Ocean City Maryland Beach Weddings – Frequently Asked Questions

“Not just a venue. Not just a service. A complete wedding solution.”

If you are searching for a beach wedding in Ocean City, Maryland or an all-inclusive wedding venue with full planning services, this guide answers the most common questions couples ask before booking.

What time can vendors arrive to start setting up?

Because we coordinate and manage the majority of your wedding services in-house, setup timelines are scheduled directly through our planning team. Most vendors arrive based on your custom wedding timeline, ensuring everything is ready before guests arrive.

How early can the wedding party arrive to get ready?

Our bridal suite typically opens at 10:00 AM on your wedding day, with earlier access occasionally available upon request. The suite comfortably accommodates up to six people and allows plenty of time for hair, makeup, and getting ready photos.

Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down décor?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Coastal 59 is that our team handles the majority of setup, coordination, and breakdown. We don't hand you a vendor list and send you on your way—we orchestrate the details behind the scenes so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day.

Do you provide a floor plan, or can we create our own layout?

Absolutely. Once your final guest count is received, our planning team creates your reception floor plan and seating layout based on your guest count, special requests, and event flow.

Is there someone on-site the entire day of the wedding?

Yes. Unlike many venues, Coastal 59 has dedicated coordinators and management on-site throughout your wedding day. Our team oversees the timeline, vendors, ceremony, reception, and guest experience from start to finish.

Vendor Policies

Do you require us to use preferred vendors, or can we bring our own?

Most of our wedding packages include our trusted in-house vendor team, allowing us to maintain quality, accountability, and seamless execution. In some cases, couples may provide their own photographer, officiant, or DJ, but all outside vendors must be approved in advance.

Are there extra fees for outside vendors?

Certain outside vendors may require additional coordination fees depending on the service provided and the level of management required by our team.

Are vendors required to provide insurance?

Yes. Any approved outside vendor may be required to provide proof of liability insurance before working on-site.

Timing & Schedule

What time does the event have to end?

Friday and Saturday receptions conclude by 10:00 PM, with all guests and vendors departing by 11:00 PM.

Sunday through Thursday receptions conclude by 9:00 PM, with departure by 10:00 PM.

Is there an option to extend the reception?

Due to venue regulations, staffing schedules, and local ordinances, reception end times are firm and cannot be extended.

How long do we have for cleanup?

One of the many advantages of choosing Coastal 59 is that you won't spend the end of your wedding night cleaning up. Our team handles the venue cleanup, breakdown, and collection of your personal items throughout the evening.

At the conclusion of your reception, your décor, gifts, guest book, and personal items will be gathered and organized for easy pickup. When the lights come on, everything will be ready for removal, allowing you, your family, and your wedding party to focus on celebrating rather than cleaning.

This is just one of the many ways Coastal 59 provides a truly fully orchestrated wedding experience.

Weather Backup Plans

What is the rain plan for outdoor ceremonies?

We provide a complimentary inclement weather backup plan for all ceremony packages. If weather conditions become unfavorable, your ceremony can be relocated to one of our covered or indoor ceremony options.

When do we have to decide to move indoors?

Weather decisions are typically made approximately two hours before the ceremony based on current radar and forecast conditions.

Who moves chairs and décor if the ceremony location changes?

Our team handles the transition, including chairs, ceremony décor, and setup adjustments, allowing you to remain focused on enjoying your day.

Music & Entertainment

Are there sound or volume restrictions?

Yes. Ocean City beach ceremonies operate under local regulations. Amplified sound systems are not permitted on the beach, so we provide a Bluetooth speaker system for ceremony music.

Reception entertainment must conclude at the venue's designated end time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at Coastal 59 & Barefoot Bride Weddings

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

• Fully Orchestrated Wedding Planning

• Ceremony, Reception & Vendor Management Under One Team

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

This is not venue rental. This is a complete wedding solution.

Venue & Ceremony Questions

Where is Coastal 59 located?

Coastal 59 Venue is located at:

5909 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Our beach ceremonies take place directly across Coastal Highway at the 59th Street oceanfront entrance.

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.

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

Is the beach private?

No. Ocean City beaches are public.

However, we strategically schedule ceremonies when beach traffic naturally decreases.

• Lifeguards leave at 5:30 PM

• Beachgoers typically begin leaving between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM

• Evening ceremonies often provide a more peaceful atmosphere

With over 1,000 weddings planned and coordinated, we help guide couples toward the best ceremony timing.

What is the best time for a beach wedding?

The most popular time for beach weddings is approximately 1–2 hours before sunset.

Benefits include:

✔ Softer lighting

✔ Cooler temperatures

✔ Fewer beachgoers

✔ Beautiful sunset portraits

During summer months, we generally recommend:

• Before 10:00 AM

• After 6:00 PM

This helps avoid the hottest part of the day for both guests and vendors.

How long is a beach ceremony?

Most ceremonies last approximately 10–15 minutes.

