a fabulous array of shops, from popular names and department stores to unique boutique stores. A treat for all the senses, enjoy the colorful sights, sounds and delicious aromas that fill the air. See the original carousel from Panama City Beach’s Miracle Strip Amusement Park in its new home, and check out the new Russell Fields Pier at Pier Park’s southern entrance. There’s no better place to spend time without an agenda. With your wallet or without, Pier Park is a must on any Panama City Beach itinerary.
2. Visit Alvin’s Island Magic Mountain Mall on Front Beach and Alf Coleman Road. This may be a superstore, but you don’t have to spend any money to browse the endless array of beach souvenirs, gifts, clothing, accessories, home décor and more. Every conceivable Panama City Beach souvenir can be found here, and checking it all out will provide hours of fun. There’s even daily alligator feedings – be sure to bring your camera for some fun family photos!
3. Get your groove on at Carillon Beach’s “Groovin’ on the Green” summer concert series. Held every Monday night through August 31^st and with a final concert on Sunday, September 6^th, this free concert series is a great way to spend a lazy evening in the fresh air. The performances take place on the Village Green at Carillon Beach, a casually elegant resort community located on the very west end of the beach. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and pick out your spot. Concerts feature incredible music from all genres, including jazz, country, blues, reggae and Top 40. Shows start at 7pm. Get ready to rock!
4. Spend a day on Trip Advisor’s # 2 beach in the country – St. Andrew’s State Park. What a beach! If you are looking for that perfect spot to relax, this is it. Soft, powder white sands and emerald green waters provide an idyllic backdrop for all types of fun in the sun. Prefer to do something active? St. Andrew’s State Park is a fantastic spot for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. There are also two nature trails that are great for both hiking and bird-watching. See for yourself what makes this award winning beach so special. ($8 entrance fee per vehicle)
5. Check out the Treasure Island Marina on Thomas Drive. Explore a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, browse the gifts and souvenirs, and watch out for pirates! Stroll the marina and admire the boats and the stunning lagoon views. A great time to go is around 5pm when you can watch the fishermen arrive back and unload their catch – a Panama City Beach tradition.
6. Are you a music fan but unable to make it to Carillon Beach on a Monday?  Don’t miss Pier Park’s free summer concert series held every Thursday through August 20th at the Aaron Bessant Amphitheater! A popular Panama City Beach event, the concerts are free, and feature funky music that will have you up and dancing in no time. Music ranges from rock, pop, bluegrass, country, jazz, blues and more. If you miss the concert, you can still make it a Thursday night to remember. Head to Grand Lagoon on Thomas Drive for a totally free and utterly spectacular fireworks display over the water. The event starts with a bang every Thursday through August 27^th. Watch the dazzling display from a boat on the water, your table at one of the Lagoon’s three sensational restaurants, or from your hand-picked spot on the docks.
7. Camp Helen State Park is one of Panama City Beach’s best kept secrets, and a must for any fan of the beach. Located approximately six miles west of Highway 79, Camp Helen is tucked away in a quiet spot on the far west end of the beach, perfect for those seeking an uncrowded and relaxing day at the beach. The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, which is one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Activities include swimming, hunting for shells, bird watching and nature trails, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Get away from the hustle and bustle and spend some quality time with your toes in the sand. ($4 entrance fee per vehicle)

Panama City Beach has attractions and activities for all budgets, the number one of course being our beautiful beaches! It costs nothing to spend the day having fun in the sun on our white sands and in our sparkling waters. Take silly photos of the family in various beach poses, and create a memorable scrapbook that will keep you laughing for years to come. Pack a picnic and have dinner under the stars. Or simply savor a stunning sunset from your balcony. Whatever the size of your wallet, there are unlimited ways to enjoy the best of Panama City Beach without breaking the bank.