Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can Angler’s Beachside Grill hold?
At Angler’s, we have a 5,000+ square foot, top floor private venue that overlooks the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The space easily accommodates up to 150-160 guests, is elevator accessible, and has a private staircase. Within the center of the venue, we have an inviting 20+ person island bar. Guests will also have access to a changing room and private bathrooms.
Can we have a beach ceremony and a reception at Angler’s Beachside Grill?
Absolutely! Besides our wedding reception option, we also offer wedding ceremonies on our white, sandy beach directly behind the restaurant and next to the Okaloosa Island Pier, which makes for beautiful photos. With having the reception venue just a step away from the beach ceremony, there are no longer any worries about traffic, delays, or stress.
While the bride and groom are getting ready for their big event or taking wedding pictures on the beach, guests often find the time to have a drink at one of our downstairs bars, take a walk on the Pier, or stroll down by the water’s edge. Should you encounter inclement weather on your wedding day, we will be happy to set up an arbor inside the reception room (plan B) and host your ceremony indoors. Plan B is only available if you reserve both the beach ceremony and the reception dinner at Angler’s Beachside Grill.
I would like to take a tour of the venue, is that possible? May we taste the food as well?
Of course, we would love you to come and see our venue, as well as the location where we hold our beach ceremonies. Please give us some advance notice of your visit by calling or emailing us, and we can set up an appointment for a tour and discuss your plans for your big event.
Does Angler’s have TVs and a speaker system?
The Angler’s wedding venue has 12 TVs ranging from sizes between 55” up to 86”. Using these TVs, we have options that allow you to show either family videos or photos. These photos can run on a loop for a while, and later they can switch to scenery photos of your choosing. They are also LED – backlit that with a background color of your choosing. Angler’s is also equipped with an amazing 4 zone sound system, which allows music to be played throughout the venue and the bridal changing room. Music can either be played via your smartphone playlist, such as through Spotify/Pandora, or through our playlist of popular music.
So, what about Football? Well, believe it or not, we often get many requests during our fall weddings to have football games on TVs later during the reception. Angler’s has a variety of sports packages that will allow your guests to watch their favorite college football teams or, if on a Sunday, Angler’s also has the NFL ticket!
Can we use our own professionals and vendors such as officiant, DJ, photographer, etc.?
Of course. You are welcome to hire your professionals such as officiant, DJ, photographer, cake master, florist, etc. We have a complete listing of preferred vendors for your convenience as well. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring any alcohol from outside resources. Angler’s Beachside Grill has its liquor license and provides alcoholic beverages for the celebration.
What is the best time for my cake to be dropped off and my DJ to set up at Angler’s?
For all weddings, your private vendors can access the venue up to three hours before the start of your event. With regards to your cake vendor, we suggest that you follow their advice on the best drop off time. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refrigeration or freezer services for any cake or other types of frozen desserts.
What is the difference between a hosted bar and a cash bar?
A hosted bar is when you pay for a certain number of drinks for your guests. You can pay based on the actual number of drinks served (based on actual consumption) or pay for a hosted package, priced by the hour, per guest in attendance. A cash bar is when your guests are responsible for paying for their drinks. You can also have a combined bar, starting with a hosted bar, then turning it into a cash bar after a specific amount of your funds are spent on bar sales.
Will there be a point of contact on the day of the wedding?
Yes, we will have a designated person who will answer all your questions and concerns and ensure that our employees are doing their job correctly and on time. Please keep in mind that this staff member is not your personal wedding planner. We are not the ones who handle making sure that your vendors arrive in time to deliver their services.
Can I bring my own decorations?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own decorations. However, any decorations will be subject to prior approval from Angler’s Event team. Please keep in mind we are not responsible for loss or damage to the decorations that you bring. Furthermore, it will be your responsibility to set up and breakdown all your decorations. If you need our staff’s help, we will have to charge you a small setup/breakdown fee.
Are there any restrictions on the use of candles or other items inside or on the beach?
Yes, at Angler’s we only allow battery-operated candles. We are required by Okaloosa County and the State of Florida to keep our beaches clean of debris that could be hazardous to marine life or birds. Because of this, we do not allow anything to be thrown on the beach such as confetti, flower petals, rice, or other objects.
If I have a different wedding vendor for my beach ceremony, can I use your beach for my ceremony?
Yes, but you still should have an executed contract with us for a wedding reception, which would include a “hold harmless release” agreement for using the beach, as well as a site fee.
Will there be onsite accommodations for our guests?
No, Angler’s Beachside Grill is a restaurant and has no rooms, except the changing room for the brides. It is available to all the brides who are purchasing one of our wedding packages that include the ceremony on the beach and the reception.
Are there different private rooms available at Angler’s Beachside Grill for a smaller crowd?
