Krepe Kraft Online

 That’s how long my husband and I have been together.  I believe the secret is to keep it romantic and fun.  Everyone has good days and bad days in their relationships.  The key is figuring out how to have more of the good days.  The old saying, “If Mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy”, says a lot.  However, I believe that goes for “daddy’s” as well. 

Simple Weddings by Simple Treasures Photography. Offering beach and outdoor wedding packages in St Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, Florida. Don’t miss his beach wedding blog!

by Jeff Copeland

1. Allow time to get your marriage license – A Florida marriage license can be obtained at any courthouse in the state of Florida for a fee of $93.50, and is good anywhere in the State. But both bride and groom must be present during normal business hours on a weekday to get one. If neither the bride nor groom is a Florida resident, the license is valid the day it is issued (there is a three day wait for Florida residents) and is good for 60 days. For more information and a list of locations where a Florida Marriage Lincense can be obtained, check out the Florida Beach Wedding Guide.

2. Keep an eye on the weather – Contrary to popular belief, it can get quite chilly in Florida during the winter months (40s and 50s during the day are not unheard of – brrrr!). And hurricanes are always a possible threat to your wedding plans during the summer. The most active part of the Atlantic hurricane season is Mid-September through the end of October. Best time of year for a Florida wedding weather-wise? March through May, or November through December!

3. Choose the right time of day. Early morning or about one hour before sunset will give you the best lighting for a beach wedding. You have more flexibility if you’re in a shaded area or indoors.

4. On that note, want sunset photos? Better plan in a Gulf Coast wedding from Tampa Bay to Naples – the sun sets in the West, after all!

5. Choose the right officiant – Florida only allows ordained clergy and Florida notaries to solemnize marriage. Sorry, but Cousin Joe may not be able to perform your ceremony!

6. Choose the right photographer – If you’re having a beach wedding, don’t hire a studio photographer who isn’t used to shooting in the elements (the sand and seagulls freak them out!), and vice versa.

7. Choose the right area for your interests – Florida has it all, from horseback riding and hunting to upscale glitz and glamour. The major metropolitan areas (clockwise from top left) are: Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Daytona, Orlando, Miami, Key West, Naples, Fort Myers, and Tampa Bay. In between, you’re sure to find something for everyone!

8. Florida is a big state – It takes about 14 hours to drive from one end (Pensacola) to the other (Key West). Plan accordingly if you’re road-tripping!

9. Most Florida beachfront hotels are super-savvy when it comes to weddings of all shapes and sizes – be sure to at least check with your hotel if you are looking for a service provider or venue.

10. The beaches are different on each coast. Those sugar-white sand photos you’ve seen? Gulf Coast from Pensacola to Naples. The East Coast from Jacksonville south has the light brown sand mixed with shells more typical of other Atlantic beaches. Miami and The Keys fall somewhere in between.

Jeff Copeland is Co-Owner and Marketing Director of