While flying over the coastal area of Florida from Captiva and Sanibel Island down to Fort Myers Beach and on to Naples in a biplane recently, I wondered how anyone could choose just one location to host a beach wedding. The stretch of white sand and natural nooks and sheltered beach backyards seemed to go on forever on this sunshine-filled day.
That's when the idea came to me to find a local expert who knows the best-kept secrets of the area.
Stephanie Meiser, recipient of The Knot Best of Wedding 2012 award and CEO/owner of Along Came Stephanie, a certified wedding and event planner, likes Captiva Island best for planning island weddings.
Top Five Beach Wedding Destinations of SW Florida
Suite101: What is it that makes Captiva Island such a perfect wedding destination?
Stephanie Meiser: "I like using private residences and rental properties for weddings because you have a built-in vacation destination. It's like your own private resort. Family members or even the entire wedding party can stay together at the residence once the reception is over."
Suite101: What's your second favorite wedding destination?
Stephanie Meiser: "Naples beach (Eighth Avenue block) is not as private as a Captiva rental property but the grassy area overlooking the beach is perfect for the ceremony with its long walkway.
The Hotel Escalante is a Tuscan boutique hotel on Fifth Avenue with 10 guest rooms, a great place for a smaller, more intimate wedding party. A bus or trolley can be used to go from the hotel to Naples beach and back for the ceremony and reception. This makes for a very practical wedding destination for everyone involved."
Suite101: Why is the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club third on your list of favorites?
Stephanie Meiser: "I like it because it has a large lawn and beachfront. You can have the wedding ceremony and reception in a conveniently located general area. The hotel is big enough to host larger wedding parties, family members and wedding guests with more amenities than the smaller boutique hotels.
It's also less likely that you'll have the 300-lb. man in a Speedo show up in the wedding photos. Not only will the ceremony and after-party be more private, there will be fewer interruptions during the beach wedding ceremony."
Suite 101: What is it about Lovers Key State Park that you like for island weddings?
Stephanie Meiser: "Lovers Key State Park is really nice, it's completely natural looking."
Indeed, this state park has much of what we consider the best of the best. You can kayak, canoe, sail, sunbathe, swim, shell, and enjoy the wildlife. Lovers Key is home to manatees, bottle nose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and much more. The two mile-long beach has plenty of personality and originality.
Suite101: What are your other favorite wedding destinations in SW Florida?
Stephanie Meiser: "Marco Island is nice. It has lots of different resorts to choose from with gorgeous beaches. I also like Barefoot Beach Preserve in Bonita Beach. It is another naturally stunning beach with good access for parking and has nice amenities for the wedding party and guests."
What You Should Know About Beach Weddings
Suite101: What tips would you like to share with people who are thinking about a beach wedding?
Stephanie Meiser: "Beach weddings don't have to include the obvious tropical decor like starfish and shells. You can have an arch on the beach with a shabby chic decor. This might look like a chandelier with hanging crystals, strips of fabric and non-tropical decorations."
Stephanie offers a variety of decorative styles including rustic, modern, vintage and eclectic pieces for weddings and engagement photo shoots.
"Another important tip I'd offer my clients is to plan their beach wedding during the months of November through March for the best and most predictable weather for an outdoor wedding."
Finding that one beach that speaks to you is critical since every wedding is as unparalleled as its participants. For those of you who want the perfect Florida beach wedding, find a local expert to help make your day uniquely yours.
Vicki F. Chavis - Growing up in Asia, Europe and North America left Vicki with a love of cuisine, history, language, fashion and travel. Today she writes on ...
