Photo credit: Vallentyne Photography

Beach Wedding 101

When you’re wedding planning in Southern California at some point you may have considered having your wedding at the beach.  You’ve dreamed of the sun setting in the background, cool breezes in your hair, the smell of the salted sea, and your toes in the sand. The beach is a special and unique environment and certain precautions should be taken to ensure your wedding isn’t a wipe out.

The sun can be more intense at the beach when it’s reflected back from the water or the sand. You’ll want your guests to be comfortable for the half-hour they’re celebrating with you. For a little shade, consider having parasols in your wedding colors that guests can grab if needed. The fun pops of color will really stand out in your photos. Remember, if you’re having a sunset wedding on the beach on the west coast that means your guests will be looking directly into the sun. You may want to provide sunglasses for those that weren’t prepared. Also, never underestimate the need for hydration. For your guest’s convenience, have buckets of ice with water bottles at the ceremony site. A special touch will be to add a custom label. A finally, it only takes minutes to burn at the beach and even less for your family from the midwest. Having bottles of sunscreen available could save your weddings guests from damaging their skin and ruining their SoCal experience. 

Timing is key here. Marine layer clouds, or “overcast” are low altitude stratus clouds that form over ocean waters that typically happen during the summer months. While Californian’s refer to this as “Graypril”, “May Gray”, and “June Gloom”, this weather pattern can hold fast well into August. As the day warms up, it typically will burn off depending on how thick it is. It is a good idea to have towels on hand in case of drizzle between the time your chairs are set up and the start of the wedding.

Let me just get this out of the way…Please do NOT attempt one of those papery aisle runners in the sand. Between the wind, the uneven surface, and your wedding party tripping on it, it’s going to end up being a big ole mess by the time you walk down the aisle. All of those pretty pictures you see of a pristine aisle runner are BEFORE any guests have been around it. Instead, line the aisle with décor or candles. If you must have an aisle runner, consider putting down wood planks first or renting a carpeted one. Tip: In your wedding invitation warn guests that the ceremony will be in the sand so they’ll know to wear appropriate shoes and clothing. 

The beach is a public space. While you can politely always ask sun bathers to move, they have the right to not budge. Think of the normal activity that you see on a beach: volleyball, soccer, Frisbee, football, horseshoes, bocce ball, bonfires, BBQs, etc. This activity is not going to cease because it’s your wedding day. Location is going to be the key here. Choose a remote part of the beach where you can lessen the chance of a passerby. Know what is happening around town and in the travel industry as a whole. Don’t plan a beach wedding around spring break, in peak summer months, or any of the holidays. Check the city calendar for other large events that could create a conflict with your wedding such as surf contests or large sporting events. Be prepared and give your guests directions and detailed parking information so they’re not caught off guard. Note: Most Southern California beaches, including Oceanside, do not grant permits for beach weddings during peak tourist season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). See below on if your event requires a permit in Oceanside. 

As any surfer will tell you, it’s all about the waves. You must make this tide chart your friend.  For the most sand possible and the least chance of a wedding washout, you’ll want to schedule your wedding as close to low tide as possible if your location has limited beachfront.  The beaches north of the pier and adjacent to the harbor have plentiful sand so just make sure your placement isn’t too close to the shoreline if tides are on the rise.

Coastal cities embrace the beach lifestyle so we have a host of alternatives from restaurants to resorts that will give you that “beach feel” without the elements. In Oceanside, CA wedding ceremony sites that are just steps from the sand include

• Do I need a permit? Most likely, yes. If your ceremony has more than 25 people and/or includes chairs, arches, equipment, decorations, tenting, amplified music or other items not normally part of typical daily beach use, a permit is required.
• Date Exclusions: Permits are NOT issued for beach weddings occurring during the peak summer season (Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend). As an alternative, Strand Gazebo and Tyson Street Park are beachfront parks that are available for weddings and events virtually year-round. A permit may not be granted based on other citywide events and/or high-traffic weekends. This is at the city’s discretion.
• Walk-up Ceremonies: If you have under 25 guests and you want to literally walk up and have a ceremony (30 minutes or less) with NO set up, you’re good to go anywhere at any time.
• Receptions: All reception activities require a permit.
• Parking Reminder: All beach area parking lots are first come first served pay parking.
• Booking your beach wedding: Visit the City of Oceanside website to book your beach wedding in Oceanside.