The Ultimate Embankment Nuptials Checklist

And so yous want an actual toes-in-the-sand wedding ceremony, huh?

A bride and groom say their vows on the beach in Tulum, Mexico

Sean Melt Weddings

Unless you're getting married at an oceanfront venue or privately-owned embankment, there are a bunch of logistics yous have to consider earlier plunking downwardly your chuppah on public sand!

But don't worry — we've got you covered. A embankment wedding comes with some unique challenges, then nosotros've put together The Ultimate Embankment Nuptials Checklist to make planning your "celebration on the sand" a bit easier. Beneath yous'll find the nitty-gritty details and questions to ask—all in one identify!

Newlyweds kiss in front of the ocean

Seven4one | Aevitas Weddings

Beach Wedding Permits

A permit isn't always required to have a hymeneals on a public beach. But, if you accept a large invitee count or want to reserve a section of the sand for a certain amount of time, you may need to obtain one. Earlier you set your center on a particular beach for your wedding ceremony, exercise yourself a favor and ask the following questions:

  • Does the beach require a permit to hold a wedding? Some beaches allow modest weddings on a beginning-come up, showtime-serve basis. However, many public beaches require a let regardless of the guest count.
  • If the beach does crave a let, how much does it cost—and are there any other fees? Proceed in mind that some permits accept a nonrefundable application fee, and some charge boosted fees if you have a larger number of guests.
  • How is the permit fee structured? Is it a "per hour" charge or a flat rate that covers the entire length of the consequence?
  • How far in accelerate does the permit need to be submitted for approving? Some embankment locations event permits equally far as a year alee, and so kickoff this process early!
  • How large of an expanse of the beach does the permit comprehend? If you lot weren't required to map out your desired area during the application procedure, be sure to ask how much space you'll have reserved (it usually depends on your guest count).
  • Will liability insurance be required? Some locations enquire y'all to get liability insurance naming the urban center/canton every bit an boosted insured.
  • What is the maximum number of people allowed under the allow? This includes non only you and your guests, but your bridal party, officiant, photographer, and any other vendors.

TIP: If all this allow talk makes your head spin, then we have 4 words for you: Rent. A. Wedding ceremony. Planner! They'll do all the leg work for you in terms of permits and logistical planning so you tin relax and enjoy the ride.

A simple beach wedding ceremony setup overlooking the ocean

Key Largo Lighthouse Hidden Beach | His & Hers Creative

Beach Ceremony Logistics

A lot of pedestrian photo bombs is merely one of the things you lot might take to contend with at a public beach. In that location may also exist numerous scheduled activities including cleaning, construction, public events, etc. that could occur at the same time as your ceremony. With that in mind, observe out what else is scheduled for that 24-hour interval and then plan your seaside ceremony accordingly. Here are some additional logistical questions to ask:

  • Are in that location whatsoever dates that are off-limits? Many beaches don't allow weddings on holidays, like the July 4th weekend.
  • Tin can nosotros reserve a specific time slot for our ceremony? If at all possible, schedule your beach wedding ceremony to take reward of the best light for wedding photos.
  • Are delivery trucks allowed most the ceremony site? If non, are there loading/unloading zones close by? Vehicles are oft not allowed on the embankment, so all items may need to be hand-carried to your anniversary site.
  • Is there ample parking nearby for guests?
  • Are in that location public restrooms nearby?
  • Is the ceremony site handicap attainable? If not, see if they'll permit golf cart rentals to transport any elderly or disabled relatives.
  • Tin can the site we plan to use be cordoned off? Beach weddings are pretty open to public viewing, and then roping off an expanse might give you at least the illusion of privacy—and keep out any wedding crashers.
  • How early on can nosotros prepare up before the ceremony starting time time? Cypher like trying to give sunbathers the boot as the clock is ticking to ceremony fourth dimension!

A beach wedding ceremony with a 'Shoes Optional' wooden sign

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Life Long Studios

Embankment Wedding Restrictions

Public beaches take pretty strict rules when information technology comes to protecting the oceanside surround. Things like confetti and streamers, helium balloons, glass, styrofoam, rice, and even imitation flowers are unremarkably prohibited. Respect any signage along the embankment (such as Stay Off The Dunes or Don't Pick The Vegetation) and be sure to find out:

  • Are chairs, arches, alley runners, or other decorative elements immune?
  • Is amplified audio permitted? And is at that place a limit on the decibel level? Oftentimes beaches crave speakers to confront the ocean.
  • Are there electrical outlets nearby/available to use? If non, can we bring in a generator?
  • Is alcohol allowed? Note that most public beaches accept open container laws that regulate or prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
  • What about pets? Many public beaches have a "No Pets" policy, then if you want Fido to be your band bearer you lot meliorate check into that.
  • Are bonfires or open flames immune? If not, consider flameless LED lanterns to illuminate your event.
  • Are at that place size restrictions on tents or canopies? If your wedding is going to take place on a hot and sunny day, think well-nigh adding some shade with a air current-proof tent or canopy.

