Beach wedding in the UK

4 replies

RetroRainbow · 04/03/2025 12:54

We have just started planning our wedding and love the idea of getting married on Hastings beach as it’s a sentimental place for us.
Does anyone know the law regarding beach weddings in the UK?
I know wedding laws were relaxed a bit after lockdown but I can seem to find anything specific on this.

TIA

OP posts:

MiddleAgedDread · 04/03/2025 12:57

Marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales: Plan your ceremony - GOV.UK
Click on the link "venue approved by the local council" under civil ceremonies.

Marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales

How to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK, giving notice of marriage at a register office, visas, paying fees.

https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/plan-your-ceremony

crockofshite · 04/03/2025 13:01

I don't think UK beach weddings are legal, so get married in a register office and separately stage a wedding on the beach.

Don't forget it's a public place and you can't reserve a patch of sand so be prepared for random bystanders, who have every right to be there.

I saw a beach wedding (not UK) where surfers and swimmers wandered amongst and through the guests with their boards and towels.

Also Make sure you tell your guests it's a celebration rather than a legal wedding.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 04/03/2025 13:02

You can get married on Hastings Pier. Herne Bay has a fab venue if you are going smaller and can move away from Hastings Beach Hut Wedding Venue in Herne Bay Kent - Home

Beach Hut Wedding Venue in Herne Bay Kent - Home

Beach Hut Weddings - Unique Beach Hut Wedding Venue - Ceremonies, Elopements & Receptions by the Sea. Located on Herne Bay Pier, Kent

https://beachhutweddings.co.uk/

Peachtastic · 04/03/2025 13:08

You say the UK, but laws can differ by country.

In Scotland, you can get married pretty much anywhere you like, including outdoors.

Flip