If you’ve envisioned walking on the sand instead of an aisle, then you know a beach wedding is for you. Whether the nuptial event is held at a local beach or on a faraway island destination, a beach wedding will take a little more planning than most. Like most weddings, you’ll need to plan the location and arrangements, but a beach wedding also may include passports, legal documentation in foreign countries, and even insurance in case of a hurricane. If you’re thinking or planning on having your wedding on the beach, here are some top tips to consider.
1- If you are affiliated with a church, you might want to check to find out if your minister or rabbi is willing to officiate at the ceremony. Some religions, like Catholicism, won’t marry a couple outside the church. If your minister or rabbi cannot make it to officiate the wedding or perhaps you‘re not so religious, there are other choices, including a notary of public or a justice of the peace. If you’re having a beach wedding in another country, make sure you research their rules about officiants as well as the legal regulations.
2- The best thing about most beach weddings is that they’re often the most simple. With a beautiful ocean backdrop scenery, it’s easy to see why the beach is the ultimate destination! That said, most beaches are public property so you’ll need to find out about the laws and permit fees. If you are getting married in Mexico or the Caribbean, it probably would be a wise decision to choose a resort that offers wedding packages. Getting married in another country can be a difficult task, and enlisting the help of a resort and local wedding planner will save you time and money.
3- If you already live in California, Florida, or Texas, you might want to take advantage of the beautiful local beaches. There are companies and agencies who can help couples plan beautiful weddings on the beach, but you still will want to do some research to find out if they are a reputable agency so you don’t get scammed.
