How to Plan a Beach Wedding for Any Time of Year

Get Married With a View of the Ocean! Planning a Beach Wedding or Elopement 

 

Have your heart set on an unforgettable beach wedding? The sound of the waves, the soft ocean breeze, and the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation make beach weddings a dream come true. 

 

Whether you're planning a seaside vacation wedding, an adventurous elopement with an ocean view, or a luxurious resort celebration, there are a few essential steps to take when starting the planning process.

 

 

(Photo: Photo-maxx / Adobe Stock)

 

 

How to Plan a Beach Wedding

8 tips for planning the perfect beach wedding

 

 

1. Outline a Wedding Budget

 

It’s always best to get this step out of the way early! Although talking about money can be stressful, remember that you can have a stunning beach wedding on just about any budget.

 

Read Next: How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?

 

Once you know how much you have to spend, it will be much easier to pick a destination, finalize your wedding date (peak season vs off season), and hire wedding vendors within your price range. You can fine-tune your budget by listing things you definitely want included on the big day, such as a wedding dress / suit, photographer, caterer, food truck, etc. 

 

Don’t forget to include essential costs like purchasing a marriage license, beach permit fees, and wedding officiant fees in your budget (we discuss each of these essentials below). 

 

Related: Plan Your Entire Wedding at Target (For Less Money Than Your Last Vacation)

 

 

2. Pick a Destination & Research Venues

 

When you picture the perfect beach wedding, what comes to mind? Tropical breezes at sunrise? Warm sand and soft waves with a Spanish accent? A rocky New England coastline dotted with seabirds, quaint shops, and a lighthouse? A sweeping view of the ocean and old growth trees along the Oregon coast?

 

There are many kinds of beaches, with many kinds of beauty throughout the year! 

 

If you already have your perfect destination in mind, you’re all set. Otherwise, make a list of beaches that you’d love to visit with your sweetheart. Once you have a few options that excite you, narrow down the list to one or two top choices by considering how far you want to travel, seasonal factors like local weather and peak pricing, accessibility (such as wheelchair access, if needed), amenities (restrooms, etc.), and guest capacity. 

 

Once you’ve decided on the best destination/s, research potential wedding venues and vendors in those areas to see which final option is the best match for your budget.

 

The guest factor: Keep in mind that while a destination or vacation wedding might be a dream come true for you, it can be challenging for friends and relatives to attend if the ceremony is far from home. If you do get married out of town, consider having a large reception party closer to home for guests who can’t travel to your ceremony. 

 

 

You can plan a beach wedding on almost any budget. Keep it small or go big, whatever feels right to you. (Photo: Halfpoint / Adobe Stock)

 

 

3. Research Beach Wedding Permits 

 

One of the unique things about having a beach wedding is that you might need to apply for a special events permit and pay a fee before your event. Almost all public and private beaches have a permit application process for weddings over a certain size, usually handled by a local visitor’s bureau or parks department. Permit fees can range from $50 to $500, depending on the location and season.

 

A beach wedding permit allows you exclusive use of a location for a set number of hours, during which time you’ll be able to set up chairs and decor, take your vows, celebrate, and clean up. Some applications can be filed online, but others might start with an email or phone call. 
 
However, you might not need a permit if your wedding is small, or if you aren’t bringing any equipment with you. For example, a beach wedding permit isn’t required in Virginia Beach if you: have fewer than 199 guests; keep the space open to the public; and don’t bring in any equipment (including chairs, tents, etc.). 

 

Once you’ve decided on your dream location, a simple internet search for beach wedding permits should turn up helpful information. (But if it doesn’t, call the local clerk’s office or parks department for advice.)

 

 

Applying for a special events permit for a beach wedding will look different depending on the location. For example, to apply for an Oregon beach wedding permit (for events over 50 people), you’ll need to call or email a staff member with Oregon Parks and Recreation.  (Photo: IVASHstudio / Adobe Stock)

 

 

4. Prep Your Passport & Travel Documents

 

You won’t need a passport to get to any US destinations, even if you’re traveling to a tropical US territory like Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, or Guam. But if you’re traveling out of the country to get married, you’ll need to have a current passport (that doesn’t expire before your return flight) and any necessary travel visas. Keep this paperwork in mind as you begin planning the wedding.

 

 

5. Look Up Local Marriage License Requirements

 

In the US, you’ll apply for your marriage license in the state where your wedding will take place. In some cases, you might need to apply for your marriage license in a specific county, with a specific county clerk’s office. We recommend you contact the county clerk’s office closest to your venue before applying for a marriage license to ensure you get the right documents. Marriage license fees range from $10 to $150 depending on the location.

