Pensacola, Fl: Wedding Help Needed
Mar 14th, 2010, 09:32 AM
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Pensacola, Fl: Wedding Help Needed
My son is in the navy and will be getting married in July. We have never been there before. he will be married on base. We are looking for a rehearsal dinner place and a wedding reception place. We expect between 40-80 people. Nothing too fancy. Would love near the beach.
Also trying to decide between renting a house for the week or using hotels. If renting what would be a good area. Most everyone will be from out of town. Any thing you can suggest would be a huge help.
We are also looking for photographer and florist.
the newlyweds will be looking for an apartment as well if anyone can suggest anything.
As you can tell it is short notice and the panic is starting to set in.
Thanks for everything.
Also trying to decide between renting a house for the week or using hotels. If renting what would be a good area. Most everyone will be from out of town. Any thing you can suggest would be a huge help.
We are also looking for photographer and florist.
the newlyweds will be looking for an apartment as well if anyone can suggest anything.
As you can tell it is short notice and the panic is starting to set in.
Thanks for everything.
Mar 14th, 2010, 10:49 AM
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Since the wedding is on the base (I'm assuming Pensacola NAS), you might want to check out the Mustin Officers Club. I've been to a few receptions there and they were very nice.
http://www.naspensacola-mwr.com/clubs/oclub/oclub1.htm
I prefer Pensacola Beach but Perdido Key is closer to the base so you might look for rental houses there. If you don't find anything there, Pensacola Beach definitely has plenty of homes and condos for rent. Definitely make reservations now though as July is high season. I would use vrbo.com or call a realtor on the island.
I'm sure all of the guests will want to stay on the beach so make sure you tell them to book soon!!
http://www.naspensacola-mwr.com/clubs/oclub/oclub1.htm
I prefer Pensacola Beach but Perdido Key is closer to the base so you might look for rental houses there. If you don't find anything there, Pensacola Beach definitely has plenty of homes and condos for rent. Definitely make reservations now though as July is high season. I would use vrbo.com or call a realtor on the island.
I'm sure all of the guests will want to stay on the beach so make sure you tell them to book soon!!
Mar 15th, 2010, 11:54 AM
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My fiance is currently stationed in Pensacola, and I did a little bit of research on having a wedding there. AustinTraveler is right: the Officers' Club at NAS is beautiful and is right on the beach...I highly recommend it. However, you might have to pick an off day to be able to book at this point...my understanding is that most places (including the Officers' Club) are booked pretty far into the future for prime times, like Saturdays. For rehearsal dinners, I would suggest the Fish House and/or Atlas (sister restaurants owned by the same people and located next door to each other), and I also like the Oar House. I don't know much about rentals for your guests, florists or photographers unfortunately. 
As far as a place to live, I was ALL ABOUT an apartment downtown when my fiance moved down there. However, he followed the advice of people he knew that had lived there before, and decided to live in a house with roommates close to base. I agree now with that advice...renting a house is the way to go if they can pull it off. My fiance's landlord is Mike Brock with Brock Properties: http://www.brockproperties.com/. He is GREAT- I suggest looking at stuff they are offering to rent (note that in general you can't have animals over 25 pounds on their properties). Many of my fiance's friends actually live in Perdido Key and LOVE it.
Hope this helps a little!!!
As far as a place to live, I was ALL ABOUT an apartment downtown when my fiance moved down there. However, he followed the advice of people he knew that had lived there before, and decided to live in a house with roommates close to base. I agree now with that advice...renting a house is the way to go if they can pull it off. My fiance's landlord is Mike Brock with Brock Properties: http://www.brockproperties.com/. He is GREAT- I suggest looking at stuff they are offering to rent (note that in general you can't have animals over 25 pounds on their properties). Many of my fiance's friends actually live in Perdido Key and LOVE it.
Hope this helps a little!!!
Mar 15th, 2010, 01:54 PM
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Hello! My name is Shelley. I represent the Great Southern Restaurant Group in Pensacola. Here is our website for you to look over. http://www.goodgrits.com/ Also, we do a lot of work with Kay Lee, who owns Pensacola Beach Weddings. She is really lovely and fun to work with. Here is her website. http://www.pensacolabeachweddingsand...com/index.html
If there is anything we can do to help you with this event please call us directly at 850.433.9450 or email me at [email protected].
Have a great day.
If there is anything we can do to help you with this event please call us directly at 850.433.9450 or email me at [email protected].
Have a great day.
Mar 15th, 2010, 02:57 PM
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You might want to contact the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for their free wedding planning guide and complimentary wedding planning services:
"To take advantage of our complimentary wedding planning services please contact Barbara Williams at (800) 874-1234 or bwilliams [at] visitpensacola [dot] com."
http://www.visitpensacola.com/weddings/
http://www.visitpensacola.com/static...?contentID=409
"To take advantage of our complimentary wedding planning services please contact Barbara Williams at (800) 874-1234 or bwilliams [at] visitpensacola [dot] com."
http://www.visitpensacola.com/weddings/
http://www.visitpensacola.com/static...?contentID=409
Mar 15th, 2010, 03:20 PM
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Just as an FYI, Pensacola Beach is at least 30 minutes from the chapel at NAS Pensacola, and there is a toll bridge, so it might not be the best option for the reception. Perdido Key is a little closer and no toll.
