Name: Sunset Beach Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to get married at Sunset Beach in Treasure Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a beach wedding permit is required for all ceremonies at Sunset Beach. The permit fee is $250 for groups of 25 or fewer guests, or $350 for groups larger than 25. Apply through the City of Treasure Island's Recreation department — plan to apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Your Wedy planning team handles permit coordination as part of the process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at a Sunset Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Sunset Beach is best suited for groups of 25 or fewer — the beach is narrower than Clearwater or St. Pete Beach, and the southern point near the pavilion has limited space for large setups. The permit allows up to 100 guests technically, but local planners strongly advise against groups over 50 due to beach depth and tight parking. For a true elopement (2–20 guests), Sunset Beach is perfectly sized and feels intimate and private.

Question 3

When is the best time of year for a Sunset Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

March through May and October through November are the best months — temperatures range 70–82°F with low humidity, mostly sunny skies, and far fewer crowds. March is the single best month for weather. Avoid summer (June–August) if possible: daily afternoon thunderstorms, 90°F+ heat with brutal humidity, and peak hurricane season from August onward make outdoor ceremonies unpredictable. Winter (December–February) is mild and sunny, with 60–75°F temperatures — excellent for couples who don't mind cooler beach weather and prefer lower crowds.

Question 4

What time should I schedule my Sunset Beach ceremony for the best sunset photos?

Accepted Answer

Plan your ceremony to start 60–75 minutes before sunset for golden hour light, with the sun setting directly over the Gulf water to the west. In spring, sunset falls around 7:45 PM (sunrise ~7:00 AM). In summer, sunset is around 8:20 PM (sunrise ~6:30 AM). In fall, sunset is around 6:30 PM (sunrise ~7:15 AM). In winter, sunset is around 5:45 PM (sunrise ~7:20 AM). The jetty rocks at the southern point of Sunset Beach create extraordinary photo compositions as the sun drops low — arrive with your photographer at least 90 minutes before sunset to capture the full golden hour sequence.

Question 5

How much does a Sunset Beach elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Sunset Beach elopement typically involves several cost components: the beach permit ($250 for groups of 25 or fewer), a photographer (typically $1,200–$3,000), an officiant ($150–$400), and florals if desired. All-inclusive packages like those offered by Wedy bundle these services together, typically at different tiers — check this listing for current package pricing. Budget separately for lodging (beach hotels range $200–$600+/night), travel, and any reception dinner.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Sunset Beach elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Sunset Beach elopement packages typically include a professional photographer, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and floral arrangements. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — check this listing for current package details and pricing. Your Wedy team also coordinates the beach permit application, ceremony timing, and logistics so you can focus entirely on your day.

Question 7

How do I get a Florida marriage license for my Sunset Beach wedding?

Accepted Answer

Both partners must appear in person at the Pinellas County Clerk's office (315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756) with government-issued photo ID and social security numbers. The fee is $86 standard or $61 with a completed premarital course certificate. Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period unless they complete an approved premarital course; non-Florida residents have no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days and is good anywhere in Florida. After your ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Clerk within 10 days.

Question 8

What should I wear to my Sunset Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Skip the heels — wedge sandals or bare feet are far better on Sunset Beach's soft sand. Choose lightweight fabrics: chiffon, linen, silk, or light crepe. Heavy satin, full-length trains, and long sleeves are uncomfortable in Florida's humidity, even in the shoulder season. A short or tea-length dress prevents sand and water from collecting in your hem. For partners in suits, linen or lightweight cotton is ideal — skip the tie for a beach ceremony. Apply sunscreen before makeup, and bring a change of comfortable shoes for post-ceremony photos around the jetties and pavilion area.

Question 9

What decorations are allowed at Sunset Beach ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

The City of Treasure Island permits a 10x10 tent maximum, chairs, and an arch or floral arch. Not allowed: alcohol on the public beach, amplified music/speakers, confetti or artificial flower petals, balloons, glass containers, or tents larger than 10x10. All setup must be removed immediately after the ceremony. If you want a reception with a bar, catering, or dancing, the Lions Club Beach House adjacent to Sunset Beach can be rented separately — it's right on the beach with a full kitchen and dance floor.

Question 10

Do I need witnesses for my Florida elopement at Sunset Beach?

Accepted Answer

No — Florida does not legally require any witnesses for a valid marriage ceremony. You only need a licensed officiant and a valid marriage license. Your photographer or any guests present can sign the license as a courtesy, but it is not required by law. This makes Sunset Beach perfect for a true two-person elopement with no logistics around finding witness signatories.

Question 11

Do I need to bring my own officiant to Sunset Beach?

Accepted Answer

Florida is one of the most flexible states for officiants. Ordained ministers (including online ordinations through Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries), judges, court clerks, and Florida-commissioned Notary Publics can all legally perform marriages. Online ordinations are widely accepted and no registration is required. Florida is one of only three states where a Notary Public can officiate a wedding — many local elopement packages use notaries as officiants. Wedy's packages include a licensed officiant so you don't have to source one separately.

Question 12

Where should I stay near Sunset Beach for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

For the full beach experience, the Don CeSar (the iconic Pink Palace on St. Pete Beach) and Hotel Zamora are the most romantic options nearby, both within 10–15 minutes of Sunset Beach. On Treasure Island itself, beachfront vacation rentals and smaller boutique motels are available. For more options, Clearwater Beach (30 min north) has luxury resorts like Sandpearl and Opal Sands. Book 2–4 months ahead for spring dates; holiday weekends require 4–6 months lead time for any beachfront property.

Question 13

How do I get to Sunset Beach in Treasure Island?

Accepted Answer

Sunset Beach is at the southern tip of Treasure Island — take Gulf Blvd south to the Sunset Beach Pavilion at the end of the island. From Tampa International Airport (TPA), the drive is approximately 40–45 minutes. From St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), it's about 30 minutes. Parking is limited at the pavilion lot — arrive early on weekends, especially in winter and spring. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is available throughout the area, and a rental car is recommended for flexibility in exploring the region.

Question 14

What's the backup plan if it rains on my Sunset Beach elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Summer afternoon thunderstorms (typically 2–5 PM) are the primary weather risk June through September — the pattern is predictable enough that a morning or early evening ceremony timing avoids most storms. In summer, storms often clear by 6–7 PM, creating dramatic storm-clearing skies perfect for golden hour photos. For hurricane season (June–November), have a flexible backup date or indoor venue option. The Sunset Beach Pavilion's covered open-air structure provides partial shelter, and the Lions Club Beach House adjacent to the beach can accommodate indoor ceremonies with advance rental.

Sunset Beach Elopement

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