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Beach Ceremony Guide

If the idea of tying the knot in one of nature's most romantic  and alluring settings -- the beach -- completes the picture of your perfect wedding,  then you will soon need to begin the planning  process.  Many factors play a role specific to this type of ceremony,  from flowers  to floor rentals.   Just don't forget the sunblock! 

Where To Begin

There are some very important questions to consider before you go any further in your wedding planning.   Once these are answered, you can then go forth with the fun and fancy details.

Attendance

Your plans begin when you discuss with your fiancé just how many people you will be hoping to invite  to your wedding. 

  • Will you elope,  invite a small group, or have a traditional large gathering?  This question needs to be answered first and foremost.
  • Keep in mind that a beach ceremony  with fewer attendees often has a greater flexibility for location, though there are beaches  to find that are accomodating to larger groups as well. 

Budget

Not only does this apply to you, but to your guest list. 

  • If you and your guests can afford to travel  to an exotic location, then you can consider paying for access to a private beach  attached to a hotel  or resort. 
  • Some guests may take a vacation  out of this experience, so a resort-friendly destination  is recommended. 
  • A tighter wedding budget  means it's time for you to get creative. 
  • Select a beach that is not too hard to find or access.   
  • Look for a beach that is off the beaten path  so that you can have as private a ceremony as possible.  

Time of Day

You may want to say "I do" as the sun sets in the background, although you may want to consider the practicality of a morning ceremony. 

  • By sunset,  most beachgoers have left the premises.  This gives you much more privacy for an intimate gathering.  
    • If you are looking for sunset poses, be sure to factor in the time with your photographer. 
  • Early morning is an excellent time for a ceremony.   The beach is still empty and the light is perfect for photography.  
    • This is also the coolest time of the day!  Heat  and humidity,  especially in tropical locations, can put a huge damper on your wedding ceremony. 
    • As tides  change throughout the day, it is always better to have the ceremony before the tide comes in.  This minimizes ocean noise  and prevents the advancing water line from interferring with the wedding.
  • Though you cannot prevent it, try to find a location that will be shielded from the wind  at that time of day.  Do some research. 

Beach Logistics

Though it may seem overwhelming, it is time to consider how the beach location  will be prepared to hold a wedding ceremony.  

  • Floor Or No Floor? 
    • If the ceremony will be more formal, then go with a floor rental.    At a more formal affair, consider constructing a floor to allow your guests easier access to and from the beach. 
    • For a more informal beach wedding,  guests can gather around in the sand, barefoot even.  You can also set up seating in the sand.  
  • Seating
    • If the floor is in place, utilize comfortable and elegant chairs  for your guests. 
    • Benches  are another smart option, with or without the flooring.  Think about rattan  seating,  or large throw pillows  as seating if you are looking for a very casual setting.
    • Even if you opt to have your guests stand in the sand for your ceremony, have some chairs readily available for the elderly or those who cannot stand for a long period of time.
  • Tent Rentals
    • Though you surely will want your ceremony outside  of the tent,  it is wise to have one available just in case the weather does not hold out as planned. 
  • Restrooms 
    • If the ceremony is held at a resort, be sure to alert your guests as to where the nearest restrooms are. 
    • If the ceremony is being held in a more remote location, you may want to rent portable toilets  for your guests. 
  • Sound System
    •  With the loud ocean waves crashing behind you, perhaps you want to consider renting a sound system.  
    • If the gathering is very small, this may not be necessary, but for a larger crowd you will want the ceremony to be heard through speakers,  amplifiers,  and a microphone.     

Decorations

With the water as such a beautiful backdrop, your decorations  do not need to be elaborate.  Think about what is particular to the area where your ceremony will be.  If it is a large boating  community, play up the nautical theme  with decorations such as oars  or anchors.   If it is a more tropical beach,  try seashells  or coral  items. 

Vendors

Find vendors in the area as soon as possible.  Since you will be holding the wedding on the beach, there may be restrictions on when you will be allowed to come in and set up the scene.  You may need the vendors  to take care of this for you!  See our guide to Planning a Destination Wedding for more information.   

Here are some fun and important factors that will need to be arranged for your beach ceremony.      

Aisle Decorations 

For a sunset wedding try dramatic lighting.   Tiki torches  or candlelight  can be beautiful.

Catering 

You may want to consider incorporating elements of the locale to your menu  with fresh tastes and colors.

Wedding Flowers 

Find flowers  that will not wilt in the heat!  Find out what may be in season  near the beach.

Music Selection 

Go with portable instruments  that can be heard over the tide.  Flutes,  steel drums,  and violins  are popular.

A Special Touch

Now it's time to have more fun with your planning.   At this step, you can make things personalized  and creative.  See these related guides to help you keep your beach ceremony coordinated. 

Related Guides

Planning a Destination Wedding

Wedding Ceremony Decorations

Wedding Stationery

Wedding Vows

Welcome Baskets

External Links