Bethany Beach Weddings | Delaware’s Quiet Resort
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Here is a fun and informative guide to getting married in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Start planning your Bethany Beach wedding early at the Delaware Bridal Expo!
Tie the Knot in the “Quiet Resort”: How to Get Married on Bethany Beach
So, you want to get married with sand between your toes and the Atlantic Ocean as your witness? Excellent choice.
While a Dewey Beach Wedding is the fun, loud older brother and Ocean City Weddings are the wild cousin, Bethany Beach is the serene, sophisticated middle child. Known as the “Quiet Resort,” it is the perfect spot for couples who want a ceremony that feels intimate, family-friendly, and naturally beautiful without the carnival noise.
Here is everything you need to know to pull off the perfect beach wedding in Bethany, from the boring legal stuff to the fun “don’t let the tide wash away your grandma” tips.
1. The Rules (The Boring but Important Stuff)
Unlike some beaches that require a mountain of paperwork and a hefty fee, Bethany Beach is relatively chill—but they do have rules.
The Permit: You cannot just show up with an arch and 50 people. You must submit a request to the Town Manager’s Office.
Good News: As of recent updates, there is generally no fee for a simple wedding ceremony permit in Bethany Beach proper (unlike neighboring towns that charge $200+), but you must get approval.
How to do it: Fill out the “Special Events” or specific wedding application form found on the Town of Bethany Beach website and submit it at least 30 days in advance.
The “No” List: To keep the beach pristine, the town strictly forbids:
Alcohol: Save the champagne toast for the reception. Bethany has a strict open-container law on the beach/boardwalk.
Structures: You generally cannot build a massive altar, tent, or canopy. Simple, handheld arbors or small setups might be approved, but ask first.
Glass: No glass vases or bottles. If you drop it, it breaks, and nobody wants to step on a shard of your wedding decor during their morning jog.
Fires: No bonfires or tiki torches.
2. Making It Legal: The Marriage License
You can have the prettiest ceremony in the world, but it doesn’t count unless you have the piece of paper from Sussex County.
Where to go: You need to apply for a marriage license through the Sussex County Clerk of the Peace in Georgetown, DE (about 30-40 minutes inland from Bethany).
The 24-Hour Rule: Delaware has a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. You cannot get your license at 10:00 AM and get married at noon. You need to pick it up at least the day before.
Validity: The license is good for 30 days.
Cost: Roughly $70 for Delaware residents and $120 for out-of-staters (cash or credit).
ID: Bring valid photo IDs. Both of you must be present.
3. Timing is Everything
This is the secret sauce to a good beach wedding.
The Season
Summer (June – August): It is packed. Parking is a nightmare, and it is hot. If you must do summer, do it on a weekday.
The “Local’s Secret” (May & September): These are the golden months. The water is still nice (in Sept), the weather is mild, and the crowds have thinned out. October is also stunning, though a bit breezier.
The Time of Day
You are at the mercy of the lifeguards and the sun.
Lifeguard Hours: During the season, lifeguards are on duty roughly 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You generally cannot hold a ceremony in front of the stands during these hours.
The Best Slots:
Sunrise: For the brave early birds. It’s private, quiet, and the sun comes up over the water (amazing photos).
Golden Hour (6:00 PM – Sunset): The classic choice. The lifeguards are gone, the light is soft, and the temperature is cooler.
4. Logistics: Parking and Accessibility
Parking: In season (May 15 – Sept 15), parking is paid and enforced aggressively. Bethany uses pay stations.
Pro Tip: If you have elderly guests, use the drop-off loop at the end of Garfield Parkway (by the boardwalk) to let them out, then have the driver go park.
Accessibility: Bethany Beach is great for accessibility. They have mats (Mobi-Mats) at several dune crossings (like Garfield Parkway and Wellington Parkway) that make it easier for wheelchairs and guests in heels to get close to the sand.
5. The “Vibe Check” Tips
To ensure your wedding doesn’t end up on a “wedding fail” video:
Check the Tides: Look up a tide chart for your specific date. You do not want high tide to hit right in the middle of your vows, forcing everyone to scramble backward as the ocean eats your ceremony space.
Wind is Real: Veils are dangerous on the beach. They whip around and stick to your lipstick. Consider a flower crown, a birdcage veil, or just plenty of hairspray.
The Shoe Station: Don’t make guests wear dress shoes in the sand. Set up a cute “Shoe Valet” or a basket of cheap flip-flops so they can kick off their heels.
A powerful voice is Mandatory: The ocean is louder than you think. Even if you only have 20 guests, the wind and waves will swallow your vows. Microphones are not allowed on the beach so you need a wedding officiant with a powerful voice.
6. The Reception
Since you can’t drink or party on the sand, you’ll need a reception venue nearby.
Rent a Big House: Many couples rent a massive oceanfront home in North Bethany or South Bethany and host a backyard reception (just check the rental agreement for event rules).
Local Venues: Places like Big Chill Beach Club (nearby at the Inlet) or simpler local restaurants like Bluecoast offer great seafood and vibes just a short drive away.
Ready to start planning your Bethany Beach Wedding?
Next Step: Your first move is to visit the Town of Bethany Beach website and download the “Special Event” or wedding application form to secure your date with the town manager. Once that’s mailed, you can start looking at tide charts!