Deborah Chan
Planning a beach wedding comes with unique challenges and considerations. From navigating permits and licences to dealing with the natural elements, there's a lot to think about. You'll need to decide on a location, whether that's a beach close to home or a destination wedding, and consider the time of year and day to avoid the worst of the weather and busy periods. You'll also need to think about the technical details, such as power supply for lighting and audio, and decor that can withstand beach winds. It's a good idea to hire a wedding planner who can help with the legwork and ensure you have everything you need for your special day.
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What You'll Learn
Permits, licences, and fees
In California, for example, you can obtain a marriage licence in any county. Both parties must appear in person and bring valid photo identification to the County Clerk's Office. A marriage licence is valid for 90 days, and there are no refunds if it expires or if you change your plans. Some beaches in California may not require a permit if your wedding is small and you do not plan on setting up chairs, an arbor, or other structures. However, if you have more than 25 guests, you will likely need a permit.
In Orange County, some public beaches and parks require permits and use fees to hold and reserve a date and time for your wedding. Wedding permits are also required for beaches in Laguna Beach, with fees ranging from $396 to $492, plus a $10 processing fee. In San Diego, most beaches that allow ceremonies only permit up to 50 people and require minimal ceremony setups. Huntington Beach issues wedding permits for $110, but additional fees may apply depending on setups and guests.
In Oregon, wedding beach permits are typically not required if your wedding has fewer than 50 people. In Washington, you need to obtain a special activities permit, and it is recommended to apply at least 60 days in advance for review of your application.
It is important to note that wedding sites on public beaches must remain accessible to the public, and you cannot rope off or reserve your wedding area. Additionally, liability insurance may be required to obtain a permit, and some locations may have rules regarding guest count, alcohol, bonfires, and music.
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Choosing a venue and date
Once you've decided on the location, it's time to select a specific venue. If you're considering a public beach, keep in mind that some beaches require permits for weddings, especially if you plan to reserve a section of the beach or have a large guest count. Research the specific rules and regulations of your chosen beach, as some have restrictions on guest count, alcohol, bonfires, and music. Permits can vary in cost, with some beaches charging per day or based on the number of guests. Others may have attendance restrictions or require liability insurance. It is recommended to start the permit process early, as some locations issue permits up to a year in advance.
When choosing a date, consider the time of year and day of the week. Weekends and holidays tend to attract more beachgoers, so weekdays may offer more privacy and cooler temperatures. Check tide charts to avoid high tides that could interfere with your ceremony, and be mindful of the forecast to prepare for unexpected weather. Additionally, consider the time of day for optimal lighting and comfort. Morning or late afternoon ceremonies can help guests avoid the hottest parts of the day.
If you're open to a beachfront resort or condo wedding, you can benefit from dedicated spaces and in-house vendors, simplifying the planning process. However, this option may offer fewer personalisation choices and deal-making opportunities. Consult with the resort manager or condo owner to understand their requirements and fees.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the comfort and accessibility of your guests. Provide a welcome package with essentials like travel-sized sunscreen, hand towels, fans, and bottled water. Ensure that rentals, such as chairs and tables, can be easily delivered to the site and that elderly or disabled guests have access to transportation options like golf carts.
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Guest comfort and accessibility
Weather Conditions: Beach weddings are typically chosen for their beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with high temperatures, strong winds, and the possibility of unexpected storms. To ensure your guests' comfort, consider the following:
- Choose a suitable time of day for the ceremony, avoiding the hottest hours. Mornings or late afternoons are often ideal.
- Provide shade with wind-proof tents or canopies to protect guests from the sun and potential rain.
- Ensure the ceremony site has sufficient shade, especially if children or elderly guests will be in attendance.
- If it's a windy day, avoid lightweight decorations and opt for sturdy rentals like chairs and arbors. Secure any place cards, vases, or other lightweight items with string or adhesives to prevent them from blowing away.
Accessibility: When selecting your beach venue, consider the accessibility needs of your guests. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Choose a site that is easily navigable for all guests, especially older relatives and young attendees.
- Check if the site is handicap accessible. If not, inquire about alternative transportation methods, such as golf cart rentals, for elderly or disabled guests.
- Consider the distance from the parking area to the ceremony site. If it's a lengthy walk, provide a shuttle service or golf carts to transport guests, ensuring convenience and comfort.
Permits and Guest Count: Depending on the location of your beach wedding, you may need to obtain a permit, especially if you have a large guest count or want to reserve a specific area. Research the requirements of your chosen beach, as some have rules regarding guest counts, alcohol, bonfires, and music. Obtaining the necessary permits will ensure your event complies with local regulations and helps manage guest expectations.
