Elope to Ocean City

Simple, Fun & Romantic

Brides across the US are saying “I Do” to Beach Weddings!  The beautiful OC MD beaches are perfect for Elopements, Vow Renewals & Commitment Ceremonies.

Officiant &  Pics for  $450

Customized Wedding Vows + Unique Ceremony with Officiant Sean Rox. Bring a camera for Sean to take 15 minutes of photos after the ceremony.

Add Portraits w/ Cassandra  $450

The best option for photos of the actual ceremony.  Includes 30 minutes of professionally edited images with beach wedding photographer Cassandra Rox or a member of her staff.

Ready to say “I do” to Ocean City?

Click on the Contact Board to request your wedding date. We’ll confirm availability. A non-refundable payment of $225 reserves your date and time.  The final non-refundable balance isn’t due until 30 days prior to the wedding.

Is the Ceremony Legally Binding?

Yes. Beach Wedding Officiant Sean Rox has a registered Ministry in the state of Maryland and will file your Marriage License with the Worcester County Clerk after the ceremony.  Rox has been Ocean City’s original beach wedding service since 2006.

What if it rains?

We’ll do our best to work with you & the weather. Sometimes we can change the time or reschedule. If it looks like rain, we’ll work together for the best solution.  Remember, you can’t have a rainbow without some rain!

Are postponements & cancellations allowed?

Yes, you may request a single postponement. Requests must be in writing 30 days prior to wedding date. Cancellations are allowed up until 30 days prior to wedding date. The $225 retainer payment is not refundable.

Where are the Ceremonies held?

Our recommendation to have the ceremony as close to where you’re staying as possible.  We get as close to the water as we can without getting wet. Our service area includes all of Ocean City and the Assateague State Park.

How about the southern Delaware beaches?

We live in Ocean City but we love all of the Delmarva beaches. Yes, we travel to Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Dewey & Rehoboth. Any destination on Delmarva is available but there may be a travel fee.

Our recommendation is to have your ceremony as close to where you’re staying as possible.  Escape to St. Ives has the best Holiday rentals in Cornwall.  They can help you find the perfect Beach house for your romantic getaway.

10 Most Asked Questions by OC Beach Brides

1. Where do you get an OC MD Marriage License?
2. Do OC MD  Beach  Weddings require a permit
3. When is the next Ocean City Bridal Show?
4. Are wedding receptions allowed on the beach?
5. Can Do you have any Fashion Tips for the Groom?
6. Are you giving away another Free Beach Wedding?
7. Who are the top Wedding Vendors at the beach?
8. What are the best Ocean City Wedding Venues?
9. Can you get married on the bay or at Seacrets?
10. What is the best time and location for wedding pics?

How do we get an Ocean City Marriage License?

Ocean City Brides need to acquire a Marriage License from the Worcester County Clerk’s Office in Snow Hill Maryland.  You may apply in person or through the mail. If you apply in person, you must arrive at least two days prior to your ceremony.  The fee is only $35 and the process usually takes about ten minutes.  They’ll ask if you’re related (the correct answer is “no.”)  You’ll need a photo ID. If it’s not your first wedding you’ll need either a decree of divorce or a death certificate.

OC Brides may also apply through the mail.  Pre COVID 19, couples would complete a  non-resident marriage license affidavit form for the state of Maryland. Then they would take this form to their local courthouse.  The local courthouse would validate the form.  The couple would send this validated form with a $35 money order to the Worcester County Clerk in Snow Hill, MD. Post-Covid, couples have been able to send the form directly to the Worcester office and receive their license.  In this case, you may need to also send a copy of your photo identification and divorce or death decrees.

Do Ocean City beach weddings require a permit?

No. OC is very wedding friendly! There is no permit nor any fee required to get married on the sand in OCMD.  It is a free public beach.  If you’re planning a ceremony with over 100 guests, please have your wedding coordinator contact the Mayor’s office. Weddings should not take place during lifeguard hours.  Ceremonies should take place on the beach either before 9 AM or after 5:30 pm in the summer.  The best time for an OC Beach Wedding is usually about an hour before sunset.   7:30 pm is usually ideal for ceremonies from mid-May until early August.

