Panama City Beach: A Dream Wedding Destination

He’s popped the question in a hopelessly romantic fashion and you’ve started planning for what will surely be the most special day of your life. Perhaps you are thinking ahead while waiting for that inevitable proposal….or maybe just daydreaming about the future. Whatever your wedding scenario, there are few places more idyllic than Panama City Beach for the wedding of your dreams against a backdrop of sugar white sands, swaying palms and sparkling emerald-green waters. If you don’t live in the area, you have the benefit of a destination wedding without the hefty price tag for travel – Panama City Beach is easily accessible from most U.S cities and our beaches rival any in the Caribbean. If you do live in the Panama City Beach area, then you are lucky enough to have the perfect setting for your big day right at your fingertips. Here’s our guide to an unforgettable Panama City Beach wedding.

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