Dewey Beach Weddings | A Way of Married Life
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So, you want to get hitched in Dewey Beach? Excellent choice.
While its neighbor to the north (Rehoboth) is the polished older sibling, and the neighbor to the south (Bethany Beach Weddings) is the quiet one who goes to bed at 9 PM, Dewey Beach is the fun cousin who knows how to party but also cleans up surprisingly well for a sunrise wedding ceremony.
Here is your fun, no-stress guide to getting married on the sand in Dewey Beach, Delaware—from the legal paperwork to the post-wedding orange crush. Start planning your Dewey Beach wedding early at one of the top bridal expos in Delaware.
1. The Vibe: Why Dewey?
Dewey is unique because it is only two blocks wide. You have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Rehoboth Bay on the other, meaning you can technically catch a sunrise ceremony on the beach and a sunset reception on the bay without ever moving your car (which is good, because parking is… well, we’ll get to that).
Perfect for couples who:
Want a “toes in the sand” wedding without the pretension.
Are planning a reception that involves live music and a crowded dance floor.
Love the idea of walking from the ceremony to the after-party.
2. The “Boring” Legal Stuff (Do This First!)
You cannot get married on the beach if you aren’t legally allowed to get married in Delaware.
Where to go: You need a marriage license from Sussex County. You can apply online, but you and your partner must appear together in person at the Clerk of the Peace office in Georgetown, DE (about 30 mins inland) to pick it up.
The Waiting Period: This is the most common mistake!
Residents: 24-hour waiting period.
Non-Residents: There is often a 96-hour (4-day) waiting period for non-residents. While some counties have relaxed this, do not risk it. Apply for your license at least a week before the wedding.
Cost: Roughly $70–$120 depending on residency.
Validity: The license is good for 30 days.
3. Securing the Sand: The Beach Permit
Unlike some beaches that charge thousands for a permit, Dewey keeps it chill.
The Fee: It is generally a $100 license fee.
The Process: You must fill out a request form and submit it to the Town Manager for approval. You can find this on the Town of Dewey Beach website.
The Timing: During the summer season (May 15 – Sept 15), ceremonies usually must take place after 5:30 PM. This is strictly enforced because the lifeguards are on duty until 5:00 PM, and they need the beach clear for safety (and to avoid a rogue frisbee hitting your officiant).
4. The Rules (The “Don’t Be That Guy” Section)
Dewey has a reputation for being a party town, but they are surprisingly strict about the actual beach.
NO ALCOHOL ON THE BEACH: This is the big one. Do not try to sneak champagne for a toast on the sand. The fines are hefty, and the police patrol on ATVs. Save the popping of bottles for the reception.
Chairs & Arches: You are allowed to set up chairs and an arch, but there are catches:
No Metal Chairs: Some regulations prohibit metal chairs (they sink and rust). Stick to wood or resin.
30-Minute Rule: You usually have to remove everything within 30 minutes of the ceremony ending.
No Closed Tents: Open canopies are usually okay; closed tents are a no-go.
Bonfires: Want to end the night with s’mores? You can have a bonfire, but you need a separate permit (approx. $150 fee + deposit) and you must clean up every speck of ash by 11:00 PM.
5. The Reception: The Dewey Walk
The best part of a Dewey Beach wedding is the “Dewey Walk.” Since the town is tiny, your guests can walk from the beach ceremony to the reception.
The “Fancy” Route: Lighthouse Cove Event Center (Hyatt). It overlooks the bay, has massive ballrooms, and offers the best sunset views in town.
The “Classic Dewey” Route: The Starboard or Rusty Rudder. If you want your wedding reception to feel like a high-energy concert with orange crushes, this is your move.
The “Intimate” Route: Rent a massive beach house on the ocean block. (Just check the noise ordinances—Dewey takes “Quiet Hours” seriously in residential zones).
6. Pro-Tips for Success
The Parking Meter Struggle: Parking in Dewey in the summer is a competitive sport. Guests will need to use the ParkMobile app. Tip: Pre-buy daily parking hangtags for your VIP guests from the Town Hall so they don’t have to worry about feeding the meter.
The Flies: If the wind is blowing from the West (from the bay toward the ocean), the biting flies can be aggressive in late summer. Have bug spray ready just in case.
The Jolly Trolley: If you have guests staying in Rehoboth, hire the Jolly Trolley for a private charter. It’s iconic, fun, and keeps people from driving.
Dog Friendly? Dewey is very dog-friendly, but during the summer, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM. If you want Fido as your ring bearer, schedule the ceremony for 6:00 P