FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Barefoot Bride Weddings | Ocean City, Maryland
Can we book a ceremony-only package?
Absolutely! We offer standalone beach ceremonies for couples who want a simple, heartfelt celebration without a dinner or reception.
What is the best time of day for a beach wedding in Ocean City, MD?
The most popular and flattering time is 1–2 hours before sunset — typically between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on the season.
This time offers:
Pleasant weather
Fewer beachgoers
Beautiful, soft lighting for photos
We avoid midday ceremonies in summer due to heat and crowds. If planning a summer wedding, we recommend before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
How does the payment process work?
Depending on the package you choose, a $500 -$2500 non-refundable initial payment secures your date and applies toward your total.
The final balance is due 30 days before your wedding.
Dinner and reception invoices are based on estimated guest count, with final adjustments 35 days prior.
Some vendors may require separate deposits.
Does the cost vary by day of the week?
We keep our pricing fair year-round. However, 4- hour receptions held Monday–Thursday qualifies for a $500 weekday discount.
How do we obtain a marriage license in Ocean City, MD?
Marriage licenses must be obtained through Worcester County:
Apply in person at the Clerk of the Court (Snow Hill, MD)
Only one partner needs to appear
$35 fee (not included in packages)
48-hour waiting period after issuance
Valid for six months
Visit mdcourts.gov or call 410-632-5500 for details.
After booking, we’ll provide full instructions to make this step easy.
What happens to the marriage license after the ceremony?
Barefoot Bride will mail your signed license to the Worcester County Clerk the next business day.
If you’re using your own officiant, they are responsible for filing it.
Peak season: Mid-April through early October
Sunset weddings on Fridays & Saturdays book quickly!
How do I book a wedding?
For Ceremony Only:
Review packages
Add your preferred option to cart
Complete the booking contract
Submit your non-refundable initial payment
Pay the balance 30 days prior
Once booked, you’ll receive access to your personal planning portal (HoneyBook) with step-by-step guidance.
For Ceremony + Dinner or Reception:
Complete our Contact Form
Review and accept your proposal
Sign the agreement
Submit your initial payment
Where are you located?
Office & Venue: 5909 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
Beach Ceremonies: Public beach at 59th Street (Oceanside)
Receptions & Dinners: Coastal 59 Venue (Bayside)
Why choose Barefoot Bride Weddings?
30+ years of experience and over 1,000 weddings planned
Award-winning planner Jodie Meeks, featured nationally and internationally
Family owned & operated by mother-daughter team Jodie & Amber
Honest pricing—no hidden fees
Trusted by vendors and loved by couples
Fully licensed & insured
Can we plan remotely?
Yes! Nearly 90% of our couples plan from out of town.
You’ll receive full access to your online planning portal, email/phone support, and optional FaceTime meetings.
Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to see real weddings!
Can we meet in person?
Of course! We offer office appointments and venue tours by appointment at our Ocean City location.
How soon should we reserve our date?
We recommend booking 9–12 months in advance for peak season.
Call 443-614-8542 or email barefootbridejodie@gmail.com to check availability.
Your date is confirmed once we receive your booking form and initial payment.
Do you offer LGBTQ+ weddings?
Yes! We are proud to be LGBTQ+ friendly and have officiated many same-sex weddings and vow renewals.
Do you offer vow renewals or elopements?
Yes! We offer vow renewals and elopement packages year-round.
Pricing is the same as our ceremony options, customized to your vision.
What’s included in your packages?
Each package includes everything needed for a seamless wedding:
Officiant
Decorated ceremony setup
Coordination
Photography
Florals
Cake (if applicable)
Vendor management
All inclusions are listed clearly on your proposal — no hidden fees.
How many guests can attend?
Ceremonies: Unlimited guests
Receptions: Up to 160 guests
No food & beverage minimums
Can we bring our own officiant, photographer, or DJ?
Yes!
Officiant: Must be ordained in Maryland. $50 discount applied.
Photographer: $150–$700 discount available if using your own.
DJ: Allowed if following our set timeline.
Our in-house photography team delivers the same style showcased on our social media.
If you prefer a specific artist or editing style, we’ll adjust your package accordingly.
What if it rains?
We’ve got you covered!
Ceremonies are moved indoors or under the Coastal 59 gazebo (complimentary backup).
All decor and details are still included.
No reimbursements for weather changes, as your ceremony will still be fully executed.
Wedding insurance is recommended.
Can we bring pets?
Allowed on the beach October 1–April 30.
Not permitted inside venues due to health regulations.
Do you provide flowers, cakes, and décor?
Yes! Our in-house team, Barefoot Florals, creates stunning bouquets, centerpieces, and arbors.
Cakes are also available through our trusted bakery partners.
(No cakes on the beach — seagulls love sweets!)
Do you provide music?
Yes!
Bluetooth speaker for ceremonies (included)
Live musicians or DJs available upon request
When will we receive our wedding photos?
Our photographers deliver final edited galleries within 4–6 weeks after your wedding.
Sneak peeks are often available sooner!
Can we customize our ceremony décor?
Absolutely!
You’ll choose from a curated décor catalog after booking — from boho pampas to nautical rope, floral circles, and more.
Custom floral upgrades are also available through Barefoot Florals.
Do you handle beach permits?
Yes! Barefoot Bride Weddings handles all required beach permits and permissions for Ocean City ceremonies.
What if we need to postpone or cancel?
Postponements: Payments may transfer to a new date within one year.
Cancellations: All payments are non-refundable.
Vendor & Venue Commitment
Weddings are often booked 9–12 months ahead, and vendors begin preparing immediately after signing. Non-refundable payments protect both our couples and vendors from financial loss.
Cancellation Fees
$500 cancellation fee
Caterer: $515 (varies by timing)
Photographer: $150
All others: No extra fees
Your initial $1,500 payment remains non-refundable.
To finalize a cancellation, both a signed cancellation form and payment of applicable fees are required within one week.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Events booked more than 12 months in advance are subject to an annual cost-of-living increase (max 5%), based on the Consumer Price Index.
This ensures fair compensation for vendors and staff while maintaining service quality.
Still have questions?
📞 Call: 443-614-8542
📧 Email: barefootbridejodie@gmail.com
💬 Message us: via our [Contact Form]