All You Need to Know About Planning a South Walton Wedding
Brought to you by Visit South Walton
If you’re looking for the perfect beach wedding destination, look no further than South Walton, Florida. From hosting your ceremony on sugar-white sands or admiring it as the backdrop to your whole romantic wedding weekend, South Walton is a perfect place for your once-in-a-lifetime moment. With 16 unique beach neighborhoods to choose from, South Walton offers a variety of options, no matter your style. Whether you envision saying “I do” on the beach itself, in a historic chapel, at a picturesque garden or on a yacht, a South Walton wedding can bring it all to life.
To ease the process of planning your perfect South Walton wedding, we’re here to get the ideas flowing. Even if you’re planning your wedding from afar, the Visit South Walton team is ready to guide you in multiple arenas. Ready to get started? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Marriage Licenses
Do I need a marriage license to be married in South Walton?
Yes! You can’t be married in South Walton unless you have a Florida marriage license.
Where do I get a marriage license in Walton County?
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Courts. The Clerk of Courts has offices at the Walton County Courthouse and the Walton County Courthouse Annex.
- Walton County Courthouse
571 Highway 90 East – 2nd Floor
DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 - Walton County Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Boulevard
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
NOTE: A Florida marriage license is valid for only 60 days and only within the State of Florida. This means you cannot apply for a marriage license if you are planning to be married more than two months from your application date.
For more information on marriage licenses, please visit the Walton County Clerk of Courts website.
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Planning Tips
How can I find South Walton wedding vendors?
Visit South Walton maintains an updated list of properly permitted South Walton Wedding Vendors. Take some time to peruse the extensive list and see which pros will make your big day perfect.
Need even more options? The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce can be another valuable resource in your selection process.
What can my guests and I use to help plan our trip before and during our stay?
Visit South Walton provides up to 100 complimentary Visitor Guides, Beachgoer’s Guides, Hiking & Biking Guides, and/or Visitor Maps to help you and your group navigate your chosen destination. If you would like to request these items, you may do so here: weddings brochure order form.
You and your guests can indulge at the spa, play championship golf, paddleboard on a rare coastal dune lake, shop at a variety of local boutiques and art galleries, or stroll along 26 miles of beach. There’s a bit of something for everyone – soon-to-be-weds and guests alike!
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Beach Weddings
What is the difference between public and private beach accesses?
A public beach access is owned by the county or state and is open to all members of the public. Lucky for you, weddings are permissible at all public beach accesses in South Walton!
On the other hand, private beach access points are owned by an individual, hotel, resort, restaurant or company, and you must have permission from the owner, or a property representative to conduct a wedding there.
Can I be married at a public beach access?
Yes, you can be married at any public beach access in South Walton.
To get started on finding which beach access point is ideal for you, check out South Walton’s Beach and Bay Access guide.
Do I need a special permit to have my wedding on the beach?
Yes, all weddings held on South Walton beaches require Beach Wedding Permits.
To apply for a permit, complete the Beach Wedding Permit application form (linked here!) and return it to Walton County Beach Code Enforcement.
While beach weddings are permitted and welcomed, there is a fee involved. Based on how many guests will be attending your public access beach, there are different tiers of permit fees. See here:
- $50: less than 10 people
- $150: 10 – 30 people
- $250: 31 – 50 people
- $500: 51 – 75 people
- $1,000: 76+ people
How can I make sure the public beach access of my choice will be available at the time of my wedding?
After you’ve received your Beach Wedding Permit through Walton County Beach Code Enforcement, details of your wedding will be added to their calendar. Once you’re in the system, Walton County Beach Code Enforcement will intentionally not schedule multiple weddings or events at the same time and location.
However, it is important to understand that although no other weddings or events will be taking place at the same time as yours, the beach is still a public beach! Beaches will not be closed off to individual beachgoers.
What is the earliest/latest I can have my beach wedding?
There are no curfew regulations for beach weddings so you can have your wedding as early or late as you want. However, if you are having your ceremony at a non-traditional hour, we strongly suggest you advise the local Sheriff’s Office of your plans. It never hurts to give them a heads up to ensure no calls are being made to interrupt your celebration!
Can chairs, arches, runners and other decorations be set up on the beach?
Yes, but the only things you should leave behind are your footprints! All items (including rented items) must be taken down immediately following the ceremony. (In compliance with Walton County Ordinance No. 2003-07, Section 4.G and Section 22-54(G), also known as the “Leave No Trace Program.”) We want to make sure these beautiful beaches remain safe, clean and loved for years to come, so items left unattended on the beach overnight will be removed and discarded – no matter what.
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General
How do I get to South Walton?
South Walton has two airports located in close proximity to the beaches. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is east of South Walton in the Panama City Beach area, and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is situated west of South Walton in the Ft. Walton Beach area. The average drive time to both airports from South Walton is about 30-45 minutes.
If you prefer a road trip, the drive from Atlanta-proper to South Walton takes just over five hours – or about 300 miles.
What if it rains?
No one wants to think about this, but if your event is outdoors, it’s essential to have a backup plan! Many wedding venues have alternate locations where weddings can occur if it rains. If you’re working with a venue, ask them about your options. If you’re not working with a commercial venue (i.e. planning at a public access beach), be sure to explore venue alternatives and make your own arrangements in case of inclement weather.
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Honeymoons
What kind of honeymoon options are there in South Walton?
Why stop the wedding festivities at the reception? Keep your special celebration going by continuing your honeymoon in South Walton. From hotels to boutique inns to beachside villas, couples can choose from a variety of South Walton settings to craft a romantic honeymoon. An unforgettable Florida beach getaway is relaxing, fun, and meaningful – everything a good honeymoon should be.
