Destination weddings - or Weddingmoons - are rising in popularity; nearly 20% of couples will plan a destination wedding this year. Weddingmoons allow a couple to unite far-flung family and friends for an unforgettable week (or weekend) of fun. In a new series, we'll be spotlighting our favorite locations for a combined eco-friendly wedding and honeymoon. Our first stop -- Florida, the number one destination for honeymoons. The Keys lure many couples looking for sand, surf and adventure... but our focus is on the often overlooked panhandle region in the northwest region of the Everglade State. Portovert's Pick: Rosemary Beach.
Rosemary Beach, At a Glance
This upscale seaside village is lush with native plants including wild rosemary, for which the town gets its name. An exercise in sustainable planning, Rosemary Beach boasts environmentally-sensitive buildings and pedestrian-friendly footpaths. But the main attraction is the beach itself. The pristine white sand is possible the cleanest in the state, winning environmental accolades for being one of the healthiest beaches nationwide.
Weddings in SoWal
Rosemary Beach is one of 14 villages collectively called the Beaches of South Walton (SoWal) located along Route 30-A. Getting there is a quick 30 minute drive from the regions eco-friendly airport. There's plenty to do, and plenty of places to stay; Rosemary Beach features cottage, carriage and flat rentals as well as a small inn and hotel (opening soon). We recently scouted the area for the best organic and green wedding locations and services in Rosemary Beach and the surrounding area.
Dinner, With a View
Consider renting Jack's Cottage - an ideal entertaining space for small groups. Perched on the beach, this 3000 square foot home easily flows from kitchen to family room to an open-air dining room on the patio (with porch swing). Decorated by Atlanta designer Kay Douglas (best known for her repurposing of vintage and antique objects), the cottage has a light, airy, naturally-beachy vibe. Rates start at $1224 a day (available for nightly rentals off-season).
We also like: Cafe Thirty-A, a short drive from the town of Rosemary, serves organic, local, fresh fare including sustainable seafood and vegetarian entrees.
A Tented Affair
For an outdoor wedding, the picture-perfect green space is perfect for tenting (pictured left). This space is the only non-native plantings on the property; the grassy lawn can accommodate up to 400 guests. With a stunning backdrop featuring award-winning architecture, native plants and flowers, and the roaring ocean, we can't imagine there'd be a need for any additional decoration, but we can't help but swoon over Nouveau Flowers, which creates arrangements that seamlessly blend with the natural environment. There are a growing number of caterers offering local, organic fare. We like Townsend Catering (their handmade chocolates are to die for!). Off the Vine, a local organic delivery service, will work with your caterer of choice to ensure that fresh organic foods are a part of your celebration.
We also like: Eden Gardens State Park for outdoor, green weddings.
A Weekend Celebration
After all the festivities, you and your guests will most likely want to sit and soak up the Florida rays. But for the active-types, we've come up with a few eco-friendly adventures:
Burn Rubber Not oil. Explore a neighboring town by bike. Bamboo Bicycle Company offers daily rentals (rate: $20).
Park It Explore one of the areas many state parks, including Deer Lake. This rare eco-system is created by the mixing of both salt and fresh water (no admission fee).
Take Refuge Don't forget to visit Rosemary Beach's own Butterfly Park, a quite refuge for visitors and wildlife alike.
