Wedding Destination

There are many fantastic destination wedding locations to choose from - you really can let your imagination go wild & go virtually anywhere to get married.

There are many fantastic locations around the world where you can have your wedding on the beach. It is not feasible to get married on the beach in all countries with a coastline. In many countries it is not feasible due to marriage rules requiring marriage only in precise places for instance municipal town halls, in Churches or in other religious buildings. But there are still many locations where a beach wedding - generally a civil marriage - is feasible.

The most well-liked destinations for a beach wedding are in the USA - these are Florida, Hawaii and California. These US locations offer many amazing beaches and huge facilities and effortless admittance along with hundreds of wedding planners with wedding packages to suit all tastes and budgets.

Mexico - also in North America - is becoming a 'must-go' location because of the fantastic resorts weddings that are on offer.

Most European countries have fairly strict rules where a ceremony can take place - thus in Europe there are no actual beach wedding locations. In Italy - specially the Amalfi Coast - you can have a amazing reception on or overlooking the beach, while in Cyprus you can marry in hotel gardens right next to the Mediterranean. Malta offers stunning sights for your ceremony but the most amazing are at Santorini in Greece. In Spain the marriage rules are austere but you can have a blessing on the beach.

The Far East, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean offer the facility to escape to a tropical paradise island for really amazing beach weddings. Numerous resort islands that offer weddings in Fiji and the Cook Islands are so remote you must arrive by flying boat! Though in the Seychelles and Mauritius you can sail on a vessel to a deserted uninhabited tropical island and exchange vows on the shore!

Australia is one of the world's best beach weddings locations. With thousands of miles of beaches to select from, you can get married anywhere from Bondi Beach to the Great Barrier Reef nboard a vessel.

A few good tips for getting married on the beach.

Mobility!

Though the image of a couple and their guests barefoot on the beach is fairly romantic, it's not that practical unless your guest list is on the small side. Walking on sand can be gauche and older guests may not feel comfortable doing so. Some beach locations don't allow for seating so your guests may have to stand throughout the service. As an alternative, consider a ceremony set up on a boardwalk or grassy knoll that overlooks the beach. After the vows, the bride, groom, and photographer can go down to the beach for those special shots.

What to wear!

If your ceremony is held directly on the beach, you'll want to choose for a dress that is no longer than tea length. As your guests will be barefoot too, it makes sense to notify them that the event is quite informal.

It gets hot!

Most beaches are wide open without any tree cover to provide shade. Depending on the season and location of the beach, guests at midday events run the risk of getting scorched by the sun. Keep in mind that besides the air temperature, the sand gets really hot too. Actually, in some locations, it may be downright uncomfortable or painful to walk on the sand. You may want to schedule a morning wedding or one at dusk to avoid any heat-related problems.

Excellence of the sand!

Some beaches are powdery soft whereas others and scattered with beautiful seashells. At some beaches, you and your guests may need to wear sandals to prevent being cut on shells or coral.

Sun scowl!

If your wedding is at midday, you run the risk of sun scowl. (That's right. A million photos of the bride and groom squinting at each other as they recite their vows.) Before the wedding, go to the beach at the time your wedding is slated for and determine which way to face in order to lessen scowl and discomfort for the bride and groom and guests.

Noise!

You want your guests to hear every word of the ceremony and the vows that took hours to write. However, a beach can be a quite noisy place. Ensure that your ceremony is not set up too close to the crest of the waves hitting the seashore. (Outgoing tides are quieter than those coming in so you may want to check a tidal graph before selecting your ceremony time.)

Bugs and Insects!

Depending on the season and ceremony time, mosquitoes or other uninvited vermin may become a trouble. Light citronella candles or make sure everyone applies bug repellant before arriving to the beach.

Getting permission!

Many beaches are civic or on the grounds of a state park. You'll need to get check local ordinances and get the approval of the county clerk's office or the management of the park. In many cases, you'll also have to pay a fee for a sanction. These governing agencies will also let you know if chairs, arches, open flames (candles), and musicians are allowed on the beach..