Indian Rocks Beach Weddings

An Indian Rocks Beach or Indian Shores wedding is a romantic way to begin your life together. Wedding venues in the area range from lovely beaches and lush tropical gardens to picturesque chapels and churches. An Indian Rocks Beach or Indian Shores vacation condo makes the perfect honeymoon spot.

The charming Andrews Memorial Chapel in Dunedin (727-529-9233) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another great historic venue is the Rheba Sutton White Chapel & Harbor Hall in Palm Harbor (727-787-4700).

For a lovely outdoor wedding in the Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores area, consider the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo (727-582-2100). Wedding settings include eight gardens, an open grass plaza, and a gazebo surrounded by fountains. The famous Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (727-551-3102) makes a lovely setting for an Indian Rocks Beach area wedding with its more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers on six beautiful acres. Wedding sites include the Butterfly Garden, the Oak Pavilion, and the Wedding Lawn.

For a larger celebration, the Grand Ballroom in St. Petersburg (727-892-5798) can accommodate up to 250 guests for weddings and receptions, while the Harborview Center in Clearwater (727-462-6778, ext. 223) holds up to 1,400. The Kapok Special Events Center in Clearwater (727-725-8733) offers an elegant setting for weddings and receptions.

For a real Florida-style wedding, couples can exchange vows aboard a sailboard, yacht, or other vessel. The carefully restored Chesapeake (727-642-4504), a classic Trumpy motor vessel, is docked at the Holiday Inn Harborside Marina in Indian Rocks Beach and offers custom cruises for weddings and celebrations. Starlite Cruises (727-462-2628 or 800-444-4814) offers two elegant vessels docked in the Clearwater Municipal Marina and in St. Petersburg.

Beach weddings are always popular on Florida's lovely coast. For assistance in planning a romantic beach ceremony, contact Weddings on a Whim at 727-581-3446. Weddings On Water (727-456-1458 or 866-696-7897), at the St. Pete Pier, features a unique floating chapel. After the wedding party and guests have boarded, the chapel cruises the calm waters of the Vinoy Basin.

Florida marriage licenses are required for Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach weddings. The bride and groom must appear in person, provide photo identification, and be at least 18 years of age. U.S. residents must also provide their Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number.

The marriage license costs $93.50, payable by cash, money order, traveler's check, personal check, or credit card. The fee is only $61.00 for Florida residents who provide proof of completing a premarital preparation course. There is no waiting period for issuance of a license to non-residents. Florida residents must wait three days for a license unless they provide proof of completion of premarital preparation course and a statement attesting they have read the Family Law Handbook. Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days anywhere in the state.

For information about obtaining a marriage license in Pinellas County, call 727-464-4700. Marriage licenses can be obtained from 8: 00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Locations include: The Recording Services Department at 315 Court Street, Room 150, in Clearwater (727-464-4876); the North County Branch Office at 29582 U.S. Hwy. 19 North in Clearwater (727-464-8710); the St. Petersburg Branch Office at 545 First Avenue in North St. Petersburg (727-582-7771); and the Tyrone Branch Office at 1800 66th Street in North St. Petersburg (727-582-7681).