From Family Vacation to I Do: A Perdido Key Wedding Story

Some stories just feel like home—and for Howard and his family, Perdido Key has been just that for over 30 years.

Howard first walked into our office three decades ago, looking for a sunny escape. Since then, he, his wife Martha, and their daughters Lauren and Kristina have made Perdido Key their go-to for annual beach getaways. So when Howard called about planning a wedding here for his youngest daughter, Kristina, it felt like a full-circle moment.

Kristina and her fiancé, Wyatt, dreamed of a simple, meaningful ceremony with their toes in the sand and the sound of the Gulf behind them. Over the following months, Kristina and our team worked together from afar, planning accommodations and fine-tuning a few details to make her Perdido Key beach wedding everything she envisioned.

When Kristina and Wyatt arrived two weeks before the wedding to finalize plans, their excitement was contagious. Details were set and all that was left was to wait for the "big day".

A Friday night rehearsal brought everyone together for a casual dinner followed by music at the iconic Flora-Bama. It was the perfect prelude to their "official" ceremony.

On the morning of the wedding, rain clouds loomed. But in true beach-magic fashion, the sun broke through by midday, casting golden light across the shore just in time for the ceremony. Surrounded by 35 close friends and family members, Kristina and Wyatt said “I do” barefoot in the sand, wrapped in ocean breeze and an obvious deep love.

The celebration continued with a laid-back patio reception at Lillian's Pizza, where guests toasted the couple over a delicious pizza buffet—yes, pizza at a wedding, and yes, it was awesome.

Afterward, the newlyweds set off for a sunset cruise honeymoon, the perfect start to their next chapter together. Meanwhile, Howard & Martha opted to linger just a little longer, extending their stay to soak in the magic of Perdido Key, savoring the joy of the weekend & the beauty of the coast that had brought their family such unforgettable memories.

Perdido Key weddings are as unique as the people who dream them up. Whether it’s a big family tradition or a spontaneous seaside elopement, this stretch of the Gulf Coast is perfect for intimate ceremonies filled with personality. Local spots like Johnson Beach and Perdido Key State Park offer scenic backdrops for vows and photos, while beloved restaurants like Lillian’s and the Flora-Bama make hosting casual receptions a breeze.

We’re here to help with the perfect lodging accommodations and a few local insider tips. Perdido Realty Vacations offers a wide selection of beachfront homes and condos ideal for wedding parties and guests. And while we don’t officially coordinate weddings, we’re always happy to share our local insight—just like we did for Kristina and Wyatt.

Because sometimes, the best destination for your wedding is the one that already feels like home.