A Gulf Shores Beach Wedding
Sun, waves, ocean breezes, and brilliant white sand … a beautiful beach is a perfect place to vacation, relax … or have the wedding of a lifetime… a beach wedding.
For many couples the idea of a beach wedding is romantic and intriguing. Saying vows with the waves as your witness is a memory that will be treasured forever. Even guests and the members of the wedding party will be excited when you announce this less traditional setting. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, the savings can be enormous, and a beachside service makes your wedding day unique and memorable. You can find many ideas and tips for planning your own Gulf Shores beach wedding right on this page.
Enjoy the laid back, tropical environment of the beautiful Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area. You don’t even need a permit to have a beautiful wedding at the beach. If you have your wedding license and identification, you are practically set. Think about it; you can have your wedding take place on a snow-white beach with sandy dunes, swaying palms and the beautiful emerald ocean in the background, and you do not have to pay one penny for this stunning setting. Have your beach wedding in the evening under an endless canopy of brilliant stars, or arrange to say your vows as the sun streaks the morning sky with dazzling colors.
There are just a few rules that you and your guests should observe. The Gulf Shores area welcomes you with open arms and wants your wedding to be picture perfect. Any wedding that is going to be a major society event needs to have a special event permit. This is only necessary if you plan to have a major production with many guests. There is still no fee involved, but the city can make sure that parking and other considerations are handled properly.
No helium balloons, silly string, rice, fires or fireworks are allowed on the beach.
When you plan your Gulf Shores Wedding adventure, you are free to select where you will actually say “I Do.” You can stand at the edge of the shore and let the warm waves lap at your feet or have the wedding take place on the open deck of a condo or hotel. One more place to say your vows on the beach is the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion.
For a fee, there there are also small chapels where you can have a romantic and intimate exchange of vows. Wherever you want to stand on the Big Day is totally in your hands, so take you time and choose what's best for you.
Although it is better to plan the event at least a couple of weeks in advance, many spur of the moment nuptials take place along the Gulf Shores beaches every year.
What to wear to a beach wedding? This is a common question that is voiced. The good news is that the choices are almost as endless as the horizon. Formal rules are packed away and individuality rules the waves. Brides can wear Vera Wang designer chic gowns, cotton sarongs, or bathing suits. Grooms can wear a tux, or Bermudas and a T-shirt. Even your guests can dress as formal or as casual as they wish. Remember that you make the rules when you opt to get married on the beach.
There is no absolute rule about music and weddings, especially if you have the beauty and sounds of nature around you. Some couples however have “tied the knot” at the beach with the accompaniment of a five piece orchestra. One recent wedding was absolutely magical and there was just a single person playing the flute. Music choices for Gulf Shores weddings are limited only by your imagination. If it makes you happy to have only a guitarist and bongo player at your side, then by all means…Go for it!
You do not have to set the stage with dozens of floral arrangements, because you already have some lush, natural surroundings. A single flower to give each of the guests does make a nice touch, and this might be something to consider. Many brides who have their weddings by the ocean select a small bouquet, or carry a solitary orchid or lily.
It is easy to plan a beach wedding but hiring a wedding planner can make the event run more smoothly. The Gulf Shores area attracts many eager couples who want a very special wedding so there are plenty of experienced people around to offer assistance. You can even choose a friend or family member to help oversee the entire operation. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
If you want people to have seating available you will need to select a location where chairs can have secure footing.
Scout your beachside location ahead of time so that you can make sure it will fit all of your needs.
Have a backup plan in mind because there are might be an unexpected shower that could dampen the enthusiasm of all.
A canopy cover is an ideal extra to have on hand.
Check to see where you can change into your wedding outfit if needed.
Make sure that parking for guests is available, and arranged beforehand.
If you are going to have food and drinks make sure that there is adequate cover.
Some people choose to have a “dry run” or a rehearsal beforehand, which might be a good idea.
Expect to be watched … Unless you have arranged to exchange vows on a deserted sandbar your wedding will attract attention and beach visitors will edge closer so they can watch. Don’t let this be a distraction, instead be flattered that your Big Day can be shared.
For help with what to wear to the wedding, visit
Fashion after 50: Wedding Suits for Women.
Visit Beautiful Beach Weddings for more beach wedding guidance.
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