If you’re planning on having a wedding ceremony on a private beach, getting the appropriate permits and fulfilling the legal obligations will ensure the day is executed seamlessly and without surprise barriers. At Wamberal Functions, we walk each couple through these fundamentals so your coastal wedding is gorgeous as it is compliant!
Local Council / Coastal Authority Approval
Before any function can take place, you need to have secured the appropriate approvals from the council or coastal authority. Even for private stretches of beach, there may be zoning acts or environmental legislation in place.
- You will need your local council or reserve manager to approve an event application or reservation.
- It is often a requirement to provide a written site plan of the setup for your wedding, outlining chair arrangements, arbour, marquees, sound system and signage.
- Restrictions on temporary structures are quite common, including that your marquee must be weighed down. There may be limits on the size of the marquees, for example, even if the beach is private, if it amends the beach access, additional permits may be required.
Risk Management, Safety & Environmental Conditions
You may need to prepare a Risk Management Plan. The Report should specify perceived hazards (including tides, wind, crowds, and lighting) and what you plan to do to manage them. You must follow environmental requirements; beaches are fragile areas. You can’t use confetti, rice, balloons, or certain other decorations.
Structure & Furniture Permissions
Local regulations usually dictate how many chairs or structures we can have installed. On the Central Coast:
- You may have up to 24 chairs for seating for solemnisation ceremonies
- A small arch (maximum 2m wide x 2.5m high) may also be allowed, given it is weighted
- Marquees must be kept to a small size (e.g. 3m x 3m) using sandbags to weight it – pegs may not be allowed.
Notification and Time Constraints
- Sometimes, a minimum notice of 14 days or more is required ahead of your preferred date by many councils.
- There can be a time limitation/booking limited (for example, a Wedding Caterers in Wamberal booking, set up, ceremony, and pack down can occur in a maximum of 3 hrs).
- Exclusive use of the beach or reserve is not typically allowed and may be open to the public on either side of your event.
Noise, Music & Alcohol Licences
You may be restricted from amplified music or require additional approval for amplified music. Some beaches or reserves are named as Alcohol Free Zones. It is important to comply with local liquor licensing when serving drinks.
Wrap Up
So, by obtaining council approval, lodging site plans, following environmental regulations, and structure and noise regulations, your wedding ceremony on a private beach can be as legal and worry-free as possible. Wamberal Functions offers excellence, through planned purpose, supporting the permit process, service quality and location in front of the stunning ocean. Wamberal Functions means professional handling, beautiful location and smooth events.