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The Residence Inn, Amelia Island
The brand new Residence Inn Amelia Island is the beautiful young bride of the island's romantic wedding scene. Just a short walk to the beach, this all-suite hotel features chic décor and a full gourmet kitchen in every suite, as well as state-of-the-art amenities, an inviting heated pool and hot tub, and sophisticated reception spaces. Add to that the ease of their shuttle service, a full hot breakfast, evening social receptions, and close proximity to attractions, and you get a fabulous resort experience, all at a surprisingly affordable price.The hotel may be just a year old, but bridal parties benefit from an experienced and exceptional staff that can handle anything expected or unexpected. Guests also love the hotel's ideal location: it is set right in the middle of the island, only two blocks from the beach, yet close to an array of restaurants and shops, as well as historic Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch.
"We did 15 receptions in our first year, and each of those gatherings was lovely and very special… it's perfect for small intimate groups of up to 80 people" says Dottie Richards, Director of Sales and Marketing. Richards notes that the Residence Inn is ideally suited to those who want a beach wedding, but with all the comforts of home close at hand. "Guests can use our shuttle service to go to the beach, or anywhere around the island. And, as an all-suite hotel, we offer plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable, as well as providing a great base for celebrating and exploring the island."
Fast becoming a favorite with couples from Atlanta, South Georgia, Jacksonville, and beyond, the Residence Inn prides itself in being a part of Amelia Island's unique beauty. Tucked away in a cove, the hotel chose to preserve a sand dune bordering its property and has even been certified as one of Florida's Green Lodging Hotels. To the south, it borders the entrance to Egan's Creek Greenway, 300 acres of wildlife preserve, rich in natural vegetation and great for biking or hiking. Each spacious, modern suite is accented with nature photography by local photographer Roger Moore, keeping guests in an island mood.
The hotel's Tides Terrace is a beautiful poolside oasis, complete with a cozy fire pit surrounded by comfortable contemporary seating. The Tides Terrace is a distinctive area for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal parties, brunches, or bridal teas. Brides can also feel free to indulge their creative side, as one recent bride did: "She had collected antique bottles, which she filled with colorful wildflowers," remembers Richards. "Often brides simply use sand-filled vases and incorporate shells and coral into their table-scapes for a beautiful island look. Several have even had paper lanterns hung. The space really lends itself to many different decorating styles." For beach ceremonies, brides have made a grand entrance onto the beach in creative ways, with horse-drawn buggies or classic cars, including one who arrived at the ceremony on the jump seat of a Model T!Guests rave about the value the Residence Inn Amelia Island provides, with resort-style amenities that usually come paired with higher price tags. Wedding parties also appreciate the way the hotel offers something for every member of the family: children can swim in the pool; grandparents can bird-watch; and couples can soak in the hot tub and then walk down to watch the sun set from Sliders' nearby Tiki Bar. Even pets are welcome to stay and share in the fun.
"Our niche is that we really do provide experiences for everyone, with great service," says Richards, who is currently finalizing a February Month of Love promotion offering special treats and activities to celebrate romance. Perhaps it will inspire some proposals—and the next wave of savvy couples who will choose this stylish and convenient venue as the home base for their big day.
