Love is in the Air

The Clearwater area’s balmy breezes, spectacular sunset vistas, white sand beaches and sparkling water are conducive to romance. Whether lovebirds are interested in tying the knot or rekindling a flame, this is the place!

In fact, the area is so romantic, there’s even a place – actually one of the many barrier islands that shield the west coast - called Honeymoon Island, just north of Clearwater. The early pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became known by the more delightful-sounding Honeymoon Isle in 1930 when a New York developer built dozens of palm-thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today, the bungalows are gone, but Honeymoon Island retains its exotic appeal and is now a Florida State Park.

Honeymoon Island is home to more than 200 species of plants, including one of the few remaining south Florida virgin slash pine stands, and a variety of shore birds.

Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming and fishing in the warm Gulf waters, several nature trails and bird observation areas. Picnic pavilions, bathhouses and a park concession add to the amenities and atmosphere on Honeymoon Island. Visitors can take a private boat or ferry to nearby Caladesi Island.

Honeymoon Island State Park, open 365 days a year, is located off the northwest coast of Clearwater. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org or call 727-469-5942.

Saying “I do”

Complete and unique wedding services, and quality accommodations, are just a couple of reasons why Clearwater is such a popular place to get married. It’s also easy to do. With the exception of Florida residents, there is no need for a blood test, a wait period or witnesses. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. For the most up to date information on legal requirements regarding marriage in Florida, visitors should refer to the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court (www.pinellasclerk.org) or call 727-464-4876.

A Myriad of Options

Some of the most popular wedding ceremonies in the area take place right on the sand! Various operators, as well as many of the beach hotels, can arrange beach weddings along with officiants.

Lovers with sea legs might want to check out the StarLite Majesty Dining Yacht, located at the Clearwater Municipal Marina in Clearwater Beach. StarLite Cruises offers wedding services, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and more.

StarLite’s Wedding Package includes consultation with a StarLite Wedding Specialist, rehearsal time, special room set-up and/or seating arrangements, Champagne toasts, wedding cake cutting services, music and wedding march coordination.

StarLite also offers lunch, dinner, Sunshine Skyway tours and sightseeing cruises. For more information, visit www.starlightcruises.com; call 727-462-2628.

The Yacht StarShip II, also docked at the Clearwater Municipal Marina, is a reservation destination for fine dining and entertainment. It specializes in weddings, banquets, corporate events, conventions, fundraisers and other special occasions. The yacht, which measures more than 100 feet, features a spacious dining salon with seating for 149 dining guests in a single room, a luxury bridal suite, a dance floor, an open third deck, a second deck cocktail lounge and bar and a full galley to prepare Yacht StarShip’s AAA three-diamond rated menu. For more information and reservations, visit www.yachtstarship.com or call 813-223-7999.

Couples can celebrate love amid nature’s beauty by getting married at the Florida Botanical Gardens (www.flbg.org). The gardens’ unique blend of Florida native and exotic tropical plants, displayed in both natural and formal gardens, is a perfect setting. The gardens offer several sites, including the private Wedding Garden, which can accommodate up to 200-seated guests, as well as the Rose Garden, Topiary Garden, Cottage Garden, Jazz Garden, Bridge Pavilion and Gazebo.

Amenities offered include inlaid marble and wrought iron gates, bubbling fountains surrounding the processional area, an air-conditioned bridal dressing room and private processional entrance. Full electrical outlets, ceremony guest chairs, catering set-up, tear down, and rehearsal time can be arranged. A reception hall is also available.

The Florida Botanical Gardens are located in the Pinewood Cultural Park in Largo, Florida. For more information, call 727-582-2210.

Many hotels in the Clearwater area offer exceptional wedding services and honeymoon packages. Of particular note is Clearwater’s Belleview Biltmore Resort Spa & Golf Club (www.belleviewbiltmore.com), the world’s oldest and largest continually occupied wooden structure.

The “White Queen of the Gulf” was constructed in 1897 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For lovebirds looking for something decidedly more low-key, Clearwater Beach boasts a number of smaller hotels, motels and inns, such as the Green Gables Bed & Breakfast, Clearwater’s first and only B&B. Built in 1910, this classic Florida Grove house opens to an enchanted garden shaded by moss covered oaks. Lovebirds can enjoy the bay breeze while savoring gourmet meals served by the Green Gables’ owners and hosts. For more information, call 727-442-8722 or log on to www.greengables.us.

Winding Down

The greater Clearwater area boasts hundreds of dining options, from elegant upscale to casual beachside. Fresh seafood is, of course, a specialty of many restaurants. Before or after dining, sweethearts should catch the fun - and the sunset – at Sunsets at Pier 60 (www.sunsetsatpier60.com), an area tradition. 364 days of the year, for two hours before and two hours after sunset, artisans and crafters, street performers and musicians provide entertainment and amusement on the promenade of Clearwater Beach’s famous fishing pier at the center of Clearwater Beach.

Depending on personal interests and time of year, many more options await lovebirds, including special events, recreational activities and side trips to area attractions. More details are at the city of Clearwater’s tourism web site, www.visitclearwaterflorida.com and in the free Visitor Guide (which can be ordered online).