Name: Treasure Island Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do you need a permit to get married on Treasure Island beach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a beach wedding permit from the City of Treasure Island is required for all ceremonies. Non-resident fees are $125 for up to 50 guests and $150 for 51–100 guests (resident rates are slightly lower). Apply through the City of Treasure Island Recreation Department via the CivicRec system online or by calling 727-547-4575 ext. 246. Plan to apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance — your Wedy planning team handles permit coordination as part of the planning process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Treasure Island beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

The ceremony permit covers up to 100 guests, though most Treasure Island elopements have 2–25 guests. The southern point near Sunset Beach Pavilion is the most private and photogenic spot, and it stays comfortable and uncrowded with 10–30 guests. Keep in mind that vendors (photographer, officiant) typically count toward your group size, and the permit allows a 10x10 tent, chairs, and arch — no larger structures.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope at Treasure Island?

Accepted Answer

March through May and October through November are the best months — temperatures in the 70s–80s, low humidity, and clear skies with stunning Gulf sunsets. March is widely considered the single best month: mid-70s, minimal rain, and manageable crowds. Avoid peak summer (June–August) if possible — daily afternoon thunderstorms and extreme heat index (100–107°F) make outdoor beach ceremonies challenging, though early morning or evening ceremonies can still work with good timing.

Question 4

How do I get a Florida marriage license for my Treasure Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

You'll apply at either the Hillsborough County Clerk (if your ceremony is in Tampa) or Pinellas County Clerk (for Treasure Island and most beach cities). Both parties must appear in person with a government-issued photo ID and social security numbers. The fee is approximately $86 (Hillsborough) or $86 (Pinellas); it drops to $61 with an approved premarital course certificate. Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period, but non-Florida residents have no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days statewide — get it in whichever county is most convenient and marry anywhere in Florida.

Question 5

How much does a Treasure Island elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

Total costs depend on the package and services you choose. The beach permit itself runs $125–$150 for non-residents. Full elopement packages on Treasure Island typically include photography, officiant, florals, and planning coordination — check this listing for current Wedy package pricing and tiers. Budget separately for travel, accommodation (Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach hotels range from $150–$400+/night), and any celebration dinner post-ceremony.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Treasure Island elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Treasure Island elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, florals, and permit handling. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — check this listing for current package details and what's covered at each level. Your Wedy team handles the logistics so you can focus on the experience: they'll secure the beach permit, coordinate vendors, and guide you to the best ceremony timing for golden-hour photos.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Treasure Island beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Skip the heels — wedge sandals or bare feet are ideal on the soft sand at Sunset Beach. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics: chiffon, linen, silk, or light crepe photograph beautifully in the Gulf breeze and won't trap Florida's humidity. Flowing dresses (short, tea-length, or light full-length) work better than heavy trains that collect sand. For suits, opt for linen or lightweight cotton — skip the tie for a beach setting. Apply sunscreen before makeup and photos to avoid white cast. Bring a second pair of shoes for walking to and from the ceremony site.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Treasure Island ceremony for the best photos?

Accepted Answer

Plan your ceremony to begin about 60–90 minutes before sunset for the best golden-hour light. In spring, sunset is around 7:45 PM; summer sunset is around 8:20 PM; fall sunset is around 6:30 PM; and winter sunset is around 5:45 PM. Sunset Beach on Treasure Island faces directly west over the Gulf of Mexico — when the sun drops toward the water and hits those dramatic jetty rock formations, the light is extraordinary. Arriving early also helps you claim the best spot near the southern Pavilion point before other beachgoers.

Question 9

Where should we stay for our Treasure Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

On the island itself, Sunset Vistas Beachfront Suites and several smaller boutique properties put you steps from Sunset Beach. St. Pete Beach neighbors like the iconic Don CeSar Hotel (the 'Pink Palace') offer luxury Gulf-front rooms with elopement packages. For better value, base yourself in downtown St. Petersburg (The Vinoy Resort, Safety Harbor Resort, or a waterfront Airbnb) and make the 20–25 minute drive to Treasure Island on ceremony day. Book 2–4 months ahead for spring; holiday and peak weekends sell out earliest.

Question 10

Do we need an officiant for our Treasure Island elopement, or can a friend do it?

Accepted Answer

Florida is one of the most permissive states for officiants. A friend or family member can legally officiate after getting ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries — no registration with the state is required. Alternatively, Florida Notary Publics can legally perform marriages (one of only three states where this is allowed), and many Treasure Island elopement packages use notaries as officiants. Clergy, judges, and circuit court clerks can also officiate.

Question 11

Do we need witnesses for our Florida elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Florida does not legally require any witnesses for a valid marriage ceremony. Witnesses are entirely optional. If you'd like your photographer or another guest to sign the marriage license as a courtesy, that's perfectly fine, but it's not a legal requirement. Just make sure to return the signed license to the county clerk's office within 10 days after your ceremony.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at Treasure Island Sunset Beach?

Accepted Answer

The permit allows a 10x10 tent (maximum), chairs, and a ceremony arch — all must be removed immediately after the ceremony. Prohibited items include tents larger than 10x10, alcohol, amplified music or speakers, confetti, artificial flower petals, balloons, and drones. Live acoustic music and small handheld arrangements are generally fine. For a post-ceremony reception with more amenities (bar, kitchen, dance floor), the nearby Lions Club Beach House can be rented directly on the beach.

Question 13

What if it rains on our Treasure Island elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Florida's Gulf Coast summer afternoons are famous for fast-moving thunderstorms, typically hitting between 2–5 PM in June–September. Schedule beach ceremonies for early morning or within 2 hours of sunset to avoid the daily storm window. If weather interrupts, the Sunset Beach Pavilion (a covered beach clubhouse) is right on-site and can serve as a rain backup — ask about renting it as part of your package. Outside of summer, Treasure Island weather is very reliable, and brief rain showers typically pass quickly, sometimes producing dramatic clearing-storm light for photos.

Question 14

How do we get to Treasure Island from Tampa Airport?

Accepted Answer

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the closest major hub — about 35–40 minutes by car from Treasure Island, making it one of the most accessible beach elopement destinations in the country. St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) is even closer at roughly 20–25 minutes, with budget carrier service from Allegiant and Frontier. A rental car is recommended for exploring the beach communities and getting between Treasure Island, St. Pete, and Tampa. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is readily available throughout the area.

Treasure Island Elopement

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Treasure Island Elopement — Essential

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Indian Rocks Beach — 1st Avenue Access

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Treasure Island — Sunset Beach

Indian Rocks Beach — 1st Avenue Access

Pass-A-Grille Beach

Sand Key Park

Treasure Island — Sunset Beach

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Seaside Ceremony

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