I have decided to have a beach wedding. What now?

Call or e-mail for date and time availability..

The most popular time of the year for a wedding on the beach in this area is May- September; although we do offer our services year round.

Where are you located?

We are located in Spring Lake, Michigan.

We service Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee, Traverse City, Torch Lake and other area beaches.

How soon should we reserve our date and time?

If you choose a Friday or Saturday sunset- we suggest putting a deposit down as soon as you have decided.

We will not take bookings any further than 1 year in advance.

How do we book our wedding?  

Once you've decided the time and date and the availability is confirmed through our office-

We require the appropriate deposit/ payment for the services requested.

There is a Request Form available on this site that can be printed to be filled out to be mailed with proper deposit/ payment.  We accept cashiers checks and Money Orders.

You may call or e-mail as much as you'd like, we are always available to answer any questions you may have.

When you arrive in town for the wedding, we ask that you contact us to set up a phone conference the day before your wedding to review the ceremony, vows, etc....

Do you pick the location for the ceremony or do we?

The location is your choice.  We go to County/ State Parks, hotels, condos and beach houses.

There is an additional trip fee for weddings outsitde Ottawa and Muskegon County.  The fee varies depending on location and date, please call for details. 

Some of the locations do charge a fee for the use of the beach as well as a "Special Use Permit"...

...these fees are NOT included in any of the Wedding Packages"

Can we get married at the  location we are staying at?

As long as you obtain permission from the hotel/condo.

Be sure to ask if there is an additional fee for the use of the beach for the wedding. 

The couple is responsible for any “fees” that may be charged.

What happens if it rains?

It is the responsibility of the Couple to have a "back-up" location in case of inclement weather.  You may want to consider WEDDING INSURANCE.

The majority of Hotels/ Condos generally do not have any type of outside shelter

If you are having a reception- it can be moved to that location.

If you have only a few guests- it may be possible to  “postpone" until the next day/time based upon availability.  The couple makes the final decision.

We may suggest adjusting the ceremony start time to avoid any inclement weather scheduled to interfere with the ceremony.  We stay flexible and ask that you do to!

Will there be other people on the beach?

Yes.  All beaches in the State of Michigan are public beaches.  We cannot “rope off” any part of the beach.

There are some areas that are less populated than others.  In all of the weddings that we have done we haven’t had any interference with beach goers.

We are very familiar with the times/dates that the beaches get busy, we will work with you to make sure you pick the right time.

Who performs the ceremony?

An ordained minister.

Can we bring our own Officiate?

Certainly, as long as he or she is Ordained Minister.

We will deduct $100.00 from the Package you choose.

NOTE: We will not release our ceremony which includes the verses for the heart of sand and the Blessing stones. Only officiates directly affiliated with My Barefoot Wedding are provided this information with whom a confidentiality agreement has been signed.

Who takes the photographs?

All of our packages include photos by “our“ photographers.  We have many couples ask if they are “professional”- no they are “free-lance” and shoot for My Barefoot Wedding only.

Couples will receive 4X6 color prints with our digital photography.

We strive to provide our clients with quality photos... however weather conditions may affect the outcome.  If you are scheduled for a sunset wedding and arrive more than 15 minutes late you will be fined $50.

When inquiring with a Professional Photographer- be sure to ask if you will receive the digital negatives.

Can we provide our own photographer/ videographer?

Yes- we will deduct our fee ($100) from the cost of the “package”.

We have found that most of the guests come with a camera/ camcorder in hand.  We do ask you do not get any “rear” shots of us.. Ha!)

*** Here's a Camcorder Tip for Friends and Family-****

Be sure to take your camcorder equipment out of the air conditioning at least an hour prior to the ceremony... when you go from air conditioning into the heat- the dew condensation will not allow most camcorders to work.   Do not "pause", you can always edit your video after the ceremony.

Can we bring our own decorations for the beach?

Any person(s), companies or individuals, using State Park Recreational facilities for weddings and/ or receptions must show proof of liability insurance.  This includes, and not limited to, wedding decoration, tent/chair rental companies, musicians, caterers, etc.  For more information.. contact State Park Recreational Services.  ** Our insurance DOES NOT cover any decoration/ services other than our own**

Do you provide music?

Yes, we can.  It can be added from the a la carte menu.  We will provide a cd player.  Music is often played as the guests arrive on the beach, for the processional and recessional, and while the photos are being taken following the ceremony.

Do you provide chairs?

Yes, we do have chairs available on the ala carte list.  However keep in mind that most of the guests will have a camera/camcorder in hand and do not “sit” in the chairs provided.  We do not recommend having a chair for each guest.

How do we obtain the Marriage license?

You must apply in person,  at the Clerk of the Court. Visit our marriage license page for more details.

What happens wtih the marriage license after the ceremony?

We will deliver the license to the local County Clerk of the court, provided this is where the couple obtained it from. The Clerk's office will then mail the couple the certified copy.  If the license was obtained through another county it will be first class mailed to them the next business day.

What happens if we have to “postpone”?

Any deposits/payments will be applied to your new date.  If a postponement is made within 30 days of wedding, for any reason, there will be a $350 postponement fee.  If postponement is made more than 30 days prior to wedding, there is a $ 100.00 administration fee.

What happens if we have to cancel?

All deposits are non-refundable.  You will be given the option of a moving your wedding to the day of your choice, schedule permitting.

Important:  If you cancel your wedding within 60 days of the date, all package monies and a la carte fees are due and payable.

Do you handle the receptions?

No, we do not- however we are more than happy to refer you to area restaurants, caterers, etc.

                                   Can we get married on a holiday?

Yes, based on availability. Please note we automatically charge a $200.00 holiday fee to perform a wedding on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday either before or after a National Holiday.  This is non-negotiable.  Please check your calendars prior to reserving dates! 

We enjoy spending time with our families and know you do too so if you are having our staff work when they will miss "family time" this charge will be incurred.

Thank You!

 

2012 My Barefoot Wedding

a licensed company of Barefoot Weddings

Independently owned and operated

Servicing Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee, Traverse City, South Haven, Michigan City and other area beaches.