Wedding Ceremony FAQs

  • When is the best time to have a Florida Beach Wedding?

    The most popular times of the year for a east coast Florida beach wedding are March- November. Friday and Saturday evening sunset ceremonies are the first to fill up. To avoid the crowds and hottest temperatures, consider evenings during the week and the cooler months of the year. Read this blog post about this. While it may be cold in other states December-February, Florida is typically boasting warmer weather. Call or email for date and time availability, and we’ll provide the sunset time for the date of your inquiry, as well as make a recommendation to the start time of your ceremony to fully capitalize on the lighting at sunset. You can certainly get married anytime of the day, morning, noon or evening but coordinate with us so we can optimize the lighting for your photography. No extra fees for Saturday weddings, though we retain the right to charge a holiday fee for certain holidays like Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day, etc.

  • Where is Paradise Beach Weddings located?

    We are located in Edgewater, Florida. We perform Beach Weddings & Receptions in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Ponce Inlet Florida, which is on the the east coast of Central Florida . We also support Ormond Beach, Wilbur by the Sea, Port Orange, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast Florida. Click here for our address and contact information.

    We are very happy to consider other venues of your choice-such as in a park or garden or even your own private estate. For Officiant only, we will travel up to 50 miles.

  • Will there be other people on the beach during our ceremony?

    Yes. All beaches in Florida are public beaches so we cannot reserve any part of the beach. If you are concerned about crowds, the winter months of November-February would provide you with not only less people but also incredible weather. Even during our busiest tourist seasons, most people leave the beaches by 4pm, so the evening weddings typically only have some onlookers from a distance who are out for the sunset stroll. We can recommend the more secluded areas.

  • What happens if it rains on our beach wedding day?

    It is the responsibility of the couple to discuss with us and have a back-up location in case of inclement weather. Rarely does it rain at sunrise or sunset, and usually not long enough to force a change in plans. If your ceremony is the last of the day, we could wait for the weather to clear, or move to the back-up location. Many times if you have reception location, that can be your backup plan for the wedding. We will be in touch with you the day before and the day of your ceremony, so should this become an issue we can coordinate.

  • What happens if we have to “postpone” or change the date of our Wedding Ceremony?

    We will still marry or commit to you on the newly chosen date! Postponement of your ceremony will be considered, with written notice at least 46 days prior to originally scheduled ceremony date (unless Act of God).  The new ceremony date must be agreed upon between client and Paradise Beach Weddings to avoid scheduling conflicts with other weddings on our calendar. Postponements are permitted for up to twelve months from originally scheduled ceremony date, in which the Save the Date fee and any other payments may be applied to the rescheduled date. Save the Date fee is not transferable to other parties. Beyond this twelve month extension period, a new service agreement and Please review your contract with us for reschedule and other refund terms.

  • What happens if we have to cancel?

    If you need to cancel your booking with PBW, we will refund 46 days or greater from your booked wedding date, all payments EXCEPT the first 25% payment. Wedding Planning hourly services and any special order items as noted in invoicing as mentioned above in SERVICES are not refunded. No refunds for cancellations 45 days or less from booked wedding date.

  • How soon should we reserve our Wedding date?

    You can reserve your date a three years in advance (click here to Book-a-Date). For popular months & weekends, you may need to plan 3-9 months in advance. We can also marry or commit to you quickly if your plan is to Elope to Florida, so call us and we can squeeze you into our calendar, even if only one week away!

  • Do you pick the location for the beach wedding ceremony or do we?

    The location is your choice, though we can certainly recommend our favorites, based on your lodging, parking, accessibility and privacy requirements. Time of day and tide also affects location decisions. If you are unfamiliar with the three areas that we service, click the following link to learn more. See map and description of locations by clicking here.

  • How do we book/pay for our Paradise Beach Wedding Ceremony?

    Once you’ve decided the date and time (click here to Book-a-Date) and have been approved, the next step is to schedule an initial call and send the initial invoice in which 25% is due as deposit.  We accept credit cards through secure payments via credit cards, PayPal and personal checks.  Once we have your 25% payment, we reserve the date for you and turn away other clients, so therefore this fee is non-refundable.

    We will send our Paradise Beach Wedding Service Agreement as an email link. This agreement can be signed online by typing your name. Once you have signed this agreement, we will consulting with you via phone or Skype etc. and set the details for your event.

    The payment schedule for all service is outlined in our Agreement.

  • Who performs the ceremony?

    Florida Notary Public or Ordained Reverend provided by the Paradise Beach Wedding team. Should you have a request for a specific faith/religious or en Español ceremony, we can provide that upon request.