AustinTraveler is right about the outdoor wedding (and reception). And be prepared for rain - even if it does not rain for an extended period, thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon that time of year. They might come and go quickly, though.
Of course, the wedding is during hurricane season. Don't freak out, as the stronger storms generally form in August or later. But do keep it in mind with the planning - what will they do if there is a tropical storm or even a real hurricane (like Dennis, which hit in mid-July of 2005)? Even if they do not have to cancel the wedding or reception, a storm could affect travel (for the guests and/or the honeymoon). Again, DON'T PANIC! But do be aware.
AustinTraveler is right about the outdoor wedding (and reception). And be prepared for rain - even if it does not rain for an extended period, thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon that time of year. They might come and go quickly, though.
Of course, the wedding is during hurricane season. Don't freak out, as the stronger storms generally form in August or later. But do keep it in mind with the planning - what will they do if there is a tropical storm or even a real hurricane (like Dennis, which hit in mid-July of 2005)? Even if they do not have to cancel the wedding or reception, a storm could affect travel (for the guests and/or the honeymoon). Again, DON'T PANIC! But do be aware.
Mar 15th, 2010, 07:35 PM
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Seville Quarter is a nightclub/bar complex that has been in Pensacola for over 40 years. It is in some old buildings and has an "old-time" feel to it (gaslights and such).
I don't know anything about their banquet/reception facility or catering, but I don't think I would want to have a wedding reception there in the evening due to the crowds/possible rowdiness of bar patrons.
Also, parking might be a bit of a challenge.
Another place downtown (near the bay) is New World Landing, although it might be booked already.
I don't know anything about their banquet/reception facility or catering, but I don't think I would want to have a wedding reception there in the evening due to the crowds/possible rowdiness of bar patrons.
Also, parking might be a bit of a challenge.
Another place downtown (near the bay) is New World Landing, although it might be booked already.
Mar 16th, 2010, 06:56 AM
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I haven't been there in a long time but the Oyster Bar was always a great place to eat. Great location too as it's at a marina so you get a nice view. It would make a great place for the rehersal dinner. They probably have a private room as well if you wanted to consider it for the reception. And, if your guests stay at Perdido Key, this would be a very short drive for them. Check it out:
http://www.oysterbar31.com
http://www.oysterbar31.com
Mar 16th, 2010, 05:45 PM
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AustinTraveler--
Wow, you threw me there! When you say "Oyster Bar" and "Pensacola" I think of the one on Navy Boulevard - definitely not at a marina or with a nice view!
Didn't know there was the one on Perdido Key until now.
Wow, you threw me there! When you say "Oyster Bar" and "Pensacola" I think of the one on Navy Boulevard - definitely not at a marina or with a nice view!
Didn't know there was the one on Perdido Key until now.
Mar 16th, 2010, 06:13 PM
#13
Okay, this is not Pensacola specific, but I'll toss it out there - if I were doing a wedding reception in an "away" place, I'd book it at a hotel. The catering will be taken care of at "their" place, the hotel can easily receive any arriving details (flowers, etc) and you can probably get a negotiated rate for out-of-town guests. For me, it would take a LOT of stress from the event.
A few years ago I read in a Marriott newsletter that a dad told his daughter she could get married anywhere she wanted - as long as it was at a Marriott. The reason? Charging everything to his room/folio and getting the frequent stay points. So many points that he and his wife went on a vacation with the points
So, if you DO host the reception, etc. at a hotel, join their frequent stay program.
I'd probably look first at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front -
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/w...tyhocn=PNSPEHF
but I just discovered that a Hotel Indigo is opening in August. Too late for you, but road trip for me
A few years ago I read in a Marriott newsletter that a dad told his daughter she could get married anywhere she wanted - as long as it was at a Marriott. The reason? Charging everything to his room/folio and getting the frequent stay points. So many points that he and his wife went on a vacation with the points
So, if you DO host the reception, etc. at a hotel, join their frequent stay program.I'd probably look first at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front -
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/w...tyhocn=PNSPEHF
but I just discovered that a Hotel Indigo is opening in August. Too late for you, but road trip for me
Mar 16th, 2010, 06:30 PM
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I would really like to help so if you still have no answers, please let me know and I will call my family who live in Pensacola. I was married in Pensacola and am from there.. as it happened, we had our rehearsal dinner at Corry Field Officers Club as my husband family was navy. It was basic, but nice enough and honestly I don't remember too much about it! I had my reception at the Pensacola Hilton, which is NOT at the beach, but very very near the exit to the beach. It was/is a beautiful hotel close to the beach and restaurants. All of our out of town guests stayed there and we actually all ended up in the bar downstairs singing and dancing well into the night after the wedding. I agree with all who say that Perdido Key is pretty nice and less crowded. I also agree with no outdoor wedding idea. We wanted ours outside at the church, and the priest laughed. He was right, it rained on my wedding day, as it does in the summer every day at about 2:00. And the humidity is killer in July. I will ask my sister who lives on the beach in Pensacola what she recommends and post again. I wish you all the best !
