Your Guide to Beach Wedding Setups: Locations and Regulations for a Dream Ceremony

There’s something magical about a beach wedding—the sound of the waves, the golden sand, and the stunning views create the perfect setting for exchanging vows. However, planning a beach wedding isn’t as simple as setting up chairs and an arbor anywhere along the shoreline. Many beaches have strict regulations that limit commercial or event activities, especially when it comes to wedding setups like chairs, arbors, and decorations.

At Intimate Beach Wedding, we’re here to help you navigate these rules and find the best beaches in Southern California that allow beautiful wedding setups. From San Diego to Orange County, here’s a comprehensive list of beaches and the regulations you need to know for your dream beach wedding.

San Diego County Beaches

SUNSET CLIFFS AT OSPREY POINT

1. Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach offers a stunning, less crowded location for beach weddings, and it allows setups like chairs and an arbor for your ceremony. While you can set up a modest wedding arch and seating, it’s important to work with local officials to secure the necessary permits. This is a perfect choice for couples looking for a serene yet picturesque location along the San Diego coast.

2. Mission Beach

Mission Beach is another fantastic spot for beach weddings, offering both beauty and practicality. The beach allows setups, but requires specific permits and guidelines to follow. As one of San Diego’s most popular beaches, it’s a good idea to choose less crowded times or quieter areas for your ceremony to maintain an intimate atmosphere.

3. Mission Bay

Mission Bay’s wide, sandy stretches and calm waters make it a favorite for weddings. While setups are allowed, you’ll need to secure permits from the city, and there may be restrictions on the size and scope of your setup. This location offers a tranquil alternative to ocean-facing beaches and is great for couples looking for a calm, scenic venue.

4. La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego’s premier beach destinations, offering beautiful views and soft sand. This beach allows wedding setups, including chairs and an arbor, but obtaining the right permits is crucial. You’ll need to be mindful of local guidelines that ensure the beach remains accessible to the public, even during events.

5. Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach, known for its iconic views and wide expanse of sand, is a popular choice for weddings. You can set up chairs and an arbor here with a permit, but you’ll need to carefully follow regulations regarding setup times and location limits. The beach’s beauty and charm make it well worth the planning effort.

6. Sunset Cliffs

For couples looking for dramatic ocean views and breathtaking sunsets, Sunset Cliffs offers a stunning location. While you can set up an arbor and seating, the rules here are strict to preserve the natural landscape. Permits are required, and it’s important to keep in mind that large or intrusive setups might not be allowed.

Orange County Beaches

NORTH BEACH AT CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

1. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach allows wedding setups, but only during the off-season—between September 15th and June 15th. If your wedding falls within this window, you can set up chairs and an arbor for a stunning beachside ceremony. Be sure to acquire the appropriate permits and follow any restrictions on the size of the event.

2. Newport Beach

Newport Beach has stricter rules for setups on the actual beach, but it allows wedding setups at nearby parks that overlook the ocean, such as Lookout Point Park. While you can’t set up directly on the sand, these parks provide breathtaking views of the coastline, giving you a beach wedding feel with fewer restrictions.

3. Laguna Beach

In Laguna Beach, the only location that allows wedding setups on the sand is Crystal Cove State Beach. This scenic stretch of sand offers an idyllic location for a ceremony, but it requires permits and strict adherence to guidelines to protect the natural environment. Crystal Cove is perfect for couples who want to blend elegance with coastal beauty.

4. Dana Point

Dana Point’s beaches don’t allow wedding setups on the actual sand, but you can have a ceremony at one of the parks overlooking the beach. These parks provide stunning views of the coastline, offering a beachside ambiance without the challenges of setting up directly on the beach. Consider locations like Heritage Park or Palisades Gazebo Park for your ceremony.

5. San Clemente

San Clemente offers several options for wedding setups, both overlooking the beach and on the sand. Leslie Park and Linda Lane Park offer gorgeous views of the ocean, and you can set up your ceremony here with the right permits. Additionally, setups are allowed on the sand below Calafia Park, and at the Calafia/Lobeiro Overlook State Park, which provides a picturesque ocean backdrop for your vows.

Helpful Tips for Planning Your Beach Wedding Setup

1. Permits Are Essential
   Most beaches that allow wedding setups require permits, so it’s crucial to secure them early. These permits ensure your event is compliant with local regulations and helps avoid any last-minute disruptions.

2. Plan for Accessibility
   When choosing a location for your beach wedding, consider the accessibility for your guests, especially if they have mobility issues. Some beaches and parks are more accessible than others, and certain locations may require additional planning for guest access.

3. Be Mindful of Nature
   Many beach locations have strict regulations to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Be respectful of these guidelines by choosing setups that are minimal and environmentally friendly, and always clean up thoroughly after your ceremony.

4. Consider the Weather
   Southern California beaches are beautiful year-round, but weather conditions can change quickly. Make sure to have a backup plan in place in case of strong winds, high tides, or unexpected rain.

5. Timing Is Everything
   Choose your ceremony time carefully to avoid crowds, especially on popular beaches. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for quieter ceremonies and often provide the best lighting for photography.

At Intimate Beach Wedding, we’re here to guide you through every step of planning your perfect beach wedding, including navigating these regulations and finding the best locations for your ceremony setup. With our years of experience and intimate knowledge of Southern California’s beaches, we’ll help you create a stunning and stress-free event. Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding by the sea!

Ready to book your perfect beach wedding? Explore our locations and packages at Intimate Beach Wedding and let’s create the wedding of your dreams together.