The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues on 30A

The scenic stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast (known as 30A) is a dream wedding destination. Nestled between crystal-clear waters and sugar-white sand beaches, this 24-mile stretch of paradise is home to both charming beach communities and stunning wedding venues that offer picture-perfect backdrops for your special day. Whether you’re envisioning a sunset beach ceremony, a luxurious reception at an iconic resort, or a more intimate garden wedding, the wedding venues on 30A deliver charm, elegance, and a variety of options for your wedding day.

Before we dive in, if you are new here, welcome! At A Wedding Collection, we believe your wedding should be an intentional reflection of your love story, offering details throughout the wedding weekend that tell guests you were anxiously awaiting their arrival. Having our team plan your wedding so you can host guests in a setting that allows them to slow down and re-connect with one another is always our honor. When you’re ready, you can view our portfolio for inspiration, or reach out here so we can start planning a 30A wedding that’s perfect for you!

The Communities on 30A

While we’re sure you’re eager to learn more about the wedding venues on 30a, the first step in planning your wedding is getting to know the unique beach communities that truly define this stretch of land! Each iconic spot has its own distinct charm, but here are the cliff notes versions of each:

1. Dune Allen: Peaceful and nature-inspired, with quiet charm and coastal dune lakes.
2. Gulf Place: A vibrant and artsy community renowned for its laid-back charm and local flavor.
3. Blue Mountain Beach: Known for towering dunes and a tranquil, yet familiy-friendly atmosphere.
4. Grayton Beach: A quirky, artsy spot with a bohemian vibe and lots of locals.
5. WaterColor: Upscale and serene, with scenic parks and lakes for outdoor weddings.
6. Seaside: Iconic for its pastel cottages and charming Seaside Chapel, ideal for a classic 30a wedding.
7. Seagrove Beach: Combines natural beauty and old-Florida charm for intimate celebrations.
8. WaterSound: A secluded, luxurious backdrop with stunning dunes and boardwalks.
9. Alys Beach: Sophisticated with European-inspired white architecture and lush green spaces.
10. Seacrest Beach: Laid-back with coastal views, a quieter option next to Alys and Rosemary.
11. Rosemary Beach: Romantic and European-inspired, with cobblestone streets and timeless beauty.
12. Inlet Beach: Offers expansive Gulf views and a peaceful setting at the eastern end of 30A.

Top 10 Ceremony Venues on 30A

Now that you have a lay of the land, we are ready to move on to the wedding venues on 30A. When it comes to choosing the perfect ceremony venue along 30A, couples are spoiled for choice. From charming chapels to beachfront lawns and picturesque parks, the options are truly endless.

As Florida wedding planners for over a decade now, we’ve had the privilege of planning many weddings at these venues, but the following remain our top ten wedding venues on 30A:

1. Seaside Chapel: With its iconic white exterior and Southern charm, Seaside Chapel is a sought-after venue for a traditional, elegant ceremony in serene surroundings. Nothing says “30a wedding” like the Chapel at Seaside.
2. DiBicci Park: Then, right across from the Seaside Chapel, DiBicci Park offers a lush outdoor option for your ceremony. It’s booked through the Chapel, but we can help you confirm availability.
3. Rosemary Beach Town Hall: This romantic venue features high ceilings and European-inspired architecture. It operates with an exclusive vendor list (more on that below).
4. WaterColor’s Western Lake Park & Cerulean Park: Nature lovers will adore these serene outdoor venues with tree-lined green spaces and stunning lake views as you walk over their famous bridge. (Perfect for a “first look” or couples portraits!) WaterColor shows off the unique combination of the Gulf of Mexico and our rare coastal dune lakes. Either is perfect for a relaxed vibe at the beach.
5. The Pearl in Rosemary Beach has two stunning venue options. The Pearl’s Rooftop boasts Gulf views and an open-air reception on the rooftop, while the Hemingway Room provides a beautifully decorated smaller ballroom.
6. Alys Beach: For couples who enjoy professionally decorated vacation homes with every amenity and dripping in sophistication, Alys Beach is one of our favorite options. It offers Gulf Green’s oceanfront views and Central Park’s manicured green space, making it ideal for a modern, luxury wedding.
7. The Court at Seaside: Next, if you’re looking for an intimate, elegant outdoor venue in the heart of Seaside, The Court at Seaside allows couples to personalize their ceremony while still providing lots of coastal charm. The 8 bungalows surrounding the lawn make this the absolute perfect “vacation with a wedding” spot!
8. The Vue on 30A: For a beach ceremony with breathtaking Gulf views (are you sensing a pattern here?), The Vue’s private beachfront provides a secluded and private setting with stunning sunset backdrops.
9. Carillon Meeting House: This charming, traditional white chapel in the quiet Carillon Beach community is perfect for couples seeking a private ceremony away from the hustle and bustle of 30a. A Carillon wedding will make your 100+ guest count feel like they’ve stepped back in time to a quiet, beach vacation complete with bike rentals and a welcome bonfire.
10. Eden Gardens State Park: Lastly, we have Eden Gardens State Park. A hidden gem with sprawling oak trees and a historic mansion, Eden Gardens offers a picturesque, Southern-style setting for outdoor ceremonies.

