A beach wedding can be beautiful but there are a few special considerations.

I surveyed close to 800 Celebrants and here is the summary,  of what they had to say about beach weddings and how to make them memorable.

59 tips for Beach Weddings:

1) Pick the right beach and location on or near the beach to make your beach wedding is just as romantic and idyllic as you’ve ever dreamed of by planning it right. Despite the wind sand – the ocean is nature at her very best and lends to the most magical backdrop
2) Make sure a permit is obtained for the site, noting permissible guest numbers, any sound restrictions, and time period where applicable and comply with the restrictions spelled out in the permit.
a. Arrange permit/s (re clean-up requirements, restrictions around use of umbrellas, chairs, marquees, flags, signs or arbours, licences for alcohol and/or catering and use of toilet facilities etc.).
b. On the Gold Coast no mats, walkways, arbours etc are permitted and there is a one hour time limit including set up, ceremony, and take down/ pack up.
3) Transport – Consider the distance to and ease of access to the ceremony site. Can your guest all get there?
4) An area on an esplanade, or on flat sand/grass/boardwalk is best but avoid wet sand areas.
5) A spot with beach view removes some of the hazards and makes for nice photos
6) A shaded area such as sails, a gazebo, or a natural cove will offer wind protection and reduce glare.
7) Check if you will have to share the use of the area (public) or is an exclusive site available.
8) You cannot stop the public from joining in so watch out for beach cricket, footie games and riders bursting through the middle of any guests.
9) Plodding through sand, can be laborious
10) Be prepared to tolerate jet ski, party and wave sounds
11) Watch out for seagulls, biting bugs, wind and water, and light reflecting from sand and sea
12) Avoid high heels,
13) Use insect repellent, sunscreen and umbrellas and have bottles of water available for guests
14) Have lots of weights and clips on hand to hold down paperwork, table clothes, umbrellas etc.
15) Sand can play havoc with sound equipment so have it protectively covered, including during transport across sand.
16) Deeper voices can carry better over the sound of waves crashing.
17) Always have a Plan B as weather can be unpredictable.
18) Always set-up above the high tide point and NEVER on wet sand or you will meet the waves
19) Wear suitable beach footwear or go barefoot (sand gets into everything and can burn)
20) Watch out for wind & sand blasting,
21) Waves sound can inhibit the ability to hear what is going on.
22) If seating, lay a platform to prevent chairs sinking into the sand and throwing guests over
23) Having a basket of thongs or slippers can be useful for the comfort of guests
24) The mornings usually has less wind, glare and more stable/pleasant weather
25) Consider having signing table off the beach, or undercover e.g. a nearby cabin veranda.
26) Be prepared with lots of clips for your ceremony script,
27) Check wind direction for interference with the mic and sound
28) The Couple, guests and Celebrant should not be looking into the sun, as scrunch face ruins photos and can glare headaches and the Celebrant may not be able to read the script
29) If the bride is wearing a veil, how will it be managed if there is a breeze
30) Getting down onto the beach and back again, can be a challenge.
31) Elderly and disabled guest may not be able to access the beach
32) Be aware of the possibility of nasties lurking in the sand, semi-naked gawkers.
33) Avoid extreme reflections from sun
34) On the west coast, watch out for the ‘Fremantle Doctor’!
35) Where allowed, a large sheet of Perspex, matting or boarding can be buried just under the surface of the sand to provide stability so the bridal party, seats, tripods, sound equipment, signing table etc.
36) Be on time. The tide and sun wait for no one. You could be washed out or the temp can drop to a very cold.
37) Look for a sheltered area but not too close to the rocks where there will be extra wae sounds.
38) Sand gets in everywhere.
39) A pull along cart that can be used on sand will help with the setup.
40) Wear a hat and lots of sunscreen
41) The exchanging of rings should be on top of a mat in case the ring gets dropped and if the mat slopes inward to centre, it will be easier to quickly recover the ring without it rolling off the mat.
42) Check the tide beforehand
43) Check with the photographer about lighting etc.
44) Ensure that there is a plan B!!!
45) All mics should have a wind sock for your mic.
46) Have a rehearsal the day before at the same time to check where tide, sound, sun, interruptions etc.
47) Use grey paper as it reduces the glare compared to white paper.
48) Bad weather option Portable music Simple decor Contact the council Arrange seating Microphones Beach style beach wedding checklist
49) Arrange for an usher, guide or escort to guide and assists guests
50) Check the pathway to the site to avoid rocky areas, or difficult dunes.
51) Provide your guests with a simple map if the location is secluded or not directly in front of a landmark.
52) Ensure that your chosen music is amplified and doesn’t require mains power.
53) It also needs to be powerful enough to be audible above shouts from other beach goers, jet skis and high winds.
54) All floral arrangements, greenery or sprays should be low-line and be pegged, securely tied or have weights or stones in the vase or base so as not to come loose as the beach breeze picks up.
55) Adapt your clothing style to the surroundings, so comfortable as possible.
56) Avoid longer veils,
57) Guests may arrive 20-30 minutes before the bride, remain for the ceremony itself, and then stay for photos afterwards, so offer seating if possible.
58) Offer favours such as sunscreen, thongs, fans, bottled water, ice creams & insect repellent.
59) And did I mention always have a Plan B : In the event of excessive heat, wind or rain, you will need to have an alternate/indoor venue and someone to direct guests.

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