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Beach weddings An unforgettable romantic setting Return to articles index | Tents for outdoor events | Historic sites | "Destination" weddings | Picking a reception site | Transportation | Wrightsville Beach | Carolina & Kure beaches | Brunswick County | Topsail Island
But before you set your heart on a beach wedding, it’s important to understand some of the realities. First, with few exceptions, you can’t expect to have the beach entirely to yourself. In North Carolina, the beach between dunes and surf is public property. You should expect normal crowds of swimmers, surfers, fishermen and sunbathers to be nearby during your ceremony. You can’t block beachgoers from walking past your party. Some special logistical considerations apply. First, tents aren’t permitted on some beaches, so you need to consider a back-up location in case of rain. Some towns don’t allow chairs to be set up on the beach, and all of them ban alcoholic beverages. You'll need to be prepared to move chairs and other equipment you need onto the beach beforehand, and remove them promptly afterward. Because of wind, surf, birds and other background noises, you'll need a portable sound system so guests can hear the ceremony. Depending on the season, you’ll likely have heat and humidity to contend with. And there’s always the sand. Take these factors into consideration when choosing gown and formal wear -- and in writing your invitations. A seaside ceremony is a good opportunity to mix casual and elegant. The groom can roll up the legs of his tux; the bridal party can go barefoot. Several places offer the choice of having your ceremony on a private pier directly over the beach, which eliminates the problem of walking in sand. Another option, if you and your guests have a sense of adventure, is to have your ceremony on a wild, undeveloped beach. Charter boat services can take your party to Masonboro Island, between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, for a wedding far from the madding crowd. Just remember: like Gilligan’s Island, “it’s primitive as can be.” Beach town rules, guidelines and contacts
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