How to Wedding Plan in Pensacola, Destin, and Mobile at Waterfront Venues
Palafox Wharf: A Historic Wedding Venue in Pensacola
Planning your wedding is an exciting journey. Pensacola, Destin, and Mobile are breathtaking dream waterfront locations to make it all come alive, especially if you are thinking of a waterfront theme with a historical background.
Whether it is a Pensacola waterfront wedding venue, a Destin wedding celebration or a Mobile Bay wedding, the proper planning makes for a seamless and stress-free day.
From the venue to the vendors to the unforgettable moments that will be remembered, we at Palafox Wharf Waterfront are here to assist you through the process.
In this blog, this is help with How to Wedding Plan in Pensacola, Destin, and Mobile at Waterfront Venues.
Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue
At Palafox Wharf Waterfront, we pride ourselves on the ability to bring your wedding vision to life.
If you are a local or looking to plan your destination wedding in Pensacola, this venue provides the ideal combination of historic charm and coastal waterfront elegance, making it one of the most desired venues in the area with the most stunning views and located in the heart of downtown Pensacola.
In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about planning your Pensacola, Destin, or Mobile wedding, as well as how Palafox Wharf can assist in creating a seamless and stress-free celebration.
How to Plan Your Wedding at Pensacola, Destin, or Mobile waterfront wedding
Step 1: Find Your Vision
You should start with discovering your wedding vision. Take time to think about it. What do you want? What experience do you want your guests to have? Do you desire a classic cloastal wedding, a modern minimalist ceremony, or an elegant historic wedding in Pensacola?
At Palafox Wharf Waterfront, a setting that accommodates many styles, from coastal chic to timless elegance.
We provide you with a tool that will enable you to arrive at a clear and cohesive vision for your wedding day.
There is so much that you can choose from, such as classic elegance to modern minimalism or even the coastal chic. We will help make it a reality for you.
Step 2: Book Your Venue
The choice of the venue is one of the most important decisions that will be made for your wedding, so it is better to do it as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a historic wedding venue in Pensacola with breathtaking waterfront views, Palafox Wharf Waterfront is the perfect choice. Palafox Wharf Waterfront is an unique venue that offers:
A Historic, Elegant Atmosphere—Our venue is located in a historic building that was constructed in 1880, which has been restored to reveal its original exposed brickwork, original hardwood floors, and elegant relaxed ambiance.
It is advisable to book your date on our calendar as soon as possible because it is almost always full.
- Breathtaking Waterfront Views—An ideal backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, and capturing those memorable golden hour moments.
- Versatile Spaces—Exchange vows outdoors, enjoy your cocktail hour on our spacious outdoor waterfront deck, and dance the night away in our beautiful reception space.
- Unbeatable Walkable Downtown Location that Guests Rave About — Conveniently located close and walkable to hotels, restaurants, entertainment, coffee shops, and other activities, your guests will be able to enjoy a complete wedding weekend without having to travel in their vehicle, and it is totally walkable.
📅 Schedule a tour today and discover how Palafox Wharf Waterfront can bring your vision to life!
Step 3: Hire a Wedding Planner
Booking planning services will help bring your wedding vision to life and reduce stress.
If you are looking for Pensacola wedding planning services, Palafox Wharf Waterfront offers:
Full Planning: This is perfect for those who want a professional for guidance from the beginning.
Wedding Management (Formerly Day of Coordination): Ideal for those who have arranged many aspects of the event and have booked all their vendors but require someone to insure that everything runs smoothly.
So many couples tell us they don’t want to work (really, who does?) on their Wedding Day.
If this is you, do book Wedding Management so you don’t have to work on your Wedding Day. Service begins 30 days prior to the Wedding Date. Additional service of a monthly 30-minute phone consultation up to your Wedding Date to chat and solve anything that comes up.
Concierge Services: Enhances your Wedding by offering you one-on-one help to create a seamless experience.
Step 4: Reserve Guest and Your Hotel:
A great wedding experience includes making travel easy for your guests. For couples that have chosen Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue, one of the benefits is the walkable downtown location near top accommodations:
- Travel is from airport to accommodations (a 12-minute drive).