Smoking & alcohol is not allowed on the Ocean City beach. Nor are amplifiers or microphones.  Beach Bonfires require a permit from the Fire Marshall.  Leashed pets are allowed on the  Ocean City beach for weddings from the beginning of October until the end of April.

When is the next OC Bridal Show at Seacrets?

The COVID Chaos has postponed the 2020 Ocean City Bridal Show several times. Fortunately, we’re on track for Saturday, November 21^st at Seacrets (49th St. and de bay, Jamaica U.S.A). This will be the 17^th production of what is the longest-running Bridal Show on Delmarva.

This FUN event is the must-attend Bridal Show of the year for any bride considering a wedding by the sea.  Meet the top wedding vendors at the beach and see a live bridal fashion show by Ocean City’s own Sandal’s Bridal. Buy Your OC Bridal Show Tickets!

Are  Receptions allowed on the Ocean City Beach?

No. Our general advice for destination ceremonies is to keep it simple, fun & romantic. The average Maryland beach wedding has about 25 guests. Elopements are on the rise. Many couples are simply reserving a few tables at their favorite restaurant. Some couples are skipping the formal reception and heading right to the bar. They set up a tab at the bar with a password for their guests. Brides can set a limit with the bar and once the limit is reached, guests pay out of pocket for food and drinks. This is a great way to ensure all your guests get at least one cocktail and a bite to eat while keeping your “open bar” expense under control. If you are planning a large reception, you should contact a venue. The most convenient options are beachfront hotels. You can literally walk out to the beach for your ceremony and then walk back for your reception. A room with a balcony overlooking the sea is an excellent investment. When you book your hotel, discuss in detail where the ceremony will be held if there is a storm. Get this in writing as there is an extreme amount of employee turnover in the OC hotels. If you book your reception a year in advance it is very likely the person you spoke with will be gone when you finally arrive for your nuptials. Keep scrolling to discover Ocean City’s top Wedding Venues for 2021!

Do you have 5 Fashion Tips for the Groom?

Yes, we do! Much has been written about Bridal Fashion, but what about the Groom?  Most grooms have never attended a wedding on the beach and may need guidance. The two main styles are Beach Casual and Formal.  Larger beach weddings (40 or more guests) tend to be dressier weekend affairs with coordinated bridesmaids & groomsmen. Many brides worry about rain but heat & humidity should be the true concern for summer nuptials. Groom attire should be both stylish and comfortable. Here are 5 tips to looking dapper while remaining cool during your wedding by the sea:

1) Wear light colors. Dark suits attract sunlight and retain heat. Opt for a Khaki, White, or Light Grey ensemble to reflect the sun’s rays.  Avoid black, navy, and dark grey in the summer.  Sunrise and sunset are the only times of day you’ll be cool enough to wear dark fabrics on a sunny summer day.

2) Ditch the long-sleeved jacket for a stylish vest.  This cools your core temperature and enhances mobility and flexibility during the ceremony.  The tie tucks neatly into the vest so it won’t flap in the wind.

3) Speaking of sleeves, short-sleeve button-down dress shirts are perfectly acceptable for beach weddings.  An undershirt of the same color is a good plan to absorb moisture and help prevent sweat stains.  My choice is an Under Armour short sleeve compression top. Give the sleeves a single fold and they’ll be easily hidden enough under a short sleeve dress shirt.

4) Leave your shoes & socks behind.  The best way to navigate the sand and let the fresh ocean air cool your toes is to walk the aisle in bare feet or a pair of beachy sandals. There’s nothing wrong with a dressy pair of shorts and a button-down in the summer.  Little ring bearers fare better in shorts so they don’t trip over their pants.