  • Can we write our own vows?

    Yes, we encourage couples to be creative. We do offer vows on this website as a starting point, plus special language for various add-on ceremonies. Click here to see vows.

  • Can we bring our own Officiant?

    Yes, as long as he/she is Ordained or a Notary for the State of FL. Be advised that if you opt to bring your own officiant, your chosen officiant is responsible for creating & delivering the ceremony, working with you to create your vows and personalized ceremonial rituals, and signing and filing your marriage license after the ceremony.  Be certain your officiant has the credentials to perform your ceremony. There will not be a price reduction for declined use of our provided officiant with any of our packages.

  • Can our ceremony be customized to include friends, family and children?

    Of course! You may choose your own ceremony rituals. Feel free to include ring bearers, flower children, bridal and groom parties, special tributes, etc. We have “children added” text for wedding vows as well as “children in Sand Ceremony” text. Click here to see vows.

    Should you need a consultation with our staff for a customized ceremony, we will work closely with you on that.

  • Are rehearsals included?

    No.  Upon request at time of booking, we can schedule and accommodate. There is an additional $100 fee for a rehearsal. This additional fee must be collected with the deposit to ensure proper staffing is reserved in advance.  Rehearsals must be 24 hours or more in advance of the ceremony if it is a beach wedding.

    Most beach weddings are simple and require little instruction, so if you are unsure of your needs, we can help you make this decision.

  • Can I lookup what sunset & the low and high tides will be on my wedding day?

    Yes Google Sunset for your date and add beach town name.

    For tide forecasts, we use this tool among others. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=8721164&legacy=1

    We will assist you with this process.

  • Can I Bring Do It Yourself Decor?

    Yes, for the most part. We welcome Do It Yourself decor (DYI) at wedding events with some limitations. We require that you tell is what you are bringing, who is setting it up, and who is taking it away/cleaning up. We may not approve all DYI. For instance.

    OK for DYI: (Partial list)

    Live musicians, flower petals (real only), small tables, welcome table items, custom signage, plants-flowers.

    Not OK (Partial list)

    Arches, chairs, artificial flower petals, rice, your own recorded music.

  • Can we provide our own photographer and/or videographer?

    Yes you can. We require a pre-event consultation with your photographer/videographer for planning purposes. Please know that Paradise Beach Weddings has the right to take photos and of your ceremony as well, for our own use. Photographers and videographers can be very costly, so research the details before you commit to this route. We do offer professional, affordable photography services! And check out our Video offers as well.

  • Do you provide music for our beach wedding, or reception?

    Yes. Ceremony Music is an add on option and can be added to most packages. Customize your own play list and send to us 10 days in advance of your ceremony. We will play the wedding themed music of choice as the guests arrive on the beach, the processional and recessional songs, and then put the wedding themed music back on during the photo session following the ceremony. We can also help you with finding Live Musicians and DJs for your Wedding or Reception. Click here to learn about our music options and services.

  • Is there a Military discount for Weddings?

    Yes, we happily and humbly offer a 10% discount on the total price of the wedding ceremony for an active or former military member, with proper identification at time of reservation. This discount is not applied to photography or custom ordered items.

  • How do I get my Marriage License in Florida?

    You must obtain a Florida Marriage License for Paradise Beach Weddings to perform your marriage ceremony in Florida. You may obtain your license from any county in Florida. The fees paid to the Clerk of the Court for a Florida License is $93.50. This can be reduced can be reduced by up to $32.50 if you complete a licensed Florida pre-marital course. Click here for a list of all Clerks of Courts for all Florida Counties.

    The license is valid for 60 days and the marriage may take place anywhere in the State of Florida. The marriage license form must be returned to the Clerk’s Office for recording within ten days after the marriage is performed. A certified copy will be provided by the county (by mail) after the license has been filed and recorded.

    OUT OF STATE & INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS

    We recommend that you file for your marriage license in Volusia County, where we are located. You will need to pick your license up in person and it is the closest proximity to your wedding event. We are also a smaller county by population so the volume of applicants is not as high as more metropolitan areas. Online application links and addresses are below.

    For all marriage license info, click here.

  • What happens to the marriage license after the ceremony?

    In the following days, provided all beach wedding fees have been paid in full, we sign and certified mail the license to the appropriate County Clerk of the Court. The Clerk’s office will then mail the couple the certified copy. (this is included in any base package) We can also sign the marriage certificate immediately after the ceremony and give to you, should you wish to file it yourself.

  • Do I need a Permit for a Wedding on the Beach?

