Beach Wedding in Downtown Ocean City

What if it rains?
The beaches of Maryland & Delaware are usually blessed with abundant sunshine during the wedding season.   We will do our best to work with you and the weather.  Most summer showers are very brief and clear up quickly.  We can change the time, date or location of your ceremony if possible or rent our  10 x 10 covered canopy ($80) for light showers.  We’ve  had ceremonies in condos, beach houses & hotels.  Rain or shine, you won’t leave the beach without a ring on your finger J

What time will we arrive?
The Officiant usually arrives on the beach about 20 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time.  The groom is to be on the beach with the marriage license 20 minutes prior to the ceremony.  If it is a Delaware license, please make sure both witnesses have signed all 3 copies of  the license beforehand.   The beach set up team usually arrives about 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.  In some case where we have additional manpower, the set up team may arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Would you recommend an additional Hour of Photography for my Beach Wedding Package?
Definitely!  Some of our most memorable images occur well before the wedding- putting on the dress, applying the finishes touches to your makeup, a glass of champagne with the girls while you are waiting for your nails to dry.  An extra hour will allow you time to cross  over to the bay after your beach ceremony and take sunset shots.  If you are arriving or departing in our White Wedding Limo you’ll want to capture your time on the Red Carpet!  Additional Photography hours are $240 ($192 on weekdays, morning & offseason.

Are  friends and family allowed to take pictures during the ceremony?
While it is allowed, we do not recommend it.   From past experience, a lot can go wrong when an amateur photographer attempts to interact with a professional.  The wedding party is often confused which camera to follow and their eyes will look in different directions. They also risk being in the background of certain shots.  For example, we may not be able to take a shot of your first dance on the beach if another shooter is trying to catch the same shot from the other side.  Friends and family are not permitted to stand directly behind our photographers during a shot.  This can cast shadows and negatively affect the lighting of the images you are paying for.
When will I receive my images?
Online Photo Galleries usually take about three weeks.  Cassandra will e-mail you the link.  You may order prints directly from your gallery.  Your Photo DVD Slideshow should be sent a few days later  via signature confirmation postal mail.  Photo DVD Slideshows are for viewing only and can be played in most DVD players and computers.  Photo Negatives ($360) arrive on a printable disc.  Negatives include a letter of authenticity that grants non-commercial reproductive rights.  We usually keep your negatives on file for one year (They make great holiday gifts!)  Video DVDs usually take about a month to produce.

Are postponements or cancellations allowed?
A single postponement is permitted if it is requested in writing at least 30 days prior to your original event date.  The balance must be paid in full by the original due date to enact the postponement.  The new date must be contracted by the original date.
Cancellations are permitted at least 30 days prior to your event. The 25% retainer is non- refundable.  Any additional payments in excess of the 25% retainer can be returned. Cancellations within 30 days of your event are not permitted.  Final Payments are due at least 30 days prior to your event.

Are Cash Gratuities accepted?
Yes, but only if service exceeds your expectations.

What if I’m late for my Wedding?
Our staff takes pride in our punctuality and we  expect our couples to reciprocate the courtesy.  The photo/video time will commence at the original contracted time even if you are late.  This may require you to purchase additional time to get all of the images you deserve.  The beach set up team must adhere to a strict schedule on days we have multiple weddings.  If the bride and groom are more than 15 minutes late, we may have to begin taking down the beach set up. 

Now that you’re familiar with the Ocean City, Rehoboth,

First Dance on the Ocean City Beach

Bethany Beach or Assateague licenses & permits, let’s move to the beach!
On the day of your ceremony, your Officiant (usually myself) will meet the groom on the beach by the archway about 20 minutes prior to the ceremony.  The groom is to bring all 3 copies of the marriage license with him to the beach. If it is a Delaware license, please have both witnesses sign all 3 copies before you bring them to the Officiant.  The Officiant will complete one copy and return it to the groom.  We recommend the Groom hand the marriage license to a “designated person of responsibility” for safekeeping during the ceremony and pictures.  The Officiant will mail the second copy to the County Clerk’s office the next business day after the wedding. The Officiant will keep the third copy of the license.

After the Marriage License has been completed, the Officiant will help the groom, best man and any groomsmen line up.  There will be a quick mini- rehearsal and the Officiant will answer any questions the groom has and  help him prepare for the ceremony.

About 5 minutes prior to the designated ceremony time, the Officiant will meet the bride at the top of the beach.  Ideally there will be an elevated  spot  behind the dunes where the bride can see the groom without being seen.

If there is someone escorting the bride or any bridesmaids, the Officiant will help line them up and go over any responsibilities they might have.  If you are nervous, we’ll try our best to put a smile on your face .  After a quick mini- rehearsal,  the Officiant will head down to the archway and stand next to the groom.  If your package includes our Ceremony DJ, the Officiant will signal them to cue up the music.

Once the Officiant is under the archway and facing towards the bride, the processional will begin.  If you have someone escorting you down the aisle,  they will give you a big hug& kiss when you reach the archway and then take their seat.  If you have a bouquet, you will then hand it off to a Maid of Honor or guest.  The Officiant will ask if you are ready and then begin.

Most ceremonies are about 10 minutes- short and sweet!  After the Ceremony, you may opt for a 1^st Dance on the Beach  behind the archway(Extremely cool in your photos & video).  After the dance, the recessional music will begin and you’ll walk back under the archway.  The crowd goes wild and your off for photos!