5)  Bring Sunglasses. You probably won’t wear them during the ceremony (some couples do), but you’ll need them to protect your eyes prior to the ceremony. If you’re having an afternoon or evening ceremony on the Atlantic, you’ll be staring right into the sun prior to the wedding. This can cause bizarre facial expressions as you’ll be squinting at the seated guests that are facing the ocean and the groomsmen.  Beach etiquette allows for the groom and groomsmen to keep their protective eyewear on until the bride approaches the aisle.

How can we win a Free Beach Wedding?

We celebrated our 1000^th wedding by surprising the bride and groom with a check that covered the cost of their entire ceremony. It was an amazing story that made the local news. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer couple to give the money too. The bride’s father broke his leg a few weeks before the wedding. The injury and medical bills almost derailed the wedding. Despite the pain, he hid his walking boot under his suit and graciously escorted his daughter down the aisle.

It was such an amazing experience, we’ve decided to run the promotion again to celebrate our 2500^th wedding! The COVID Chaos makes it hard to predict, but the next free beach wedding is on track to be given away in either the fall of 2022 or the spring of 2023.

Who are the best wedding vendors at the beach?

We’ve been blessed to work with every established vendor and venue on the eastern shore. Due to COVID restrictions and skyrocketing beach real estate prices,  most  Ocean City wedding services have moved a few miles west or work primarily from home. This should help simplify your search!

Is there a Bridal Shop in Ocean City?

Sandals Bridal in West Ocean City has been helping beach brides find the perfect wedding dress for years! Owner Maria McEvoy and her staff showcase their beautiful designs at the best Bridal Shows in Maryland. They’ll help you look your best and radiate with confidence from the moment you step into the wedding gown that’s right for you. Need dresses for your bridal party too? Bridesmaids and groomsmen are more than welcome to be a part of the fun. Call and schedule your fitting with the attentive staff and be sure to ask about the newest trends in wedding dresses and alterations.

Need help finding jewelry for you and your Bridal Party? Swarovski Crystal jewelry consultant Anne Mears has access to an exquisite collection wedding jewel sets and jeweled bridal accessories. Would you like to buy your diamond ring and wedding bands while you’re here in OC? Park Place Jewelers has two locations including one right on the downtown boardwalk.

Who has Amazing Wedding Decorations?

Barefoot Beach Bride has the best Wedding Decorations in Ocean City. Owner Jodie Noonan has a beautiful showroom on 59th st. that is available for bridal consultations. They rent archways, chairs, tables, and more and can provide music for your ceremony.

Who are Ocean City’s best Florists?

Ocean City has several flower shops capable of delivering fresh, fragrant, and beautiful wedding flowers to your hotel or beach house. Boutonnieres for the groomsmen, bouquets for the bridesmaids, a basket of rose petals for the flower girl to throw during the wedding recessional, a lovely corsage for Mom, and hand made shell bouquets are all available from a selection of floral boutiques.

Sandi’s Floral Creations delivers floral gorgeous arrangements up and down the Maryland coast. In addition to their selection of traditional wedding flowers, they also offer cocktail & cake table florals, fresh flower headpieces, and column floral designs.

Ocean City’s newest flower shop is the Thistle Flower Bar on 59th st. on the Coastal Highway. In West Ocean City, Flowers by Alison, Ocean Greenery, and Little Miss Lovely have been helping OC beach brides with custom flower designs for years.

Who bakes Ocean City’s best Wedding Cake?

The best part of the wedding planning experience is usually the cake tasting! Here at the beach, we have several wonderful bakeries who can bake and deliver wedding cakes to your hotel or venue. Looking for specialty items such as cupcakes, lollipop cakes (cake-pops), 3D, sculpted, or themed wedding desserts? Maybe you’d like a Chocolate Fountain or Chocolate Covered Strawberries to dazzle your guests? Contact one of these Cake Artists for a tasting the next time you’re planning a visit to Ocean City Maryland!

Sweet Disposition is the best bakery at the beach. Owners Linda & Karen make magic happen in their kitchen. Their shop is located on Route 54. Technically, they’re located in Delaware, but their store is right on the state line and only a few miles from Ocean City and Fenwick Island. They have a spectacular array of delicious cakes and are the locals favorite for birthdays, parties, and weddings. Our favorite is the Hawaiian Rum Cake!

