Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ceremony on the ocean or the bay?

Your ceremony takes place directly on the oceanfront beach at the 59th Street entrance in Ocean City, Maryland, on the ocean side of Coastal Highway.

You will hear the waves, feel the ocean breeze, and have the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.

Is the beach private?

No beaches in Ocean City, MD are private.

However:

• We strategically schedule ceremonies when beach traffic naturally decreases.

• Lifeguards leave at 5:30 PM.

• Beachgoers typically begin clearing out between 4:30–6:00 PM.

• 6:00 PM ceremonies are ideal for privacy and peaceful surroundings.

Our experience with over 1,000 weddings allows us to guide you toward the best ceremony timing.

What is the best time for a beach wedding in Ocean City?

The most flattering time for photography and comfort is:

1–2 hours before sunset (typically 5:00–7:30 PM depending on season)

Why?

✔ Softer lighting
✔ Cooler temperatures
✔ Fewer beachgoers
✔ Golden sunset portraits

For summer weddings, we recommend:

• Before 10 AM

• After 6 PM

We avoid peak midday heat for guest comfort.

How long is a beach ceremony?

Ceremonies typically last 10–15 minutes.

Example timeline for a 6:00 PM ceremony:

• 5:40 PM – Photographer arrival

• 5:45 PM – Guests and groom arrive

• 5:50 PM – Bride arrival

• 6:00 PM – Processional begins

• 6:15–6:40 PM – Formal portraits

Our structured timeline ensures smooth flow and efficient photography.

Do you provide photography before, during, and after?

Yes.

Photography coverage includes:

• Ceremony setup

• Guest arrivals

• Processional

• Full ceremony

• Family portraits

• Wedding party photos

• Romantic sunset portraits

Edited galleries are delivered within 4–6 weeks, with sneak peeks often sooner.

Is parking available near the beach?

Yes. Free

59th Street Ocean Entrance:

• 41 public parking spaces

• 2 handicap accessible spaces

Coastal 59 Venue Parking:

• 200+ additional spaces across Coastal Highway

• Safe crosswalk access to beach

For mobility needs:

• Drop-off permitted at beach entrance

• Handicap-accessible beach ramp

• Blue mobility mats on sand

• Beach wheelchair services available through Ocean City

Accessibility matters — and we help guide your guests.

Where do I get ready?

For ceremony-only packages, couples arrive dressed.

For ceremony + reception weddings at Coastal 59:

• Complimentary private wedding suite included

• Recommended nearby hotels & Airbnb’s provided after booking

• Excellent getting-ready locations within walking distance

What happens if it rains?

We always have a weather backup plan.

Ceremonies relocate to:

• Covered gazebo

• Indoor venue space (based on availability and schedule)

Your décor, officiant, and planning coordination remain intact.

Your wedding will still be fully executed.

What Shoes Should I consider – Very Important Question

For the beach ceremony:

I strongly recommend barefoot or very flat sandals. Our sand is soft and a bit mushy — heels, even block heels, sink.

If you do go barefoot on the beach, I suggest keeping a comfortable, low heel or dressy flat for inside. Remember — you’ll be on your feet a lot, and you don’t want to be stepping on your own dress if the shoe is too high or too low compared to your hemline.

When shopping:

Think comfort first

Consider the length of your dress

Plan one look for beach + one for indoors if needed

Your bridesmaids usually follow the same idea — flats, wedges (sometimes), or barefoot for ceremony.

How do we get a marriage license in Ocean City, Maryland?

Marriage licenses are obtained through Worcester County, MD:

• Apply in person in Snow Hill, MD

• $35 fee

• 48-hour waiting period

• Valid for six months

After your ceremony, Barefoot Bride mails the signed license the next business day (if using our officiant).

How does payment work?

To secure your date:

• $500–$2,500 non-refundable initial payment (varies by package)

• Final balance due 30 days before wedding

• Reception adjustments finalized 35 days prior

We provide structured proposals with clear inclusions — no hidden fees.

Do prices change based on day of week?

We maintain fair pricing year-round.

Monday–Thursday 4-hour receptions receive a $500 weekday discount.

What is peak season?

Peak wedding season in Ocean City, MD:

Mid-April through early October

Sunset Fridays and Saturdays book quickly.

We recommend reserving 9–12 months in advance.

What makes Barefoot Bride different from other Ocean City wedding venues?

Barefoot Bride Weddings is a true all-inclusive wedding planning company and venue.

We do not simply rent you a room.

We provide:

✔ Venue
✔ Planning
✔ Coordination
✔ In-house florals
✔ Catering
✔ Bartending
✔ DJ
✔ Photography
✔ Ceremony setup
✔ Timeline management
✔ Vendor oversight

One contract. One team. One streamlined system.

You make selections.
We design, manage, coordinate, and execute.

How many guests can attend?

Ceremonies: Unlimited
Receptions: Up to 160 guests

No food & beverage minimums.

Can we bring our own vendors?

Yes, with guidelines.

Officiant:

• Must be legally ordained in Maryland

• $50 package credit applied

Photographer:

• Discount available ($150–$700 depending on package)

DJ:

• Must follow structured timeline

We offer trusted in-house teams but allow flexibility.

Do you provide florals, décor, and cake?

Yes.

Our in-house floral team creates:

• Bridal bouquets

• Arbors

• Centerpieces

• Custom ceremony installations

Cakes available through trusted bakery partners.

Ceremony décor selections available after booking through curated catalog.

Can we supply our own alcohol?

Yes.

Couples may supply alcohol and save thousands.

Our licensed bartenders:

• Open

• Pour

• Serve

• Return remaining alcohol at end of event

This flexible policy is unique in the Ocean City wedding market.

Do you offer LGBTQ+ weddings?

Yes.

We proudly celebrate all couples and have officiated many same-sex weddings and vow renewals.

Do you offer vow renewals and elopements?

Yes.

Available year-round.
Customized to your vision.
Same pricing structure as ceremony packages.

Can we plan remotely?

Yes.

Nearly 90% of our couple’s plan from out of town.

We provide:

• Online planning portal

• Structured forms

• Timeline tools

• Email & phone support

• Optional FaceTime meetings

Our proprietary planning system reduces stress and eliminates confusion.

Location

Office & Reception Venue:
5909 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842

Beach Ceremony Location:
59th Street – Oceanfront

Why Choose Barefoot Bride Weddings in Ocean City, Maryland?

30+ Years of Experience

1,000+ Weddings Executed

Fully Licensed & Insured

Family-Owned Mother–Daughter Team

Award-Winning Planning System

Transparent Pricing

Turnkey Wedding Execution

Founded and led by Jodie Meeks, Barefoot Bride Weddings delivers a structured, stress-free planning experience.

This is not venue rental.
This is full-service wedding orchestration.

Ready to Book Your Ocean City Beach Wedding?

443-614-8542
📧 barefootbridejodie@gmail.com
💬 Contact us through our website form

Sunset dates fill quickly.