We know talking money can feel overwhelming. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of planning celebrations along the Emerald Coast, it’s this:

Clarity is everything.

Especially in a destination market like 30A, where costs vary wildly depending on location, buildout needs, and your guest count, couples deserve honest, empowering information to help guide their decisions.

So let’s pull back the curtain on what different wedding budgets actually look like here, with real numbers based on our planning experience in Rosemary Beach, WaterColor, Alys, Seaside, and beyond.

First, let’s talk per person cost.

When we’re planning weddings in 30A, a helpful benchmark is cost per guest. Why?

Because unlike other markets, venues here often don’t include rentals, catering, or much at all, which means couples are responsible for building nearly every detail from the ground up.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• $1,000 per guest is a realistic average for wedding day costs at venue-based locations like WaterColor LakeHouse, The Pearl, or Rosemary Town Hall. That’s your venue, food, bar, rentals, florals, entertainment, staffing, and planning.
• $1,200 to $1,500 per guest is standard for tented weddings, especially if we’re bringing in flooring, power, a catering tent, lighting, luxury restrooms, and all rentals from scratch.

These figures are for wedding day only. They do not include weekend events like welcome parties, farewell brunches, or guest accommodations.

So what do real budgets look like in this market?

Let’s break it down with three of the most common tiers we see.

The $75,000 Wedding

Small guest list, streamlined design, strong priorities

In 30A, this typically means:

• 50 to 75 guests
• A venue with basic inclusions (like chairs or kitchen access)
• Minimalist but elegant florals
• DJ or smaller entertainment option
• Limited rental upgrades
• No additional weekend events or large transportation needs

It’s doable but requires a lot of strategy and flexibility. The guest experience will still be beautiful, but you’ll likely need to trim extras and focus on what matters most.

The $150,000 Wedding

Full guest wedding day experience with strong design and vendor team

This is the sweet spot for many of our destination couples:

• 100 to 150 guests (depend on the venue selected)
• Elevated design with thoughtful florals, upgraded rentals, and layered lighting
• A full service planner guiding every step
• Premium entertainment (live band or DJ with enhancements)
• Strong vendor support: photo, video, beauty, paper, and gifting
• Private shuttles or transportation for guests

This level allows for comfort, polish, and personalization while still staying within a healthy range for most 30A venues.

The $250,000 Plus Wedding

Custom buildout or full tented weekend experience

At this level, we’re creating a full scale wedding production:

• Often 125 to 175 guests
• Full tented buildout with flooring, climate control, and full kitchen
• Custom design elements and installation pieces
• Multi day events (think: beach welcome party, farewell brunch)
• Luxury rentals, floral ceilings, interactive guest moments
• Premium photography and film teams
• Transportation, staffing, and contingency planning

It’s high touch, high impact, and allows for complete creative control.

Final Thoughts

We say this with so much love: Pinterest isn’t priced.
Your vision can come to life, but it takes intentional planning, especially in a region like 30A where logistics can stack up quickly.

At Elegant Pairings, we’re committed to helping you understand not just what’s possible, but what’s worth it. We design weddings with your priorities at the center, guiding you through every financial decision with honesty and confidence.

So whether you’re dreaming of an elegant LakeHouse ceremony or a tented celebration under the stars, we’re here to help you make the most of your investment and create something unforgettable.

Let’s make the numbers make sense and then turn them into magic.

XO,

Nicole