Beach Wedding Planning Basics

Laws and Regulations of Beach Use

When it comes to beach wedding planning, you will need to do some research regarding the rules and regulations of beach use in your area.

The reality is that planning to have a ceremony (and possibly a reception) right on the beach can be a bit more confusing and stressful than most couples realize.

The following article will provide some guidelines to follow and questions that you will need to get answers for.

Check Rules and Regulations Regarding Beach Use

You will need to plan carefully for your beach wedding. There are many laws and regulations regarding the use of beaches and each varies according to the location you are in.

If it is just you, your mate and a marriage official, and two witnesses, then there shouldn't be any problems, for the most part.

However, you can't just tromp out onto the beach with a large party of people and have a wedding. You will first need to get permission to use the beach (even if it is public) and then determine what is and is not allowed.

The following are some of the questions that you will need answered so that you will have enough information at hand to make an informed decision regarding your beach wedding planning:

• Is this a public beach or a private beach? If it's private, who do you need to contact for permission to use it?
• Can this particular beach be used for functions such as weddings?
• Do you require a special permit to use the beach for a wedding? If so, where do you obtain one and how much does it cost?
• Are there any restrooms nearby that can be used? Keep in mind that most of the restrooms found on beaches are often outhouses. Will your guests want to use such a facility?
• Are there any recreational buildings nearby that can be used for preparing food, washing dishes, restroom use, running electricity to the beach area or will be available for shelter in case bad weather suddenly moves in?
• Are you permitted to erect large tents to be used as shade or to protect food from direct sun?
• What are the regulations regarding smoking on the beach and the serving of alcohol? Many public beaches won't permit either. Private beaches tend to be more lenient, provided you keep all cigarette butts in a container and make sure the beach is carefully cleaned after the festivities.
• Are you allowed to have a bonfire? What other regulations are there regarding the use of tiki torches, candles, lanterns, etc?
• Can you have a specific area of the beach designated for your wedding to keep other beach goers from interrupting your celebration?
• Are you allowed to serve food? Are there any trash cans available for garbage disposal or must you supply your own?

Be sure to take the time to gather as much beach wedding planning information as possible in order to confirm what regulations are in force when using a beach for a wedding ceremony and/or reception.

Of course, that is only part of the equation. There are many more questions that need to be answered and will be addressed in the second part of this article: Beach Wedding Planning: Technicalities to Consider.

Beach Wedding Planning: Laws and Regulations of Beach Use
by Rose Smith © 2004. Revised March 2010, Wedding Themes and More

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