Miss Patti Cake and Desserts by Rita are also very good bakeries. Miss Patti Cake is located in Ocean Pines and Desserts by Rita is in West OC.

Are there Hair, Nail & Bridal Makeup Artists in OCMD?

Are you a Beach Bride looking for a little help with hair, nails & makeup before your nuptials in Ocean City? Perhaps you’d like to be pampered with your bridesmaids at a posh beauty salon or book a romantic couple’s massage with your groom to be the day before the wedding. You’re in luck because OC has some excellent spas and salons to help make getting ready relaxing and fun!

Coastal Aesthetics in Ocean Pines has an extensive selection of Botox, Chemical Peels, Kybella, Microneedling, Rejuvenation, Weight Loss, and Laser treatments.

A Perfect Face in West Ocean City offers bridal upstyles, massage, facials, aromatherapy, and a full array of hair, nails, and skin care services. Brides staying on the north end of town may find the Zen Spa in Fenwick Island convenient. Located just on the other side of the MD/DE border, Zen has all of the traditional salon services as well as a lash lounge and color bar. If you’re looking for a hotel with a spa, there are two. The Grand Hotel on the 21st st. The boardwalk is home to the Acqua Spa. The Princess Royale on 91st st. features the Creative Day Spa.

Would you prefer to get ready in the comfort of your room? A mobile beauty service may be ideal for your busy bridal schedule. Mobile services give you the convenience of not needing to leave your room as well saving you precious travel time on the big day (you can also start the celebration early with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on your balcony). There are three local on-site beauty therapists that we’ve worked with. Andrea Bounds Makeup has a studio in West OC. Ryan Kelly Beauty offers a full range of mobile services for brides. Up-Dos for I Dos specializes in hairstyling, applications, and lashes.

Which travel agents can plan our Honeymoon?

Some couples enjoy planning their Honeymoon even more than planning their wedding. Enlisting the services of a travel professional helps ensure a smooth getaway and can also save you money. Bethany Travel Dream Vacations is a full-service Travel Agency with a storefront in Millsboro, DE. They specialize in all-inclusive honeymoon packages, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises. They’ve been helping Brides plan exotic honeymoons for over 15 years.

Who Caters Wedding Receptions at the Beach?

In the COVID wedding era, more people are turning to caterers to help with outdoor, beach house, and backyard wedding receptions. Bethany Blues has two locations. Specializing in BBQ and Bourbon, their party platters
can even be delivered to the beach.

Nick’s House of Ribs in north OC compliments their delicious barbecue menu with a tasty array a tasty array of fresh seafood and excellent crab cakes.

Delmarva Boil Company specializes in pots of fresh seafood cooked on site. Perfect for family-style feasts of Shrimp, Oysters, Clams, Lobster & Corn on the Cob.

Can we hire a Chauffeured Limo in Ocean City?

Renting a chauffeured limousine can be a fun & stylish adventure on your wedding day. If you’re planning an OC MD wedding, Limos offer the convenience of a private, climate-controlled staging area near the ceremony where you can see out, but the groom and guests can’t see you inside. Limos and party buses also allow the wedding party to enjoy champagne and cocktails without having to worry about a D.U.I that could ruin the wedding. A limo or limousine party bus also gives you the freedom to leave bags, gifts, makeup, and the Marriage License in a secure location as you make your way to and from the best photo and party spots that Ocean City MD and Dewey Beach DE have to offer. Wedding limo transportation is the ultimate valet parking – make sure to request a red carpet service for the best photos when the bridal party is exiting the wedding limo!

There are no limousines currently in Ocean City, but several nearby operators are available for bachelorette parties and weddings Atlantic Transportation is right on the other side of the Maryland and Delaware border. Owner Kevin Roberts has several luxurious and well-maintained vehicles including a stretch limo and a Mercedes sprinter.

Coastal Limousine operates out of Ocean Pines, MD and is quite close to the OC beaches. They have a small party bus, a stretch SUV, and an executive town car. If you’d like to arrive at your ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage, R and B Ranch Carriage services are available at the Ocean City inlet and other select locations.

