Destination Wedding

afergus1

I've been looking into having my wedding and reception in gulf coast FL area. So far I've come up short on an affordable priced venue that has a beach ceremony & reception, preferably hotel or resort for guest accommodations. Each venue I've talked to has told me I'm unable to do things that I would like for my wedding or reception (such as I have to have 4 different stations for $69.00 per person). I was even told that they "don't seem like the best fit for us we should look elsewhere," I appreciate the honesty, but ummm.... Do you not want my money?! Can anyone tell me a reasonable ceremony & reception venue on the FL gulf coast??
Thanks for the help!

teachermegs

Where have you tried?

afergus1

I've looked online at a ton of hotels and resorts in the Clearwater, St Pete, and Treasure Island area. I'm trying to stay away from large hotel chains due to their prices. So far I have emaild a lot, most without responces. I've talked with two venues over the phone thus far but without luck.

laurenberdan

I'm not sure about prices of any of these places, but just thinking of venues that would be more reasonable than the big hotels...

Tampa Bay Watch- not exactly the beach, but on water and I hear they are reasonably priced
Shepard's on Clearwater Beach
The Grand Plaza Hotel on St. Pete Beach- I hear you can get a lot of stuff included
Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach Community Center
The Club at Treasure Island (Yacht Club)

One of my good friends had her wedding on Clearwater Beach, and they were on a tight budget. The ceremony was at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, and then the reception on an outside deck at Island Way grill. Both are on the water, but not sand. The Clearwater Beach Rec Center also has a room you can use, in case you wanted to have a caterer come there. But Island Way Grill is an excelent restaurant.

Good luck!

ellentravis

If you looked into the Tradewinds, I agree they're probably not the best fit for you.I don't get a lot of eagerness to please out of them, although they are the best place for us. Sirata's people (next door on Gulf Blvd) were very willing to work with us, but I didn't go with them in the end because they weren't a good fit for my disabled family members.

thinkingpink2010

The Pink Shell on Fort Myers Beach is somewhat more affordable and may be worth a call.  If you are flexible about date, time of year/day, or day of the week it may help you stay within budget. I would let the venues know your budget and ask if there is anything they can do to work with you. Good luck!

kkmcnear

Have you looked at Anna Maria  Island or Siesta Key?  We got married on Anna Maria and it was beautiful.  We used Sand Petal Weddings and they were great and made planning from far away so easy.

rhondadeshae

Hi kkmcnear!

I looked at some pictures of the island, and it's beautiful! What were your venue top picks?

Thanks!

starfish33012

I sent you a pm.

kkmcnear

We got married at the Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki Hut on Anna Maria.  It was perfect for us.  Ceremony on the beach and then reception in the tiki hut.  Here are a couple photos.  You can email me if you have specific questions.  kmcnear at hotmail dot com

peacelovenmarriage

Wyndham Garden Clearwater Beach. We are A Beachfront Hotel, however, we specialize in Weddings on a Budget, and Smaller Intimate Weddings. Give a call. 727-443-7652.

afergus1

Thank you all for your posts! It really means a lot! I've been going crazy over prices (we're a young couple who recently bought a house so moneys kinda tight for a wedding). I appreciate all of this help! Its difficult because I dont know the area very well (just think it's beautiful) or any hidden secretes!

Thanks again!

Ps. kkmcnear BEAUTIFUL pics!!  Congratz!

joby1128

I've been looking at Sand Petal Weddings and considering booking my wedding through them. They're packages are great! Has anyone heard of them or had their wedding throught them?? 

Heres the website:

http://www.sandpetalwedding.com/

cesiflame

Hey! In case you are still looking for a photographer too, i can recommend www.gulfsidemedia.com - the are great, professional and offer something for everyone!

Good luck! :-)