The Ins and Outs of Your Beach Wedding
Virginia is for lovers, and that is especially true here in Virginia Beach! Our miles of public beaches, numerous City parks, and gardens are in great demand by people like you who want to pledge their love for one another in pretty, romantic settings. When planning a wedding on City property in Virginia Beach, there are a few things that need to be considered:
- We welcome your simple, small ceremony on the beach. No permit is required for such an event.
- Every marriage in the Commonwealth requires a marriage license. To download an application, locate the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, and learn what’s required.
- If a small (fewer than 150 participants) ceremony can remain accessible to the general public and doesn’t require reservation of a specific area, it is more likely that it can be accommodated in the resort area. A simple ceremony is one which requires minimal equipment and set-up. For more information on City rules and regulations, click here.
- Weddings are prohibited on the boardwalk.
- As a rule, private receptions are not allowed on public property in the resort area. However, they are permitted at oceanfront establishments with a Special Event Permit enabling them to hold events on public property adjacent to their business.
- There are plenty of great restaurants and hotels to consider as the site for your reception. In addition, you may wish to contact the Parks Leisure Events Office for a suitable venue.
Equipment and Setup:
Decorations (that must be secured to City property), tents (greater than 100 sq. feet and/or commercially installed), archways (that must be commercially delivered/installed) etc., are not permitted in the resort area. These types of items frequently involve a delivery and installation process that the restricted areas are not equipped to accommodate. Items that can be hand-carried, such as chairs, can be used in most areas.
If you choose to hold your ceremony in the resort area, please remember:
- Space cannot be reserved for private events in Oceanfront Parks from June 15 through Labor Day. For events of this nature occurring outside of these dates, please note that the general public admittance cannot be restricted.*
- Parking is limited.
- Commercial deliveries are not permitted (vehicular deliveries, commercial or non- commercial, are not permitted).
- Alcohol, glass and open flames are prohibited.
- Amplified sound is not permitted.
- There are numerous activities including beach cleaning, construction, public events, etc., that occur throughout the year in a variety of locations in the resort.
- The boardwalk or beach access cannot be impeded by the event.
- Unsecured helium balloons and rice are prohibited due to environmental risks.
Contact the Parks & Recreation Leisure Events Office at 757-385-2550 for more information about the following gardens and park venues that appear to be created just for your perfect day!
Virginia Beach Parks:
- Great Neck Park Gazebo
- Red Wing Park Gardens
(Japanese, Rose, and Fragrance Gardens)
- Little Island Park
Other City parks that may accommodate private events include:
- Bayville Farms Park
- Great Neck Park
- Munden Point Park
- Mt. Trashmore Park
- Woodstock Park
For more information about having your wedding at a public park in Virginia Beach, get the whole bouquet of information here.
Use these online resources as you plan your Virginia Beach wedding.
VOW
Hampton Roads Bride
LICENSES
Every marriage in the Commonwealth requires a marriage license. To download an application, locate the Circuit Court ClerkÍs Office, and learn whatÍs required, click here.
OFFICIALS
Local marriage commissioners and ministers include:
Rev. Marilyn Danner
757-721-3470www.virginiaweddings.org
George Hale
757-306-7091
Harold McGee
757-491-9177
Curtis Payne
757-430-9495
Meredith Ramsey-Lester
757-493-8908
Allen Sololic
757-721-4608