Unamplified Music?

We ran into this at a few beach resorts. To be honest it was a deal breaker for us, but can definitely be done!

Are you hiring any music for the reception? Assuming that you are, regardless whether it's a band or dj, they likely use SOME amplification. A guitar played through an amp is technically amplified. Same with an electronic keyboard, etc. Even a small boom box is technically amplified. A symphony orchestra or marching band is typically not amplified but they can be loud. Running some generators can be louder than some bands/djs.

If I were you, I'd see if I could bet them to be clearer on the ordinance, and find out what the volume limit is, in decibels. I'd also find out what the penalty would be if you got fined. Chances are, no authorities would bother you unless they get a complaint from someone. It might be worth the risk, as long as you know the penalty and how loud you can be.

We were originally thinking of having a DJ, but that would obviously be amplified. To me it seems like the only option would be to have an acoustic only band. But hopefully I can see if they will be clearer on the rule, etc. Thanks!

Welcome to the WeddingWire Community @Ruby B Looks like some people have already been able to help you out!

Any other tips anyone?

For the ceremony if you were to look into a violinist or harpist these options would not be amplified. Also, those options can be quite lovely. In my area, there is a family of 5 members that play violins and other instruments. This group also does a time of 'Contra Dancing' music.

But would a microphone not even be allowed for the reception? To be able to m.c. the event...I agree you need to get clarification on what it means. Even if you hooked a Ipod to a speaker system, this is amplified.

Non-amplified music options include:

String Quartet

Harp

woodwinds and strings

Typically these are for ceremony only. Can you consider an alternate location for the reception and still do the ceremony at this location?

Well for the ceremony we are getting married in my church. So really it's all about the reception right now. At this point it may end up being a deal breaker for this location

For me this would be a deal breaker for the reception, but I like the other girls ideas about having the ceremony there and the reception somewhere else.

Hi Ruby,

I would suggest to find a guitarist who uses a very small battery powered amp. It is usually the size of a toaster and is the perfect volume. That is what I use when I'm in that situation. Hope that helps.

Congrats!

John Evans

SoCal Wedding Guitar

We have a wedding reception venue and the Council are very strict about using amplified music, so most venues that say this are doing so because they could lose their permission if they did. Most of the stunning beautiful locations are situated in the countryside so this has to be taken into account, noise travels much further and decibel levels have more effect on neighbours in quieter backgrounds. So its not necessarily the venue owner being difficult.