FAQs

Question

COVID

Answer

The health and safety of our friends and family is our highest priority. We can't wait to celebrate with you all, but will continue to monitor the evolving conditions of the pandemic and will provide any updates as they become available. With new variants and changing recommendations, it is difficult to predict the circumstances for January 2023. We understand that travel and event attendance during this time is a deeply personal choice to be considered and offer our love and understanding for those that cannot join us. Please see the below resources for St. Petersburg specific COVID updates: https://www.stpete.org/government/initiatives___programs/race_to_safe.php

Question

Transportation

Answer

Public transport access is very limited in Florida and most places are designed to be accessed exclusively by car. Accordingly, we recommend that our guests plan for car rentals or use ride sharing apps like Lyft and Uber.

Question

Weather

Answer

At this time of year, temperatures average around 70°F (21°C), but can fall as low as 60°F (16°C), especially at night. A light sweater or shawl is recommended for evening. This is the dry season, so we are expecting sunny skies, low humidity, and no (or very few!) pesky mosquitos! In the event of inclement weather on the day of the wedding, we have reserved an indoor space at Sunken Gardens where will still get to enjoy some beautiful views of the gardens. But, keep all your fingers crossed that mother nature will be kind! For those of you who will be staying in the St. Petersburg area for a few days, this is usually a comfortable time of year to enjoy beaches and pools. Ocean water temperatures tend to average around 65°F (18°C) and hotel pools are usually heated to above 70°F (21°C)

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

The gardens close to the public at 4:30 PM EST, so we recommend guests arrive around that time. We are planning for a 5 PM EST ceremony, so you'll have a few minutes to settle in and take a look around the ceremony garden.

Question

Where should guests park? Is parking free?

Answer

Parking is free and should be amply available as the gardens close to the public at 4:30 PM. However, we also encourage ride sharing and carpooling so that you can enjoy a perfectly carefree evening.

Question

Do you have a hotel block for guests? Where do you recommend I stay?

Answer

We have not reserved a hotel block but we recommend taking advantage of the proximity to the ocean by staying in St. Pete's Beach or Clearwater. We will be staying at the Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater and would love for you to join us!

Question

When is the RSVP deadline? Do I need to mail back my RSVP or can I do it online?

Answer

Please RSVP online by 12/01/2022.

Question

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Answer

Most of the garden's paths are very accessible, though some of the stone paths may be uneven in some places and some paths have a slight slope.

Question

What is an 'Unplugged Ceremony'?

Answer

After so long apart, we are excited to be able to share this special event. To help us all be fully present, we ask that you please turn off all phones and cameras during the ceremony. We’ve asked a professional photographer to capture all the best moments so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy it with us. We will be sure to share all the beautiful images taken.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

We recommend semi-formal attire: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses. The ceremony and reception will both take place outside. Temperatures tend to cool in the evening after the sun goes down, so we recommend a light sweater or a shawl to keep you comfortable for the reception. We also greatly encourage our guests to explore the beautiful winding paths of the 4 acre garden, so please plan footwear accordingly.

Question

What about kiddos?

Answer

Because of the historic nature of the gardens and the rarity and delicacy of some of the plants and animals that call the garden home, the venue limits the number of children under 16 that can attend the event. We have many wonderful little ones in our lives and wish we could accommodate them all for this special day. For guests who are travelling with kiddos, professional babysitting can be arranged through many of the hotels.

Question

How do I attend the virtual ceremony?

Answer

We are excited to have an option that makes it easier for the special people in our lives to share this moment with us. No special software is required. A smart phone or computer with an internet connection is all you need. Simply follow this link to join: https://www.zola.com/wedding/ali-luke/event Please do indicate you'll be attending virtually when you RSVP.