May 26, 2021
There’s no better place to say “I do” than the romantic setting of Amelia Island. With beautiful beaches, a charming historic downtown, world class spas, eclectic restaurants, loads of activities, and stunning nature, you and your bridal party will leave with lifetime of memories. Welcome to your wedding weekend.
Amelia Island’s newest boutique hotel, the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, will be your wedding party’s home away from home for the next three days. Consider a buyout of this 17 room historic schoolhouse where good ol southern hospitality is key. In fact, “Southern Living Magazine has included the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn to be in its Hotel Collection – signifying it has one “of the most delightful hotel experiences the South has to offer.” Looking for a luxury resort? Check in to the Omni Amelia Island Resort where versatile wedding spaces and breathtaking views are one and the same.
Treat your wedding party with a welcome gift bag delivered to each room. Nothing says “thank you” to your friends like treasures that will remind them of their time on Amelia Island — Fudge from Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge, A Coozie from the Green Turtle Tavern, a logo’d Beach Towel from Amelia’s Signature Shop, and maps and brochures from the downtown Welcome Center.
Kick off your weekend with an al fresco lunch by the ocean. Grab your wedding party and fill up the rooftop of Salt Life Food Shack where the ambiance is almost as good as the ocean breezes and views. Enjoy a wide array of specialty menu items including the Tuna Poke Bowl, Fried Shrimp, Authentic Street Tacos and Burgers that make your mouth water. Not to mention the cool drinks that will have you shifting to island time in no time at all.
There’s so much to see and learn on Amelia Island that you’re gonna want to get started right away. Take an Amelia Island Trolley tour of historic downtown and Old Towne where you’ll learn why David Levy Yulee is named the Father of Florida’s railroads. Also see the old Captain’s house where the 1980’s Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. Or, take a free tour of the Marlin & Barrel Craft Distillery where fine spirits and good times are handcrafted in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. It’s all good stuff.
After your tour concludes, head on over to Wicked Bao for wicked good Asian street food, service and atmosphere. Located downtown, and just slightly off the beaten path, Wicked Bao offers small plates, noodle bowls, rice bowls and their signature Baos — steamed bun filled with choices of fried shrimp, adobo pulled pork, braised pork belly, buttermilk fried chicken, crispy tofu, Bugogi beef and topped with dressings. Everything here is delicious. Sit inside or outside on the deck and toast the happy couple with draft beers, Asian beers, wines, housemade Saki, or champagne.
Insider Tip: Crispy Pork Chop Rice with a side order of spicy sichuan dumplings will have you wondering how you can get this food shipped to your home after you leave.
End your evening at The Decantery, the island’s premier wine, craft beer and cocktail lounge. In addition to an exceptional rare and unique wine selection, The Decantery offers delectable homemade desserts and accoutrements. A great way to end your first day.
Let’s get this day started! Amelia Island Coffee is located smack in the middle of historic downtown Fernandina Beach and they are always up early. With a variety of hot and cold coffee and espresso drinks, organic teas, freshly baked pastries, and breakfast sandwiches and bagels, I’d say they have all your breakfast items covered. Grab a table or a seat on a comfy sofa and enjoy the eclectic vibe of “the coffee shop”.
Ladies: An afternoon with your best gals is an afternoon well spent! Let those those pre-wedding jitters melt away at The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Resort with a relaxing facial or body treatment. Rejuvenate your mind and calm your body with massages, facials and steam showers as well as their signature Quartz Sand Table massage and Tropical Blossom Ritual — a combination of exfoliation and body massage (that includes your feet!). Ohhh yeah. After the spa, walk around the The Shops at Omni Amelia Island Resort where everything from an old fashioned gourmet food market and deli to the latest trends in island fashion can be found.
A tee time at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club is ready for you and your groomsmen to soak up the Florida sun on one of the most popular municipal golf courses in the Southeast. 27 holes of generous fairways, smooth greens and native foliage makes for a fun day on the links. The course’s Grille Room is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat in between rounds or enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch. If golf isn’t your thing and you want to feel the sea spray on your skin, sign up for a charter fishing experience. Whether you are looking for a day of deep sea fishing, backwater fishing or sailing, Amelia Island Guides Association can provide your group with a great day out on the water.
Tonight’s rehearsal dinner is a fine dining experience like no other. With a knowledgeable staff dedicated to serving award-winning prime steaks and unique seafood, it’s no wonder David’s Restaurant & Lounge has been selected for the Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award as well as the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for several years in a row. Get there a little early so your wedding party can begin celebrating in the comfortable roomy lounge with a full bar and special martini menu.
Insider Tip: Filet Oscar — 8 oz Filet Mignon topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Béarnaise Sauce and Grilled Asparagus — is crazy good!
After dinner suggestions depend on what you like to do. If you want to keep the party going, First Love Brewing, Amelia Island Brewing Company or Mocama Beer Company are ready to take it up a notch with the adult crowd, while Gregor MacGregor Mini Links and Drinks is perfect for a family to have a friendly game of putt putt and ice cream.
Ladies, let’s start getting gorgeous! The Beauty Bar is a green circle salon (keeping people and the planet beautiful) that specializes in bridal beauty and pampering for you and your bridal party from head to toe. They’ve been a part of the Amelia Island scene since 2016 and have made so many brides happy, like this one… “The Beauty Bar was amazing. They made my wedding day perfect by being timely with our makeup and hair appointments and providing a great environment for me, my friends and family to enjoy. Thanks so much for being part of my big day.”
Waterwheel Cigar is not only a place to purchase the highest quality cigars, but also a place where you and your groomsmen can relax and enjoy your favorite cigar and beverage until show time. With over 1,500 square feet and over 500 facings of cigars, Waterwheel Cigar offers comfortable seating on leather sofas and large flat panel TV’s to kick back and relax with your favorite guys. There is seriously a lot of testosterone in here.
Insider Tip: Waterwheel Cigar is also a Bottle Club, allowing customers to bring their own beverages with no corking fees.
It’s the day you’ve been dreaming of all your life and it’s finally here. We’re so happy you decided to make it official within the stunning natural beauty of Amelia Island. Whether you tie the knot on the beach, in the garden of a historic home or in a grand ballroom, venue options abound on Amelia Island. Let Lisa Presnell Productions help you with all the planning for your special day. With decades of experience in wedding/hospitality and a team of top professionals, Lisa will create wedding day experiences rich in lifetime memories.
Now that you’re hitched, continue the celebration in historic downtown Fernandina Beach where you can party til the wee hours at the Green Turtle Tavern, sip champagne in an intimate setting at the Mermaid Bar, or dance the night away at Florida’s oldest bar, The Palace Saloon. No matter the decision, one thing is for sure… you’re head is probably gonna feel large the next morning. A delicious brunch at The Florida House Inn is just what the doctor ordered and will send you back home with a full belly and heart.
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your wedding getaway. Discover more and plan your perfect trip on www.ameliaisland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back for years to come.
Amelia Island offers a wide variety of angling opportunities for everyone from the beginner to the hard-core angler. It’s one of the best places to fish under the warm Florida sun.
There’s nothing quite as magical as a Florida sunset and Amelia Island paints a beautiful canvas of skyline colors to end the day. We’ve listed the best places to catch this glorious sight so you can capture the moment.
Take a look at the top 10 family-friendly things to do while visiting Amelia Island. Kid tested. Parent approved!
Take your very own Amelia Island Charcuterie Tour by visiting these dining establishments for their take on this festive board of meats, cheeses, and condiments.
Between the beach and the ocean, Amelia Island offers a myriad of ways to have fun on and off the water. Check out this Beach Lovers Itinerary and get packing!