Is there a Wedding DJ service in Ocean City?

The right DJ can make or break your reception. Finding a reliable Wedding DJ can be tricky, especially at the beach. Many of the local DJs are locked into nightclub gigs on the weekend and often get double booked on popular wedding dates. For peace of mind, brides should consider using a service with multiple DJs on their staff. Make sure to go over your playlist in advance with your DJ. Find out what time they’ll arrive and what they’ll be wearing to your wedding reception.

Shiny Entertainment is led by Kristen “DJ Shiny” Stock. She has a staff of a dozen local DJs and serves as your point of contact for your event. In addition to Disc Jockey and Emcee services, Shiny Entertainment also provides uplighting, video projection, monogram lighting, and a photo booth.

What are the Best Wedding Venues in Ocean City?

The best ceremony venue in Ocean City is the free public beach – if the timing is right, you’ll have the opportunity for amazing wedding photos. Smaller ceremonies of less than ten people don’t need to worry about a venue – these brides can usually have the ceremony right in front of their hotel, condo, or beach house. Larger ceremonies may require investing in a quality hotel or venue.

A Wedding Friendly hotel is critical to a stress-free ceremony on the sand. These venues have large rooms available if there is an unexpected storm. Oceanfront hotels provide access to a mirror, bathroom & air condition until the last possible moment. Rooms with oceanview balconies offer brilliant pre-ceremony photo opportunities + a backup plan for small ceremonies. If you’re getting married on the beach, make sure your hotel is on the ocean side of the coastal highway so you can easily walk to your wedding.

If you’re getting married in downtown OC, try to stay on the north end of the boardwalk between 14th st. and 28th st. It’s much quieter than the downtown boardwalk and the beach is much narrower – which means you’ll have an easier walk to the sea. Here are the best oceanfront hotels for 2021 OC beach weddings:

The Dunes Manor on 28th St. is an elegant Victorian-style hotel with a spacious patio and rocking chairs overlooking the sea. Two banquet rooms and a restaurant are available and there are multiple open bars for your guests to enjoy cocktails prior to the ceremony.

The Grand Hotel on 21st St. has three banquet spaces. The ground floor room looks right across the boardwalk. There is an excellent pre-ceremony meeting area with rocking chairs, an aromatic coffee shop, and automatic doors leading to the boardwalk. It’s the only boardwalk hotel with a Spa.

The Hyatt Place on 16th St. is one of the newest hotels in Ocean City. Their attractive banquet area is one of the few oceanfront venues in OC that allows outside catering. Its convenient boardwalk location is close to several nice restaurants.

The Carousel Hotel on 118th St. has several banquet rooms to accommodate receptions of any size. The impressive skating rink in the main lobby makes this one of Ocean City’s most unique hotels. A secluded pirate ship on the south beach is an ideal spot for little ringbearers and flower girls to get photos before the wedding.

The Hilton on 32nd St. has a wonderful pool with a majestic staircase leading to the beach that is excellent for photos. 32 Palm restaurant is quite tasty and there is a smaller meeting room that can be reserved by brides if there is a storm. There’s a Starbucks in the main lobby and a vibrant outdoor pool bar.

The Holiday Inn Suites on 17th St. and the boardwalk has a beautiful pool with picturesque stairs leading to the beach. Hemingway’s restaurant is available for receptions.

The Doubletree Hotel on 33rd St. has been newly renovated and sits in an excellent location just a few blocks off the boardwalk. It’s home to the home to the Marlin Moon restaurant and features the largest wraparound suite in Ocean City (Suite 506 is amazing and sleeps up to 20 guests!)

The Princess Royale on 91st St. has the best indoor pool in Ocean City. Features a huge underground banquet facility for hundreds of guests, a grassy knoll for outdoor cocktail hours, and an on-site spa for brides to get their hair and nails done before the nuptials.