Off-30A Ceremony Venues to Consider

While 30A is renowned for a reason, for couples willing to venture slightly beyond, here are two more stunning venue options:

1. The Henderson (Destin): If you’re looking for a luxury resort in Destin, The Henderson offers private beachfront and lawn ceremony spaces with equally stunning Gulf views.
2. Sandestin Beach & Golf Club: This larger resort option provides a variety of beautiful ceremony locations, including the Grand Lawn and Epiphany Lawn, which we have found to be perfect for couples seeking a blend of luxury and beachside charm.

These off-30A venues offer elegant alternatives just a short distance from 30A’s main stretch.

Top 6 Reception Venues on 30A

Once your ceremony is over, it’s time to celebrate! While the above options make for fantastic ceremony options, 30A also offers a wide variety of reception venues, each with its own unique charm, from elegant lakefront spaces to vibrant rooftop views. Here are six wedding venues on 30A with the best reception spaces:

1. WaterColor LakeHouse and Marina Park: The LakeHouse features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning lake views, while adjacent Marina Park offers a serene outdoor space perfect for a tented reception.
2. Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn and Ruskin Place: Lyceum Lawn is perfect for larger receptions with its open green space and stunning architectural columns, while Ruskin Place offers a charming lawn in the heart of Seaside’s Artist’s Colony.
3. The Court at Seaside: Does this one look familiar? The truth is that this simple, elegant outdoor space is equally fabulous for a reception! We often pair the Chapel at Seaside with The Court’s lawn for the perfect Seaside experience.
4. Bud & Alley’s: An iconic 30A Gulf-front venue, Bud & Alley’s is ideal for couples seeking a relaxed atmosphere with fresh seafood and stunning scenery.
5. The Pearl (Rooftop, Rosemary Beach): The Pearl’s rooftop offers Gulf views while you dance the night away on their Havana Rooftop deck. The iconic black and white awnings at this resort make it instantly recognizable.
6. Carillon Village Green: Lastly, this spacious outdoor venue is surrounded by beautiful coastal cottages, Carillon Lake and the cobblestone street of downtown Carillon. It’s the perfect location for a tented reception.

Off-30A Reception Venues to Consider

Again, for larger wedding receptions or couples willing to venture beyond 30A, here are a few exceptional nearby options:

1. The Henderson Lawn (Destin): A beautiful outdoor reception space, ideal for elegant, large-scale receptions.
2. Sandestin Beach & Golf Club: Offers multiple reception spaces, including the Grand Lawn at the Grand Hotel, perfect for a grand affair.
3. Hotel Effie: With a stunning rooftop venue and elegant ballrooms, this Sandestin hotel is perfect for those looking for a stylish, modern reception venue.

These venues provide a range of options, from classic 30A charm to nearby luxurious alternatives, ensuring every couple finds the perfect fit for their celebration.

Should You Choose The Same Venue For Your Ceremony and Reception?

Choosing a wedding venue on 30A that can host both your ceremony and reception in one location can simplify logistics, reduce costs, and keep your day flowing smoothly. Transporting guests between separate venues, like from Seaside Chapel to The Pearl, adds vendor and transportation expenses. For instance, Seaside requires off-site parking at Grayton Central with a shuttle service, so planning ahead is important. Don’t worry, as your wedding planners, we will help take care of all of this for you. If you would prefer to have your ceremony and reception at the same venue (or a short walk away), reach out here and we can share some suggestions.

