One of the Emerald Coast’s favorite venues has hosted its last wedding this Summer, Destin Bay House. After photographing 6 weddings there over the years, I know how special this spot is to so many couples. I’m still asked for waterfront wedding venues that are not on the beach. Here are some hidden gems for you to consider for your wedding.
Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens is the perfect little hideaway near 30A. Lush landscape, a historic oak, and a sweet Pavillion offer so many different views and ideas for your wedding and reception setup. Just enough waterfront to catch an amazing sunset. 850 Event Rentals created this reception space on the paved lawn which is large enough for a 200+ guest list.
Carillon Meeting House
Carillon Meeting House is nestled just outside of Panama City is the perfect location for your intimate wedding. The oaks outside and beautiful neighborhood provide incredible backdrops for your portraits. Inside can be transformed from ceremony space to reception space with help from some talented vendors, like Supposey Co. On an incredibly stormy day they made this quaint chapel feel romantic for the ceremony and ready to celebrate for the reception.
Churchill Oaks
Churchill Oaks is a private community along 30A. Their Clubhouse is perfect for an intimate wedding celebration. Choose from the vaulted inside, pool, or bay view for your ceremony and reception. The neighborhood is a wonderful walk for portraits and the dock is prime dolphin viewing. Stephanie and Jim chose this as Plan C for their Covid Wedding, and it turned out so beautiful.
Bayfront Lodge and Cabin
Bayfront Lodge and Cabin is where my husband and I had our reception. The perfect spot between Navarre and Gulf Breeze. The homes were great for our families to stay at, and the lawn was perfect for our night full of food and dancing. I have a lot of couples choose this venue after seeing images from my wedding- all thanks to my girl Erika with Indie Pearl Photo.
Coastal Arts Center
Drive down to Orange Beach and you’ll find this beautiful venue. Coastal Arts Center has the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception. The Arts Center has enough space for an indoor reception as well. The Shade Tree really made this space magical with their floral designs. Transforming a basic tent into a secret garden.
The Soundside Club
BONUS JONAS! Here’s another awesome venue to consider. The Soundside Club on Hurlburt Field Air Force Base. Now, I know what you’re thinking.. why would I get married on base? Can you beat this view? The Officers Club has a large banquet hall for your celebration, but there is plenty of space outside for an outdoor reception and incredible sunset portraits. Cassie and Charlie had their sweet covid wedding under this incredible tree on the property. Since their ceremony was intimate, they had plenty of time to explore the property and snap incredible portraits of the two of them.
