Help renting a beach and the like... Also, reception ideas.

susanchunk

Hello! This is my first post. I searched through the older posts, and I couldn't find what I was looking for. My wedding date is March 24, 2012, so I have plenty of time to prepare. Technically we are renewing our vows since my husband and I "got the paperwork out of the way" this past March 24. We didn't have an actual ceremony though, so we're planning one on our two year anniversary. 

I want a sunset ceremony in the sand, preferably in the Keys. All of the places I've seen cost more than I have been expecting because they come with an officiant. We don't need one, so I was hoping to see if it was possible to just rent out beach space. I'd prefer a place that already has chairs to use, but I'm willing to rent chairs if need be to get by without an officiant.

Also, I'm looking for a nearby place to have an hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception (and dance). All of the places I've seen require a minimum cost that would include dinner or will not allow outside catering. Any advice? Any spaces locals know about that we outsiders don't know about. (My husband and I just moved to central FL from NC)

Thanks so much in advance!

gatorgirl512

The only place I can think of that would meet your requirements would be Fort Zachary Tayor in Key West. I'm not sure if they require you to use their officiants though. You could always just rent the space for a "party" instead of telling them it's a wedding/vow renewal. I think you can bring in food, but no alcohol.

There is also Smather's Beach in Key West, but I don't often recommend it because it was pretty gross last time I was there, and there are a lot of homeless people in the area.

There is Anne's Beach around MM 68. I don't know what kind of rules they have (if any).

Those are about the only public beaches in the Keys. Unfortunately I don't know any spaces for the kind of reception you are looking for.

Islamorada14

Anne's Beach is really beautiful.  I regret not doing pre-wedding photos there, especially after seeing these pics: http://endearingstudios.blogspot.com/2008/04/alli-and-adam-part-ii.html

You might also want to look at Sombrero Beach in Marathon (they do allow alcohol, but I'm not sure about their policies for weddings).  http://www.beachhunter.net/florida-keys-beaches/sombrero-beach.htm.  Bahia Honda beach is considered the very best beach in the Keys, but I have no clue what their rules are.

Depending on your lodging budget and number of guests, you might also consider renting an affordable beach house which would allow you to bring in your own alcohol and hire a private caterer.  We found beach houses for our wedding in Islamorada on VRBO.com.  

susanchunk

Thanks so much! Do you have any idea how one goes about renting a beach? Back in NC there are information centers where you do it, but I'm unfamiliar with Florida and how that works.

susanchunk

Those links were very helpful!! And Bahia Honda did look gorgeous. Do you know how to find out who I would contact about renting the area, or if it just "show up and hope to have enough space available"?

gatorgirl512

Bahia Honda is a state park and probably won't allow alcohol. So is Fort Zachary Taylor for that matter.

http://www.bahiahondapark.com/

http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/home.html

For Anne's Beach, maybe try getting in touch with someone from the Village of Islamorada. Smather's Beach is in Key West. The Chamber of Commerce should be able to point you in the right direction.

susanchunk

Fantastic! Thank you!!