Dreaming of saying your wedding vows by the ocean? There certainly isn’t anything quite like a coastal wedding. We’ve rounded up a list of advantages to having your wedding on the beach or near the ocean for you to consider as you plan your special day:
The ocean provides an ambiance that pretty much takes care of itself. Getting married on the beach or near the ocean means panoramic views, the sounds of waves and the smell of the salt water. There’s nothing like an ocean backdrop as you say your vows.
Wedding attire can be stressful for both the wedding party and for your guests. But a beach wedding is far less formal than a traditional wedding. At a beach wedding, the overall environment is casual and informal, your guests can relax and enjoy themselves.
An ocean setting gives photo-opps for days. You can plan pre-wedding photos of you as a couple, as well as family photos by the water. Capture group photos with friends and family on the beach. A coastal wedding gives you a lot of extra ambiance for your wedding photography.
Whether your coastal wedding is a destination wedding, or being held in a local seaside community, many of your guests can take advantage of including a vacation getaway as part of their attendance. A coastal wedding offers the opportunity to add activities before and after the wedding that let you and your guests spend more time together. Your guests can take a few days off to relax and soak up the surroundings. Add smaller events and excursions for your guests to enjoy.
Gorgeous views in every direction, a laid-back vibe to your ceremony, and an overall feeling of calm and relaxation are just a few of the reasons why couples decide to get married on the beach. There are plenty of great reasons that beach weddings are a popular choice, but there are downsides. Being totally dependent on the weather, no escape from heat and wind, and hosting a party in the sand, brings up a lot of challenges. Beaches also tend to have some pretty strict rules about use that can stifle your plans.
While your vision for your wedding is no doubt one that goes off without a hitch, it’s smart to be realistic about potential drawbacks of planning your entire event on the beach. However, you can have the best of both worlds when you plan your ceremony on the beach, but have your reception close by at a venue that can provide a second lovely location in a more manageable setting. Keep the beautiful ocean backdrop for your ceremony, leave the wind, sand and seagulls behind for the rest!
River Winds Farm & Estate is just minutes from several Maine beaches and other coastal spots. Enjoy your ceremony, then make your way back to River Winds for the reception. Our full catering kitchen and bars can accommodate all your food and refreshments (sand-free), and there’s plenty of power and places for seating and dancing. We also have accommodations for you and your wedding party to stay with us, or for getting ready before the ceremony.