Destination weddings are a hot business at the beach

SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, FL - With 275 special event permits issued last year by Walton County Code Enforcement, there’s little doubt that destination weddings are big business for South Walton.

A spokesperson for Code Enforcement said 238 have already been issued for this year.

Walton County Tourist Development Council’s Tracy Louthain agrees that destination weddings are a hot topic now in our area and weddings are a part of our tourism industry, but she did not have any statistics on how much they aid the local economy.

In anticipation of the upcoming fall and spring wedding seasons, La Botana held a meet and greet Aug. 19 for those in the wedding industry. Manager Swede Helm and personal chef Phil McDonald led the group in raising a toast that the season would be profitable for all.

Each person had an opportunity to introduce themselves and tell the group what service he or she provides. That began with McDonald, who owns Table 5 personal chef service, who passed samples of hors d’ oeuvres that have proven popular with brides he has served -- such as a summertime skewer with salami, grilled gulf shrimp with fennel and black olive oil, and citrus crab cakes.

McDonald suggested that a progression of appetizers passed around a group is interactive and helps make the event more festive in a relaxed environment.

Rebecca Sullivan was at the meeting to introduce Redfish Village, a new community seeking to get into the wedding business.

Bordering Big Redfish Lake and Point Washington State Forest, and offering biking trails and outdoor cooking stations, the development is for the bride who wants to embrace a natural environment, she said.

Set on eight acres, the development’s Village Green can be decorated and converted into a perfect site for a wedding around the pool. The development also has a library, owners lounge and offers rentals with no minimum stay requirement for guests.

“It’s perfect for a family that wants a wedding experience of all being together in a contained, intimate environment,” said Sullivan.

The village has booked six weddings so far, with its first slated for October.

“We have had a steady flood of inquiries and have priced ourselves very competitively,” said Sullivan, with a base cost of $1,500.

The owner’s lounge and library can accommodate 100 people, and 100 - 300 people can be accommodated outside around the pool, said Sullivan, and there is a kitchen that can be used by caterers.

As a mixed-use village, guests also have access to an onsite photography studio, aesthetic clinic for facials and the Village Boutique for clothing.

“Our merchants are excited to have brides,” said Sullivan.

The village is north of County Road 30A, but some of the 27 available rental units have gulf views and some overlook the forest or lake. There is a complimentary beach shuttle to the private beach access.

According to Code Enforcement, weddings on public beach accesses need to be permitted. Weddings on private property do not. Permits are $50.

La Botana is also interested in getting more involved in the wedding realm. The Seagrove Beach wine and tapas bar can host small weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid’s parties, etc., for 70 people. It can accommodate a formal sit down dinner for 30ish. Brides may choose to use La Botana’s chef, Carlos Medina, or request another, such as McDonald.

Also at the meet and greet was Karen Bennett representing Pearly White Property’s The Wedding House, Rhonda Joodi of Confections on the Coast wedding cakes, Sherri Scruggs of Sweet Bay invitation printing and engraving service, photographer Jackie Ward, event planner Christina Gshwandtner, bridal consultant Samantha Jackson, photographer Candice K, and representatives from Walton County Tourist Development Council.

“The TDC drives business to your business,” Louthain told attendees. She also said the TDC looks for real brides and their stories to possibly feature in its brochures or on the Web site. She encouraged those involved in the wedding industry to send her their stories.