Some of us simply cannot resist the allure of an outdoor wedding. Living at the shore, it’s difficult to ignore the beauty and power of the ocean. And so it’s not surprising that many couples are willing to risk the clear and ever-present danger of bad weather for the chance to exchange their vows with the wind and the waves as witnesses.

Still, when it comes to making this romantic fantasy a reality, there are several very practical things to consider. One important tip when planning an outdoor wedding is to always have a back-up location in case of bad weather. With a back-up plan you can hope for the best, but rest in the knowledge that the most important day of your life won’t have to be postponed because of something as uncertain as weather patterns.

Some of these towns require beach tags during daytime hours in the summer months. You’ll want to find out about this before you order seventy-five invitations for a beach wedding on an afternoon in July and then find yourself having to purchase seventy-five beach tags.

Ocean City:

Is a permit required? Yes – you can stop by City Hall or have them fax or mail the form.

Can receptions be held on the beach? No, but you can set up chairs, arches and other decorations that you are willing to provide for the ceremony.

What about parking and public restrooms? There is meter parking for most beaches and some beaches are located near paid parking lots. Public restrooms can be found in various places on the boardwalk.

Ocean City Municipal Offices
901 Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 399-6111

Sea Isle City:

Is a permit required? No

Can receptions be held on the beach? No, and you are not permitted to set up chairs, PA systems, canopies or any other type of equipment.

In this town, you will need beach tags during the day in the summer.

Sea Isle City Municipal Offices
(609) 263-4461

Stone Harbor:

Is a permit required? Yes. You must submit a written request to the Borough Clerk citing the location, date, and time you wish your ceremony to take place.

Can receptions be held on the beaches? No. The ceremony itself must be limited to thirty minutes. Stone Harbor also does not allow decorations or electrical equipment of any kind onto the beaches.

Public restrooms and parking? There are public lots in Stone Harbor, depending on which beach you choose. There are no meters, but if your beach is not near a public lot, you can’t be sure that all of your guests will be able to find parking.

Send permit request to:

Borough of Stone Harbor
9508 Second Ave.
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(609) 368-5102

Wildwood:

Between 26^th Street and Cresse Ave.

Is a permit required? No.

Can receptions be held on the beach? Yes, if you make arrangements with the Commissioner at least one month in advance, but alcohol is not permitted on the beaches. There is no insurance required for receptions. Ask about permission to use PA systems and other electrical equipment and/or decorations.

Also, they recommend that you pick a beach close to the convention center for a quieter atmosphere and for access to electricity.

Call (609) 522-2444

Is a permit required? Yes, call the city offices with the location, and the number of guests who will be attending. If you are planning to have twenty or more guests, there will be a twenty-five dollar administration fee.

Can receptions be held on the beach? No. They do not allow electrical equipment, but they do allow portable stereos. Arbors, chairs and other decorations are also allowed.

Parking? The streets have meter parking until 10 pm.

Call (609) 884-9531

Is a permit required? Yes. You must notify the mayor’s office with the time, location and date of the event.

Alcohol is not permitted on the beaches. Open flames are also prohibited (no tiki torches, etc.)

Parking? Parking will be difficult in the summer months. However, there are public lots on 29^th, 30^th and part of 31^st streets.

Regarding beach ceremonies - even though your ceremony may be only 15 minutes in length, for most towns, you will need to get the proper permission for a ceremony on the beach.  Another alternative to a beach ceremony, that doesn't require permits, is to have photos taken on the beach but to hold your ceremony elsewhere. 

• Take a drive to the beach you're considering to see if it really appeals to you for a ceremony and is close enough to your reception site to consider.
• If the site does interest you, check the area for parking availability (if not listed above) and for nearby public restrooms. 
• Is the beach easily accessible?  Consider older guests who are attending.  Is anyone limited by wheelchairs or other physical limitations?  Some beaches have stairs or ramps, others long walks through the sand. 
• While many parks and beaches only require a few weeks to process your request, don't wait until last minute to apply for permission.
• Be sure to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather!
• For permits in and around Atlantic County please see the article on Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies that appears on AtlanticCityWeddings.com.