do you need a permit to get married on the beach?

[stressedoutbride]

just wondering if you need some kind of permit to use the beach as your place to have the ceremony...

[10Nov2008]

You should check with the state in which you are getting married. When I was looking for beaches to get married on, public beaches never had anything about getting a permit.

Private beaches needed a site fee.

I could see if it was some sort of a state beach or park or something I guess that could possibly require a permit. It probably wouldn't be a "wedding" permit but some sort of group use permit.

Good luck!!!

[neebelung]

As stated above, check with the state, and the specific city you wish to marry in. Chances are, yes, you will need a permit, and depending on where you are (and how popular it is to marry on the beach there), you might have some red tape to deal with in order to get the permit (there are beaches here that are so popular for weddings, the citizens who live in those areas are fighting to limit the number of weddings allowed per day, etc....)

[Danielle9608]

I going to agree with the ladies above - At least in my state (MA) most beaches require you to get a permit. Some even require you to hire a security guard. However in my case I am getting married on a private beach owned by a hotel, so I don't have to do any of that. However private hotel beach is NOT the inexpensive route :)

[kgvettegirl]

I know when my step son got married at Myrtle Beach they needed a permit which the wedding chapel lined up for them they just had to pick it up.

[RevMatty]

Coming from a professional, call the city where the beach is and ask.

[10Nov2008]

Good Golly!!! I'm so glad I chose to get married in a tropical garden instead of the beach for my Hawaiian wedding!!! When I was looking, none of the places said anything about a permit yet it sounds as if it's quite the norm!!!

[Moon.Dust.]

Coming from a professional, call the city where the beach is and ask.
I agree!
Our wedding will be at the beach, but luckily there is no permit required only a few rules we have to stick to.
Call the city and they'll be happy to let you know what you can do at that particular beach.

[Simple Weddings]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm posting for the benefit of future readers...

It depends on the state/county/city. Using Florida as an example - all beaches in the State of Florida are "held in trust for the people", meaning they are legally considered "public land" up the mean high water mark.

This effectively means that no-one owns the beach, as long as you are close to the water.

However, in practice, municipalilties are free to set usage standards for things like use of alcohol and gaterings of large crowds. As are city/county/state parks.

If its just the two of you, a photographer, and an officiant - you're probably not going to have any trouble anywhere. However, if you plan to bring 100 guests, set up tables and chairs, fire up a DJ, and start serving drinks - make sure you do your homework!

Another thing to keep in mind is use of hotel grounds and beaches. Again, as a paying hotel guest you generally have free run of the grounds, so if it's just the two of you, you are probably fine (but it's always common courtesy to ask). But don't plan on using the hotel courtyard or lido deck (or even the beach) for a large group without going through the hotel.

Hope that helps!

[prettymaylea]

I'll just ditto what everyone is saying... The beach permit will depend on the state. Let's take Hawaii for example, beach and park weddings in Hawaii currently have new regulations and needs a permit. It has been causing some hubbub in the Hawaii wedding industry...

[WeddingDance]

yes, it definitely depends on your state, but once you organize anything publicly you must get a permit. I love beach weddings btw... :)

[moonrai1980]

I know in Texas you have to have a permit and its free. You just have to pick it up

[chickprincess]

I think it depends on what state or country you are getting married. Maybe they have rules that you have to have a permit before you can have your wedding on the beach. But usually, you just pay for the resort for the event.

[Glamorous]

some places you may need a permit, you might want to check with the state you are marrying in. It just so happens my fiance and i didn't need a permit to marry on the beach we picked. You also might want to check and make sure weddings are permitted on the beach you have chosen, i do know some beaches don't allow weddings.

[gwenshack]

some places you may need a permit, you might want to check with the state you are marrying in. It just so happens my fiance and i didn't need a permit to marry on the beach we picked. You also might want to check and make sure weddings are permitted on the beach you have chosen, i do know some beaches don't allow weddings.
Hi! Welcome to OW! Just as an FYI, this thread is about a year and a half old and the OP has already gotten married. ;) Feel free to introduce yourself and jump on in to more current conversations. :)