The Courtyard Marriott on 15th St. is home to the Captain’s Table restaurant and piano bar. It has a nice banquet area that can accommodate close to 100 guests and also features an outdoor patio that can be used to host the cocktail hour.

The Golden Sands on 109th St. has a penthouse level banquet room that offers sweeping coastal views from the 22nd floor with ceiling to floor windows overlooking the beach and ocean. There are a Bridal changing area and an onsite catering team. The outdoor patio & beach bar is available for semi-private ceremonies and cocktail hours.

The Castle in the Sand on 37th St. is a laid back & beachy venue. Want to get married by a Castle on the beach – What’s not to Love? Vibrant tiki bar popular with local surfers and volleyball players. A festive atmosphere with live music is ideal for casual ceremonies. One of two semi-private beaches that can accommodate pets in the wedding.

The Clarion on 101st St. has a semi-private beach that can accommodate leashed pets and alcohol for a fee. There are two large reception venues inside and an outdoor area for cocktail hours. Features oceanfront dining at Horizons and live entertainment on the outside deck.

Can you get Married on the Bay in Ocean City?

The Residence Inn on 61^st St. is OC’s newest and best bayside hotel. It offers expansive balconies with panoramic views of the ocean and bay. Sleek contemporary design with a brilliant aquarium. Restaurant, tiki bar, pool & private beach for sunset ceremonies. The best time for a bayside ceremony in OCMD is about a half-hour before sunset. You’ll have cooler temperatures and possibly get photos with the sun dropping into the bay. For photo diversity, brides can get married on the ocean side beach and make a sunset dinner reservation on the bay. The best restaurants for romantic Ocean City sunsets are The Hobbit on 81^st st. and  Fager’s Island on 60^th st.

Can you get married at Seacrets?

Seacrets is an ideal place for an exciting  Wedding on the Bay in Ocean City, Maryland. Dubbed “Jamaica USA”, Seacrets brings a Caribbean flavor to MD’s eastern shore. Ceremonies are usually held on the northernmost corner of the beach, adjacent to the pier. Brides usually have a mini rehearsal in Morley Hall before being escorted by boat from the south side of Seacrets to the dock. Expect a standing ovation and rousing applause from the crowd if you are able to book a weekend ceremony!  If you elect to have your Reception at Seacrets, there are several options.  You may choose to have an outdoor reception at the Tiki Bar area adjacent to the ceremony site. The main tiki bar can be closed off to the public for easy access for you and your guests. This semi-private area has it’s own restrooms and room for your own DJ if you choose to hire one for the festivities. There are usually bands and DJs playing throughout the day on the main stage and raft area. The food is a delightful medley of Jamaican favorites including Jerk Chicken & a variety of fresh seafood.  Their original drink menu is renowned, headlined by such popular favorites as the Dirty Banana, Rum Runner, and Pain in De Ass (a flavorful mixture of Rum Runner & Pina Colada). Adventurous brides and grooms can even float out on a raft for post-wedding pictures in the Bay.  Depending on the time of day and year, select brides are able to reserve Morley Hall for their Reception.  This spectacular nightclub is a household name on the East Coast and brings an instant “Wow Factor” to your wedding invitations.  Seacrets is the host venue for the Ocean City Bridal Show .

Can we have a Wedding at Fager’s Island?