    If you have a party of less than 50 people, you do not need a permit for the wedding event on Volusia County beaches (other counties have varying rules).  For 50 or more people (including our staff) and you will be required to have a permit and insurance policy. We will file your permit for you and provide the 24 hour insurance binder necessary as an option. Click here to read about permits and here to read about insurance.

  • What fabric & flower color choices do I have?

    Are are more than 30 tulle color fabric and chair sash colors to choose from. We also purchase new tulle if we can not get close enough to your colors. We have a large artificial flower inventory and we add more every month. We will create flower decor specifically to match your colors.

  • Can you help us select the best wedding & reception venue?

    Paradise Beach Weddings will help you find a reception venue that will meet your needs and budget. There are many types and locations based on city. You will need to consider availability, time available during day, capacity, accessibility, location, indoor/outdoor, alcohol, their catering or outside catering, kitchen area, space for dancing/DJ, cleanup fees, parking, and other factors. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you assist us with a florist/flowers?

    We also offer rental bouquets (artificial) and rental boutonnières (artificial). Many clients are looking for real flowers for bouquets, centerpieces for the reception or restaurant. We have partners with wedding floral experts on staff to assist you. Click here to learn more.

    If you are working with us for a beach or destination wedding, we already provide flowers (artificial) for the arch, tiki torches, heart in sand or other decor as part of your wedding package and options you choose

  • We need hair/makeup appointments. Can you help with that?

    The bride, bridesmaids, and bride’s family may have a need for a local hair & makeup artist to prepare for their special beach or destination wedding event! Let us connect you with excellent stylist partners to meet your needs for your special day! Click to learn more.

  • Wedding Planning FAQs

  • Where is Paradise Beach Weddings located?

    We are located in Edgewater, Florida. We perform Beach Weddings & Receptions in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Ponce Inlet Florida, which is on the the east coast of Central Florida . We also support Ormond Beach, Wilbur by the Sea, Port Orange, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast Florida. Click here for our address and contact information.

    We are very happy to consider other venues of your choice-such as in a park or garden or even your own private estate. For Officiant only, we will travel up to 50 miles.

  • Will there be other people on the beach during our ceremony?

    Yes. All beaches in Florida are public beaches so we cannot reserve any part of the beach. If you are concerned about crowds, the winter months of November-February would provide you with not only less people but also incredible weather. Even during our busiest tourist seasons, most people leave the beaches by 4pm, so the evening weddings typically only have some onlookers from a distance who are out for the sunset stroll. We can recommend the more secluded areas.

  • What happens if it rains on our beach wedding day?

    It is the responsibility of the couple to discuss with us and have a back-up location in case of inclement weather. Rarely does it rain at sunrise or sunset, and usually not long enough to force a change in plans. If your ceremony is the last of the day, we could wait for the weather to clear, or move to the back-up location. Many times if you have reception location, that can be your backup plan for the wedding. We will be in touch with you the day before and the day of your ceremony, so should this become an issue we can coordinate.

  • What happens if we have to “postpone” or change the date of our Wedding Ceremony?

    We will still marry or commit to you on the newly chosen date! Postponement of your ceremony will be considered, with written notice at least 46 days prior to originally scheduled ceremony date (unless Act of God).  The new ceremony date must be agreed upon between client and Paradise Beach Weddings to avoid scheduling conflicts with other weddings on our calendar. Postponements are permitted for up to twelve months from originally scheduled ceremony date, in which the Save the Date fee and any other payments may be applied to the rescheduled date. Save the Date fee is not transferable to other parties. Beyond this twelve month extension period, a new service agreement and Please review your contract with us for reschedule and other refund terms.

  • What happens if we have to cancel?

    If you need to cancel your booking with PBW, we will refund 46 days or greater from your booked wedding date, all payments EXCEPT the first 25% payment. Wedding Planning hourly services and any special order items as noted in invoicing as mentioned above in SERVICES are not refunded. No refunds for cancellations 45 days or less from booked wedding date.

  • How soon should we reserve our Wedding date?

    You can reserve your date a three years in advance (click here to Book-a-Date). For popular months & weekends, you may need to plan 3-9 months in advance. We can also marry or commit to you quickly if your plan is to Elope to Florida, so call us and we can squeeze you into our calendar, even if only one week away!

  • How do we book/pay for our Paradise Beach Wedding Ceremony?

    Once you’ve decided the date and time (click here to Book-a-Date) and have been approved, the next step is to schedule an initial call and send the initial invoice in which 25% is due as deposit.  We accept credit cards through secure payments via credit cards, PayPal and personal checks.  Once we have your 25% payment, we reserve the date for you and turn away other clients, so therefore this fee is non-refundable.

