Beach Weddings

Beach weddings can be held at the ocean, lake or lagoon.  It can be held on the sand, on a deck, a pier, a gazebo on the beach or a veranda overlooking the ocean.  It can be the two of you or an elaborate family affair. 

Most beach weddings are held through a hotel on the beach, renting a condo or renting a beach house.

Your family can turn your beach wedding into an extended family vacation.  The family rents condos on the beach and one condo is the host condo.  The wedding takes place either on the beach or in the condo areas, the reception is held in the host condo.  You can have the event catered by a local caterer.  This is becomming a very popular wedding option for beach weddings. 

Another option is renting a beach front vacation home to use as a base for the wedding.  The family hosts the wedding at the vacation home, the wedding is on the beach front at the home.   The reception is at the home either inside or outside. The bride and groom may elect to stay at a hotel or condo instead of with the family. 

Your beach wedding can be held at a hotel using the hotel as home base.  There are hotels on the beach that specialize in weddings.  A family member is getting married on a large veranda at a hotel overlooking the ocean.  The reception will be in the hotel and on the veranda.  They'll take photos on the beach.

You may find a state park where you can take out permits and marry on the beach.  One couple I know rented the park's shelter and decorated it like a tropical garden. They held the wedding on the beach, and a picnic reception in the shelter.  The cost was under $100 for the entire rental and permit. 

You'll need to research the marriage licence requirements of the state and if any permits are needed for the wedding.  Most beach areas have wedding consultants and coordinators who will gladly help you make all your wedding arrangements.  

 A wedding consultant who handles beach weddings in the area you choose for your wedding can be a lifesaver.  They'll help you through the planning and helping you obtain an officiant and getting your marriage licence.

Tips for a beach wedding:

Have a plan "B" in case the weather doesn't cooperate.  Have an indoor venue if a storm is brewing.  I've even had brides tell me they were able to move the wedding time to later in the day once the storm had passed.  

Make sure the tide is out at the time of your wedding.  There is nothing like getting married on the beach at sunset only to find that the tide has swallowed up the sand. 

If you are getting married on the sand, don't wear heels.  The heel will anchor in the sand and you won't be able to walk.

Make sure your dress is hemmed so you can walk on the sand without tripping.

Don't buy a dress with an extra long train or you will end up dragging it in the sand. 

Go easy on the sparkle makeup.  It will reflect on the beach from the sun and the water and may make your pictures reflective.   Choose a more matte finish makeup.

The ocean breezes can sometimes be chilly.  Find a shawl that matches your dress just in case!

Practice your beach wedding hairdo.  If its windy, you don't want your hair in your face during the ceremony.

Make sure your veil is not flying in your face during the ceremony because of the wind.  Many brides don't wear veils on the beach for that reason.  A tiara or flowers completes the look. 

Make sure you and your groom both have on some form of sunscreen if you are getting married on the beach during the day.  A sunburn on your honeymoon won't be any fun!

If you wear contact lenses, keep some eye drops in your new husband's pocket.  Sand in your eyes can ruin your wedding ceremony.   If you have to, wear sunglasses!

Make sure your photographer is experienced at taking photos at the beach.  The sunlight bouncing off the water is hard to photograph by an amateur photographer.

Schedule the time of the wedding where you will not be under the blistering sun.  The sun will be hottest at noon and during the early afternoon.  Most weddings are scheduled at sunrise or sunset.  The afternoons will also be crowded with people enjoying the beach.  If they see a wedding, they'll be naturally curious.  I admit it, I've watched beach weddings. 

Check local beach ordinances for rules regarding serving food, alcohol, fires, grills, etc.    Some beaches may require a permit.  Do your homework. 

If you are serving food on the beach, make sure there aren't ordinances against it.  Also, keep in mind you need to make sure the food you serve has been properly refrigerated in the warm temperatures so no one gets sick.

Make sure the beach access will be easy for all your guests.  If you have elderly grandparents, make sure they can easily navigate to the wedding site without any obstacles.  If they have problems standing, please make some accomodations so they can enjoy your wedding. 

And make sure you can navigate easily in your wedding dress without getting it caught on any objects.  If necessary, have someone hold your train up until you reach the wedding spot.

Beach Beauty Tips:

A photographer who specializes in beach weddings just gave me this great photo tip. She said that if the bride's hair is too dark, it casts a shadow on her face in the pictures. She advises the bride add highlights to the front of her hair so the light bounces off her hair instead of being absorbed into her dark hair.

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