PERDIDO-KEY 

Perdido Key Beach Wedding Packages | Johnson's Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Perdido Key beach weddings

Perdido Key straddles the Florida–Alabama state line and is home to some of the most undeveloped coastline on the entire Gulf Coast. Johnson's Beach, nestled within Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers a setting unlike anything nearby — protected dunes, sea oats, crystal-clear water, and a stretch of sand that feels entirely removed from the rest of the world.

Because Johnson's Beach sits inside a national park, it has its own permit requirements and entrance fees. We handle the Special Use Permit process on your behalf so you don't have to navigate the paperwork. All you need to do is show up.

Whether you're planning a barefoot elopement for two or a ceremony with family around you, Johnson's Beach delivers a backdrop that no resort or venue can replicate.

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Permits & fees

Johnson's Beach is inside Gulf Islands National Seashore — a federal park with its own Special Use Permit requirement. Here's exactly what to expect. We handle the permit application for you.

$150

SPECIAL USE PERMIT

Required for ceremonies with fewer than 50 people, including the couple. We submit the permit on your behalf.

Day prior

SCOUT THE LOCATION

We strongly recommend visiting Johnson's Beach the day before your ceremony to locate parking and walk to the setup area.

$250

SPECIAL USE PERMIT (50+)

Required for ceremonies with 50 or more guests including the couple. We handle the application either way.

$25

PARK ENTRANCE FEE

Charged per vehicle entering Gulf Islands National Seashore. Applies to every car in your wedding party.

Note: The permit and entrance fees listed above are charged by Gulf Islands National Seashore and are separate from Your Dream Beach Wedding package pricing. We include permit handling as part of your package coordination.

 

What's included

Every Perdido Key package is fully all-inclusive. From permit to teardown, we manage every detail of your ceremony.

01

CEREMONY SETUP

Full beach setup and teardown — arch, seating arrangement, and aisle décor.

04

FLORALS

Bridal bouquet and boutonniere included. Additional arrangements available.

02

PHOTOGRAPHY

Professional photographer for one hour with a full online gallery delivered after your ceremony.

05

MUSIC

Ceremony music for processional and recessional.

03

LICENSED OFFICIANT

A licensed minister to perform your ceremony

06

CEREMONY COORDINATION

On-site ceremony coordination — we handle the details so you can enjoy the moment.

Add-ons available: reception rentals, extended photography, additional florals, and more. View full package details.

 

Finding Johnson's Beach

Johnson's Beach is located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore on the Florida side of Perdido Key. Navigation to this address can be unreliable with some apps — use Google Maps for the most accurate routing, and plan to arrive with extra time.

What to know before you arrive

Johnson's Beach is a protected national seashore with specific rules to preserve the environment. Here's everything you need to plan around.

BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED

  • April–early June: warm, uncrowded, and ideal photography light

  • September–October: much less crowded, cooler temperatures, and dramatic skies at sunset

  • Summer (July–August): busy during the day but noticeably less crowded and cooler at sunset — great for an evening ceremony

  • Winter (Nov–Feb): mild, very uncrowded, and perfect for intimate elopements

BEACH RULES

  • No alcohol or glass containers on the beach

  • No open flames or candles

  • No balloons, glitter, confetti, or sky lanterns

  • No pets (unless certified service animals)

  • No setup directly adjacent to boardwalks — required for emergency access and pedestrian flow

  • Dunes and vegetation are federally protected — no foot traffic off marked paths

WEATHER & BACKUP PLANS

  • Gulf Coast weather is generally beautiful, but afternoon storms are common in summer — evening ceremonies reduce this risk

  • There is no covered backup option at Johnson's Beach itself

  • If you're renting a beach house nearby, a covered porch can serve as an alternative

  • We'll discuss contingency options when you book

PARKING & ACCESS

  • All vehicles pay the $25 per car park entrance fee — plan accordingly and let guests know in advance

  • Parking can fill during peak summer weekends — carpool when possible

  • Visit the day before your ceremony to walk the route from parking to our setup area

Accessibility note: The walk from the parking area to our ceremony setup crosses soft sand, which can be difficult for guests with limited mobility or elderly family members. We strongly recommend arranging a beach wheelchair rental in advance. Two great options: Lazy Days Beach Rentals and Beach Power Rentals.

 FAQs

  • Yes. Johnson's Beach is inside Gulf Islands National Seashore, which requires a Special Use Permit for all wedding ceremonies. The fee is $150 for fewer than 50 guests (including the couple), or $250 for 50 or more guests. There is also a $25 per car park entrance fee for every vehicle. We handle the permit application on your behalf.

  • Johnson's Beach is at 13301 Johnson Beach Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507, within Gulf Islands National Seashore on the Florida side of Perdido Key. We strongly recommend visiting the location the day before your ceremony to familiarize yourself with parking and the walk to the setup area. Use Google Maps for the most reliable directions.

  • Our all-inclusive Perdido Key packages include ceremony setup and teardown, a professional photographer with online gallery, a licensed officiant, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, music, arch, and ceremony coordination. A la carte add-ons include reception rentals, additional florals, extended photography, and sand ceremony sets. View our full package details for pricing.

  • In addition to Your Dream Beach Wedding's package pricing, Johnson's Beach charges a Special Use Permit fee ($150 for under 50 guests, $250 for 50 or more) plus a $25 per car park entrance fee for all vehicles. We handle the permit as part of your package coordination.

  • April through early June and September through October are ideal — warm, uncrowded, and excellent for photography. Summer evening and sunset ceremonies are noticeably less crowded and cooler than daytime. Winter is mild and very quiet, perfect for intimate elopements on one of the Gulf Coast's most protected beaches.

  • We recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance for spring and fall dates. Summer weekends fill quickly. We do accommodate last-minute ceremonies when availability allows — it's always worth calling even if your date is coming up soon.

  • Yes. Our Perdido Key elopement packages are perfect for couples who want a private, intimate ceremony on one of Florida's most beautiful protected beaches. Elopement packages include an officiant, photographer, and full ceremony setup at Johnson's Beach.

  • The walk from the parking area to our setup crosses soft sand, which can be difficult for guests with limited mobility. We recommend arranging a beach wheelchair rental in advance through Lazy Days Beach Rentals or Beach Power Rentals. We cannot set up directly adjacent to the boardwalk, as this is required to keep pedestrian pathways clear for emergency vehicle access.

Say "I do" on one of
Florida's most protected beaches.

Dates fill quickly, especially May through October. Reach out today and we'll get back to you within one business day with availability and a personalized quote.

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