Example Timeline:

• 5:40 PM – Photographer arrival

• 5:45 PM – Guests and groom arrive

• 5:50 PM – Bride arrival

• 6:00 PM – Ceremony begins

• 6:15 PM – Ceremony concludes

• 6:15–6:45 PM – Family and couple portraits

Our timelines are carefully designed to maximize photography opportunities while keeping guests comfortable.

Do you provide chairs for the ceremony?

Yes.

Ceremony chair packages are available and can be customized based on your final guest count.

We also provide setup, alignment, breakdown, and removal.

Can we bring our dog to the ceremony?

Yes.

Ocean City permits dogs on the beach during approved hours and seasons. Many couples include their dogs as ring bearers, flower pups, or special guests.

We recommend designating a family member or friend to assist with your pet before and after the ceremony.

What happens if it rains?

We always have an inclement weather backup plan.

Depending on your package and availability, ceremonies may be relocated to:

• Our covered gazebo

• Indoor ceremony space

Our team handles the transition and coordination.

Your wedding will still take place beautifully and professionally.

Is parking available?

Yes.

Beach Ceremony Parking

59th Street Ocean Entrance:

• 41 public parking spaces

• 2 handicap accessible spaces

Coastal 59 Venue Parking

• More than 200 parking spaces available

• Convenient access for guests and vendors

• Safe crosswalk access to the beach

For guests with mobility concerns:

• Vehicle drop-off is available

• Handicap-accessible beach ramp available

• Seasonal mobility mats available on the beach

• Beach wheelchair services available through Ocean City

Is the venue handicap accessible?

Yes.

Coastal 59 can accommodate guests with mobility needs, and we are happy to discuss any specific accommodations during the planning process.

Where do we get ready?

For ceremony-only weddings, couples typically arrive dressed and ready for the ceremony.

For ceremony and reception weddings at Coastal 59:

• Complimentary wedding suite included

• Access begins the morning of your wedding

• Nearby hotel and Airbnb recommendations provided after booking

Reception & Venue Questions

How many guests can attend?

Receptions can accommodate up to 150 guests.

There are no food and beverage minimums.

Because we host weddings seven days a week, we can often accommodate a wide variety of guest counts and wedding styles.

Are tables, chairs, and linens included?

Yes.

All reception packages include:

• Reception tables

• Chairs

• Standard linens

• Basic setup and breakdown

Additional rental upgrades are available if desired.

Do you provide staff to coordinate the wedding day?

Absolutely.

This is one of the biggest differences between Coastal 59 and many traditional venues.

Our team manages:

• Vendor arrivals

• Ceremony coordination

• Reception timeline management

• Setup and breakdown

• Reception flow

• Guest experience

• Problem-solving behind the scenes

Our goal is to allow couples and families to enjoy the celebration while we manage the logistics.

How long do we have for cleanup after the wedding?

You don't.

One of the advantages of Coastal 59 is that our team handles the cleanup and breakdown process for you.

At the conclusion of your wedding, our staff collects and organizes your personal items, décor, gifts, signage, and remaining alcohol so everything is ready for pickup.

Rather than spending the end of your wedding cleaning up, packing decorations, or loading vehicles, you and your family can focus on enjoying the celebration.

Is there a designated DJ or entertainment setup area?

Yes.

DJs and entertainment vendors have designated setup locations designed to maximize guest experience while preserving dance floor space.

Are microphones and speakers included?

Beach ceremony packages include Bluetooth speaker systems for ceremony music.

Reception sound equipment is provided through your selected entertainment package.

Food & Bar Questions

Can we bring our own caterer?

Our wedding packages utilize professional catering partners selected for quality, consistency, and seamless service.

Outside catering is generally not permitted.

Can we supply our own alcohol?

Yes.

Couples may provide their own alcohol, often saving thousands of dollars compared to traditional venue bar packages.

In accordance with Maryland regulations and venue policies, all alcohol must be handled, opened, poured, and served exclusively by Coastal 59 certified bartenders.

Guests, family members, and wedding party members may not serve alcohol.

Any remaining alcohol is returned to the couple at the conclusion of the event.

Vendor Questions

Can we use our own vendors?

We allow certain outside vendors, including photographers and officiants.

Outside Officiants

Must be legally authorized to perform weddings in Maryland.

Outside Photographers

Are welcome and may qualify for package adjustments depending on the package selected.

Because our planning system relies on coordinated timelines and vendor management, outside wedding coordinators are not permitted.

Catering and bartending services must be provided through our approved teams to ensure quality, consistency, licensing compliance, and seamless event execution.

Are there extra fees for outside vendors?

Fees vary depending on the vendor category and package selected.

Please discuss any outside vendors with our planning team before booking.

Are vendors required to provide insurance?

Certain vendors may be required to provide proof of insurance depending on their services.

Photography Questions

Do you provide photography?

Yes.

