Barefoot Weddings
Commonly asked Questions and Answers
I have decided to have a "barefoot" beach wedding. What now?
Call or e-mail for date and time availability.
The most popular times of the year for a wedding on the beach in this area is March- November; although we do offer our services year round.
The most popular months being May, June, September and October; although mid November 2006 we were still having weather in the mid 70’s.
Keep in mind that Friday & Saturday sunset ceremonies are the first to be booked.
We will be able to provide you the sunset time for the date upon your inquiry.
Where are you located?
We are located in North West Florida on the Gulf of Mexico.
We service Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin and surrounding areas.
There are also several independently ownedd and operated licensed beach wedding companies through out the State of Florida
which has links to accommodations, restaurants, airports, area maps and things to do.
Why should we choose your company?
2008 is our 9th year in business. We have Happily Married 3000+ couples.
We do not refer to ourselves as "Wedding Coordinators"... we are a "Beach Wedding Service".
Although in the past we have been able to say that our ceremonies are "unique" - many of the wedding companies in the area/ State/ Nation now offer extremely "similar" services. This is very flattering, however, it does limit us to the information that we present on the web-site as well information via phone and mail until a deposit securing the date is received.
Feel free check references with any vendors in the area as well as our "Guest Book" to see what former Beach Brides have to say about their "Special Day".
We do have an actual location/office; most of the wedding companies are home-based. The Beach Wedding business is our only "business".
We enjoy what we do and are extremely humbled by the success. More about us.....
Shop around, there are several wedding companies in the area, it can be confusing as to which one to choose.
Many companies claim to be the #1 Beach Wedding Company... this can be misleading... we realize we may not be for everyone !!
Read the "fine print". Is there a % added on for a service fee?
Make phone calls and send e-mails. Are your calls or e-mails promptly returned in a friendly manner?
Ask for references from former Brides and other businesses. Any Wedding Company should be more than understanding and provide you with this information.
Will you be able to meet the Officiate/ Wedding Director prior to the "day of" your wedding? We ask that ALL of our couples come by our Office to meet before the day of the wedding, to drop off Marriage license, meet the Officiate/ Wedding Director review the wedding format, vows, music, decorations, etc.
There is NO fee for this. Some companies just "show up" 30 minutes before the wedding or will charge an additional fee to meet w/ couples prior to the wedding.
Is the Company licensed and insured? Any legal wedding company should be able to provide a copy of City/ County Occupational licenses, as well as liability certificate. Proof of these documents are a requirement at County/ State Parks.
Beware of Companies that ask for CASH or checks made out to an Individual when booking over the Internet. Unless the Individual has an Occupational License as their name, otherwise payment should be made in business name.
All checks/ Money Orders are made to Barefoot Weddings Inc. as well as credit card payments.
How soon should we reserve our date and time?
If you choose a Friday or Saturday sunset - we suggest putting a deposit down as soon as you have decided (to hold the date.)
We will not take bookings any further than 1 year in advance.
How do we book our wedding?
Once you've decided the time and date and the availability is confirmed through our office - we require the appropriate deposit/ payment for the services requested. There is a Request Form available on this site that can be printed to be filled out to be mailed with proper deposit/ payment. We accept personal checks and Money Orders. We also accept Visa and Master Card; (we ask that you call our office with credit card information rather than send it via mail or e-mail.)
Should you decide to "Pay in Full" at the time of booking we will provide a pair of white pigeons to be released during the ceremony.
Once payment is received a letter of confirmation, a contract, our Beach Wedding format and a packet of vows to choose from will be mailed to you. You may call or e-mail as much as you'd like and ask as many questions as you'd like, even if it's the same one. smile!)
When you arrive in town for the wedding, we ask that you contact us to set up a meeting the day before your wedding
to review the ceremony, vows, etc....
Do you pick the location for the ceremony or do we?
The location is your choice. We go to County/ State Parks, hotels, condos and beach houses.
There is an additional travel fee for “out of the area”. The fee is based upon the services requested.
Some of the locations do charge a fee for the use of the beach as well as a "Special Use Permit"...
These fees are NOT included in any of the Barefoot Beach Wedding Packages"
Okaloosa County
*** Permit and Fees Required for Weddings with over 49 People - including Bride and Groom***
Requirements are proof of a Million dollar liability policy, permission from Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office,
Emergency Management Systems, approval from Parks and Recreation, approval from the Board of County Commissioners. Notarized Hold Harmless agreement
Deposit of $100.00 and Fees from $100.00- $250.00
Please visit our "locations" link for some of the available areas.
Can we get married at the location we are staying at?
Yes, as long as you obtain permission from the hotel/ condo.
Be sure to ask if there is an additional fee for the use of the beach for the wedding.
The couple is responsible for any “fees” that may be charged.
Are rehearsals included?
No. There is an additional fee of $250.00. Rehearsals must be scheduled no later than 2 hours prior to sunset time.
