All your beach setups & event answers

Of Course, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but please remember to follow the Okaloosa County Beach Code Enforcement rules, which prohibit glass containers on Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Navarre beaches. To make your experience easier, we provide plastic decanters for your wine, allowing you to decant before your picnic and store any leftovers safely. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any fines issued by Code Enforcement Officers. Enjoy your time at the beach!

Thanks for thinking of us for your event! To lock in your date, we will send a quote, contract, and Invoice.  Once the deposit has been paid, you're all set.  Spots fill up fast so don't wait. Don’t forget to let us know how many people will be attending.  Different Counties have different rules and permits.

Just a heads up, all permit fees are non-transferable and non-refundable, we can help you make a great choice, but you should pick your spot carefully! If you have your own private beach access, you’ll need a special event permit from the us and permission from the owner and sometimes the HOA.  We’re here to help with that. Just make sure to attach the owner’s or property manager’s photo ID when you send us the form! Permit Fees are not included in our Package Prices.

We totally get that Florida weather can be a bit tricky. We keep a close eye on the weather and to stay ahead of any changes.  We will keep you in the loop with recommendations. In the end, it’s all about what the couple prefers! While the weather is usually nice, Florida storms can pop up out of nowhere, so we definitely suggest having a 'Plan B' ready for the ceremony. No one controls mother nature, and our vendors are locked in for your date, so it’s smart to think about nearby shelters or pavilions as backup. If the weather cooperates, we’ll take advantage of any breaks to get the job done!

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Please note: There are a limited number of nearby shelters or pavilions on the beach that would be a reasonable option to hold the ceremony, and some pavilions require reservations in advance of the ceremony.

May we suggest looking at adding wedding insurance to cover any cost - all deposits are non-refundable, and we can’t do last-minute reschedules because of permit rules.

A wedding permit is required for all weddings, regardless of the number of attendees, at any county owned beach or park.  The process can be tedious, but we can help guide you to the right place and help you file for a permit. 

No, we do not organize formal wedding rehearsals prior to your ceremony. Beach weddings tend to be intimate and uncomplicated, making a rehearsal unnecessary for ensuring a smooth and beautiful experience. We believe in letting the magic of the moment unfold without the need for extensive preparation.

However, our expertise, we will ensure that everyone is in place, and everything is organized for your special day. You can relax and enjoy the moments that matter most, knowing that we’ve got everything covered. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on creating beautiful memories. Your perfect day starts here!

Welcome to our wedding planning journey! After discussing your beautiful beach wedding, we'll create a personalized quote for you. Once it's signed, you'll gain access to our "Client Portal," where you can easily communicate with us and organize the detail of your special day. Stay updated with notifications regarding your contract, invoice, payment schedule, and all essential elements to ensure a seamless experience!

If either partner is a Florida resident there is a three-day delay in the effective date of the marriage license. Otherwise as long as you have the necessary documents you can. 

As a military family, we proudly offer a special discount to all military personnel and first responders. Your dedication and commitment deserve to be recognized, and we are honored to support you. 

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is east of South Walton in the Panama City Beach area, and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is situated west of South Walton in the Ft. Walton Beach area. The average drive time to both airports from South Walton is about 30-45 minutes.

If you need to cancel your event, we understand things happen. For picnics let us know at least 30 days in advance, and you'll get a refund minus deposit and the permit fee. If it’s less than 30 days, we’ll have to keep all moneys paid.

If weather looks iffy, we’ll reach out to you, and you can decide what to do. Just give us a shout at least 72 hours before your event to let us know which option you choose!

​1. Reschedule to a different available date (additional permit fee will apply)

2. Credit with By the Sea for future services (additional permit fee will apply)

3. Move event to covered area such as cabana/covered patio or indoors if enough space is available

4. Completely cancel (initial deposit is non-refundable- NO EXCEPTIONS)

We celebrate love in all its forms. Since Florida became the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015, we've proudly embraced equality for all couples. Here, everyone is invited to create unforgettable memories and make their dreams come true, regardless of who they love. Join us in a welcoming space where love knows no boundaries.