Beach Weddings Made Simple

Have you ever thought about eloping? Most eager couples turn to Elvis in Las Vegas or a notary at the local courthouse, but perhaps there is another option.

Weddings On a Whim specializes in small Florida beach weddings along the coast of Clearwater to St. Petersburg. Their team consists of licensed professionals to perform and certify marriages.

Gayle Liteheart founded Weddings On a Whim "to help simplify and lighten the loving experience of getting married." She is one of the dozen officiants and wedding ministers to choose from on their wedding team.

From photographers to ministers, all wedding necessities are a one-stop shop at Weddings On a Whim's “simply romantic worry free weddings.” According to their website, Weddings On a Whim only needs a few days notice to put together a small wedding.

“Our vision is to acknowledge, embrace and encourage relationships that support, strengthen and lift one another and our world,” said Liteheart.

Basic ceremony packages start at $250 dollars, which include: choosing a location, a list of vows and ceremony readings, a wedding day checklist, a licensed wedding professional, a notarized legalization, and a marriage certificate keepsake.

Coupons for free customized cake toppers, wedding package specials, and discounts on floral arrangements are located on the Weddings On a Whim website. Links to make travel plans, see sample beach wedding attire, and view a demo video of their services are also accessible on the site.

Sounds simple, but do couples actually get married using this online wedding planner? Since 2001, more than a thousand couples have gotten married with Weddings On a Whim. The Boron newly-weds were one of the couples to recently use the sites services.

“We are not typically beach people, but we saw pictures on Weddings On a Whim and decided it would be a beautiful location to elope," said the Boron newly-weds.

At 6 p.m. on May 24, 2011 Phil and Jodi Boron were married on Treasure Island near the Public Beach & Snack Bar on Gulf Boulevard. They met through mutual friends three years ago and started dating in 2010.

After getting engaged a few months ago, the couple decided to get away from their homes in Palm Beach Gardens and get married in Tampa Bay.

"We really came for Busch Gardens and the Lighting game," the 36-year-old groom said.

At first it was going to be a secret. Just a few weeks before, they decided to invite a few family members to witness their union.

"I didn't want to deny my mother the right to see me get married, or any of our other family members," the 24-year-old bride said.

Following their vows, sunset photos on the beach, and a toast under the pavilion, the newly-weds and six family members took a white limo to Bern's Steak House in Tampa.

Phil and Jodi spent their honeymoon at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, Busch Gardens, and the Lightning hockey game.

Weddings On a Whim is open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and evenings by appointment only. After hours customers can submit wedding questions and information online.