We recommend adding at least an additional thirty minutes of photography prior to your ceremony.  That will insure you capture priceless memories of your pre wedding preparations (putting the finishing touches on your makeup, putting on the dress, one last drink with the girls, etc.)   This will also give you time for some posed solo pictures in your dress without the boys getting restless (guys tend to start turning their focus from pictures to food after about  forty minutes of posing ).

If you are having your Wedding in Ocean City, MD you’ll need to acquire your Marriage License from the Worcester County Clerk’s Office:

Worcester County Marriage License Applications and Civil Ceremonies

• Hours for applying are 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Only the bride or groom need apply. The fee for a marriage license application is $35.00, CASH only, no checks accepted. You will need to show a drivers license or birth certificate for both the bride and groom. No blood test is required. We need to have Social Security numbers for both.
• You must be married in Worcester County, if you obtain your license in this county.
• You must wait until after 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after you apply for the license before you can be married.
• The license is valid for six months from the date of issue.
• If either party is divorced, we need documentation of same, please bring papers with you. If bride resumes her maiden name, we will need to see documentation of same.
• If either of you have a deceased spouse, you will need to know the date and place of death.
• If under 18, please call for information.

Should you have any questions, please call 410.632.5500 or toll free 1.800.340.0691
The address is:
Office of Clerk of Circuit Court
1 West Market Street Room 104
Snow Hill, MD 21863

Ocean City is a free public beach and does not require a permit.
Beach Wheel Chairs can be reserved  through the Town of Ocean City: 410-289-8221

Beach Wedding OC MD

Assateague Island Weddings

Assateague Island Beach Wedding

Assateague National Seashore requires a permit + a park entry fee of $15 per vehicle.
Call the ranger station at 410-641-3030 to apply.  A commercial permit is required for professional photo, video, limo, Officiant & rental services to work on the island.  Rox has a permit to operate legally on the island.

The state side of Assateague does not require a permit  but guests are asked to contact the Park’s Headquarters at (410) 641-2120 ext. 10 at least a week in advance of the event.

Bethany, Dewey & Rehoboth Beach Marriage License  Application Info

• Both applicants must appear together when applying for a marriage license. The marriage license may be obtained during the hours 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Sussex County Administrative Building, Room 268, Second floor, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, Delaware
• Each applicant is required to show a valid photo identification. The identification may be a drivers license, a State-issued identification card, a passport or a military identification.
• You must be at least eighteen years of age to apply for a marriage license. If either applicant is under the age of eighteen, they are considered minors. Minors must petition Delaware Family Court for authorization to marry. Call (302) 855-7400 for further guidance and information.
• Applicants may not be related to each other or be of the same sex.
• Applicants must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• No blood test is required.
• If a female applicant is divorced and legally reclaimed her maiden name, we require the original, true copy or a certified copy of the name change court papers. A photocopy is not acceptable.
• If either applicant has been married and the marriage was terminated by divorce or annulment, we require the last divorce or annulment decree. It must be signed by a Judge and bear a seal indicating that it is the original, true copy or a certified copy. A photocopy is not acceptable.
• If either applicant has been married and the marriage was terminated by death, we require the original, true copy or a certified copy of the death certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable.
• If either applicant is on probation or parole, they must have written permission to marry from their probation or parole officer.
• If either applicant requires an interpreter, they must provide their own. The interpreter must be at least eighteen years of age.
• The marriage license is valid for 30 days. It must be used in that time period. It is only valid in the State of Delaware. The waiting period is 24 hours for all applicants.
• Please allow at least 20 minutes for the marriage application process.

You may also apply online at:  www.sussexcountyde.gov

Ocean City Bridal Show

The Ocean City Bridal Show is the “must attend” event of the year for any bride to be who is considering a beach wedding.  This year’s show will be Sunday April 14th at Seacrets.     This is a FUN event! Meet the Beach’s top wedding vendors and enjoy vibrant music from DJ Armando, Dancing Demonstrations, Fashion Expo by Amber Nicole’s Bridal and Men’s Formal Wear Showcase by You’re Invited.      Vendors will be giving away wedding services and gifts including a FREE Caribbean Cruise for Two courtesy of Wedding Officiant Sean Rox. Each bride receives a complimentary gift bag and every guest has a chance to win prizes. Show takes place inside Seacret’s world famous Morley Hall.

Having a beach wedding in the offseason can have its advantages.  The season officially kicks off in Ocean City with the St. Patrick’s day parade.  We usually have several ceremonies that weekend in OC, Bethany & Rehoboth.  The weather starts to warm up in March (we’ve had the occasional 80 degree day) and you’ll pretty much have the beach all to yourself.  Climate change has significantly expanded the outdoor wedding season.   It now stretches until late November.  The Ocean City boardwalk shops are usually open on nice weekends.  The warmer weather has resulted in a few December, January & February weddings out on the sand.  Here at Rox we offer a 20% discount on offseason wedding packages (November through March).  You may want to consider taking advantage of the beauty, exclusivity & savings of an offseason ceremony.

We’re so excited here to kick off a new year as the 2013 wedding season gets underway!  Coming off our best year ever, triple digits of beautiful brides, and another stellar review from The Knot we’re ready to get planning your Ocean City, MD beach wedding now!

We have packages for every bride and budget, and are truly an all-inclusive stop for your planning and event needs whether it be an OC DJ, wedding officiant Sean Rox, the Rox Limo, photography, video, or beach furniture and decor for your ceremony and guests.

Give us a call or come in for a visit the next time you’re in Ocean City and we’ll be sure to get you one of our catalogs with photos from past weddings, pricing and packages, as well as any other information you may need to know!