There’s just something majestic associated with beach weddings. Maybe it’s the sound of waves crashing against the shore, or perhaps the smell of the saltwater air. Regardless, many couples are choosing to get married on the beach. But if you’re considering a beach wedding, you should be aware of the following.
Many Beaches Charge for Weddings
Even if it’s free to visit the beach for a day of fun-in-the-sun and relaxation, you’ll probably have to pay to get married here. Typically, either the local Parks & Recreation or Marine Department sell permits that allow couples to get married on their beach. These permits can range anywhere from $100 to $10,000+. You’ll have to call around and get quotes to determine exactly how much your beach wedding will cost.
They Won’t Close the Beach
Unless it’s a private beach, the city probably won’t close the beach for your beach. You can still set up your chairs and decorations, but your photos may include other beach-goers in the background. Again, this is something you’ll have to check with the local city. Most cities in the U.S., however, will not close the beach for a wedding.
Bad Weather Comes Fast
Mother Nature can always throw you a curveball, regardless of where you get married. However, sudden weather changes are more common along the coast. You may have clear sunny skies one minute, only to discover dark rain clouds rolling over the horizon the next. If you’re planning to exchange vows on the beach, make sure there’s a covered facility nearby in case of bad weather.
There’s a Lot of Background Noise
Background noise from waves, other beach-goers, and nearby traffic can muffle your wedding. This is why it’s a good idea to invest in high-quality sound equipment when planning a beach wedding.
Parking is Hectic for Guests
Something else to consider when getting married on the beach is parking and transportation for guests. Traditional wedding venues typically offer plenty of on-site parking, but this isn’t the case for beaches. Since you’ll have to share parking with other beach-goers, guests may have trouble finding a place to park. One solution is to book rooms for your guests at a nearby hotel with private parking so they can simply walk to the beach.
Hopefully, this doesn’t discourage you from getting married on the beach. Rather, it should provide insight into what to expect from a beach wedding.
Photo credit: Hongsik Park