Beach and waterfront wedding venues are an ideal option for setting the scene for a suitably fun, breezy wedding celebration that is relaxed and enjoyable.

If you are looking for a beach wedding venue, it's worth taking note of the following things to ensure you find the perfect venue for your big day.

• Public or private beach wedding

  When you are deciding on your beach wedding venue, you will need to consider if you are looking to hold the ceremony on a private beach or a public beach. Ideally, finding a secluded and private beach venue is far more suitable as it allows you the peace of mind that you will have the entire beach for your reception. If you are looking to get married on a public beach you may need to contend with beachgoers and will need to check if you require a permit for setting up your wedding ceremony including chairs, aisle or canopy.

• Ceremony and reception in the one location

  In an ideal world, if you can get your guests to come to the one location for both reception and ceremony it will save them a lot of running around and make the day a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone. If you can have your ceremony on a beach and if you can find a venue for the reception that is in within a short walking distance or better yet on the same property your guests will thank you for it. As well as this, guests can be a part of your photos and watch the bride and groom during the photo shoot while they enjoy the break between ceremony and reception.

• Permits for beach weddings

  It's important to note that if you are looking to hold your wedding on a beach you will need to seek permission if it is on public land. On the flip side, if you find a location that is privately owned you will be able to have full rein of the venue during your wedding celebration. If you want alcohol and privacy during your wedding, you will need to ensure you are not on public land as each county has unique laws for public events and you will need to abide by these in a public space.

• Accessibility

  If you have guests that are elderly or have young children that are in prams, you may need to consider accessibility for your guests as well as access for the set up of your ceremony. Beach venues that are easy to get to and a short stroll from shade and coverage are ideal in the warmer months as well. Consider having some chairs and seating for your beach wedding ceremony and if possible, arrange accommodation on site or close by for sick or elderly guests who may need to put their feet up or rest in between the ceremony and the reception.

• Get a microphone and speaker

  As quiet and serene as a venue may be, if you are outside and there are bird, waves, water and general outdoor noise, you may need to have a speaker and amplifier to ensure all of your guests can hear the wedding ceremony clearly and can follow along with your vows.

Other considerations for your beach wedding include finding a venue that is beach or water front but not subject to fluctuating tides that may affect where you can set up your ceremony and also determining the high and low season for your wedding to ensure guests can find suitable accommodation that suits their budget.

At the end of the day, a beachside, lakeside or waterfront resort will provide the ceremony options you are looking for ahead of your big day. Holding your wedding celebration at a private resort is a great way to avoid issues with public beach spaces and also allows you to control who is at your wedding.

River Rest Weddings is the perfect beachside wedding resort located on Lake Logan Martin, in a peaceful and secluded area close to Talladega, Alabama. The beautiful lakefront home has a private beach and overlooks two and a half miles of stunning lake, the perfect location for your wedding reception.

River Rest Weddings features a range of options reception-wise for your wedding celebration including three living rooms complete with one reception room with a 20-foot glass window, five guest bedrooms, private golf carts for transporting the wedding party, a hot tub, and an entertainment den for the wedding after party or simply relaxing with your wedding guests.

Located less than an hours drive from Birmingham, Alabama and only two hours from Montgomery and Huntsville, the idyllic resort home is surrounded by three miles of delightful Alabama countryside and is the perfect location for a relaxing lakeside wedding reception and ceremony.

If you're in the process of planning your beach or waterfront wedding and you're looking for the perfect reception venue for your special day, look no further than the River Rest Weddings.