Exclusive vs. Preferred Vendor Lists and How They Impact Your Wedding Budget

Choosing your 30A wedding venue can significantly affect your budget, especially depending on whether the venue has an exclusive or preferred vendor list. That’s one of the reasons we recommend hiring a wedding planner before you book your wedding venue. Understanding these vendor requirements early on is so important if you want to avoid budget surprises. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.

Exclusive Vendor Lists

Venues with exclusive vendor lists require you to use specific vendors for services like florals, catering, and planning. This approach can ensure quality in some cases, but it limits options and may increase costs. Venues like WaterColor, Seaside Chapel, Seaside Lyceum and Ruskin, The Pearl, Rosemary Beach Town Hall, and Alys Beach require exclusive vendors for some or all vendor categories, sometimes with minimum spends (e.g., $20K–$35K for florists), which could add pressure to your budget if you don’t choose carefully.

It’s worth noting that your planner’s relationship with these venues is crucial to the success of your event. There are special requests made all the time on behalf of clients and vendors, and the venue representatives place a great deal of trust in your planner to manage those. Maintaining these long-standing relationships are the hallmark of a good planner, and can offer added assurance that your wedding day will run with seamless precision.

Preferred Vendor Lists

A preferred vendor list offers more flexibility, recommending trusted vendors but not requiring them. Venues like Carillon Beach, Eden Gardens, and Vue on 30A allow more freedom to choose vendors based on your budget and style, giving you a more customizable experience.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Venue

Exclusive vendor lists can quickly increase costs, especially if the venue’s required vendors have high minimums. While these vendors are often top-tier and have established relationships with the venue, their prices may not align with every couple’s budget. It’s important to factor in how these vendor requirements will affect your total spending.

If it’s important to you to book the venue before hiring a planner, please be sure to talk to your planner in depth about your plans. At A Wedding Collection, we dive deep into these topics on our very first inquiry call because we know the potholes that can appear along the way! Some venues even require you to have a planner contracted within 30 days of booking, and some florists won’t schedule an inquiry call without a full-service planner on board. We know the road ahead—let us help guide you!

Key Questions to Ask During Venue Tours

1. Is your vendor list exclusive or preferred?
   This determines your flexibility in choosing vendors and how it might impact your budget.
2. What’s included with the venue?
   Ask whether essentials like tables, chairs, or lighting are provided to avoid unexpected rental costs.
3. Is there a trusted rain plan?
   Your planner knows the rain plan at this venue (likely Rain Plan A, B, C and D), but it’s nice to hear from the venue.

By considering the vendor list type and asking the right questions, you’ll be able to find a venue that aligns with both your vision and budget, ensuring a seamless wedding day on 30A.

Top 15 Rehearsal Dinner Locations on 30A

Next, if you’re planning a rehearsal dinner on 30A, there’s no shortage of excellent options. Here are some of our favorite spots for gathering with family and friends before the big day:

1. Surfing Deer: Upscale dining with a local flair. Located on the edge of Seaside.
2. Ambrosia: Elegant sushi and seafood in WaterSound, with a private room and unique bar.
3. Bud & Alley’s: Classic 30A rooftop views and coastal fare.
4. Fish Out of Water: Fresh, modern seafood with scenic Gulf views and exceptional service.
5. The Red Bar: A lively, laid-back favorite in Grayton Beach.
6. Vue on 30A: Gulf-front dining with stunning sunset views.
7. Cafe 30A: Fine dining with an elegant, contemporary menu.
8. Pescado’s: Rooftop dining in Rosemary Beach with coastal views.
9. WaterColor BoatHouse: Casual dining with a lakefront view.
10. Restaurant Paradis: Intimate, high-end dining in Rosemary Beach.
11. Great Southern: Southern-inspired dishes with a fun, relaxed vibe.
12. The Citizen: Coastal brasserie in Alys Beach with a chic atmosphere.
13. Havana Beach Bar & Grill: A Rosemary Beach classic with Gulf views.
14. Black Bear Bread Company: Cozy and casual for an intimate gathering.
15. Cuvee 30A: A sophisticated spot in Inlet Beach, known for its fine dining and wine list.

