Luxury Destination Wedding Venue Set to Open in 2026, Now Booking Holiday Parties
By Christopher Manson
The Alice, a spectacular new event venue, located at 109 Calhoun Ave. in Destin, is set to officially launch in January 2026—but is already accepting bookings for holiday parties starting this fall.
General Manager Kristin Sullivan recently and proudly joined the team that has been creating The Alice over the past two-and-a-half years. With extensive property renovations by a skilled team of builders, contractors, electricians, plumbers and landscapers, “There has been nothing spared,” she says. An all-too-brief tour of The Alice evokes vintage elegance and a stunning waterfront view. I am advised that the sunsets here are spectacular!
The main building has had a complete makeover, and a state-of-the-art catering kitchen is being added, along with an indoor bar and two outdoor bar areas.
Kristin has 25 years of industry experience, primarily as a destination wedding manager. Like a marriage made in heaven, she and the owners found each other. “I love it here,” she says. “Being this close to the water every day makes me already feel very connected to my roots growing up in New England and living in Florida for over two decades now.”
The Alice is identifying as a “destination wedding experience,” Kristin says. “We have eight guest cottages across the street that sleep 46. The idea is that our guests arrive on Thursday and stay through Sunday. They can have multiple events on the property.” The cottages, also recently fully renovated, include a pool, a grill station, a fire pit and plentiful parking with more to come. “We’re building an additional 250 parking spots, which will be ready by next year.”
The venue includes six ceremony locations, depending on the size of the group. The deck and multiple lawns are ideal for wedding receptions. The outside will also feature a vintage mobile bar and a tree bar. “Destination weddings give people a period of time to spend with close family and friends in a special place—a lot more time to celebrate together. What we envision is a welcome party on Thursday on one part of the property, watersports from our docks and a rehearsal dinner on Friday, the wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday, and a farewell brunch on Sunday.”
The Alice is named in honor and memory of the owner’s mother, whose pictures are shared on display throughout the property. The partnership with LDV (located next door) enables guests to rent pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles. “The intention is that people will have everything they need on the property,” says Kristin. “We have a 30-slip marina that LDV manages, and the slips are available for lease now. We even have the fun boats with the slides that go right into the water.”
The Alice has joined the local visitor’s bureau (Destin/FWB), the Destin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Florida. “I think it’s very important to establish yourself in the community,” says Kristin. “We need to support each other.”
The grand opening week next January will include a Top Chef Celebrity Dinner and live music with award-winning Coral Reefer Band veteran Mac McAnally. The Alice also plans to host community events—the Young Professionals Organization and a Chamber After Hours, among others—and already has weddings booked through May 2026. Kristin credits word of mouth by the local photographers’ community, tourism partners and social media—“The power of Instagram is amazing.”
If that hasn’t sealed the deal for you, The Alice is happy to host company retreats, board meetings and “any type of celebration or milestone.” And the giant, outdoor stage is perfect for dancing under the stars and beautifully up lit palm trees.
Schedule a tour and discover more at the-alice.com.
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