A tented beach wedding reception on the sand

KT Merry Photography

Life'south A Beach

Mother Nature tin can be a beach, too. So be certain to consider the following:

  • When is high tide? You'll desire to avoid the possibility of your ceremony being dampened past waves.
  • What's the forecast? If rain is predicted, you lot'll need a contingency program.
  • How windy will information technology be? You may need to windproof and weigh down some of your décor. (And rethink that cathedral-length veil!)
  • How noisy will our site be? Crashing waves, rustling breezes, and full general beachgoer chit-chat can all add together up to a pretty loud environment. Your audio organization should be set up so that all your guests tin can hear your vows.
  • How hot will it be, and is in that location any shade? Wild guess, simply y'all're probably used to wearing a swimsuit on the beach. Now imagine being in a adapt and tie, which is what your guy guests will likely exist sporting… If there'southward no shaded area, consider a canopy. But if that's non immune, giving out parasols can offer some protection from the sun.
  • How crowded will the beach exist? Once more, a beach wedding ceremony isn't exactly private. If you lot actually want to avoid the droves of summer bodies, consider an off-season wedding ceremony.
  • What'due south the bug situation? In that location are some nasty insects that hover effectually seaweed, and then attempt to situate your anniversary away from them.
  • Sand. Sand is a beach. Continue some towels and babe powder handy so you and your guests can dust off before the reception.

TIP: Another affair that might need to be weather-proofed? Your bridal bouquet and other flowers. Many blooms don't take kindly to direct sunlight, and the last thing you desire is wilted wedding flowers in your photos.

A natural bride with a tropical bouquet

De Joy Photography

Beach Nuptials Receptions

Having a beach ceremony is 1 matter, but if yous're dreaming of a seaside reception as well, you're in for a whole 'nother level of complexity. And in many cases, partying on the embankment isn't even allowed. Our advice? Say "I Practise" on the sand and then move the commemoration to an oceanfront venue. That said, if your heart is set on an bodily tables-in-the-sand reception, you'll need to ask the following questions:

  • Is a beach reception allowed? Many beaches will just accommodate wedding ceremonies.
  • Is cooking permitted on the beach? While you tin can consume on about beaches, cooking on the sand is oftentimes prohibited.
  • Can my caterer bring in nutrient? They may be able to practice and then if they have a Special Issue Permit, just go on in listen that at that place might not be a kitchen or prep space nearby.
  • Are in that location table décor restrictions? Many beaches don't allow drinking glass, so you may demand to opt for plastic vases and cups.
  • Is live music allowed? Many beaches don't allow amplified live music, just may allow some background music played via speakers.
  • One more time—is alcohol allowed? Probably not, but Google "Best U.S. Beaches to Legally Drink" if serving alcohol is high on your priority list.
  • Is at that place a curfew? Exist sure to leave a absorber of time to gather your belongings and clean up all of your trash before the beach closes.

Beach wedding ceremony under palm trees

Ashley Smith Events | BrittRene Photography

Prep Your Guests

High heels and sand don't mix, right? Find artistic ways to let your guests know not only what to habiliment at your wedding, but what else to await.

  • Create a wedding website to highlight additional details near the day. Include a suggested dress code (eastward.g. "beach chichi" or "summer casual"), along with a note about the anticipated weather. Depending on the forecast, mention bringing sunglasses, sunblock, paper fans, a hat, sweater, etc. Y'all should also give your women attendees a heads-up nigh the sand state of affairs so that they can opt for wedges or flats instead of stilettos!
  • Pick the perfect wedding save-the-dates and invitations to set the phase (and style) for your beach bash.
  • Consider giving out beach swag. A welcome basket at your ceremony archway is a overnice gesture. You may want to fill information technology with mini bottles of water, sunblock, issues spray, parasols, or anything else that might brand your guests more than comfortable in the beachy elements.

A neutral beach wedding invitation

Sean Cook Weddings | The Little Press

Want a toes-in-the-sand nuptials venue? We got you, boo.

Photos: Seven4one • Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort • The Grand Hotel of Greatcoat May

Collect all our checklists!

Big Picture Wedding Checklist | Ultimate Hymeneals Budget Checklist | Befouled Wedding Checklist | Beach Wedding Checklist | Destination Wedding ceremony Checklist | Hymeneals Dazzler Timeline

Are nosotros friends yet? Join MyGuide for more goodness!

Some clients may accept paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; even so, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they accept a proper place here. This is function of our Core Values. We create our website get-go and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Solar day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor