Manatee County & Anna Maria Island
Manatee County beach wedding permits
Anna Maria Island is split between three cities and Manatee County, and each one issues its own permit. Which office you apply to depends on the exact stretch of sand — and on how many people are coming. Here is who to contact for the beaches couples ask about most.
County property always needs a permit
Manatee County states that all weddings on County property must have a special event permit, whatever the guest count.
Two permits can apply
The county notes that beach events may also require permits from the local municipality, so a county beach inside a city can mean both.
Apply at least 30 days out
Manatee County asks for applications 30+ days ahead. Holmes Beach accepts them from 365 days out; Bradenton Beach special events need 60 days.
Permits are not in your package
Beach permits are arranged separately and paid to the city or county. We will tell you what your chosen beach requires and point you to the right office.
Who issues the permit, beach by beach
Manatee County manages four beaches that can be reserved for a ceremony: Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach. Everything else on the island falls to the city it sits in.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Posted fee | Lead time | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee County beaches Anna Maria Bayfront Park · Manatee Public Beach · Coquina Beach · Cortez Beach | Always All weddings on County property require a special event permit. |
Call to confirm No flat wedding fee is posted; the application also covers deposits and insurance for larger events. |
At least 30 days in advance | Community Engagement Division 941-742-5923 parksevents@mymanatee.org Special event permit → |
| City of Holmes Beach Any portion of the beach within Holmes Beach | Always Wedding Permit / Temporary Use Permit required to use any part of the beach for a wedding. |
$75.00 per application, non-refundable Card payments add a 3.5% non-refundable service fee. |
30–365 days before the event | Ami Cox, Administrative Specialist 941-708-5800 ext. 222 adminspecialist@holmesbeachfl.org Wedding permits → |
| City of Bradenton Beach City beach, south end of the island | By guest count 20–50 attendees: permit required. 19 or fewer: no permit. 51 or more: must move to a private venue or Coquina Beach Park (county). |
$100.00 for a 20–50 attendee wedding event | Special events: 60 days prior | Building & Planning Wedding & special events → |
| City of Anna Maria North end — includes Bean Point area access | 15+ attendees Special Event Permit required for beach weddings and wedding receptions with fifteen or more attendees. |
Call to confirm Fee is not published on the permit page. |
Confirm when applying | Code Enforcement / City Clerk Applications go through the city Citizen Portal Special event permits → |
Rules that shape the setup
These come straight from the issuing authorities and tend to decide what your ceremony can look like.
- Holmes Beach: no alcohol or glass, no dance floors, no dogs, sky lanterns, balloons, fireworks, grills or generators. No parking in the FDOT right-of-way — the city points guests to free parking at Manatee County Public Beach.
- Manatee County application: asks for expected daily attendance, tent size, whether open-flame catering or food trucks are used, and whether alcohol will be served. Events with projected attendance of 101–999 carry a refundable deposit, and the county requires a certificate of insurance.
- Over 100 guests: the county application specifically asks whether you have contacted the municipality — expect to deal with both offices.
- Cancellations: Manatee County pavilion rentals cancelled with less than two weeks’ notice are not refunded, and a cancellation or reschedule fee may apply.
- Sea turtle nesting season runs through the warmer months on Gulf beaches and brings lighting and setup restrictions. Confirm the current dates and conditions with the issuing office when you apply.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a small elopement on Anna Maria Island?
On a Manatee County beach, yes — the county requires a special event permit for all weddings on County property regardless of size. In Bradenton Beach, a wedding with 19 or fewer attendees does not need a city permit. Holmes Beach requires a permit for any wedding using any portion of its beach. The City of Anna Maria sets its threshold at 15 attendees.
Could I need two permits for one ceremony?
Yes. Manatee County notes that beach events may also require permits from the local municipality. A county-managed beach that sits inside a city can involve both offices, which is another reason to start early.
Is the permit included in your wedding package?
No. Beach permits are arranged separately and paid directly to the city or county. What we do is tell you which office applies to your chosen beach, what they ask for, and how the timing fits your ceremony window.
Is this the same as a marriage licence?
No. A beach permit is permission to hold the ceremony in that location. A Florida marriage licence is separate paperwork from a county clerk, and it is what makes the marriage legal.
Planning a ceremony on the island?
Tell us the beach and the date and we will confirm which office issues the permit, what they currently charge, and how far ahead they need the application.
Last reviewed 12 August 2026 against the official Manatee County, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and City of Anna Maria pages. Fees, thresholds and lead times change — always verify with the issuing office before booking vendors. Where an authority does not publish a wedding fee, this page says “call to confirm” rather than guessing.