- Walkable from accommodations to Wedding Venue (2 minute walkable).
- Walkable from accommodations to restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, entertainment centers (2–5 minute walkable).
- Walkable from venue to Beach Ferry (2-3 minute walkable).
How important is this for your guest experience?
Time and time again, our couples tell us their guests compliment them for booking a Wedding Venue that was centrally located and super easy to walk to. Amy, one of our Brides, says: (read more about Amy’s Wedding- Click):
Let me digress for a second. So many wedding professionals do not have this as the first thing to do, meaning booking accommodations, as number one as they don’t have the “lived experience” as a wedding professional. They have just be entering wedding word. Let’s be frank. Pensacola does not yet have enough accommodations. The City realizes this and truly more and more hotels/AirBnbs are being built as we speak, but we are not there yet. So first thing to do is to consider:
- Guest Room Blocks – Reserve room blocks at nearby hotels and AirBnbs for convenience. Hotels give you a discount for your guests to stay at their hotel.
- Nearby Accommodations are–
- Downtown Holiday Inn
- Lily Hall – A Boutique Hotel
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Celestine Bed and Breakfast
- Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast
- Residence Inn Pensacola Downtown
- Courtyard Pensacola Downtown
- AirBnB
- Vrbo
Step 5: Lock in Your Key Vendors
After you’ve secured accommodations, it’s now the moment to assemble your team of vendors.
Your vendors will set the tone for your celebration.
Who is a Key Vendor? It’s the vendors that are present at your ceremony and reception. That is not a drop and go vendor. These are vendors that stay for your Wedding Day.
If you have booked a venue such as Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue, which has helped wedding couples for years, your venue is your best source for vendors.
The venue knows who is good and who is not so good. We live in the wedding world and see to all.
So, just ask your venue for recommendations. Just Ask.
These are vendors that are on time, kind, courteous, have a good product or service, do their homework, and have experience with other wedding vendors in the area. When you get in touch with vendors, make sure to inquire about:
- Pricing: When determining pricing, for a product or service, it’s important to consider all costs involved and any extra fees that may apply.
- Availability: Make sure they are available for your date before you fail in love with their work.
- Extra fees: When determining pricing for a product or service, it’s important to consider all costs involved and any extra fees that may apply.
- Restrictions: Make sure that the restrictions are in line with the rules of your venue.
- Services Provided: You want to know what is covered in their service package and what comes at a cost.
Key Vendors to Book Early:
- Entertainment: Make sure to secure your DJ or live band as one of the first vendors to book for your entertainment needs.
- Catering: Inquire with us about our in-house farm-to-table cuisine prepared by our amazing Chef Bob, which guests love and rave about. Book early for your special day. Palafox Wharf has in-house food catering plus a list of exclusive caterers.
- Photography & Videography: Capture the beauty of your day with photography and videography services that highlight the magical golden hour moments, by the stunning waterfront.
- Officiant: Select an officiant who resonates with the vision you have for your ceremony.
Step 6: Set Up Travel and Activities
The top destination wedding location is Pensacola, and part of the experience is insuring your guests have an unforgettable time.
Why Pensacola is Perfect for your Destination Wedding:
Your guests will love how walkable everything is if you have booked Palafox Wharf Waterfront Wedding Venue because:
- Hotels within walking distance – No need for long commutes. No need for rental cars! Hotels, restaurants, and nightlife are within minutes of Palafox Wharf.
- Amazing dining & nightlife – Perfect for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunches.
- Ferry for Rehearsal Dinner or Post-Wedding Brunches – Consider taking one of the Ferries for your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. It is walkable from the venue to the downtown Ferry terminal.
- Pensacola Beach is just minutes away – Let the celebration continue with a beach day!
It’s also important to make your wedding experience for your guests as easy as possible to travel to. Consider:
- Wedding Website – Share your love story, engagement photos, wedding party photos, local attractions, and travel tips.
- Transportation Options – Shuttles or ride share details so your guests can travel easily if outside of the walkable distance.
