beach weddings

Maybe it is because of the powerful combination of the elements of nature which makes the beach such a powerful location for a wedding. There is the wind and the sun and the waves with the sound of the surf and the sea gulls. So many things converge in the open. Perhaps it is the vastness of the ocean which fascinates us. Maybe the hugeness of the ocean brings us down to reality and the fact that we are do dependent upon God's creation and each other - maybe these are all factors which give us a special sense of awe during a wedding.
There seems to be a trend in weddings which move away from old traditions and formalities. And, beach weddings can be a clear statement of informality and new traditions.
I like to take the timeless meanings of marriage and wedding ceremonies, and put them into new forms. But, I try to not make the new forms so new that they are unintelligible to the guests.
That isn't much of a problem if the only people present are the bride, the groom and the minister. Did you know that most states no longer require witnesses to be present or even to sign the Marriage License?
Why would anyone want to be married without family and friends present? Why would they go to a distant beach and be married by a stranger? These questions are really flowing from the desire of others (family and friends) to be involved in the wedding. But, when we consider how many couples simply go to a Judge, just the two of them, to be married, the questions don't carry any extra weight, do they?
It is enough that two people desire to be married legally and spiritually. Where they choose to be married, and with how many witnesses is a personal choice. In this culture, the fact that two people choose to be married is in itself something that must be honored.
Beach weddings should be more relaxed and less formal. The purpose should be serious, but the clothing and attitudes can be more relaxed.
Some brides choose to wear a formal wedding gown on the beach. Some don't. Most grooms wear khaki shorts and a casual white shirt, such as a guayabera shirt. Both usually wear sandals or go barefoot.
I prefer to stand in the edge of the water while I conduct the ceremony. Sometimes the bride and groom choose to stand in the water too. Then, if there are guests - family and friends - they can stand close by around the bride and groom.
Or, it can be more formal. Sometimes there is an arch or other decorations (perhaps a couple of fake palm trees). There can even be torches along the aisle. There can be chairs on the beach weddings.
Sometimes there is music for the processional, but this is not necessary. In fact, I prefer that everyone arrives together at the ceremony location. It shortens the time that everyone has to stand in the sun!
Definitely kill the formal dress-up on the beach for everyone except the bride. There is nothing more out of place than a group of men in suits and ties, and women in gowns and high heels, on the beach!
If there is one thing that really ought to always be eliminated from every wedding, it is alcohol. The Bride, the Groom, and all the guests should be sober in respect of the real formal aspect of all weddings: the exchange of vows!