Heart in the Sand

As laws change and marriage equality sweeps from coast-to-coast, gay couples are thinking of ideal locations for the beach wedding of their dreams. Just along the edges of the continental United States, some 7000 miles of coastal frontage beckon. There is certain to be just the stretch of sandy real estate that you and your partner have dreamt of, somewhere out there among all that sand and sea.

Like any wedding celebration, a beach event takes a lot of thought, preparation and time in advance to secure the necessary elements for the day and to help ensure a smooth operation. There are some factors that are unique to the outdoors, and to beaches especially, which may influence your planning of a great gay beach wedding.

Location, Location, Location

Scout the scenery and conditions at multiple locations before making your final decision. Browse not just photos and videos, but also reviews, travel writing and personal experiences that people have had at the area to get a feel for what is out there. Narrow the search to a handful of real beauties and then dig deeper. What kind of facilities and amenities are available? How accessible is the spot to family, friends, caterers and photographers with a load of equipment?

Weddings near the sea will tend to have some trade-offs. Some of the ease and convenience of a chapel or reception hall are sacrificed for the beauty and atmosphere of sand, surf and sky as your backdrop. Naturally, proximity is an issue. If most of your circle of guests from home all hail from a landlocked area, consider the costs to them. Some couples hold a small private ceremony at the sea and another reception closer to home.

Preparation

Beach weddings are known to require more preparation and planning. Weather, wind, seabirds and other natural residents of the area and the endless onslaught of sand are all some of the factors that may cause headaches.

Many so-called beach weddings are actually held in a building or patio area adjacent to the actual sand and sea for obvious reasons. Research and investigation will reveal options that can work best for your big day. Be sure to think as far ahead as possible, as some of the most desirable locations are booked many months or years in advance.

Finding the Right People

If your plans will take you away from your usual home area, there is quite a bit more research to be done. While laws are rapidly changing and some coastal areas are welcoming and open to gay couples, there remain firm pockets of resistance to change. While scouting locations and checking reviews, pay special attention to recommendations for caterers, florists, photographers, bakeries and ministers who appreciate you and welcome your individual ceremony. There are many great sources from which to find ordained ministers who are typically open and accepting to all couples coming together in marriage.

Many people find that they know someone in their social network who is ordained to perform weddings. Post a request for a referral to someone you may already know to help you make your event perfect. If you have a friend or loved one whom you would like to perform the ceremony, check into ordination options and make this day exactly what you would like it to be.

Live Your Dream

With the spread of marriage equality, options are open to all people to celebrate their day of joy in the place of their dreams. Enjoy the fruits of decades of effort by brave activists and agitators who have spoken out and stood up for freedom, and exercise your right have a great gay beach wedding!