Servicing Mississippi and Alabama beaches
a licensed company of Barefoot Weddings
Commonly asked Questions and Answers on "How to" plan a beach wedding
I have decided to have a beach wedding. What now?
Call or e-mail for date and time availability..
The most popular times of the year for a wedding on the beach in this area is March- November; although we do offer our services year round. The most popular months being May, June, September and October.
Keep in mind that Friday & Saturday sunset ceremonies are the first to be booked .
We will be able to provide you the sunset time for the date upon your inquiry.
Where are you located?
We are located in Foley, AL.
We service Biloxi, Gulf Port, Pascagoula, Dauphin Island, and Mobile Bay and surrounding areas.
We do not refer to ourselves as "Wedding Coordinators".. we are a "Beach Wedding Service".
How soon should we reserve our date and time?
If you choose a Friday or Saturday sunset- we suggest putting a deposit down as soon as you have decided
(to hold the date) We will not take bookings any further than 1 year in advance.
How do we book our wedding?
Once you've decided the time and date and the availability is confirmed through our office-
We require the appropriate deposit/ payment for the services requested.
There is a Request Form available on this site that can be printed, filled, and mailed with proper deposit/ payment. We accept personal checks and Money Orders.
Once payment is received a contract and a packet of vows to choose from will be mailed to you. You may call or e-mail at anytime. Feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like.
When you arrive in town for the wedding, we ask that you contact us to set up a meeting the day before
your wedding to review the ceremony, vows, etc....
Do you pick the location for the ceremony or do we?
The location is your choice. We go to County/State Parks, hotels, condos and beach houses.
There is an additional travel fee for “out of the area”. The fee is based upon the services requested.
Some of the locations do charge a fee for the use of the beach as well as a "Special Use Permit"...
these fees are NOT included in any of the Wedding Packages"
Can we get married at the location we are staying?
As long as you obtain permission from the hotel/ condo.
Be sure to ask if there is an additional fee for the use of the beach for the wedding.
The couple is responsible for any “fees” that may be charged.
Are rehearsals included?
No. There is an additional fee of $250.00. Must be scheduled no later than 2 hours prior to sunset time.
Cost includes the Officiate and 1 other person from our company- who will also be there the day of your wedding. Intimate Island Packages are officiate and photographer only- if you need someone to direct the "day of" your wedding the fee is $150.00
What happens if it rains?
It is the responsibility of the Couple to have a "back-up" location in case of inclement weather. You may want to consider WEDDING INSURANCE
**The majority of Hotels/ Condos generally do not have any type of outside shelter
** If you are having a reception- it can be moved to that location.
** If you have only a few guests- it can be “postponed” until the next day- **time based upon availability. The couple makes the final decision.
Will there be other people on the beach?
Yes. All beaches in the State of Mississippi/Alabama are public beaches. We cannot “rope off” any part of the beach.
There are obviously certain times of the year when the beaches have more beachgoers than others.
Even “in season” the Families are usually beginning to “pack up” and leave the beach around 4:00. Then there are usually couples going for strolls along the beach. Many of them “watch” from a distance. There are some areas that are less populated than others. In all of the weddings that we have done we haven’t had any interference with beach goers.
Who performs the ceremony?
A non-denominational reverend.
Can we bring our own Officiate?
Certainly, as long as he/she is Ordained.
We will deduct $125.00 from the Package you choose.
NOTE: We will not release our ceremony which includes the verses for the heart of sand and the Blessing stones. Only Officiates directly affiliated with Magical Beach Weddings are provided this information with whom a confidentiality agreement has been signed.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, we encourage couples to be creative.. We also send a packet of different vows/ring vows to choose from upon receiving deposit.
Can we have a friend read a poem?
Yes, you can have a Friend/ Family member read a poem, sing, or lead in prayer.
Who takes the photographs?
All of our packages include photos by “our“ photographers. We have many couples ask if they are “professional”- no they are “free-lance” and shoot for Magical Beach Weddings only.
Couples will receive 4X6 color prints as well as a photo CD with our digital photography.
We strive to provide our clients with quality photos... however weather conditions may affect the outcome. If you are scheduled for a sunset wedding and arrive more than 15 minutes late- we may not be able to take the amount of photos in package... there will be NO adjustment on costs. Photos are ready within 72 hours.
When inquiring with a Professional Photographer- be sure to ask if you get the negatives.
Can we provide our own photographer/ videographer?
Yes- we will deduct our fee from the cost of the “package”..Some Companies DO NOT allow "other" cameras.
We have found that most of the guests come with a camera/ camcorder in hand.
