Why Pensacola, Florida Should Be Your 2024 Destination Wedding + Honeymoon Choice

For those getting married in 2024, look no further than Pensacola for an all-inclusive destination wedding and honeymoon location. With pristine white sand beaches and one-of-a-kind adventure activities to a thriving culinary and arts scene in a historic downtown setting, there’s something for every couple.

Romantic offerings
Whether on land or sea, there is no shortage of activities fit for two in the coastal city. Condor Sailing Adventures perfectly encapsulates romance with sunset views, and passengers can peacefully dangle their feet in the water while sailing across the Santa Rosa Sound or Pensacola Bay. Dry off and enjoy the gorgeous sugar-white sand beaches with Pensacola Picnic Co. The splendor picnic company provides the ultimate picnic set-up on the beach with non-alcoholic beverages, impressive charcuterie boards, fresh flowers, a Bluetooth speaker, and add-on items including a brief photography session, a dessert board and a cake.

Picturesque Wedding Venues
Nestled on the Gulf along Pensacola Beach, Pier Suite Events features modern amenities, with a grand deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The thoughtful internal floor plan features exquisite floor-to-ceiling windows for luxurious views of the beach, a large catering kitchen for a vendor teams every need, and an unforgettable, custom bridal suite.

In West Downtown Pensacola, Supposey Warehouse and Gardens is one of Pensacola’s largest venues complete with a warehouse featuring exposed wood beams in a stunning 26ft vaulted ceiling, natural skylights, and 5500+ sq. ft of open dreamy industrial space. Antique chandeliers and lighting transform the warehouse into the perfect setting. The adjoining Gardens & Courtyard boasts 4,000 sq. ft of natural southern beauty in a private treelined garden, with string lights creating an ideal urban atmosphere.

Also downtown, 5eleven Palafox is a raw event space boasting high ceilings, historic brick walls, large windows, and a neutral color palette that can be developed for your specific vision for your special event. This all-in-one venue features a brick courtyard with large shade tree, benches and lush greenery, and a newly renovated bridal loft perfect for photography.

Make your own history with memories made in the historic district of downtown Pensacola. Old Christ Church is the oldest church in the state located on the original site and being the original mason structure! The Historic Pensacola District boasts over 20 properties that span downtown so there are lots of options for the wedding of your dreams among so many others! Outside of the historic district, stir up the drama at one of our area's theatres or art museums. Start exploring the start of your story below.

Accommodations with Built in Venues
First, couples can enjoy a romantic and relaxing retreat at Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel. Located steps away from historic downtown Pensacola, the intimate two-story waterfront property is devoted to hospitality and guest experience with a focus on local authenticity, modest luxury, and contemporary, natural design. With just eight rooms, the adults-only property guarantees a private getaway designed to enjoy special celebrations like a milestone anniversary. For couples looking for a beachfront view, Hilton Pensacola Beach will take care of everything for guests looking to make the most of their relaxation with the Romance Package. Allowing couples to reconnect and relax together, the package includes sparkling wine upon arrival, breakfast in bed for two, and a leisurely late check-out.

Pensacola offers lovebirds with a flair for sophisticated hospitality the opportunity to stay at beautiful historic properties such as the Celestine Bed and Breakfast. Located in a gorgeous historic 1880s home in the heart of Pensacola’s North Hill neighborhood, guests are greeted with stunning inspired interior design that breathes life into the early 20th Century character of the home, luxury amenities, and down-to-earth, detail-oriented staff available at a moment's notice. With a heartfelt story of its own beating strong over four generations, Celestine’s mission is to make vacationing worry-free and romantic memories everlasting.

For lovers looking to take in waterfront sights and stunning sunsets off the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound, Portofino Island Resort and Spa offers 300 of the most unforgettable accommodations, ranging from high-class 50-minute spa packages at the Spa at Portofino, a 40,000 square-foot Lifestyle Center, golf and tennis amenities for those looking to have fun while staying active, and unforgettable premiere dining experiences at their very own waterfront and al fresco restaurants.

Opened in February 2023, Lily Hall is housed in the historic 1928 Old Mount Olive Baptist Church. Each of the property’s exclusive 15 rooms will be equipped with record players accompanied by fitting albums that complement each uniquely-designed space and a virtual concierge assistant. Lily Hall’s signature restaurant, Brother Fox, will feature delectable Spanish-inspired menu items that give a nod to Pensacola’s original settlers. Guests in-the-know and looking for a thrilling culinary experience can also visit Sister Hen, the on-site – and Pensacola’s first-ever – speakeasy with a password-protected entrance that will deliver an intimate candlelit setting offering inventive cocktails with innovative presentations. The Pensacola Beach Resort in Pensacola Beach, Florida allows couples to celebrate love along the Gulf Coast as the venue sits on over 800 feet of oceanfront property. Its sense of place and attention to detail makes it the perfect venue for a destination wedding. The hotel offers 1,200 square feet event space and a stunning waterfront terrace, offering an emerald backdrop to your nuptials. Afterwards, surprise your guests with a picnic-style meal on the beach, offering an upscale and out-of-the-box set up for the reception.

Finer Dining
No romantic getaway is complete without a candlelit dinner, and the Pensacola culinary scene provides options for every couple. The Grand Marlin is a local favorite that marries upscale dining with the freshest seafood the city has to offer. With views of the Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay served with every meal, The Grand Marlin is a dining experience completely unique to Pensacola. Across the channel, Bonsai offers a uniquely elevated Japanese dining experience where guests can overlook the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Bonsai delivers the utmost attention to detail with every leaf, flower, sauce, or oil used hand-selected to enhance the flavor and sophistication of each dish. Further inland at the heart of downtown Pensacola, Coastal Italian cuisine meets rustic elegance at Angelena’s. The dining room’s wood-fired oven not only lends flavor to everything from Neapolitan-style pizzas, meatballs, and decadent desserts but also brings a romantic touch to the sophisticated atmosphere.

Other Activities
Not only are Pensacola’s beautiful sugar-white sand beaches and emerald waters enough reason to make it the idyllic romantic destination for an anniversary celebration, but the destination is also home to the Pensacola Opera, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Pensacola, the historic Saenger Theatre, and the accredited Pensacola Museum of Art. With year-round programming provided by the Opera, Symphony Orchestra, Ballet, and touring shows of all kinds at the Theatre, couples can enjoy a sophisticated night out for two including an unforgettable live performance or enjoy a handheld stroll through the Museum's vast collection.

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