Weddings season is upon us, and there is no better place to get married than in the oceanfront paradise known as Seaside, Florida. Not only is Seaside a charming and lovely beach town, it also has many different venues for you to choose from for your special day. Whether you want a small, intimate gathering on the beach or a more sophisticated ceremony in a chapel, Seaside offers a multitude of options.
The Chapel at Seaside
The Chapel at Seaside serves as a beautiful architectural landmark in the community with its 68-foot bell tower, which makes it the highest point in Seaside. This interfaith space is a great location for a wedding, a vow renewal ceremony, an extraordinary memorial service, or a baptism. It has become a highly sought-after venue for destination weddings as well as being named as one of the South's Most Beautiful Chapels by Southern Living magazine. It also won the 2017 and 2018 South Walton's Best Wedding Venue and is the only place along the popular Highway 30A for a conventional ceremony in a place of worship. The Chapel capacity allows up to 175 people to attend your event and includes the services of a wedding officiant.
Chapel Courtyard and Lawn
Another option is to use the Chapel's courtyard or lawn as an outdoor setting for your ceremony or reception. Also called The Groove, the magical courtyard is replete with mature trees, twinkle lights, and benches throughout the space. The lawn is large enough to serve a meal for a sit-down rehearsal dinner or a wedding reception for up to 75 guests. If you prefer a more casual cocktail reception, you can have up to 100 guests attending.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
If you want other outdoor venue options, Seaside offers the lovely De Bicci Park with a beautiful lawn for smaller ceremonies, as well as the covered and beachfront Seaside Pavilion that overlooks the ocean, or the gorgeous Seaside Beach itself for ceremonies of up to 100 guests. These locations are perfect for vow renewal ceremonies as well. A colorful sunset as a backdrop for your occasion makes for an incredibly intimate moment for you and your loved ones.
Larger Outdoor Venues
If you need a larger venue of up to 200 people, Seaside offers Ruskin Park and the Lyceum Lawn for your special occasion. Ruskin Park is the perfect location with its elegant lighting and tree-lined space that lights up at night. It evokes the city of New Orleans because of the three-story townhomes surrounding the landscaped park and event stage with their elegant balconies and rooftop decks. Events at Ruskin Park are limited to five per calendar year, so book this venue as soon as possible. Another large space that works for weddings and receptions is the Lyceum Lawn. This is located right in the middle of Seaside's civic district and presents the perfect place for a formal tented event or an intimate ceremony under the stars. There is also a large event stage that can be the focal point for your special moment. The Lyceum Lawn can also accommodate up to 200 people for your wedding event.
Idyllic Cottages in Seaside
The best part of having a wedding in Seaside is that you and your guests have a multitude of cottages and properties to choose from during your stay. Rental properties range from picturesque cottages that sleep 2 up to larger, more luxurious properties that can accommodate up to 14 people. You can have your wedding or reception, or both, in town and enjoy the hospitality and sights of the area as well. Couples will want to come back on their anniversaries every year to remember and celebrate their cherished moments.
If you prefer to have someone else do the planning for you, there are a multitude of wedding planners and event planners available in Seaside. If you are having a destination wedding it may be advantageous to hire someone local to do the legwork, especially since all of Seaside's wedding planners already have established relationships with the area vendors.
The Bottom Line
So regardless of whether you are looking for something small and intimate or a venue that lends itself to a large party, Seaside always has what you need when it comes to your nuptials...a beautiful locale, all of the amenities and services that are essential, and a sparkling blue ocean and white sandy beaches right out your front door.