Cost includes that Officiate and 1 other person from our company- who will also be there the day of your wedding.
Intimate Island Packages are officiate and photographer only- if you need someone to direct the "day of" your wedding the fee is $150.00
What happens if it rains?
Although we have been extremely “blessed” with the past 3000+ weddings in only having to move approx 12 due to weather- we do recommend “Positive Thinking” with a back up plan. You may want to consider WEDDING INSURANCE
It is the responsibility of the Couple to have a "back-up" location in case of inclement weather.
** We have a “Chapel” which is not on the beach that holds up to 30 guests comfortably.
** Generally we schedule the weddings at a County/ State Park to have access to a pavilion.
The majority of Hotels/ Condos generally do not have any type of outside shelter
** If you are having a reception- it can be moved to that location.
** If you have only a few guests- it can be “postponed” until the next day- **time based upon Barefoot Weddings availability
The couple makes the final decision.
Will there be other people on the beach?
Yes. All beaches in the State of Florida are public beaches. We cannot “rope off” any part of the beach.
There are obviously certain times of the year when the beaches have more beachgoers than others.
Even “in season” the Families are usually beginning to “pack up” and leave the beach around 4:00. Then there are usually couples going for strolls along the beach. Many of them “watch” from a distance. There are some areas that are less populated than others. In all of the weddings that we have done we haven’t had any interference with beach goers.
Who performs the ceremony?
We provide the Officiate with all of our packages. There are both Male and Female officiates;
If you prefer a Male- there is an additional fee of $125.00.
Can we bring our own Officiate?
Certainly, as long as he/she is Ordained or a Notary for the State of FL.
We will deduct $200.00 from the Package you choose.
**** We will not release our ceremony which includes the verses for the heart of sand and the Blessing stones…
Only Officiates directly affiliated with Barefoot Weddings Inc. are provided this information whereas a confidentiality agreement has been signed.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, we encourage couples to be creative. We also send a packet of different vows/ ring vows to choose from upon receiving deposit.
When couples write their own vows- we suggest the “Message in the Bottle Vows” - as the vows are usually more “personal” and do not sound right being repeated after the Officiate.
Can we have a friend read a poem?
Yes, you can have a Friend/ Family member read a poem, sing, or lead in prayer.
Who takes the photographs?
All of our packages include photos by "our" photographers. We have many couples ask if they are “professional”- no they are “free-lance” and shoot for Barefoot Weddings Inc., only. All of the photos on the site have been taken by our photographers.
Couples will receive 4X6 color prints and on-line ordering for reprints and enlargements.
We strive to provide our clients with quality photos... however weather conditions may affect the outcome. If you are scheduled for a sunset wedding and arrive more than 15 minutes late- we may not be able to take the amount of photos in package... there will be NO adjustment on costs.
When inquiring with a Professional Photographer, be sure to ask about reprints.
Will the prints you receive be watermarked? Will you be provided a CD with copyright release for reprints? If so, will they print larger than a 4X6?
Can you purchase a CD for reprints? How much?$?
Is there on-line viewing/ ordering available?
What is the cost of the prints through on-line ordering?
Can we provide our own photographer/ videographer?
Yes- we will deduct our fee from the cost of the “package”. (Fees vary acccording to package)
We have found that most of the guests come with a camera/ camcorder in hand.
We do ask you do not get any “rear” shots of us... Ha!)
*** Here's a Camcorder Tip for Friends and Family-****
Be sure to take your Camcorder equipment out of the A/C at least an hour prior to the ceremony. When you go from A/C into the heat, the dew condensation will not allow most camcorders to work. Also, tell them not to put it on "pause". You can always edit it. I have done 3 ceremonies twice. The "videographer" forgot to hit "record" after the Bride came down the aisle at all 3 weddings... PS, No extra charge! smile!)
Can we bring our own decorations for the beach?
*** Effective Immediately ***
Any person(s), companies or individuals, using Florida State Park Recreational facilities for weddings and/ or receptions must show proof of liability insurance. This includes, and not limited too, wedding decoration, tent/ chair rental companies, musicians, caterers, etc.
For more information, contact Fl State Park Recreational Services
*** Our insurance DOES NOT cover any decoration/ services other than our own**
Do you provide music?
Yes. Music is an ala carte item. The fee is $50.00. We will play “mood music” as the guests arrive on the beach, the processional and recessional, then put the mood music back on during the photos being taken. We can also recommend “live” music, harpist, violinist, cellist, guitarist, etc.
Do you provide chairs?
Yes, we do have chairs available on the ala carte list. However keep in mind that most of the guests will have a camera/ camcorder in hand and do not “sit” in the chairs provided. We do not recommend having a chair for each guest. If you’re having approx 40 guests, we recommend approx 16 chairs for immediate Family or for any elderly guests or guests with health problems.
Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island offers a beach wheelchair.