Mar 16th, 2010, 08:06 PM
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The Hilton in Pensacola is now a Crowne Plaza. The hotel itself incorporates the 1912 L&N Railroad Depot for public spaces.
In your particular case, I would recommend against having the reception on Pensacola Beach for several reasons:
(1) It is at least 30 minutes from the base chapel - seems like quite a ways to go for the reception.
(2) There is a toll to get to Pensacola Beach. I think it is only a dollar, but it still seems like the guests should not have to pay a toll to get to the reception.
(3) Depending on what time the wedding is, there could be heavy traffic on the way to the beach (maybe more of a concern for earlier in the day?).
(4) There is only one convenient way to get from Pensacola to Pensacola Beach, and it involves two bridges (the city of Gulf Breeze lies between them). If there is a wreck on the Bay Bridge from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze, the detour will add 30 minutes to the drive time (up to I-10 and then down the Garcon Point bridge and back to the beach).
If there is a wreck on the Bob Sikes Bridge from Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach, your alternative is to go down to Navarre, cross there, and backtrack to Pensacola Beach. That adds about an hour to the driving time.
What are the odds? Pretty small, probably, but wrecks (and breakdowns) DO happen (especially on the Pensacola Bay Bridge, which is 3 miles long).
This point is also worth considering for guests who stay on Pensacola Beach - again, a wreck or breakdown might not be likely, but if there is one they might not be able to get to the ceremony in time.
In your particular case, I would recommend against having the reception on Pensacola Beach for several reasons:
(1) It is at least 30 minutes from the base chapel - seems like quite a ways to go for the reception.
(2) There is a toll to get to Pensacola Beach. I think it is only a dollar, but it still seems like the guests should not have to pay a toll to get to the reception.
(3) Depending on what time the wedding is, there could be heavy traffic on the way to the beach (maybe more of a concern for earlier in the day?).
(4) There is only one convenient way to get from Pensacola to Pensacola Beach, and it involves two bridges (the city of Gulf Breeze lies between them). If there is a wreck on the Bay Bridge from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze, the detour will add 30 minutes to the drive time (up to I-10 and then down the Garcon Point bridge and back to the beach).
If there is a wreck on the Bob Sikes Bridge from Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach, your alternative is to go down to Navarre, cross there, and backtrack to Pensacola Beach. That adds about an hour to the driving time.
What are the odds? Pretty small, probably, but wrecks (and breakdowns) DO happen (especially on the Pensacola Bay Bridge, which is 3 miles long).
This point is also worth considering for guests who stay on Pensacola Beach - again, a wreck or breakdown might not be likely, but if there is one they might not be able to get to the ceremony in time.
Mar 17th, 2010, 04:13 PM
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great information. I never thought about points at the hotel. Nor did I think about traffic on the bridge. She was able to book the church on the naval base. What would be some good hotels near the base to limit the travel across the bridge? I love the info I get from fodorites. Thanks again.
Mar 18th, 2010, 03:13 PM
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I'm glad she was able to book the church at the base. If it's the same one I've been to, it's really beautiful. Has she checked into having the reception at the officers' club? That really is your best option.
Also, I agree now that Pensacola Beach is not an ideal stay for a wedding at the base, but I would not recommend hotels in Pensacola itself. Sorry, but Pensacola is just so not very attractive. I would check out resorts on Perdido Key. Maybe you can find one that can get you a good deal for multiple bookings. I'm sure most will also have a room for the reception if that's the way you want to go. Always nice to have a reception where people are staying...no worries about drinking and driving.
Do keep the Oyster Bar in mind for the rehersal dinner. It's really a great location if everyone stays on Perdido Key.
Good luck and please let us know what you finally decide!
Also, I agree now that Pensacola Beach is not an ideal stay for a wedding at the base, but I would not recommend hotels in Pensacola itself. Sorry, but Pensacola is just so not very attractive. I would check out resorts on Perdido Key. Maybe you can find one that can get you a good deal for multiple bookings. I'm sure most will also have a room for the reception if that's the way you want to go. Always nice to have a reception where people are staying...no worries about drinking and driving.
Do keep the Oyster Bar in mind for the rehersal dinner. It's really a great location if everyone stays on Perdido Key.
Good luck and please let us know what you finally decide!
Mar 18th, 2010, 04:30 PM
#18
Well, not sure what options there will be in Perdido Key.
If there ARE any delays coming in from Pensacola Beach, everyone will be in the same boat (so to speak).
I keep seeing pics taken on the beach and/or the beach and ocean as the backdrop. I know I'd rather wander up from the reception at the hotel on the beach than one of the Pensacola hotels.
When I had a choice on business trips, I always preferred the beach over town hotels.
But, everyone has their own preferences.
If there ARE any delays coming in from Pensacola Beach, everyone will be in the same boat (so to speak).
I keep seeing pics taken on the beach and/or the beach and ocean as the backdrop. I know I'd rather wander up from the reception at the hotel on the beach than one of the Pensacola hotels.
When I had a choice on business trips, I always preferred the beach over town hotels.
But, everyone has their own preferences.
