No Grayton wedding?? Denied!

[Fishhead]

Thanks for the positive replies! I was starting to think that my "small family gathering" was about as toxic to Grayton as an oil slick!
I'll try to find an understanding homeowner who will trust that my quiet, sensible family is not going to hire a DJ and light fireworks off the roof. I do think that the wedding will be just as meaningful and legal without a band, lighting director, caterer and ice sculptures! (but don't tell the wedding planners!)

 

[Paula]

A small quiet wedding celebration seems just fine to me for Grayton Beach. As people said, it's the few people who abuse the rentals that make it hard on everyone. If Rivard won't rent to you, then try other agencies or go to an online source that provides direct by owner rentals. You could leave a note in the rental unit's guest book about how wonderful they were to help you have a great wedding experience.

 

[seacrestgirl]

I totally get why someone may be hesitant to rent to a group for a party.....I would. Afterall, they don't know you or what your values are. I am sure many homeowners have gotten burned in the past, so you have to understand their hesitation. Good luck on your wedding...it sound like it will be wonderful!

 

[Fishhead]

I totally understand- one bad apple, etc... For all the homeowners know, we could be a family of crackheads off Jersey Shore who want to bulldoze the beach to accommodate our super-sized DJ booth.
But we're not.
So I'll find a way to make it work. It's all good.

 

[joho]

So I just got off the phone with the Rivard people who seemed terrified at the prospect of me renting a house for a tiny, casual beach wedding. They said that people are trying to discourage beach weddings and that I'd have to go through a planner. I am SO not a "wedding planner" kinda gal. I just wanted a few friends and family, some beers, some crab dip and hot dogs by pool, not a giant Kardashian-sized blowout! What's going on here? I've always loved Grayton and dreamed about a simple service on my favorite white sands. I feel so denied!

FH

The parking in Grayton is terrible. If you had 20 people in 10 cars it would be an issue for your guest.
I've been to weddings on the beach in "Grayton" State Park that were beautiful, private, and plenty of parking.
You don't have to completely rule out "Grayton".

 

[Jdarg]

Fishhead- you sound wonderful! Best of luck to you and your fiance! Did you ever think that planning a wedding would open up such a can of worms?

We love seeing people get married at Grayton- we have seen many weddings like you describe. I think if you just keep with your plans of a simple, wonderful wedding, you will be fine. This is how the weddings went for many years- until it became big business to have the wedding houses and such.

But like many others, we hate seeing the rental houses packed with 40+ people and feel bad for the neighbors (residents and visitors) who thought they were living or vacationing without parking, noise, and other large-gathering chaos ensuing. It is one thing for my neighbor's kid getting married and they have a wonderful wedding - once (hopefully ha ha). It is totally another if they host a wedding every single weekend that interferes with the neighborhood. I guess this will all come down to whose rights are more important. I am sorry that these big-a$$ rental houses sit vacant, but deciding to turn them into wedding venues to make up for lost income is not a good thing for the community.

Venues that are zoned commercial do exist- Bentley's on the Bay is a great example of where to go if you want a big wedding, or a place like Emerald Grande in Destin.

 

[Fishhead]

No big wedding!!!! No, mom, no!!!

But thanks for the tip!

 

[Jdarg]

No big wedding!!!! No, mom, no!!!

But thanks for the tip!

I get it. My wedding was small and perfect. And if we had had a little more time to plan, maybe we would have driven down to Grayton Beach to get married!

And Joho is correct- the parking in Grayton IS terrible- there are several beach accesses with parking AND bathrooms that are much easier for you and your guests. Or PM me when you get closer to wedding time- I bet we can line up a couple of SoWallers with beach permits that can haul a small group out to the beach.

 

[Fishhead]

So generous! All those good vibes I've always felt from Grayton folks!

 

[Kurt]

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