    We will send our Paradise Beach Wedding Service Agreement as an email link. This agreement can be signed online by typing your name. Once you have signed this agreement, we will consulting with you via phone or Skype etc. and set the details for your event.

    The payment schedule for all service is outlined in our Agreement.

  • Are rehearsals included?

    No.  Upon request at time of booking, we can schedule and accommodate. There is an additional $100 fee for a rehearsal. This additional fee must be collected with the deposit to ensure proper staffing is reserved in advance.  Rehearsals must be 24 hours or more in advance of the ceremony if it is a beach wedding.

    Most beach weddings are simple and require little instruction, so if you are unsure of your needs, we can help you make this decision.

  • Can I lookup what sunset & the low and high tides will be on my wedding day?

    Yes Google Sunset for your date and add beach town name.

    For tide forecasts, we use this tool among others. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=8721164&legacy=1

    We will assist you with this process.

  • Do you provide music for our beach wedding, or reception?

    Yes. Ceremony Music is an add on option and can be added to most packages. Customize your own play list and send to us 10 days in advance of your ceremony. We will play the wedding themed music of choice as the guests arrive on the beach, the processional and recessional songs, and then put the wedding themed music back on during the photo session following the ceremony. We can also help you with finding Live Musicians and DJs for your Wedding or Reception. Click here to learn about our music options and services.

  • Do I need a Permit for a Wedding on the Beach?

    If you have a party of less than 50 people, you do not need a permit for the wedding event on Volusia County beaches (other counties have varying rules).  For 50 or more people (including our staff) and you will be required to have a permit and insurance policy. We will file your permit for you and provide the 24 hour insurance binder necessary as an option. Click here to read about permits and here to read about insurance.

  • What fabric & flower color choices do I have?

    Are are more than 30 tulle color fabric and chair sash colors to choose from. We also purchase new tulle if we can not get close enough to your colors. We have a large artificial flower inventory and we add more every month. We will create flower decor specifically to match your colors.

  • Do You Offer Wedding Planning?

    Paradise Beach Weddings is a full service wedding planner! Located in east central Florida, (coastal) and specializing in beach & destination weddings. Also provider of a large inventory of event rentals (in our warehouse!) We will do all of the planning, research and ground work for you, even if you live 3,000+ miles away!

    Click here to view planning packages.

  • Can you recommend good hotels or other lodging?

    Yes, we have many partners and other venues that we work with to find the best hotel/lodging solutions for you. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you help us select the best wedding & reception venue?

    Paradise Beach Weddings will help you find a reception venue that will meet your needs and budget. There are many types and locations based on city. You will need to consider availability, time available during day, capacity, accessibility, location, indoor/outdoor, alcohol, their catering or outside catering, kitchen area, space for dancing/DJ, cleanup fees, parking, and other factors. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you help us with our catering & dining needs?

    If you are in need of catering for your reception, we can assist you in finding the right vendor who is reliable, make great food, and fits your budget. Some of the reception venues provide catering and food for their facilities, and some DO NOT allow outside catering. Other venues do allow outside catering. Some venues REQUIRE outside catering. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you decorate and provide rentals for our reception?

    We have a wide array of reception setup decor and options including centerpieces, table rentals, chair rentals, linen rental, slip covers, lighting, cake bases, cake knife and server, champagne flutes, signage and much more.

    We provide venue decor for your reception including linens, slip covers, lighting, cake table and decor and more. We will setup/decorate/teardown the reception and you can purchase wedding planning hours to assist in that labor. We also will setup the decorations that you bring for your reception using these same wedding planning hours. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you help us get with a wedding cake?

    One of the items that some clients overlook at a beach or destination wedding is a wedding cake. Even if you are not having a reception, but going to dinner, you still may want a cake. And we can easily help you with that.

    Whether you would like a traditional wedding cake, groom cake, cupcakes only, or pastries for a breakfast/brunch reception, we will connect you with a vendor who will meet your needs and budget.

    Some things to consider are delivery or self pickup, cake presentation/decor at the reception, and refrigeration if necessary. Also, if the cake is being delivered that someone will be at your reception venue to receive it.

  • Can you assist us with a florist/flowers?

    We also offer rental bouquets (artificial) and rental boutonnières (artificial). Many clients are looking for real flowers for bouquets, centerpieces for the reception or restaurant. We have partners with wedding floral experts on staff to assist you. Click here to learn more.

    If you are working with us for a beach or destination wedding, we already provide flowers (artificial) for the arch, tiki torches, heart in sand or other decor as part of your wedding package and options you choose

  • We need hair/makeup appointments. Can you help with that?