We offer professional in-house photography services that can include:

• Ceremony coverage

• Family portraits

• Wedding party photos

• Romantic couple portraits

• Sunset beach photography

• Reception coverage

One benefit of our planning process is that we work with a team of trusted photographers, allowing couples to avoid the stress of researching, comparing, contracting, and coordinating with multiple vendors.

Photographers are assigned based on availability for your wedding date and time.

Couples are always welcome to:

• Bring their own photographer

• Request referrals to outside photographers

Examples of our photographers' work can be viewed throughout our website and social media pages.

Are there restrictions on where photographers can shoot?

No.

Photographers are welcome throughout approved venue and ceremony locations, including the beach, gazebo, reception venue, and surrounding scenic areas.

Can we take engagement photos at the venue?

Yes.

Booked couples are welcome to schedule engagement sessions at approved locations with advance notice.

Guest Experience Questions

Is there enough parking for guests?

Yes.

Free public parking is available near the venue, with more than 200 parking spaces available for guests and vendors.

Are there nearby hotels for guests?

Absolutely.

Coastal 59 is surrounded by hotels, condominiums, and vacation rentals within walking distance or a short drive from the venue.

Our planning guide includes accommodation recommendations and room block resources.

Booking & Payment Questions

How does payment work?

To reserve your wedding date, an initial non-refundable planning payment is required.

This payment secures:

• Your wedding date

• Venue reservation

• Planning services

• Professional vendors assigned to your wedding

Once your date is reserved, our team immediately begins planning, scheduling, and committing resources on your behalf. We also begin turning away other inquiries for your reserved date.

Because this payment reserves the date, venue, and professional services exclusively for your wedding, it is non-refundable with no exceptions.

Final payment is due 30 days before the wedding.

Reception headcount and final adjustments are typically finalized approximately 35 days before the wedding.

What happens if we need to reschedule?

Rescheduling requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and depend upon venue availability and timing.

Additional fees may apply.

Do prices change based on the day of the week?

We maintain fair pricing year-round.

Monday through Thursday reception packages currently receive a weekday discount.

Please contact us for current pricing.

What is peak wedding season in Ocean City?

Peak wedding season generally runs from mid-April through early October.

Friday and Saturday sunset weddings are the first dates to book.

We recommend reserving your wedding 9–12 months in advance.

Floral, Décor & Cake Questions

Do you provide florals, décor, and wedding cakes?

Yes.

Our in-house floral department, Barefoot Florals, provides:

• Bridal bouquets

• Bridesmaid bouquets

• Boutonnieres

• Ceremony florals

• Arbors

• Centerpieces

• Custom floral installations

Wedding cakes are available through our trusted bakery partners.

Décor selections are made after booking through our curated design collections.

Legal Questions

How do we obtain a marriage license in Maryland?

Marriage licenses for Ocean City weddings are issued through Worcester County, Maryland.

General requirements include:

• Application through Worcester County

• Approximately $35 fee

• 48-hour waiting period

• License valid for six months

If using a Barefoot Bride officiant, we complete and return the signed license following the ceremony.

Detailed instructions are provided after booking.

Inclusive Wedding Questions

Do you offer LGBTQ+ weddings?

Absolutely.

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

Do you offer vow renewals and elopements?

Yes.

We offer vow renewal and elopement packages year-round and can customize the experience to fit your vision and guest count.

Can we plan our wedding remotely?

Yes.

Nearly 90% of our couples plan from outside the Ocean City area.

We provide:

• Online planning portal

• Digital planning forms

• Timeline management tools

• Email support

• Phone consultations

• Video meetings when needed

Our planning system was specifically designed to simplify destination wedding planning.

What Makes Barefoot Bride Weddings Different from Other Ocean City Wedding Venues?

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

Most venues provide a room, tables, chairs, and a list of vendors.

We provide a complete wedding solution.

Our team handles:

✔ Planning

✔ Coordination

✔ Venue Management

✔ In-House Florals

✔ Catering

✔ Bartending

✔ Photography

✔ DJ Services

✔ Ceremony Setup

✔ Timeline Creation

✔ Vendor Management

✔ Day-Of Execution

One Contract.
One Team.
One Streamlined Planning Process.

You make the selections.

We design, coordinate, manage, and execute every detail so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your engagement and wedding day.

What Additional Costs Should We Budget For?

In addition to your wedding package, couples should budget for:

• Wedding attire

• Hair and makeup

• Invitations and stationery

• Marriage license

• Additional ceremony chairs

• Floral upgrades

• Extended photography coverage

• Specialty rentals

• Optional enhancements and upgrades

We provide transparent proposals so you can clearly understand what is included and any optional additions before making decisions.

Ready to Start Planning?

Barefoot Bride Weddings & Coastal 59 Venue
5909 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842

📞 443-614-8542

📧 barefootbridejodie@gmail.com

Sunset dates fill quickly, and popular weekends often book well in advance. Contact us today to check availability and begin planning your Ocean City wedding.