Virginia Beach Wedding Planning Guide

• If you’d like to reserve a portion of the resort public beach for your wedding, you must obtain a Beach Wedding Permit. No permits are required for small, simple, ceremonies on the beach.
• Every marriage in the Commonwealth requires a marriage license. To download an application, locate the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and learn what’s required.
• If a small (fewer than 150 participants) ceremony can remain accessible to the general public and doesn’t require reservation of a specific area, it is more likely that it can be accommodated in the resort area. A simple ceremony is one which requires minimal equipment and set-up. For more information on city rules and regulations, review the beach wedding guidelines.
• Weddings are prohibited on the Boardwalk.
• As a rule, private receptions are not allowed on public property in the resort area. However, they are permitted at Oceanfront establishments with a special Outdoor Event Permit enabling them to hold events on public property adjacent to their business.
• There are plenty of great wedding venues and locations to consider as the site for your reception. In addition, you may wish to contact the Parks and Recreation Office at (757) 385-0465 for a suitable venue.

Virginia Beach Resort Area Specifics

• Space cannot be reserved for private events in Oceanfront parks from June 15 through Labor Day. For events of this nature occurring outside of these dates, please note that the general public admittance cannot be restricted.
• Parking is limited.
• Commercial deliveries are only permitted with a Beach Wedding Permit.
• Alcohol, glass and open flames are prohibited.
• Amplified sound at a reasonable decibel level is only permitted with a Beach Wedding Permit.
• There are numerous activities including beach cleaning, construction, public events, etc., that occur throughout the year in a variety of locations in the resort.
• The Boardwalk or beach access cannot be impeded by the event.
• Unsecured helium balloons and rice are prohibited due to environmental risks.
• Decorations (that must be secured to city property), tents (greater than 100 square feet and/or commercially installed), archways (that must be commercially delivered/installed) etc., are only permitted in the resort area with a Beach Wedding Permit. Items that can be hand-carried, such as chairs, can be used in most areas without a permit barring other restrictions.

Virginia Beach Parks and Gardens

• Great Neck Park Gazebo
• Red Wing Park Gardens 
• Little Island Park

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Information

Contact Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s Weddings in the Park office at (757) 385-0465 for more information about gardens and park venues that can be created for your perfect day.