We can provide up to 20 chairs per wedding.
If you want over 20 you must contact a chair rental company.
Visit our "Links" page
How do we obtain the Marriage license?
Both of you must apply in person, together at the Clerk of the Court. Both of must have a State issued photo ID (Drivers license)** make sure it is not expired- if you are not a FL resident there is NO waiting period, you will receive the marriage license the same day. Florida residents have a 3 day wait. The fee is $93.50. If either of you have been divorced within the past 6 months you must bring a copy of your divorce decree. If it has been more than 6 months- you will be asked the County/ State and date the divorce was finalized. To apply by mail - click on the link on our Home Page.
What happens to license after the ceremony?
The following business day of the marriage we will hand deliver the license to the Okaloosa County Clerk of the court, provided this is where the couple obtained it from. The Clerks’ office will them mail the couple the certified copy.
Should the couple still be in town the next business day- they can return the license in person and receive the certified copy right there on the spot.
If the license was obtained through another county in the State of Florida- it will be priority mailed to them the next business day.
What happens if we have to “postpone”?
Any deposits/ payments will be applied to your new date.
What happens if we have to cancel?
All deposits are non-refundable. If you paid in full at the time of booking you will be refunded the difference of the appropriate deposit along with any other costs incurred of the amount paid in full.
Do you handle the receptions?
No, we do not- however we are more than happy to refer you to area restaurants, caterers, etc.
We also have a receptions link from the home page.
Do you have more questions- feel free to call us 850-244-9277 or send us an e-mail at info@barefootweddings.net
Happy planning !!!
Staff @ Barefoot Weddings Inc.
Copyright 1999-2008 Barefoot Weddings Inc. formerly Beachside Bride
All rights reserved Barefoot Weddings is a registered trademark of Barefoot Weddings Inc.
Any person(s) using information from this site for Commercial use will be prosecuted under the Federal/ State copyright/ Trademark laws.
Looking for another area in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi or Georgia for your beach wedding?
We can help!
See listings below for beach wedding companies licensed through Barefoot Weddings
***Independently Owned and Operated***
Packages and Pricng may vary
Servicing Siesta Key, Crescent Beach, Casey Key, Lido Key, Manasota Key, Captiva Island, Venice, Marco Island, Sanibel Island and surrounding areas.
Marriage Vow Renewals Available
Florida Beach Weddings
Servicing St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville , Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island beaches and surrounding areas
Georgia Beach Weddings
Jekyll Island
**Sunrise ceremonies available**
Marriage Vow Renewals
A MUST SEE: Weddings at the Fountain of Youth in Historical St Augustine
Servicing Pensacola Beach, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin and surrounding areas
**ALL Inclusive Packages Available**
Accommodations/ Catering/ DJ Service / Family Beach Portraits
Weddings at the Dome of a Home on Pensacola Beach
Marriage Vow Renewals
Servicing Port St Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, Jupiter, Singer Island, South Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Pompano Beach, Ft Lauderdale, Miami Beach, South Beach, Key Largo, Marathon, Key West & Surrounding beaches
**Sunrise Ceremonies available**
Marriage Vow Renewals & Commitment Ceremonies Available
Servicing SanDestin, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Inlet Beach, SeaGrove Beach, Panama City Beach, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and surrounding areas along Florida's Emerald Coast
Also offering DJ Service / Videography / Family Beach Portraits
Marriage Vow Renewals
**Sunrise ceremonies available**
Servicing beach locations along Florida's Emerald Coast beaches
Destin, Crystal Beach, Sandestin, Miramar, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Inlet Beach, Seagrove Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach and locations in betweeen
**Sunrise ceremonies and last minuted elopements available**
Servicing Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Beach, Treasure Island, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, Holmes Beach, Tampa, Indian Rocks Beach, Ormond Beach, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne Beach and surrounding areas
Marriage Vow Renewal Ceremonies
Servicing St George Island, Mexico Beach, Shell Island, Apalachicola, Panama City and surrounding areas
Marriage Vow Renewals Available
Have Fun - Be Sexy - Go Barefoot!
Servicing Key Largo, Marathon, Islamorda, Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys.
**Commitment Ceremonies Available**
Marriage Vow Renewals
Florida Beach Weddings
Servicing Pensacola, Pensacola Beach & Perdido Key Florida
Alabama Beach Weddings
Orange Beach, Fort Morgan & Gulf Shores Alabama
Sunrise ceremonies available / Marriage Vow Renewals available
Servicing Biloxi, Gulf Port, Pascagoula, Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan and other Mississippi and Alabama area beaches
Marriage Vow Renewal Ceremonies
Servicing Port St Lucie, Jupiter, Singer Beach, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, Ft Pierce & West Palm Beach
Marriage Vow Renewals available
Servicing Michigan beaches in Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee, Traverse City and Torch Lake
Marriage Vow Renewals available
