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Savvy May 2019

Public Beach

Mariah, on May 30, 2018 at 4:39 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 8

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I have a ton of time to figure this out, my date is NEXT Sept. That being said, I am going for a no drama/ easy going/ simple/ yet beautiful thing.

I am going to elope in May for personal reasons. However, I am going to have a reception thing latter which everyone gets to go to. I and my FH want to do this on a beach. I've talked to several venues, but someone mentioned doing it on the Public beach to save money. I already checked the laws and its possible. my question is, has anyone tried to get married at a public location? Pros/Cons?

Do any of you have a suggestion for us?

50-100 people

Northern OR or southern Wa Beach

day plan tentatively (times are not accurate, just an example): about 5pm my "wedding party" meets up and we get pictures done on the beach in our wedding attire. this will be with <15 people total. then about 6pm everyone (50-100, guest list is not finalized of course.. don't judge I have a year) else shows up for a beach side bonfire and games. We want to have hot dogs and Smores for everyone. my FH and I exchange our own vows at some point in this.

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Mrs.Whooooo, on May 31, 2018 at 1:19 PM

Expert May 2018
xRApril · on May 30, 2018 at 5:02 AM
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My MIL just got married on the public beach in Panama City last June! There were 8 of us total there. It had rained all week, but we got lucky the day of the wedding and it didn’t rain. It was really pretty, they did a sand ceremony too. The only con I can think of is that there were people running around behind them when we were trying to get pictures. But the people also cheered for them too!
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Savvy May 2019
Mariah · on May 30, 2018 at 5:22 AM
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I don't mind people behind us, and the beach I have in mind for pictures is not as well known and therefor in theory not as busy.. People cheering me on might be OK, but a bunch of random people joining might be a problem for having enough food!!!! So far the weather history looks OK! But I think since I have the date so far in advance I could change to Aug if this year Sept looks too wet.. ?
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Expert May 2018
xRApril · on May 30, 2018 at 7:48 AM
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You’d definitely need to find a way to keep people from sneaking over to eat! Idk if you could maybe hand out bracelets or something, then everyone that eats will have a bracelet on, and it will make it easier for others to spot people that don’t belong? It reminds me of the place we stayed, to access the beach you had to have a bracelet on when you were down there. Hopefully September won’t be bad! We were in Florida right before one of the tropical storms hit, that’s why it was so rainy
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Expert September 2013
Jay · on May 30, 2018 at 12:27 PM
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Sounds like a great idea Mariah!
I am sure you can tastefully rope off an area in a way the public will understand is for your guests only.
Will the guests be privy to your vows exchange and will you change out of wedding attire for the smores and games?
One thing is for sure, the lighting for the pics at that time, place, and at that time of year will be stunning!
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Just Said Yes September 2018
Abbagail · on May 30, 2018 at 1:12 PM
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I'm getting married on Sept 29th on the Trinidad State Beach! I'm so excited. It's public area but also beautiful and know we can make it work for the ceremony
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Savvy May 2019
Mariah · on May 30, 2018 at 6:50 PM
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Yes I think they will see us exchange our own vows to each other, and of course our first dance. I don't think I'll be changing though, might need to get a apron to wear to be safe!!
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Dedicated August 2018
Alyssa · on May 31, 2018 at 12:40 PM
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I don't know if this applies to beaches everywhere but where I live you have to pay to park until about 5pm. When I was thinking of a beach wedding, I was told to check the parking times at the beach before setting your time that way your guests don't have to pay to park.
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Master May 2017
Mrs.Whooooo · on May 31, 2018 at 1:19 PM
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You may want to check and see if you need permits to hold an event of that size. That’s a lot of people on a beach. Most public beaches won’t allow you to rope off areas. This is based on CA beaches of course, but state beaches have pretty strict rules
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