photo by David Meardon

West Wind Inn Wedding Services
At the inn we realize how special a wedding should be. To help things run smoothly, please keep the following things in mind as you make your plans:

• In order to have a reception or any group food service here, there must be a minimum of 20 room nights reserved (e.g., 5 rooms for 4 nights or 10 rooms for 2 nights, etc.)
• Normally, receptions from mid-February through Easter are limited due to it being High Season on the Island.
• We can accommodate receptions up to 40 people in our private room - for larger functions we can recommend other facilities nearby.
• We can offer outdoor functions. Major food functions require a minimum of 30 people. However, smaller gatherings with limited service are available (e.g., small weddings on the beach, a Champagne toast, etc.) There is no charge for the actual ceremony on the beach.
• Tents may be used in conjunction with outdoor functions, costs to be borne by the wedding party. There is a West Wind Inn site fee of $500 when tents are used. The inn must approve tent usage and location.
• Wedding reception menus available - from simple Champagne toast, to sit-down meals, to pool side BBQs. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the West Wind Inn.
• We can recommend music services for your party. Local ordinance requires that music stops at 9:30 p.m.
• West Wind Inn can suggest wedding consultants, caterers (for those larger functions we can't handle), churches, florists, bakeries, hairdressers, limousine service, tuxedo rental, etc.
• Dress on the Island is casual resort wear.
• Special West Wind Inn gifts for the wedding couple who stay here.
• Be environmentally in-tune by not using rice or even birdseed for the celebration. We offer individual bubble bottle keepsakes for $0.50 a bottle.

Marriage License Information

Where to apply: Marriage license can be acquired Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. legal holidays at the Clerk of Courts Office, 1831 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, Florida. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; best to apply early in day to avoid traffic. Licenses are available to both Florida residents and non-residents. Process takes 15-20 minutes. Marriage licenses can be issued from any county in the State of Florida. Requirements vary.

When to apply: Licenses are issued immediately upon application and valid for 60 days from date of issue.

Identification: Couple must appear together and must be 18 years old or over. I.D. such as valid drivers license or passport showing picture and signature is required. For second marriage, date previous marriage ended is required. If in last 3 months bring certified copy of divorce or death certificate. If legal name differs from name on drivers license then birth certificate is needed.

Blood Test: A blood test is not required in the State of Florida.

Waiting Period: No waiting period for couples from out of state or out of the country. There is a three-day waiting period or four hours of premarital counseling required for Florida residents.

Fee: Marriage license is $93.50 (cash only).