    The bride, bridesmaids, and bride’s family may have a need for a local hair & makeup artist to prepare for their special beach or destination wedding event! Let us connect you with excellent stylist partners to meet your needs for your special day! Click to learn more.

  • Wedding Reception FAQs

  • Where is Paradise Beach Weddings located?

    We are located in Edgewater, Florida. We perform Beach Weddings & Receptions in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Ponce Inlet Florida, which is on the the east coast of Central Florida . We also support Ormond Beach, Wilbur by the Sea, Port Orange, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast Florida. Click here for our address and contact information.

    We are very happy to consider other venues of your choice-such as in a park or garden or even your own private estate. For Officiant only, we will travel up to 50 miles.

  • What happens if we have to cancel?

    If you need to cancel your booking with PBW, we will refund 46 days or greater from your booked wedding date, all payments EXCEPT the first 25% payment. Wedding Planning hourly services and any special order items as noted in invoicing as mentioned above in SERVICES are not refunded. No refunds for cancellations 45 days or less from booked wedding date.

  • How do we book/pay for our Paradise Beach Wedding Ceremony?

    Once you’ve decided the date and time (click here to Book-a-Date) and have been approved, the next step is to schedule an initial call and send the initial invoice in which 25% is due as deposit.  We accept credit cards through secure payments via credit cards, PayPal and personal checks.  Once we have your 25% payment, we reserve the date for you and turn away other clients, so therefore this fee is non-refundable.

    We will send our Paradise Beach Wedding Service Agreement as an email link. This agreement can be signed online by typing your name. Once you have signed this agreement, we will consulting with you via phone or Skype etc. and set the details for your event.

    The payment schedule for all service is outlined in our Agreement.

  • Can I Bring Do It Yourself Decor?

    Yes, for the most part. We welcome Do It Yourself decor (DYI) at wedding events with some limitations. We require that you tell is what you are bringing, who is setting it up, and who is taking it away/cleaning up. We may not approve all DYI. For instance.

    OK for DYI: (Partial list)

    Live musicians, flower petals (real only), small tables, welcome table items, custom signage, plants-flowers.

    Not OK (Partial list)

    Arches, chairs, artificial flower petals, rice, your own recorded music.

  • Can we provide our own photographer and/or videographer?

    Yes you can. We require a pre-event consultation with your photographer/videographer for planning purposes. Please know that Paradise Beach Weddings has the right to take photos and of your ceremony as well, for our own use. Photographers and videographers can be very costly, so research the details before you commit to this route. We do offer professional, affordable photography services! And check out our Video offers as well.

  • Is there a Military discount for Weddings?

    Yes, we happily and humbly offer a 10% discount on the total price of the wedding ceremony for an active or former military member, with proper identification at time of reservation. This discount is not applied to photography or custom ordered items.

  • Can you help us select the best wedding & reception venue?

    Paradise Beach Weddings will help you find a reception venue that will meet your needs and budget. There are many types and locations based on city. You will need to consider availability, time available during day, capacity, accessibility, location, indoor/outdoor, alcohol, their catering or outside catering, kitchen area, space for dancing/DJ, cleanup fees, parking, and other factors. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you help us with our catering & dining needs?

    If you are in need of catering for your reception, we can assist you in finding the right vendor who is reliable, make great food, and fits your budget. Some of the reception venues provide catering and food for their facilities, and some DO NOT allow outside catering. Other venues do allow outside catering. Some venues REQUIRE outside catering. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you decorate and provide rentals for our reception?

    We have a wide array of reception setup decor and options including centerpieces, table rentals, chair rentals, linen rental, slip covers, lighting, cake bases, cake knife and server, champagne flutes, signage and much more.

    We provide venue decor for your reception including linens, slip covers, lighting, cake table and decor and more. We will setup/decorate/teardown the reception and you can purchase wedding planning hours to assist in that labor. We also will setup the decorations that you bring for your reception using these same wedding planning hours. Click here to learn more.

  • Can you help us get with a wedding cake?

    One of the items that some clients overlook at a beach or destination wedding is a wedding cake. Even if you are not having a reception, but going to dinner, you still may want a cake. And we can easily help you with that.

    Whether you would like a traditional wedding cake, groom cake, cupcakes only, or pastries for a breakfast/brunch reception, we will connect you with a vendor who will meet your needs and budget.

    Some things to consider are delivery or self pickup, cake presentation/decor at the reception, and refrigeration if necessary. Also, if the cake is being delivered that someone will be at your reception venue to receive it.

  • Quick Contact

    Call 386-401-9698 or ask us a quick question!

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