No, Angler’s Beachside Grill has one private upstairs venue that is popular for any occasion and fits small or large crowds. If you are having an intimate wedding with a smaller number of guests than 15, we have the “Small Wedding Options” that include a beach ceremony and a reception dinner on our screened porch. This, however, will not be private, but we will be able to have a privacy wall to separate you from other dining guests.
Do you have a changing room for the bride and bridesmaids?
For our brides and bridesmaids who require a private room and space to relax before the beach ceremony or to freshen up during the event, we offer a “Bride’s Changing Room” with eight windows that overlook the waters of the Gulf Coast of Mexico! Often the room is full of the bridal party, relaxing, drinking champagne, eating appetizers, and enjoying the view, with lots of smiles and laughs, which will make for great memories.
What kind of venue decorations included in the wedding packages?
All the packages with the reception option include the following venue decorations:
- Tables and chairs,
- White tablecloths and white linen napkins,
- Basic centerpieces,
- Charger plates,
- White melamine wedding plates,
- Silverware,
- Glass water goblets,
- Decorated cake table:
- White table skirt,
- White tablecloths,
- Cake stand,
- Disposable Wedding Cake plates and forks,
- LED candles,
- Lanterns,
- Artificial Greenery
- Personalized wedding welcome sign chalkboard and easel.
- TV screens with pictures of your choice.
- Decorated ceiling with garden lights.
- Sweetheart table:
- White table skirt,
- White tablecloth,
- Plate settings: charger plates, linen napkins, silverware, glass water goblets,
- Mr. and Mrs. Wooden sign,
- Table runner with centerpiece,
- LED candles and lanterns
- Two Comfortable Pottery Barn dining chairs for the couple.
- Decorated guest book table:
- White table skirt,
- White tablecloth,
- LED candles,
- Signs,
- Artificial flowers,
- Card box,
- “Love” light up metal décor,
- Ring for a kiss and other décor
Note: Our packages include decorations and services for up to 50 guests. If the number of your guests is more than 50, it will be an additional fee for each extra guest that attends the reception.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
If you have a pre-booked reception with us following your beach ceremony, we can set up an arbor and make an aisle inside the reception venue. It would be best to decide whether your event will be indoors or outdoors no later than 3 hours before your ceremony start time. Suppose our event team does not hear from the wedding couple 3 hours before the ceremony start time, and the forecast is greater than a 60% chance of showers at the scheduled time of the ceremony. In that case, our staff will automatically prepare for an indoor ceremony. If there is any lightning on the beach within 3 hours of the ceremony start time, our staff will not be permitted to set-up outside, and we must set indoors.
What time can I set up for my reception if I bring my own decorations?
Set-up times vary depending on many factors. We will inform you of a set-up time a couple of weeks before your wedding date. If you require advance set-up/décor time, you may pay an added rental fee for the event space to ensure additional set-up time.
I have a date, but how do I reserve it? What is the deposit? Is it refundable?
If you are ready to book our private venue, we would need to receive a non- refundable deposit of $1,200. Due to COVID-19, we have decided to significantly lower our non – refundable fee, which covers all the expenses associated with obtaining a beach permit, lease fee, and other reservation deposits made to our vendors. We will apply your non-refundable deposit towards the future payment for your event. The fee is due upon signing the reservation agreement. The remaining balance is expected based on the payment agreement provided within your contract.
If you need to cancel the event, please review our cancellation policies within the contract.
Do you charge for the food tasting?
If you have already reserved our venue for your reception dinner, you will be able to have a tasting of two entrees and four sides for free (coupon the “Menu Tasting for Two” in the wedding package). If your wedding package does not include the “Menu Tasting for Two” option, we will be happy to provide you with 50% off the two-entrée and four sides order. If you haven’t reserved our venue for your reception dinner, there won’t be any discount available on the day of the food tasting, however, we will credit the coupon after you sign the contract with us.
What is my food and beverage minimum?
Angler’s food minimum requirement is $35 per adult. We do not have a minimum food requirement for children. You are welcome to order chicken tenders, French fries, mac and cheese bites, etc. from our appetizer menu for young guests.
May I cater food from another vendor?
When do I need to give my final headcount for my wedding?
Usually 6 weeks before your wedding, we will request your final headcount. Everyone, including children over one year old, should be counted in the absolute number of guests. We are flexible when it comes to children, allowing them to order off our children’s menu if they are under 6. Please remember that your vendors get hungry too!! If you intend to feed them, please remember to include them in your guest count.
How long can my reception last?
A typical reception is 4 hours long. If additional time is needed, we will apply extra charge for every extra hour. You are welcome to use our event space until 11:00 pm.
Can we have to-go boxes if there is food leftover?
Due to the Florida Food Safety Guidelines, catered food to an event space may be served for no longer than a 90 minutes duration. After 1,5 hours, we are unable to offer leftovers or to-go boxes. So, no take outs are permitted.