If you are planning an outdoor wedding, especially on the beach or in a public park, you absolutely must contact the local governing body to find out if any permits are required as well as any stipulations they may have.

In the beach towns we are familiar with—Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Beach, Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills—they are public access beaches and do not require a permit. However, they do have various guidelines and concerns. For example, you can’t block public access, no tents can be setup directly on the beach, no fires, and in places like Nags Head there is a limit to the number of chairs you can have on the beach for weddings.

Our beaches are ideal for small, intimate outdoor wedding ceremonies. If you are interested in having a larger wedding on the beach, it is subject to approval meaning that you will have to obtain permission from the Town’s Council. One thing to note is that the biggest concern is public safety and parking.

For weddings that take place in public parks, you will more than likely require some type of permit and or a combination of permits (i.e. special event permit, tent and canopy permit, and or amplified sound permit). There may be a list of other rules and guidelines you will have to follow, as well. These requirements will vary from city to city.

As for tent weddings, you may be required to apply for a permit for the tent or canopy. Typically, this is the case for anything that is over 200 square feet. In addition to the tent and canopy permit, the fire marshal will have to come and inspect it to make sure the setup is compliant with the city’s wind and fire code.

Lastly, your city may require an amplified sound permit, for example, if you will be having a live band for your outdoor wedding. Please also note that an amplified sound permit may be required for outdoor weddings that take place at a private home residence, as well.