Where to Book Your Welcome Bonfire

For a memorable “Post Toast” after your rehearsal dinner or welcome party, consider hosting a beach bonfire. Is there a more fun way to introduce your guests to the wedding weekend than a bonfire with a cotton candy sunset over the Gulf with delicious, gooey S’mores in hand?! (The answer to that is yes- add Townsend Catering to the line-up for Lobster Rolls served in custom printed wrap papers with a Ranch Water cocktail and Voila!) Top locations along 30A include Seaside’s iconic Coleman Pavilion, where you can book through CC Boone, the exclusive vendor for this picturesque spot. Inlet Beach offers a more laid-back setting, perfect for a relaxed gathering by the Gulf. Carillon Beach is another excellent option if you are hosting your wedding there. These stunning locations will set the tone for an unforgettable wedding weekend.

Top 8 Brunch Locations on 30A

While we are talking about additional events on your wedding day weekend, let’s not forget about brunch! Kick off your post-wedding celebration at one of these delightful brunch spots:

1. Fonville Press (Alys Beach): Coffee, brunch, and good vibes.
2. Raw & Juicy (Alys Beach): Organic, fresh bites for a laid-back brunch.
3. Pescado’s: A rooftop brunch with stunning views in Rosemary Beach.
4. Surfing Deer: Trendy brunch with creative dishes in Seaside.
5. George’s (Alys Beach): A favorite for fresh, coastal-inspired brunches.
6. Havana Beach Bar & Grill: A sophisticated brunch with stunning views at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach.
7. Black Bear Bread Company: A cozy spot known for its artisan breads and pastries, perfect for brunch. (Don’t miss the smoked salmon tartine.)
8. Cuvee 30A: A refined option for brunch in Inlet Beach, offering both sweet and savory favorites.

Now you’ve got a full list of wonderful dinner and brunch options to consider for your wedding festivities on 30A!

Best Time of Year to Get Married on 30A

Once you have your venue chosen, it’s time to save the date. The best months to get married on 30A are March, April, May, October, and November. These are high-season months, offering beautiful weather, though rates can vary depending on the venue and resort. December, January, February, and September offer quieter times, with fewer crowds and fun activities like beach bonfires, but the weather can be unpredictable.

If there was one piece of advice we could give you, we would caution you about planning weddings during June, July, and August. The heat, humidity, and busy tourist season can create a few extra challenges along the way. Also, keep in mind that March is Spring Break. Let us help you navigate the curfews and crowded areas!

Extra Advice For Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

When planning your wedding day, it’s important to keep timing in mind to make sure everything runs smoothly. Wedding ceremonies typically last around 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time for guests to enjoy the celebration afterward. Receptions generally run for about four hours, though many venues allow additional time for a fee. For outdoor events in Walton County, keep in mind that a noise ordinance requires festivities to end by 10 PM. However, some venues offer indoor spaces where you can extend the party into the night.

If you’re planning a wedding between November and early March, don’t forget to consider the earlier sunset. With Daylight Saving Time ending in early November, a 3 PM ceremony is ideal, wrapping up around 3:30 PM. This gives you ample time for family photos before the sunset at 4:45 PM. Most couples choose to start cocktail hour around 3:30 or 4 PM, which means the reception concludes at 8 PM. In our experience, many couples choose to host after-parties or casual late-night gatherings to continue the celebration.

On the other hand, if you prefer to schedule a First Look with wedding party and family pictures following, we could plan a candlelit ceremony at 5:30 PM with reception following from 6-10 PM. Wintertime weddings can offer their own version of magic at the beach.

Our Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues on 30A

Planning a wedding on 30A opens up endless possibilities, with a wide range of stunning wedding venues, from beachfront locations to charming chapels and scenic parks. Each location feels more beautiful than the next! With its unique blend of natural beauty, luxury, and charm, wedding venues on 30A promise an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Ready to start planning your unforgettable 30A wedding? Take a look at our portfolio to see the beautiful weddings we’ve had the pleasure of bringing to life. If you love what you see, reach out, and let’s create something magical together!