State Parks Ring Wedding Bells

by Adele Woodyard

To Floridians, our state parks are a wonderfully inexpensive way to have fun for a day, or to pitch a tent or park an RV when traveling outside our own backyards. But as a site for a wedding? A February (Valentine’s Day?) webmail from the Department of Environmental Protection, mentioned five parks popular for weddings or vow renewals. What with June the traditional month of brides soon upon us, here’s a peek at the possibilities.

Take another look at Steve’s blog on Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, and its photo of a plantation home. Imagine a bride and her entourage in Gone-With-the-Wind gowns, gliding across the lawn to a flower bedecked altar. Can you picture a more romantic setting? The only thing missing is the groom and his men in Civil War uniforms.

For brides, say on the second-time around who prefer a more casual approach, why not Honeymoon Island in Dunedin? That’s actually what it was—a honeymoon spot for newlyweds back in the 40s—long before it became a state park in 1982. The palm thatched love nests may be gone, but there’s still the beach for the ceremony. If the timing is right and the weather cooperates, there’s nothing like a magnificent Gulf sunset to wrap up the celebration.

Timing is especially important for a garden wedding to be surrounded by the color and scent of countless blossoms. For instance, peak blooming seasons for both Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee and Ravine Gardens in Palatka, are January through April. But not all state park weddings need be out of doors. On Jacksonville’s Fort George Island, there’s the restored Ribault Club. The once exclusive resort is now a visitor center with rental space for special events (contact Amelia Occasions, 904-251-1050).

Planning to marry? Wondering if there’s a state park open for weddings closer to you? For more information: http://www.floridastateparks.org