 

Related: How to Find Out What County a Wedding Venue is In

 

It’s important to plan ahead: Some states require you to apply for your marriage license in person at the clerk’s office, and you may be required to wait one to three days to use the license after it’s issued (this waiting period to get married varies by state). 

 

Because of these added variables, it’s best to know what to expect as soon as possible so that you can plan your travel dates and any additional lodging. Find general marriage license information for each state here: 

 

• US Marriage License Info by State

 

If your destination beach wedding is outside of the U.S., applying for a marriage license will look different. Click the link below to learn more: 

 

• How to Get Married in Another Country in a Dreamy Destination Wedding

 

 

No matter where you get married, your marriage license is the most important item you'll bring with you on the wedding day - along with a pen for your wedding officiant to sign it! (Photo: ollyana Ventura/ iStock)

 

 

6. Gather Dreamy Decor Ideas & Discuss Ceremony Details 

 

Ah, now for the fun part! Now that some of the major logistics are out of the way, it’s time to start dreaming up the perfect details of your big day. The possibilities are endless, even if your wedding budget isn’t! 

 

This is also a great time to start thinking about special elements you want to include in the ceremony itself. Do you want to include a unity sand ceremony or handfasting ceremony? How about a unity toast with a beachy mai tai or mojito, or a special shell blessing ritual? Click the link below for more creative unity ceremony ideas:

 

• 5 Seaside Unity Ceremony Ideas for Your Beach Wedding or Vow Renewal

 

Keep all your favorite images and ideas in one place so that you have them ready when it’s time to start planning and purchasing items for the big day. 

 

 

Above, a bride and groom participate in a unity sand ceremony during a their wedding on the beach. This meaningful unity ceremony creates a colorful keepsake that will remind you of your love for years to come. (Photo: InversedSlayer / Adobe Stock)

 

 

7. Ask a Friend or Relative to Officiate Your Wedding

 

Speaking of special elements for the wedding ceremony – what’s more special than having a friend officiate your wedding ceremony? 

 

A loved one can officiate your wedding in any US state, as long as they meet the local requirements for wedding officiants. One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to meet these requirements is through online ordination with an internet church like American Marriage Ministries (AMM). This process ordains your loved one as a minister, who is then qualified to perform a wedding. 

 

• Get ordained online with AMM

 

A few states also require loved ones to register as an officiant before the ceremony (often called 'minister registration'). Don’t let this extra step deter you though, it’s often a very simple process. See the rules in your destination state by clicking the link below:

 

• Officiant Registration Requirements by State

 

Having a friend officiate your wedding is also a great way to reduce the overall costs. Many loved ones will want to officiate for free, or in exchange for travel and lodging costs. If a friend does officiate your wedding, you can thank them with a special gift to show your gratitude.

 

Note: You can also hire a professional officiant in the area if you prefer, and if your destination is a popular beach for weddings, we recommend you book this important vendor early! The average cost for a wedding officiant varies widely, depending on location and the style of ceremony you want, but you can expect to pay between $200 and $1200 on average.

 

 

Friends and family make an intimate beach wedding extra special! Ask a friend to officiate your wedding for an experience that's meaningful and unique. (Photo: FG Trade Latin / iStock)

 

 

8. Always Have a Back Up Plan for Beach Weddings

 

You never know when Mother Nature is going to crash a wedding, and beach weddings are especially susceptible to her whims. High winds, rain, hurricanes, heat waves and heat domes, harmful algal blooms, and other unexpected acts of nature are all very real considerations for most beaches, so you’ll want to have a ‘just in case’ plan that will make you just as happy. 

 

A few backup plans for a beach wedding if it rains: 

 

• Secure an indoor venue nearby as a backup
• Check vendor contracts for bad-weather cancellation clauses / refunds
• Keep your day-of schedule flexible to wait out any bad weather
• Pack umbrellas, parasols, and other supplies in your wedding emergency kit
• Let guests know where to look for event updates ahead of time, and post updates in a central location (like on your wedding website)
• Check the weather forecast frequently in the days before the wedding
• Roll with whatever comes your way - you're getting married to the person you love! 

 

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More Wedding Planning Ideas & Advice

 

• A Simple Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline for Busy Couples
   
• Helpful Advice for Wedding Planning with ADHD
   
• How to Elope: The Complete Elopement Checklist

 

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