A Dream Wedding at Palafox Wharf: Love, Photography, and a Twist
Pensacola Waterfront Destination Wedding Venue
Here at Palafox Wharf Waterfront, we make sure that every wedding we plan is as perfect as it can be while at the same time being comfortable. This was the case for a nurse and her fiancé, who tied the knot and shared their love in Pensacola’s favorite wedding destination. The couple shared a love for photography and the wedding had to be planned around the groom’s new duty date and had to be in Pensacola as that is where the bride’s parents were married. Plus it had to be at Palafox Wharf Waterfront because the Bride fell in love with the gorgeous photography at Palafox Wharf Waterfront.
A Wedding Rooted in Tradition and Flexibility
Initially, the couple had set their wedding for 2025 but had to change the date due to the groom’s work transfer orders. Here at Palafox Wharf, it is not uncommon for us to help couples who have timeline issues. We spoke to the bride and changed the date around to fit another weekend, making sure that everything that was planned for was as perfect as it would have been on the initial date.
To make the occasion even more emotional, the bride decided to tie the knot at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral where her parents had once been married. This was the reason why she wanted to have her wedding in the same church where her parents’ love story began, thus preserving the tradition of her family. Thus, this emotional connection made the day even more special and wonderful.
Why They Chose Palafox Wharf – Pensacola Waterfront Wedding Venue
The bride fell in love with Palafox Wharf because it offered her an endless number of photo opportunities. The bride and her photographer were able to have a lot of fun and take advantage of the location and shoot during her wedding week. They posed for pictures in front of the waterfront, the historic architecture of the building as well as other interesting props such as the nautical Caribbean map which is incorporated in the 40 foot long cocktail bar. These pictures are now precious memories for her as they capture the beautiful moments of her dream wedding.
A Stunning Ceremony at Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
The couple tied the knot at the beautiful Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral which is located in the heart of downtown Pensacola. The timeless architecture coupled with the immense personal connection that the couple had with the church is what made it even more ideal. The bride and groom’s 175 guests later joined in the celebration at Palafox Wharf in a befitting coastal style.
A Coastal-Inspired Menu to Remember
The guests were served with food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres which made them have a taste of the luxury. The menu was grossly influenced by the local Gulf Coast cuisine and the creativity of Classic City’s cuisine:
- Blue Crab Cakes with Remoulade
- Tuna Tartare on Caviar Wonton Crisps
- Lemon-Dipped Scallops Wrapped in Bacon
- Chicken and Seafood Gumbo
- Beef Tenderloin with Accompaniments
- Mini Muffulettas
- Crawfish Etouffee
- Kobe Beef Cheeseburgers with Caramelized Onions
The variety made sure that each of the guests had something to indulge in. The food that was served was in line with the couple’s vision of offering their guests the taste of the South and the tasty Pensacola food.
An Evening of Elegance and Celebration
The evening was as beautiful as the day. People sat on comfortable grey tuft sofas in the light of 100s of fairy lights, enjoying the scenery. The best moment of the night was when the couple took a boat to cruise around the bay. In a way, it was a perfect tribute to their passion for boats and for the beauty of Pensacola’s downtown which is located on the coast.
Why Couples Love Palafox Wharf – Pensacola Waterfront Wedding Venue
There are many reasons why couples opt for Palafox Wharf and it is not just because of its scenic beauty. This is a place that is rich in history and has an amazing view of an inlet of the Pensacola Bay. The wedding venue comprises of more than 8,200 square feet of beautiful green lawn which is waterfront and a large 33’ x 15’ dance floor. The dance floor and the waterfront deck are lit with 100s of string lights to give the event a fairy tale like appeal.
The locals and the tourists who visit Pensacola also appreciate the fact that the wedding venue enhances the city’s appeal. Some couples tell us that they selected Palafox Wharf Waterfront Venue because it was the very best example of Pensacola to their out of town guests, to have the most beautiful view of Pensacola, and experience the city’s history and hospitality.
Unique Features of Palafox Wharf
- Endless photo opportunities: waterfront views, lush greenery, and historic details
- Accommodations nearby for easy access and walkable distance (guests will thank you!)
- A spacious outdoor deck perfect for cocktail hours and sunsets
- Fireworks are visible on most Saturdays from April through August
Tips for Hosting a Destination Wedding
- Choose a Flexible Wedding Venue: Choose a Flexible Wedding Venue: Life for military couples can be unpredictable and may need some adjustments. This is where a flexible wedding venue comes in handy.
- Prioritize Guest Comfort: Make sure that the accommodations are easily accessible and if possible, they should be within walking distance as is the case for Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue. A hotel is 1/2 a block away from the wedding venue. Also, ensure that there is a menu that will be served to the guests and this should be in a way that it will represent the taste of the local food.
- Plan for Scenic Moments: This means that one should select a place which has a beautiful view and good positioning for taking photos.
Your Wedding at Palafox Wharf – Pensacola Waterfront Wedding Wedding Venue
Organizing your wedding at Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue will help you create the most special moments of your life. We understand that every couple has different ideas and plans for their special day and that’s why our team is here to help bring your ideas to life. To make your love story more special, we offer you beautiful views, warm service, and a lot of personalization.
Photographer Who Captured These Photos
Here is a little bio of Juls, the Photographer – Julianne Drake is the brain behind Julianne Drake Photography, a platform she has been building for the past five years to capture love stories. Julianne has worked more than 100 weddings and she has worked from the sunny coasts of Florida to the crystal blue waters of Greece to capture the beauty of every unique day.
Julianne’s approach to photography goes beyond simply taking pictures; she is dedicated to telling a narrative where each couple’s love story shines as the centerpiece. This gives her work a very documentary feel, but at the same time, there is a fine art quality to it, which makes the images very powerful. Julianne is a photographer who specialises in capturing real emotions and relationships of people through natural shots.
When she is not taking photos, Julanne enjoys traveling with her husband, Max, reading books, and searching for new challenges in life. Julianne loves coffee, and has two dogs named Penny and Goose with whom she is very close, and thus makes her seem more approachable.
Julianne is excited to meet new people and contribute to the most important day of their lives, and thus capture the best moments to always remember. You can get in touch with Juls through here julsdrake.com
Dream Team Wedding Vendors that Made it Happen ~
- Ceremony performed by Fr. Fowler at Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
- Wedding Reception at Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue @palafoxwharf
- Wedding Manager/Planner: Palafox Wharf’s In-House Planner, Neil
- Event Planner Assistants: Nancy & Larry
- Julianne Drake Photography for Photographer
- Chef David with Classic City Catering for Food Catering @classic_city_catering
- Plates, Flatware and Napkins provided by Catering
- Richey’s East for Alcoholic Beverages Catering and 2 extra outside Bars @richeys_east
- Music provided by Mike Zavison
- Table Linens and Rentals (lawn lighting, sofas, lawn furniture, umbrellas): Palafox Wharf Waterfront Rentals @palafoxwharf
- Florist: Jillian Holt with Fleur Zoe Florals
- Jason Browning or Assigns (850-698-1105) for Off-Duty Police Officer
- Minted for Save the Dates and Invitations
- Publix (Mrs. B) for Cakes
- Makeup by Bride Guide
- Transportation: Trolleys and Sailboat (Captain Rhett Russenberger)
- Publix (Mrs. B) for Cake
- Makeup by Bride Guide
- Transportation: Trolleys and Sailboat (Captain Rhett Russenberger)
Ready To Go To The Next Step after Reading Pensacola Waterfront Destination Wedding Venue?
Ready to take the next step after reading A Dream Wedding at Palafox Wharf Wedding Venue blog?
Do you want to plan a wedding full of love and personal tributes? Schedule your phone chat today with Sandy at Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue ~
850-748-5102
and let us help create a day that honors both your future together and the loved ones who will always hold a special place in your heart.
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Thank You for Stopping by our Blog – Pensacola Waterfront Destination Wedding Venue – A Dream Wedding Venue
For all your friends and family that are in other areas of the nation, we hope that you will consider referring to the below venues. These venues are locally owned wedding venues for their big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience. They tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally-owned wedding venue means the world to our small family-owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally-owned wedding venues, we will feature 10 small business wedding venues. These are throughout the United States in each of our blogs. Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on WeddingVenueOwners.com.
- The Admiral Room at The Marin
- Willow Sky Ranch
- Celebrations Event Center
- Agua Linda Farm
- The Hillcrest Estate
- Cedar Fox Weddings
- The Hidden Abbey
- Ellas Garden
- Round Barn Farm
- Lake Front Acres
