Beach weddings are such popular commodities that Boynton Beach is giving one away as a contest prize. And seaside ceremonies come highly touted by the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau — which counts Delray Beach among the cities it serves.
But smitten couples who call the Delray Beach parks and recreation office to inquire about nuptials are told beach weddings are not allowed.
That news came as a surprise to some city lawmakers at a recent workshop meeting.
“It’s not permitted in the city of Delray Beach to get married on the beach,” said City Commissioner Tom Carney, who brought the topic up after he was called by a couple who wanted their union witnessed by the surf, sand and sun. “They had to go to Boca or Boynton to get married on the beach.”
Carney’s revelation seemed to baffle commissioners and staff, who acknowledged a rule on the books prohibiting nuptials — but didn’t know why. Parks and Recreation Director Linda Karch speculated that the rule may be a way to deal with celebrations crowded with chairs and people that block use of public beach space.
“If you call my office, (you will be told) you can’t get married on the beach,” Karch said.
Mayor Woodie McDuffie, a notary public, recalled performing a wedding ceremony on the beach, but quickly realized that was on private property.
Many couples probably are wed on the beach without the city even being aware, Carney said later.
“I don’t think we’ll stop you,” Town Manager David Harden had said at the meeting.
“The city needs to address that thing,” Carney said. “I think it’s ridiculous you can’t get married on the beach.”
“We will check it,” Harden said as the discussion came to a close.
While the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes beach weddings in its latest wedding brochure, its official rules put restrictions on just how ceremonies can be held: The ceremony can have a bridal party, official and guests, but no equipment or chairs. Hand-held canopies are OK.
The rules also say beach weddings are only allowed before 8:30 a.m. and after 5 p.m. — and may last no longer than 20 minutes.
There’s no charge, nor is a permit required, according to the CVB.
Receptions and weddings with chairs, other equipment and alcoholic beverages are allowed at designated rental pavilions and require a permit.
In addition to the seaside service, the CVB lists as possible wedding venues the myriad hotels that offer ocean views and facilities.
Couples can also use facilities or grounds for a fee at unique waterfront facilities such as Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
In Boynton Beach, the lucky couple who will win a beach wedding and light reception will be notified Nov. 15.
The Wedding on the Waterway contest will give away a ceremony for up to 50 guests to be held Feb. 4 or 5 at Oceanfront Park in Ocean Ridge.
“In these tough financial times, the city is looking to assist a special couple by helping to offset costs for a beachside wedding ceremony for friends and family,” Boynton Beach said in the contest literature.
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