Beach weddings
Have Your Dream Wedding in Ocean City, MD
Say your vows with waves breaking in the background and a warm ocean breeze. Ocean City has the venues, vendors, and breathtaking scenery to make your wedding day unforgettable.
Why Ocean City?
Ocean City is the Perfect Beach Wedding Destination
With its rich family tradition and breathtaking coastal beauty, it comes as no surprise that hundreds of couples choose Ocean City, Maryland as their wedding destination every year. What better way to tie the knot than surrounded by the people you love, under a warm sun, with waves breaking in the background and a cool Atlantic breeze?
Beach weddings in Ocean City offer an elegant experience in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. From oceanfront hotels and country clubs to florists, photographers, and houses of worship — you will find every vendor and amenity you need within a few miles of each other. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a large celebration, Ocean City has you covered.
- Spectacular oceanfront and bayside scenery
- Miles of pristine sandy beaches
- Wedding venues and amenities all within a few miles
- Abundant lodging for every guest and budget
- Activities to keep everyone entertained between events
- Easily accessible by car and air
Everything you need
Vendors & Services
Ocean City has a full ecosystem of wedding professionals. Whatever your vision, the vendors are here to bring it to life.
Photographers & Videographers
Capture the Atlantic light and your most important moments.
Caterers & Restaurants
Fresh seafood, farm-to-table, and waterfront dining for your reception.
Bands & DJs
Keep the dance floor full from ceremony through last call.
Florists & Cake Artists
Floral arrangements and custom cakes that match your vision.
Find an officiant
Officiants for Ocean City Weddings
Ocean City does not have a Justice of the Peace, so you will need to arrange your own officiant. Here are local officiants who perform ceremonies in Ocean City and on Assateague Island. Contact them directly for availability and rates.
Want to be added to this list? Contact us.
Pastor Harry R. Weir
410-548-3733Reverend Jeffrey Gisriel
rev.giz@gmail.comRox Weddings
sean@roxbeach.comRev. Eileen Dudley
e.dudley7180@gmail.comDaphne Hurley — Seaside Wedding
seasidewedding@comcast.netAlison to the Altar
alisontothealtar@gmail.comBarefoot Beach Bride
barefootbeachbridejodie@gmail.comEncore Events by Angie Gillis
angie@encoreeventsbyag.com
Apply for a Marriage License
Your first legal step is a Worcester County marriage license. Call the Clerk of Court Office at 410-632-5500 to find out what documents are required. Maryland law requires a 48-hour waiting period, so apply well ahead of your ceremony date.
Once you have your license and an officiant, submit your beach ceremony permit application through oceancitymd.gov. Both the Ocean City beach and Assateague Island require permits.
Wedding Planning Checklist
- Choose your wedding date and time
- Set your budget and discuss who contributes to what
- Select ceremony and reception venues
- Hire a wedding coordinator if needed
- Arrange an officiant (required — OC has no Justice of the Peace)
- Apply for a Worcester County marriage license (allow 48-hour waiting period)
- Obtain a beach ceremony permit through oceancitymd.gov if holding ceremony on the beach
- Book photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and DJ
- Select bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other roles
- Choose and order wedding dress, attire, and accessories
- Arrange lodging for out-of-town guests
- Send save-the-dates and invitations
- Plan rehearsal dinner — Assateague is a great spot for a bonfire and gathering
- Finalize catering counts and reception seating
- Review all arrangements one month out
Common questions
Wedding FAQs
- How do I get a marriage license in Ocean City?
- You apply through the Worcester County Clerk of Court. Call their office at 410-632-5500 to confirm the documents required and any residency rules. Ocean City is in Worcester County, so the license is issued there regardless of where in OC the ceremony takes place.
- Can I get a license the same day as the wedding?
- Maryland law requires a 48-hour waiting period between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place. Plan to apply well in advance of your wedding date.
- Do I need a permit for a beach ceremony?
- Yes. Both the Ocean City beach and Assateague Island require permits for wedding ceremonies. Once you have your marriage license and an officiant, submit the permit application through oceancitymd.gov. Contact the Ocean City Mayor's Office at 410-289-8931 with questions.
- Does Ocean City have a Justice of the Peace?
- Ocean City does not maintain its own Justice of the Peace, so you will need to arrange your own officiant. See our officiant list below for local options.
- What are the general marriage license requirements in Maryland?
- Both parties must appear in person, present valid photo ID, and pay the applicable fee. Call the Worcester County Clerk of Court at 410-632-5500 for the current fee schedule, hours, and any additional documentation required.
Ready to Start Planning?
Browse oceanfront hotels, bayside venues, and coastal restaurants to start building your perfect Ocean City wedding weekend.