Beach and gulf view wedding ceromonies are increasing in popularity. They are romantic, fun and inexpensive alternatives to more traditional weddings. Because of it's natural beauty, the Pensacola Beach area serves as a picturesque backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Pensacola Beach is also the perfect honeymoon location.

Many people from across the nation (and the world) are discovering Pensacola Beach, Florida, is the ideal place for any wedding, large or small. The sugar-white sand beaches, emerald green water, and mild, sunny days make for a perfect setting.  And Pensacola Beach has the distinction of being among the 17 Florida Panhandle sites that made the "Blue Wave" list of the 49 cleanest beaches in the United States. In addition to the beauty and cleanliness you will find here, normally laid-back locals will snap into action to do everything they can to make your "special day" a romantic success.

Paradise Beach Homes offers a great selection of beach rentals to fit any wedding budget and able to accommodate your wedding party! Click Here and allow us to assist you in your wedding party accommodation needs!

Click Here to view our Beach Wedding Photo gallery.

Basic Facts

The island government has only two rules for weddings. They are designed to keep our beaches clean and safe for everyone -- including you and your wedding party. 

The rules: 

      1 - Tents over 10' x 12' require advance permission from the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Contact SRIA at 1 Via De Luna, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Tel: (850) 932-2257. 

      2 -  Your wedding may be sited anywhere along the eight mile beach and no permission is required. However, permission is needed to use the Band Shell on Quietwater Boardwalk or the Pavilion at Casino Beach. You must fill out a form request and submit it at least 30 days in advance.  Among the requirements are: a. Proof of liability in the amount of $1,000,000.00; b. Letter of request to use the facility; and c. An outline of activities.  Again, contact the SRIA at the address and telephone above. 

Chairs may be set up on the beach for the convenience of guests. 

Of course, general rules and common sense still apply. Glass containers are never allowed on the beach.  And, please leave only your footprints when you depart.

Obtaining a Marriage License

• Both bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age 
• Proof of age is required to obtain a marriage license.  A drivers license, certified copy of your birth certificate, or a military I.D will suffice. 
• If either party is under the age of 18, but at least 16 years of age, a marriage license can be issued upon presentation of written consent from both natural parents, if living and not divorced.  If divorced, the parent signing the consent must present a copy of the custody papers. (If applicant has been married before, the forgoing does not apply.) Stepparents may not sign unless proof of adoption is shown.
  Getting the actual license

Applicants apply to any county in Florida for a Marriage License in order to be married in Florida.  In the immediate Pensacola Beach area, these two county offices are closest: 

1. Santa Rosa County Service Center
5819 Gulf Breeze Blvd 
Gulf Breeze, Florida 
Tel: (850) 934-8187 
(Directions: drive east of Gulf Breeze on Route 98.  The center is on the south side of the highway, just past the Gulf Breeze Zoo). 
License Fee: $ 93.50 
Local Rules:  There will be a waiting period of 3 days if either person is a resident of Florida.  There is NO waiting period for non-residents.  If either party has been divorced within the past year, Santa Rosa County requires a certified copy of the Final Judgment or Decree.  If it has been longer than a year, you need furnish only the date your last marriage ended (month/day/year). 

2.  Escambia County at the M. C. Blanchard Judicial Center
190 Government Street 
Pensacola, Florida 
Tel: (850) 595-4182 ("Marriage License Office")
License Fee:  $99.00
Local rules:  There will be a waiting period of 3 days if either person is a resident of Florida.  A mere listing of the date of divorce is acceptable in Escambia County. The waiting periods of other states will be honored. 

Within 10 days after the marriage is performed, the license must be returned (generally by the officiating clergy) to the Marriage License Division of the Clerk's Office in the county which issued it. There is no record of marriage until this is done. One certified copy of the marriage license will be provided, and additional certified copies may be obtained for an additional fee. 

       3. Marriage Licenses by Mail.  It is possible for non-Florida residents to obtain a marriage license by mail.  Time is required for processing, etc., therefore, lead time is required.  Click here to check out the web site for information.

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