How to Plan a Beach Elopement: Ultimate Beach Elopement Guide

When Should I Plan My Beach Elopement?

All beaches have different climates. For example, in Washington State, beaches are best visited in the summer when there isn’t as high of a chance of rain. However, beaches in Southern California are best visited during the winter where the weather is pleasant and there aren’t huge summer crowds.

Generally speaking, you should highly consider planning your beach elopement during the fall season. While weather is nicer during the summer, there are tons of people, limited parking, and lots of traffic.

Get Your Marriage License and Permits

If you’re wanting to have a legal ceremony on the beach, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. You can find all the information you need if you Google the state you’ll be getting married in, followed by “marriage license.”

You may also need a special use permit depending on your ceremony location. A special use permit is a piece of paper that grants you permission to have a ceremony on the land. For example, beaches in national parks require special use permits. I always recommend asking your photographer if you need a special use permit, as they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Failure to obtain a permit could result in heavy fines.

For the West Coast and Hawaii, check out my elopement guides that have step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a marriage license.

• California Elopement Guide
• Oregon Elopement Guide
• Washington State Elopement Guide
• Hawaii Elopement Guide

Beach Elopement Activity Ideas

Some of my most favorite elopements take place on the beach near the cutest beach towns! Here are a few ideas you can consider doing for your own elopement in a beach town.

• Have a beach bonfire and roast hotdogs and s’mores
• Build an epic sandcastle
• Try surfing, boogie boarding, or water skiing
• Have a romantic picnic during sunset
• Take a stroll and look at all the seashells
• Go whale watching
• Rent bicycles and ride around town
• Try a famous funnel cake on the pier
• Have a fancy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean

Best Beach Airbnbs

Below are a few of my favorite Airbnbs you can find along the West Coast and Hawaii, right on the beach!

Beach Elopement Tips

#1: Don’t plan your wedding on a weekend or holiday. These two times are the worst times to plan an elopement, especially at the beach. You’ll experience nothing but crowds, traffic, and increased pricing for lodging.

#2: Bring sunscreen. Even if you aren’t planning an elopement during the middle of the summer, always be sure to bring sunscreen. There is nothing worse than being sunburnt during your honeymoon!

#3: Prepare for wind. The coast is known to be cold and windy. Be sure to bring layers and plan accordingly when it comes to decor.

Beach Elopement Packages

As a Pacific Northwest and California elopement photographer, I’ve shot many different beach elopements. I help plan and capture elopements for couples looking to have an adventurous and authentic wedding day experience.

Beach Elopement Package Pricing

• 4 hours – 1.5 days of elopement coverage anywhere on the beach
• A hands-on elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
  • personalized elopement locations and questionnaires
  • vendor recommendations
  • permit assistance
  • customized elopement timeline
  • activity suggestions
• Online gallery with full resolution and printing rights
• 24-48 hour sneak peak images
• Travel fees to ANYWHERE on the West Coast (CA, OR, and WA) are already included
• Starting at $4,500 for CA, OR, and WA. Starting at $6,500 for anywhere else in the U.S.
• I also offer all-inclusive elopement packages, which takes the planning out of your elopement completely. Check those packages out here.

Want more beach elopement inspiration? Check out this Ruby Beach Elopement, Sunset Cliffs Elopement, and Oregon Elopement Guide.