A beach wedding ceremony is a lot of people’s lifelong dream. If it is yours, Rhode Island is the ideal place to get married on the beach! We are The Ocean State after all, and we are blessed with over 400 miles of some of the most breathtaking and picturesque beaches for wedding ceremonies in the country. Here is a list of places in Rhode Island to get married on the beach.
Keep in mind that if it is a tiny wedding, or just us and witnesses, we can do it on the beach without a permit/reservations. Just walk on and do it.
Rhode Island state ocean beaches
Many of the best beaches in Rhode Island for a beach wedding ceremony are managed by the state. If you want to host an event at one of the state beaches, you have to get an approved permit. The first step is deciding which beach you’re interested in.
The Rhode Island State Parks website gives a great rundown of all the rules and amenities, and I’ve linked each beach to their site.
- Charlestown Breachway State Beach – 1 Burlingame State Park Rd., Charlestown, RI
- East State Beach – East Beach Rd., Charlestown, RI
- East Matunuck State Beach – 950 Succotash Rd., South Kingston, RI
- Misquamicut State Beach – 257 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, RI
- Roger Wheeler State Beach – 100 Sand Hill Cove Rd., Narraganset, RI
- Salty Brine State Beach – 254 Great Rd., Narraganset, RI
- Scarborough North State Beach – 970 Ocean Rd., Narraganset, RI
- Scarborough South State Beach – 970 Ocean Rd., Narraganset, RI
Booking an event at an RI state beach
The state of Rhode Island provides all the most up to date information about having a private event at one of the state beaches, including wedding ceremonies. An application and permit is required, and the application must be received at least 30 days in advance of the event.
Here is all the information about RI’s policy and process to apply for a special use permit for a beach wedding ceremony.
Rhode Island town ocean beaches for a beach wedding ceremony
Rules and regulations about oceanfront beach wedding ceremonies vary by from town to town in RI. Find out costs and what permits are required for private events at the links provided below.
Newport, RI beaches
- Easton’s Beach/ First Beach
- Gooseberry Beach
- Peabody Beach
- Goosewing Beach
Middletown, RI beaches
To reserve a spot on Second or Third beach for a private event, contact the Middletown, RI Parks and Recreation Department at 401-842-6500, or fill out the and mail it in. Costs are $100 for residents and $200 per day for non-residents in peak season (June 1 – September 30). It is $50 per day for residents for in non-peak season, and $100 for non-residents. (Call for current pricing)
- Sachuest Beach/ Second Beach – Sachuest Beach is known locally as Second Beach. It boasts a mile long beach with nice white sand, as well as bathroom facilities. With gorgeous views in every direction, from the dunes to the waves, Second Beach is a beautiful spot for your beach wedding ceremony with plenty of parking.
- Third Beach – This is a non-waves beach at the mouth of the Sakonnet River, facing Third Beach Harbor. It is a calmer, family friendly beach.
Narragansett, RI Town Beach
Narragansett Town Beach – Narragansett Town Beach is a classic New England Saltwater Coastal Beach front that offers some of the best, cleanest and most accessible beach conditions. Located in the center of town, the beach offers ample parking in the North, South, West and Cabana parking areas along with food, restrooms, a first-aid office, surfing area and beautiful sandy
beachfront.
Beaches in Rhode Island
In addition to these town beaches listed, Rhode Island has many beaches in many places along our 400 miles of waterfront! Take a drive around and see if you can discover your own secret beach, or get married at the beach in your town.