Fager’s Island is one of the best spots for an Ocean City Maryland Wedding Reception. Located on the bay at 60th street, Fager’s offers sweeping panoramic views of the water highlighted by extraordinary sunsets. The ground floor features a… beautiful beach area complete with palm tee lines secluded alcoves and a waterfront boardwalk for romantic bayside strolls in the moonlight. Their famous pier and gazebo extends into the bay and creates superb photo and video opportunities for brides and grooms tying the knot in OC MD (Watch a Quick Fager’s Island Wedding Video). Each evening at sunset the 1812 overture can be heard throughout the restaurant and dining areas. The timeless classic is an Ocean City tradition and creates the perfect ambiance to celebrate the bright red sun slowly disappearing into the bay.   Fager’s Island has two outstanding dining areas. Lite and the casual fare is served in the downstairs bar areas, the covered deck, and the open-air waterfront dining areas. A more formal presentation can be experienced on the second floor (reservations recommended). All of the banquet and dining areas look out over the water and the Ocean City skyline. Fager’s also has two wonderful areas for Wedding Ceremonies. There is a wedding alcove on the beach nestled away under palm fronds on the northeast corner of their tropical gardens as well as a second location amid the foliage that opens up to the bay. Both are picturesque for your wedding photos.  Many brides choose to have their ceremony on the beach area and then continue their Reception upstairs after the cocktail hour. The cuisine at Fager’s Island is spectacular! They are famous in Ocean City for their fresh and healthy fish dishes, local farm to table produce, and exotic selections of craft beers and wines. Owner John Fager frequently travels to Europe to stock the wine cellars with the best wines and champagnes on the planet. Fager’s even has its own House Champagne available. Wedding Receptions on Fager’s Island can accommodate well over 100 guests and is also ideal for rehearsal dinners. Their Sunday Jazz Brunch on the Bay is a great way to wrap up the weekend before your Honeymoon. Fager’s owns two luxurious hotel properties adjacent to the Island. The wedding suites at The Lighthouse and the Edge are two of the best spots in all of Ocean City MD.

What’s the ideal time & location for Wedding Pics?

A lot depends on the time of year, but the two most popular answers are sunrise and sunset. We prefer sunset – you’ll have a lot more margin for error. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This means on the eastern shore, the only opportunity to see the sun actually submerged in the sea is during sunrise. At dawn, the beach is usually empty. Even during the busy summer season,  an old man with a metal detector, an early morning jogger or birdwatcher are all you’re likely to encounter. It is the most tranquil time of day and has the coolest temperatures. You can distinctly hear the waves and occasionally you’ll see foxes near the dunes. The best champagne breakfast in Ocean City is served at the Bayside Skillet.

We only recommend sunrise for elopers and tiny ceremonies. Most couples should try to get married about an hour before sunset. You can sleep in, you’ll have more vendor options and you’re guests won’t complain behind your back.

A morning wedding may save money, but a sunset wedding will keep everyone happy.

Is the Inlet the Best Spot for OC Wedding Portraits?

Probably, but you may have to use a public restroom in your wedding dress. We recommend having the wedding as close to where you’re stating as possible. If you’re coming in for just the day, then the inlet has some exciting photo opportunities!

The OC Inlet may be the most picturesque strip along the mid-Atlantic coast. The beaches of Maryland and Delaware are pretty similar for wedding photography. The one exception is the OC Inlet. The inlet is Ocean City’s southernmost point and is surrounded by water on three sides. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay is on the west. To the south, you are able to see the beautiful natural seashore of Assateague Island. This panoramic peninsula is the perfect backdrop for your wedding portraits  The inlet has paid parking for your guests. The pier and Ferris wheel from Trimper’s Rides are iconic Ocean City landmarks. There is a beautiful railed walkway that wraps along the inlet that is ideally suited for a romantic stroll and posing. The rock jetty that extends out into the ocean is an ideal spot for your Beach Set Up and  Archway. Make sure you allow enough photography time to get the images you deserve- there are so many unique backdrops that will make your friends and co-workers jealous of your photos.
The best spot for a Wedding Reception at the Ocean City Inlet is Harrison’s Harbor Watch. The Harbor Watch restaurant offers commanding views of the ocean, bay, and OC skyline from its upper levels. They have delicious food and a lively raw bar as well as the best views of Assateague you’ll find at the beach.Smaller beach wedding ceremonies at the inlet may choose a more informal post-ceremony celebration. A walk along Ocean City’s famous boardwalk offers plenty of excitement. There are arcades, amusement rides, bumper cars, and plenty of lively bars and saloons to stop for cocktails and snacks to choose from. The inlet is a wonderful spot for your OC Beach Wedding most times of the year. There are a few weekend events that limit parking. Sunfest, Springfest, Bike Week, and Wine on the Beach are all chaotic weekends at the inlet.