Beach Weddings
The City does not require permits for wedding ceremonies and other small family and friend celebrations on the beach. Beach weddings are allowed on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must have less than 150 participants on site and must obey all beach rules. The same rules apply for small gatherings such as wedding and baby showers, picnics, small family reunions and other parties.
What's Ok?
- Tables, chairs, runners and small archways
- Canopies under 400 square feet
- Stages under 30" high
- Amplified sound between 8 am and 10 pm (Be considerate of neighbors and other beach visitors. Sound is subject to the noise ordinance. Santa Monica Police can request that you turn sound down or off if complaints are received.)
What's Not Ok?
- Structures that would require Building & Safety Permits or Fire Permits
- Tents with side panels
- Vehicles on turf, pathways, sand, bike path or Ocean Front Walk
- Staking anything into turf or attaching anything to trees, shrubs, facilities or other amenities
- Blocking sidewalks or pedestrian pathways
- Alcohol, fires, cooking, open flames, glass containers and smoking
- Gas-powered generators are not permitted in parks or on the beach
Still have questions? Contact the Recreation & Art Department at 310-458-8300 or email beach.permits@santamonica.gov.
You may want to consider having your wedding at the Annenberg Community Beach House. This unique public facility on the beach has a top-notch Event Services Team ready to help you plan your wedding.