At over 450 years old, Pensacola is one of the oldest European settlements in the United States. The history and culture of this great city is vast. Unknown to many, Pensacola predates St. Augustine (1565) and Jamestown (1607). In 1559, Spanish settlers arrived in Pensacola, but in 1561, a hurricane destroyed the settlement and the Spanish quickly abandoned Pensacola. It was not until 1698 the Spanish reestablished Pensacola permanently. Since then Pensacola has been under the possession of the Spanish, French, British, United States, and Confederate States, prompting the city’s nickname “The City of Five Flags.”
Today, a historic district of parks and plazas reflects the city’s diversity in downtown Pensacola, boasting a mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, pubs, and the site of our wedding ceremony, the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, built in 1886. We are excited to have our beginnings blessed at our beautiful Basilica. The site of our wedding reception, the Pensacola Museum of Art, was built in 1906 as the city’s first permanent jail. We will leave the “ball and chain” jokes to our guests.
Just a short drive from our downtown you will find yourself on pristine gulf-front where you will be surrounded by sugar-white beaches and crystal clear waters. October on Pensacola Beach is truly the most beautiful month of the year. We cannot wait to have you here for our wedding celebration and hope you enjoy your time in Pensacola as much as we enjoy living here! See you soon!