The Island Resort

If you want the laid-back spirit of a beach wedding but still want structure, staff, and solid service to back it up, The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is the sweet spot. Located directly on the white sand beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast, this beachfront resort delivers the full wedding weekend experience—sun, sand, ceremony, and celebration—all without the stress of piecing together multiple vendors and venues.

What makes this place stand out is its ability to host both large-scale affairs and smaller, more intimate events. From the ceremony space to the reception hall to where you and your guests lay your heads at night, everything is in one spot, and it’s all walkable. That alone makes the logistics of your wedding weekend drastically easier.

Ceremony & Reception Spaces

There are several standout options depending on your vision:

• Island Green – This beachfront lawn is what destination wedding dreams are made of. It’s spacious enough to accommodate up to 500 guests and backs directly onto the Gulf. With no need for heavy décor, this venue lets the natural beauty shine—perfect for sunset vows and open-air receptions.
• Maui Ballroom – At nearly 5,000 square feet, this is the main indoor event space. It’s ideal for receptions with room for dining, dancing, and extras like photo booths or dessert stations. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light, and its neutral tones make it easy to style.
• Capri Ballroom – A more intimate option, this room is great for rehearsal dinners or welcome receptions. It offers the same polish as the larger spaces but on a cozier scale.
• Fiji Room – With 2,100 square feet, this space works well for pre-event gatherings or as a private bridal prep space with lots of natural light. It’s versatile, with room for lounge furniture or a hair and makeup setup.
• The Island Suite – A four-bedroom suite built for wedding day prep. This massive, two-bathroom suite includes a large deck with ocean views, a kitchenette, and plenty of space for bridesmaids, stylists, and the photographer to all work without tripping over each other.

Services & Coordination

The in-house wedding team is experienced and capable—something every destination bride or groom needs. Whether you’re local or planning from out of state, their planners help guide you through vendor recommendations, layout design, and a seamless day-of timeline. They know how to work with both full-service planners and hands-on couples who want control of the details.

Available services include:

• Ceremony and reception setup and teardown
• Day-of coordination
• Access to preferred vendor list
• Flexible bar packages (open bar, cash bar, custom cocktail offerings)
• Full-service catering with customizable menus (plated or buffet)
• Dance floors, tables, chairs, linens, and staging for entertainment

Accommodations & Guest Experience

With over 330 guest rooms and suites, the resort is big enough to host your full wedding party and out-of-town guests in one place. Many rooms have private balconies, ocean views, and direct beach access.

Group room blocks are available, and the hotel offers a generous variety of room styles to suit different budgets. Your guests will also enjoy:

• Two resort-style pools (one beachfront with a grotto bar)
• Direct beach access with chair and umbrella service
• On-site dining, including a beach bar and seafood restaurant
• A fitness center, fire pits, and recreational games on the lawn
• Walkability to nearby beach shops and attractions

What Guests Say

The feedback is consistently positive about the friendliness of the staff, the location, and the smooth flow of wedding day events. Couples love that they don’t have to move their guests between ceremony and reception sites, and many mention how having everything in one place helped them actually enjoy their wedding day. The beach views are another major highlight, especially during golden hour when the photos are at their most stunning.

For a Florida beach wedding that’s equal parts relaxing and well-run, The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach offers the kind of setting that feels like a vacation but functions like a finely tuned event. Let engine.com help you coordinate room blocks, event timelines, and vendor logistics to make the most of this all-in-one destination.