*** Here's a Camcorder Tip for Friends and Family-****
Be sure to take your Camcorder equipment out of the A/C at least an hour prior to the ceremony... when you go from A/C into the heat- the dew condensation will not allow most camcorders to work. Also, tell them not to put it on "pause".. you can always edit it...
Can we bring our own decorations for the beach?
Any person(s), companies or individuals, using State Park Recreational facilities for weddings and/ or receptions must show proof of liability insurance. This includes, and not limited to, wedding decoration, tent/ chair rental companies, musicians, caterers, etc. For more information.. contact State Park Recreational Services. ** Our insurance DOES NOT cover any decoration/ services other than our own**
Do you provide music?
Yes. Music is an a la carte item. We will play “mood music” as the guests arrive, the processional and recessional, and while photos are being taken.
Do you provide chairs?
Yes, we do have chairs available on the ala carte list. However keep in mind that most of the guests will have a camera/ camcorder in hand and do not “sit” in the chairs provided. We do not recommend having a chair for each guest. If you’re having approx 40 guests, we recommend approx 16 chairs for immediate Family or for any elderly guests or guests with health problems.
How do we obtain the Marriage license?
ID Requirement in Alabama:
You will need valid Driver's License or Birth Certificate if you are over 18. All applicants must also provide a Social Security number.
Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Alabama.
Previous Marriages:
If you were divorced within the last 6 months of your wedding date, you will need to show a copy of your Divorce Decree. According to Section 30-2-10 of the Alabama Code, there is a sixty (60) day restriction on getting married after a divorce.
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Covenant Marriage Option in Alabama: No.
Waiting Period in Alabama:
There is no waiting period in Alabama except after being divorced. Then there is a 60 day waiting period after your divorce is final.
Fees in Alabama:
Cash or credit card requirement varies depending on County. Some locales charge $2 for using a credit card. License fees also vary. $43.35+ for marriage license only; $63+ for license, ceremony and a certified copy.
Other Required Tests in Alabama: No blood or medical tests required.
ID Requirement in Mississippi:
In Mississippi, you will need to show a picture ID such as Drivers License. You can also use Military ID, DD 214, or a document that shows evidence of your age, like a life insurance policy or school records. Having your Social Security card, Birth Certificate, etc. may be helpful. You will also need to know your parents addresses, and your mothers' maiden names.
Residency Requirement in Mississippi:
Neither one of you have to be a resident of Mississippi. Mississippi is a great state for a destination wedding!
Previous Marriages:
Most counties in Mississippi only require that you know the date (mm/dd/yy) and how your last marriage ended and that you sign an affidavit at the time you apply that all information you have provided is true and correct.
The Harrison County web site states that if your divorce was within the last 6 months, you will need to bring proof of the divorce that can be left with the Clerk.
Waiting Period in Mississippi:
Mississippi has a seventy-two (72) hour waiting period. This can be waived by a judge of any court in the judicial district where either of the applicants live and if they are over 21 years of age.
Fees in Mississippi:
It will cost you $22 cash to get married in most Mississippi counties. Don't leave home with out it!
Other Tests:
Blood test within 30 days showing that both applicants are free from syphilis. The results can be from any laboratory (in Mississippi or out of state) that is authorized to do pre-marital syphilis testing and is registered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
According to Brenda Wright, D.C. of the Lamar County Circuit Clerk's Office, "The blood test is valid for only 30 days from the date drawn. Once the application has been made the time requirements end that pertain to the blood test." Additionally, the fee for the blood test is $13.00 per person.
What happens to license after the ceremony?
The following business day of the marriage we will hand deliver the license to the local County Clerk of the court, provided this is where the couple obtained it from. The Clerk's office will then mail the couple the certified copy. If the license was obtained through another county in the State of Florida- it will be priority mailed to them the next business day.
What happens if we have to “postpone”?
Any deposits/payments will be applied to your new date.
What happens if we have to cancel?
All deposits are non-refundable. If you paid in full at the time of booking you will be refunded the difference of the appropriate deposit along with any other costs incurred of the amount paid in full.
Do you handle the receptions?
No, we do not- however we are more than happy to refer you to area restaurants, caterers, etc.
Copyright 2008 Magical Beach Weddings
a licensed company of Barefoot Weddings
Independently owned and operated
Beach Weddings in Biloxi, Gulf Port, Pascagoula, Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island, Ft. Morgan, Alabama Beach Wedding and Mississippi Beach Wedding packages, Beach wedding locations in Alabama and Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. beach wedding officiate, beach wedding photos, beach wedding accommodations, Beach Wedding Vow Renewals, beachside/ oceanside marriage vows, tropical beach weddings in Florida, barefoot beach weddings, Your dreams of a wedding on the beach can come true... Magical Beach Weddings is just a phone call away !!