- Welcome Bags – Pensacola based goodies, included for that local touch. Here are some ideas:
- The Welcome Bag itself – Welcome Bag
- Pensacola Visitors Center Welcome Bag – Welcome Bag
- Taste of Pensacola – Welcome Gift Bag
- What to Include in Welcome Bag – Article
- Renfroe’s Pecans, Nuts, and Gifts – Renfroe’s
Step 7: Plan Pre-Wedding & Wedding Day Details
- Secure rehearsal dinner location—Pensacola offers many amazing spots!
- Book hair and makeup trials. Schedule appointments early to find your perfect look.
- Send, track, and follow up on invitations. Be aware that it is normal that some guests do not respond to invitations, so don’t be surprised. It is a pain but you will have to follow up with them. Stay organized with an RSVP system. Read more about Invitations and RSVPs:
- Plan a grand exit. Consider a boat send-off for a unique and stunning waterfront departure. Or a boat ride for a few minutes of private time during the golden hour.
- Include virtual live streaming. Make sure those who can’t attend can see and hear your ceremony and reception to still be part of your day.
Wedding Vendor Timeline: When Every Vendor Should Be Booked
12 to 18 Months Before
- Book your venue – Get Palafox Wharf at the earliest opportunity.
- Hire a planner – Our in-house planning team is available to assist you.
- Book hotel room blocks – Make sure your guests’ accommodations are settled.
10 to 12 Months Before
- Hire photographer/videographer – Get amazing photos and videos of your day.
- Book your caterer – We can provide farm-to-table cuisine, just ask us for our “Idea Menu”
- Secure your officiant – Select an officiant that understands you and will guide you through the process.
8 to 10 Months Before
- Secure your florist, transportation, and stationery designer
6 to 8 Months Before
- Book your cake baker (our in-house Chef is also a baker)
- Schedule hair & makeup trials
- Reserve any rentals needed (we can help you with this one)
4 to 6 Months Before
- Final fittings and alternations for attire
- Order wedding favors if you are going to have favors
- Plan seating arrangements
2 to 4 Months Before
- Review and confirm all vendor contracts
- Send invitations
- Confirm final guest counts and details with vendors
Plan Your Dream Wedding at Palafox Wharf – A Premier Pensacola Waterfront Wedding Venue
At Palafox Wharf Waterfront, we welcome your unique vision and bringing it to life.
If you are working with a planner or if you are planning everything by yourself, we provide the flexibility and support to insure your wedding reflects your style.
- Select your vendors—select the perfect team for your day.
- You do not need to do the setup and breakdown—our team will take care of the venue’s furniture setup and breakdown.
- Breathtaking Waterfront and Historic Backdrops – Picture perfect settings for your wedding photography
- Endless photo opportunities—historic architecture and waterfront views, including gorgeous golden hour perfection!
📅 Schedule a tour today and discover how Palafox Wharf Waterfront can bring your vision to life!
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Thank You for Stopping by our Blog about How to Wedding Plan in Pensacola, Destin, and Mobile at Waterfront Venues!
For friends and family across the nation, we encourage you to consider recommending the wedding venues listed below. These are locally owned wedding venues all over the United States, perfect for hosting unforgettable celebrations. Locally owned wedding venues often provide a superior wedding venue experience, thanks to their strong ties to the community, low staff turnover, and commitment to supporting the local economy. Choosing a family-owned wedding venue makes a meaningful impact on small businesses like ours. Once again, thank you for reading our blog about How to Wedding Plan in Pensacola, Destin, and Mobile at Waterfront Venues.
- Within Sodo
- Legacy Lakes Venue
- Laurel Haven Estate
- New Park Event Venue
- Barn at Bradstreet
- Evermore Ridge
- Black River Lodge
- Legacy at Serenity Farm
- The Hidden Gem of Gruene
- Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast
- SC Southern Charm Events
- The Vineyard at St. Charles
- Somos Family Weddings & Events
- Amelia Grove
- Sage View Ranch
- 22 Acres Farm.com/weddings
- Cold Spring Farm
- Rough & Ready Vineyards
- Estate at River Run
- Irish Hills Wedding Barn
