A beautiful bride walks across the sugar-white sand to meet her groom under a decorated floral arch. Emerald-green waves lap gently against the sand as music floats across the semi-private beach from the musicians in the gazebo. There once was a time when brides-to-be dreaming of a beautiful beach wedding had to travel to the islands of the Caribbean. Even then, the beach wedding of their dreams came at a cost - high destination travel costs often meant a tropical island ceremony that did not include family and friends.

Panama City Beach offers a beautiful - and affordable - alternative to high-priced resort weddings. The white sand and emerald waters of Panama City Beach are the perfect background for unforgettable wedding memories. The area has professional wedding planners who specialize in creating beautiful and unique beach weddings. And the destination's hotels and resorts insure that family and friends can afford to participate in the bride and groom's special day. Panama City Beach is easily accessibly by car from most major cities in the Southeast and offers convenient daily air service through Bay County/Panama City International Airport.

Destination weddings have experienced a three-fold increase in popularity over the last five years, according to bridal industry sources. This increase can be attributed to the fact that couples are seeking new and unique wedding experiences. Panama City Beach bridal consultants offer wedding packages that can be customized to reflect the personal preferences of each couple. From intimate sunset weddings for two to the ultimate beach wedding for 50 guests, the options are limitless. Panama City Beach even has its own Beach Wedding Chapel for couples wanting to get near - but not on - the beach. For couples ready to take the plunge - literally - one Panama City Beach wedding planner even offers a special "Divers Wedding" package where couples can get hitched beneath the waves in Panama City Beach, the area known as the "Shipwreck Capital of the South." And in Panama City Beach, brides can afford to make their dream beach wedding a reality with packages starting at less than $500.

After the vows have been exchanged, newlyweds will find plenty to do in Panama City Beach for the rest of their honeymoon. The area features excellent dining in some of the best seafood restaurants in the South. Romantic dinner cruises are the best way to experience the breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets. Championship golf, fun attractions and even spa pampering round out the list of popular activities. Most couples simply enjoy lounging on the beach and basking in their newly made, unforgettable wedding memories.

Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from Conde Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.