A step-by-step guide to planning a beach wedding, including permits, wind management, sound amplification, tide timing, shade options, and humidity-ready hair and makeup preparation.
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Permits and Location
Apply for a beach event permit from the local authority
Most public beaches require an event permit that costs $50-$500. Applications take 30-90 days to process, and many beaches limit events to 50-100 guests. Apply at least 4 months before your date.
Confirm whether the permit covers amplified sound
Ask about restrictions on alcohol, stakes in the sand, and cleanup requirements
Scout the exact ceremony location at the same time of day
Visit 2-3 times before committing. Check the sun angle — you want guests facing away from direct sun. Mark the GPS coordinates so vendors can find the exact spot on the day.
Research tide schedules for your wedding date
Plan the ceremony for 1-2 hours before or after low tide. High tide can swallow 30-50 feet of beach. Check NOAA tide charts for your specific location — tides vary dramatically by beach.
Mark the high tide line when scouting and set up well above it
Time the ceremony to catch golden hour or sunset
Sunset ceremonies photograph beautifully, but you only get 15-20 minutes of peak golden light. Schedule the ceremony to end 30 minutes before sunset so portraits catch the best light.
Wind Management
Choose a ceremony backdrop that blocks or reduces wind
Dunes, rock formations, or buildings create natural windbreaks. If the beach is fully exposed, rent a fabric or floral windscreen — expect $300-$800 for a 10-foot backdrop.
Secure all décor and paper items against wind
Use sand-filled bases instead of stakes for arches and signs — stakes pull out of sand easily. Weight programs with ribbon or skip paper programs entirely and use a printed sign instead.
Anchor the ceremony arch with at least 50 lbs of weight per leg
Use battery-powered LED candles instead of real flames
Brief the officiant and readers on projecting over wind
Ocean wind averages 10-15 mph and gusts higher. Without amplification, guests beyond row 4 will hear nothing. A battery-powered portable speaker ($50-$150 rental) solves this.
Sound and Music
Rent a battery-powered sound system for the ceremony
Beach ceremonies rarely have power outlets. A portable PA system with a 6-8 hour battery runs $150-$400 to rent. Test it at the actual location — sand and open air absorb sound differently than enclosed spaces.
Bring a fully charged backup battery or second speaker
Provide wireless lapel microphones for the ceremony
A handheld mic feels awkward during vows. Lapel mics let both the officiant and couple speak hands-free. Rent a 2-channel wireless system for $100-$250.
Plan music that works in an open-air setting
Acoustic instruments sound thin outdoors without amplification. A steel drum, ukulele, or small ensemble with its own speakers works better than a solo acoustic guitar. Live musicians cost $300-$1,500 for a ceremony.
Guest Comfort
Send a footwear notice with the invitation
Tell guests to wear flat shoes or go barefoot. Heels sink into sand within 3 steps. Provide a shoe check basket at the entrance to the sand — a simple lined crate works for up to 40 pairs.
Place flip-flop baskets near the ceremony area as a backup option
Set up shade structures for guests
Market umbrellas or bamboo parasols cost $10-$30 each to rent and prevent heat exhaustion during summer beach ceremonies. For events over 50 guests, a shade sail ($200-$600) covers more area.
Provide cold water bottles and sunscreen at the entrance
Arrange seating that works on sand
Standard folding chairs sink and wobble in sand. Use chairs with wide flat bases, benches, or hay bales with fabric covers. Beach chair rentals with proper sand feet cost $5-$12 per chair.
Set up a foot-washing station at the beach exit
A simple bucket-and-towel station prevents sandy feet from ruining the reception venue. Place 2-3 stations for groups over 60 guests. Add a bench so guests can sit while cleaning up.
Hair, Makeup, and Attire
Book a makeup artist experienced with humidity and heat
Ask specifically about their beach wedding experience. Waterproof and long-wear formulas are non-negotiable — standard makeup melts within 30 minutes in 80°F+ heat. Request a humidity test during the trial.
Schedule the trial on a warm, humid day if possible
Choose a hairstyle that holds in wind and humidity
Loose curls and blowouts fall flat within an hour at the beach. Braids, low buns, and pinned updos survive wind and moisture. Use an anti-humidity hair spray applied 15 minutes before heading outside.
Pack a touch-up kit for the ceremony and photos
Include blotting papers, setting spray, bobby pins, a mini hairspray, and lip color. Assign one bridal party member to carry it. Expect to touch up twice: once before the ceremony and once before the reception.
Select wedding attire suited to beach conditions
Heavy fabrics like satin and tulle trap heat. Lightweight chiffon, crepe, or linen breathe in warm weather. Avoid long trains — they collect sand and seaweed. A tea-length or midi dress moves freely on sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a beach wedding?
Public beaches almost always require a permit for weddings — costs range from $25-$500 depending on the location, guest count, and whether you are setting up structures like arches or chairs. Apply 3-6 months ahead, as many popular beach locations have monthly permit limits. Private beach venues and resort beaches handle permitting internally, but charge significantly more for exclusive access.
What time of day is best for a beach wedding ceremony?
Late afternoon (4-5:30 PM) is ideal — the sun is lower, reducing glare and squinting in photos, temperatures have cooled, and the golden-hour light creates stunning photography. Avoid midday (11 AM-2 PM) when the sun is directly overhead, causing harsh shadows and uncomfortable heat. If you are facing the ocean, position the couple so the sun is behind them for flattering backlight.
What kind of shoes should guests wear to a beach wedding?
Note on invitations that the ceremony is on sand — this signals guests to skip stiletto heels. Wedge sandals, flat dressy sandals, and espadrilles are popular guest choices. Many beach brides go barefoot or wear embellished sandals. Provide a shoe valet station at the sand entrance where guests can leave shoes and collect them after the ceremony. Include beach ceremony or sandy toes wording on the invitation to set expectations.
How do I handle wind at a beach wedding?
Wind is the number one logistical challenge at beach weddings. Anchor the ceremony arch or canopy with sandbags (not stakes, which do not hold in sand). Use flameless LED candles instead of real ones. Weight down paper items with decorative stones. For the bride's hair, choose an updo or secured style — loose curls will blow apart in 10 minutes. Position the officiant's microphone as a lapel mic to reduce wind noise.