A beautiful sunrise or sunset. The crash and roar of the waves. A gentle sea breeze. Warm sand under your toes. All of these images that the word “beach” conjures up in a person’s mind. If you are looking into a destination wedding, then consider a beach wedding! What is a better setting than the paradise beaches of Sanibel Island and Captiva?

Many types of weddings can be performed on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island, from intimate casual affairs to full-blown formal white weddings. Popular casual weddings can still have a man in tuxedo, but with rolled up pants, sandals and sunglasses, or perhaps even a barefoot bride. Formal weddings can have aisle runners and canopies overhead, with the bride in a full white gown.

If you decide to get married in Sanibel Island Florida or Captiva then you should know some of the wedding basics for the area. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license, or posses notarized forms with parental signatures if you are under the age of 18. Marriage licenses are valid for two months. The waiting period for residents is three days from the date that the marriage license is issued, but can be waived if both the bride and groom are not residents. The cost of the license is currently set at $93.50 and must be paid in cash, which is something good to keep in mind for those so used to only carrying plastic.

There are many wedding planners in the Sanibel Island area that can help you plan your destination wedding. Some wedding consultants offer full packages and allow you to choose only the things you want and need. The islands have everything you could hope for to make your wedding day a day you will never forget!

Whatever your dream wedding is, a beautiful Captiva Island and Sanibel Island paradise setting is sure to complement it.

Looking for the ideal destination location for your wedding? Have you considered a spot like Sanibel or Captiva FL? Here you could enjoy a simple ceremony on the beach or a full-blown weekend affair at one of the many country clubs, golf resorts, inns, or other fine wedding venues.

One of the truly wonderful things about a wedding in Sanibel or Captiva FL is the fact that it is so easy to get all of the “red tape” and paperwork taken care of. A simple visit to the Clerk of Courts office to purchase a marriage license is usually all it takes. If you are not a resident you won’t even have to wait for the traditional residential waiting period to pass. This means that you don’t have to head to the area a week or more in advance to take care of all the necessary documentation!

In fact, the area is such a popular choice for weddings that there is a comprehensive array of services and options available to those planning their event. Need a florist? There are a handful of full-service providers ready to create dreamy bouquets and full table arrangements. Looking for a photographer or videographer? The Sanibel and Captiva FL area is full of excellent professionals ready to record your wedding day. There are beauty salons, entertainers and bands, clothing and jewelry stores, and limousine or transportation companies too.

Of course, most people planning a destination wedding require accommodations for their guests, and this area also abounds with plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and lodgings of all kinds.

Finally, if you find you need to plan your event from a distance the area also offers a handful of wedding planners and professionals who can easily help you pull together your dream wedding day or even your full wedding weekend too.