Guest Amenities: To make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable, consider providing a welcome package with essentials such as travel-sized sunscreen, hand towels, fans, and bottled water. These small touches can go a long way in ensuring your guests have a pleasant experience, especially in a beach setting.
By carefully considering these aspects of guest comfort and accessibility, you can create a memorable and enjoyable beach wedding experience for everyone.
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Decor and flowers
Take advantage of the beautiful coastal surroundings and choose natural decorations that are readily available, like seashells, branches, sea glass, and driftwood. You can create unique bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party by collecting or purchasing seashells and combining them with silk flowers or beach-appropriate greenery. You can also use tropical leaves like palm leaves and pampas grass as a beautiful and cost-effective alternative to a traditional flower bouquet.
If you want to include flowers, you can ask your wedding florist to put their own spin on a beachy, boho arrangement by using flowers like blush roses, rust orange cymbidium orchids, air plants, and assorted greenery. You can also opt for a classic white rose and peony bouquet with asymmetrical stems of gorgeous phalaenopsis orchids. For a no-frills beach wedding bouquet, stick to a green and white color palette with elements like eucalyptus, roses, and greenery. Vibrant tropical flowers like hibiscus, orchids, or birds of paradise can also add a colourful touch to your bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements.
When choosing the right wedding flowers, consider a beach wedding bouquet that will be able to withstand warmer temperatures and wind while looking beautiful against an ocean backdrop. Tropical wedding flowers like orchids and lilies do very well in beach climates. Plumeria is another wonderful choice that will not wilt easily under the sun and will add a tropical punch to your decorations. If you want to include roses, which are available in every colour imaginable, be sure to take steps to limit their time in the heat.
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Attire and accessories
When it comes to beach wedding attire, it's important to consider the weather and the potential impact of the elements on your chosen outfit. Beach weddings are often held in warm climates, so lightweight and breathable fabrics are usually a good choice. However, it's also important to be prepared for unexpected gusts of wind or changes in temperature.
For brides, a long, flowing dress made from lightweight fabric can be a beautiful choice, but it's worth considering how it will fare in the wind. A shorter hemline or a dress with a slit can make it easier to move around, especially if you plan on walking on the sand. If you have your heart set on a veil, be prepared for it to blow in the wind and consider securing it with a pretty hair accessory or opting for a shorter veil.
Grooms and groomsmen might want to consider a more casual look, such as a linen suit or a light-coloured blazer with trousers. Again, the wind is something to consider, so opting for a more fitted style or securing loose items with clips or weights can be a good idea.
For everyone in the wedding party, it's important to think about comfort. Sandals or wedges are often a good choice for footwear, as they are easier to walk in on the sand. Avoid dark colours and heavy fabrics that will absorb the heat and opt for light, breathable materials that will keep you cool.
Accessories can be a great way to add a touch of glamour or fun to your beach wedding attire. Hats, sunglasses, and fans can be both practical and stylish, while also doubling as favours for your guests. For brides, a pair of statement earrings or a colourful hair accessory can add a touch of beachy elegance. Grooms might want to consider a fun, themed boutonnière or a pair of colourful socks.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the potential impact of the elements on your accessories. Avoid anything too delicate or lightweight that might blow away, and secure items like place cards, vases, and photos with string, adhesives, or heavy objects if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you may need a permit to have a wedding on a public beach. Some beaches allow small weddings on a first-come, first-served basis, but many public beaches require a permit regardless of the guest count. If you have a large guest count or want to reserve a section of the beach for a certain amount of time, you will likely need a permit.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a beach for your wedding. Firstly, the time of year and day of the week—weekends, sunsets and holidays tend to attract a lot of beachgoers, so you may want to consider a weekday morning or sunset to avoid the crowds. You should also check the tide times to avoid an unexpected flood at high tide. In addition, you should consider the forecast and have a contingency plan in case of rain or storms.
Beach weddings come with some unique challenges, such as the infamous beach winds, which may affect your decor and sound system. You may need to windproof and weigh down some of your decor, and consider a windscreen for your microphone. In addition, some beaches have rules about guest count, alcohol, bonfires, and music, so be sure to research this in advance.
To make your guests comfortable, consider providing a welcome package with essentials like travel-sized sunscreen, hand towels, fans, and bottled water. You should also provide some shade with a tent or canopy, especially if children or elderly people will be in attendance.
