FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

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We like to think that our reputation and the images on this website speak for themselves. What you see is what you get - we deliver the highest standard of pre-wedding day support, we're expert at what we do, and we make sure that everything down to the smallest detail is perfect for your ceremony. There are no surprise costs and no cutting corners. We offer great value for money and only work with the best photographers and ministers who conduct heartfelt services making your day as special as it deserves to be. We 'go the extra mile' to ensure you are delighted and we have the experience to smooth any bumps as the day unfolds. You can rely on us - give us a call, we'd love to make your dream come true!

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For the full Suncoast Weddings Terms and Conditions, please Click Here

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

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For more information on the marriage license, please Click Here

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We’re based on the Gulf of Mexico in St Pete Beach and can organize your wedding in the following areas: Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, Indian Rocks, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Sunset Beach, St Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Ft de Soto, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, Lido Beach, Siesta Key. Other locations by request.

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Some of our beautiful beaches do not require a permit. However those beaches situated within a county park do, such as Sand Key and Ft de Soto. Also, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach and St Pete Beach require permits. We’ll always inform you if a permit is required. The cost of the permit will be added to the cost of your ceremony and itemized.

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No surprises - no hidden costs - find a full run down of our optional ceremony extras in our proposal to you.

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Once you’ve decided to book one of our pre-planned ceremony packages or we’ve worked out an à la carte wedding for you, we’ll send you a full proposal listing everything that’s included and the total price. Once you’re happy with this we then require just a $300.00 or $500.00 deposit (depending on the package) to lock in the time and date with us. The balance is due four weeks prior to your wedding. Additional deposits may be required to secure outside vendors for reception venues, caterers, cake suppliers etc.

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The deposit is non-refundable.

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You’ll be sent confirmation of your payment and an information package. From then until your wedding day we will be in regular contact. We offer unlimited email and telephone support.

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We can accommodate most changes. We pride ourselves on our flexibility and never lose sight of the fact that it is your day.

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Certainly. We love to meet our couples and you’re very welcome to visit our office – we’re at 141 107th Ave, Treasure Island, Florida 33706.

Suncoast Weddings office - drop by or make an appointment

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Some of our packages include a rehearsal or we offer this as an à la carte item. We always recommend that if you have a large wedding party then it’s a good idea to have a rehearsal the day before, if possible.

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Of course it’s your big day but it’s also a big day for your children and it’s wonderful to include them in the ceremony. We have a family wedding ceremony and you can also include the children in the unity ceremony.

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It will be performed by one of our practising, ordained ministers. They are all non-denominational.
If you would like a priest to perform your ceremony, please let us know. We can also provide a Spanish speaking minister.

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Yes!  Some of our couples have friends or family members who are able to perform the ceremony in which case we just need to liaise with them regarding timings. There will be no price adjustment to the package if you do use your own minister.

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No – there will be no surprises with us. We will lay out all charges up front and explain any that are beyond our control (like permits which are required for some places).

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Yes, places like Sand Key are introducing a new permit fee structure. We can help advise which location fits your budget and your vision.

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The beaches that we use are public beaches. They are busier at the weekends and we know the best locations.

Florida beach weddings on a public beach - we know the best locations

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The formal part of the ceremony will last up to 15 minutes. Plan on at least an hour from the processional through to the end of the photo session.

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Depending on the number of guests usually an hour before sunset. This gives time for all ceremony and formal photos followed by the fun, romantic pictures as the sun is setting.

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Your guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony. The groom should arrive ahead of the bride, approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony followed by the bridal party and bride.

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We are very lucky to have a wonderful climate here in Florida, the Sunshine State. Sometimes though Mother Nature intervenes and springs a surprise or two. Quite often the showers in Florida last only a few minutes in which case we would just wait for it to be over then continue. A couple of our favorite beach locations also have shelters or pavilions very close by, so for a small fee, we can reserve one of these facilities and set up the wedding under cover.
However at the time of booking your wedding if you want to be sure of a back-up plan we can reserve a room in a nearby hotel or reception venue but there would be a charge for this.

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Any monies paid will be applied to your new date. Please note that every effort will be made to re-apply monies paid to third party vendors, such as florists, caterers and reception venues, but this cannot be guaranteed.

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Absolutely yes - we are proud to support our military and emergency services. We offer a 10% reduction. We are delighted to extend this discount to all active First Responders as a small way of saying thank you for your service. Police, Fire, Coastguard, EMTs, Search and Rescue, give us a call to start planning your wedding or vow renewal.

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Yes, you can use your own photographer but please make sure they are experienced in wedding photography and especially on the beach in very bright sunshine and where shadowing can therefore be a problem. Don’t forget, this is your big day so the pictures have to be good. Things happen fast at a wedding and there’s no second chance. It’s very easy to miss an important moment like the ring exchange or the first kiss. Just be aware that being able to take nice photos doesn’t make someone a wedding photographer.
We use only very experienced photographers who specialize in weddings. There will be no price adjustment to the package if you do use your own photographer.

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As soon as we receive the disc back from the photographer, your photos will be uploaded and we will send an email confirming this together with your password and instructions on how to access your online album.

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We will share your images with you via a Dropbox link. If you would like the images shipped to you on a disc, there will be a $10 additional charge for that service.

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Yes - let us know in advance and we will arrange the service order with the minister.

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No. Please don’t bring along confetti or rice as the beach ecosystem is home to abundant wildlife and policy is that no material can be left on the sand.

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Yes. We request that you email a copy of the vows to us at least two weeks in advance so that we can pass them to the minister and the service is planned accordingly.

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Suncoast Weddings are part of your team. We will endeavor to work with you to make all your special requests integral to your big day. Let us know in advance and we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly.

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Clear access for wheelchairs requires a beach location near a boardwalk or paved path. We know the best locations and will be happy to help you choose one that best serves the needs of your wedding.

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We have a pool of ministers and photographers who work for us so we can usually arrange weddings at short notice. Our shortest notice time was three hours! If it’s possible we’ll make it happen and we’ll make it perfect. Saturdays usually tend to get booked first and certain holiday dates. So if you want to be sure of your date we advise you to reserve your ceremony ASAP.

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We’ve had a dog as a ring bearer and a dog as an escort. Some venues and beaches allow pets and some are not pet friendly so ask us for details. This ring bearer even had a waistcoat and shirt to match the groom and his groomsmen! Now that's style!

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A typical wedding party will include some or all of the following:
Groomsmen - One or more friends or family members who assist the groom, usually men. The chief groomsman is called the best man, and is given a place of honor and will sometimes hold the wedding rings for the couple.
Bridesmaids - One or more friends or family members who support the bride. The chief bridesmaid may be called a maid of honor or matron of honor. A girl too old to be a flower girl, is called a junior bridesmaid.
Flower girl - A young girl who scatters flowers in front of the bride.
Ringbearer - Often a young boy, who carries the wedding rings.
The wedding party will proceed down the aisle immediately before the bride in what is called the processional.