5 Things You Need to Know About a Beach Vow Renewal

A beach vow renewal is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a destination vow renewal. It’s easy to envision the two of you looking deeply into each other’s eyes as you stand barefoot in the sand and say your vows to one another. From beautiful beaches in Florida and California to those in Hawaii or on the coast of Mexico, you have countless options for creating the perfect setting. There are a couple of things about renewing your vows on the beach that you’ll need to think about that are different from other environments. Here are six things you need to know about a beach vow renewal to help you plan your perfect, “I do still.”

Know the Legal Requirements

In many areas, you’ll need to have a permit to have a vow renewal on the beach. While these aren’t typically hard to get, they often also require you to have insurance and follow a set of usage rules. Make sure you understand what the permit does and doesn’t allow. For example, there may be restrictions on the use of chairs, arches, and other decor. You don’t want to be paying a fine for violating your permit!

Timing is Everything

If you want amazing photos or just the perfect atmosphere, plan your vow renewal ceremony for early morning or sunset. These are the best times of day when it comes to light and temperature. It’s crucial to keep in mind that not all beaches have sunset views. Work with your photographer to select the time and location to make sure you can get the kind of photos you want.

There’s Almost Always Wind

You’ll need to plan for wind and hope for a gentle breeze! The steady sea breeze can make a real mess or your hair and send a veil flying, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Whatever adornment you decided to use in your hair will need to be firmly attached. Consider using a fresh flower tucked behind your ear or wearing a crown of flowers or accenting your hair with an embellished comb. You’re also going to want to wear your hair up unless it’s short. Not only will an updo keep you cooler in the heat, but it will also help keep your hair out of your face. If wearing your hair down is important to you, pull the front pieces back so your hair will be out of your face in photos.

Summer Sand is HOT

Standing barefoot in the sand as you renew your vows sounds just dreamy. That is until you find out on the day of your vow renewal, the sand is absolutely scorching! While having sand in your shoes isn’t fun, it’s also better than having the soles of your feet burnt. If possible, check out the ceremony site at the same time of day your vow renewal is scheduled to see how how the sand is. Better yet, make sure you have a pair of sandals ready to wear if needed.

The Weather can be Unpredictable

A beach vow renewal is amazing when the weather is warm, and the wind is calm. But the weather at the beach can be very unpredictable, and you’ll want a backup plan. Be sure to bring along some umbrellas to protect you in case of rain and a few wooden parasols to protect you from the beating sun.