Yes! You can get married on the beach. Insider tips on planning a Stinson Beach Wedding

What You’ll Learn in This Post:

• Why Stinson Beach is a truly magical wedding location

• What to expect when planning a beach ceremony (the real talk!)

• Reception venues, lodging options, and catering tips from a local expert

A Destination Wedding That’s Closer Than You Think

Yes, you can get married on the beach—and not in Hawaii or Big Sur, but just 45 minutes from San Francisco. Stinson Beach offers a breathtaking coastal backdrop for your wedding day, and it still retains its small beach-town charm. No fast food, no big box stores—just a market, two cafés, a bookstore, and miles of untamed shoreline.

Guests—especially those coming from out of state—are often bewitched by the wild beauty of West Marin. We always recommend turning your celebration into a full weekend experience. Think: whale sightings, coastal hikes, organic farm stands, seafood shacks, and horseback rides through golden hills. If the natural world speaks to you, Stinson will too.

Why Work With Dee Wagner Events

We’ve planned multiple weddings at Stinson Beach and deeply understand the rhythm of this place—its seasons, its tides, and the unique joy and challenges of planning events here. We’ll help you navigate:

• Optimal dates (some months are magic, others require solid backup plans)

• Permits & set-up for a ceremony on public land

• Creative solutions for weather, beach access, and tides

What You Should Know About a Beach Wedding in Stinson

Stinson Beach is public, and we can reserve space with a permit and rope off square footage for your ceremony. That said, if it’s a beautiful day, there will be people on the beach beyond the designated area. All of our couples have told us they didn’t even notice—but if you’re hoping for absolute privacy, Stinson may not be the best fit.

• The ceremony location is a 5-minute walk down a sandy (but flat) trail

• Tides and driftwood vary—it’s part of the charm, but not for everyone

• Mobility issues should be considered for elderly or differently abled guests

Where to Celebrate After the Ceremony

Stinson Beach Community Center

A 10-minute walk from the beach ceremony site, the SBCC is our favorite venue. It features a hardwood floor, a patio, a working fireplace, and a newly restored meadow across the street—perfect for guests who prefer grass to sand.
✅ Affordable
✅ BYO alcohol
✅ Tables included

 Breakers Café

Ideal for 60 guests or fewer. Fire pits, a charming patio, and an outdoor bar make this a cozy option for intimate receptions.
💡 Note: Venue rental, bar minimum, and equipment rentals are in addition to catering and service fees.

Willow Camp

A luxury private estate that sleeps 20 and includes a beautiful ceremony and reception site. There is no amplified sound or live music allowed, so we often recommend a late-night follow-up celebration at the SBCC.

Where Your Guests Can Stay

Lodging in Stinson includes small inns, boutique hotels, and vacation homes. These fill up quickly and can be pricey. For more affordable accommodations, we often book hotels “over the hill” in Marin and arrange shuttle service to and from the wedding site.

Why Roux Catering Is the Perfect Fit

Our in-house catering team, Roux by DWE, draws inspiration directly from the land around us. Our menus reflect the farms, fisheries, and seasonal rhythms of West Marin. Whether it’s a beach picnic or an elegant seated dinner, your guests will taste the local magic in every bite.

Final Thoughts
A Stinson Beach wedding isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about creating a full, immersive experience for you and your guests. With the right planning, a little flexibility, and a deep love of nature, it can be one of the most magical and meaningful ways to celebrate your marriage. From local logistics to design, food, and flow, we’re here to help you bring your coastal vision to life with care, creativity, and calm.

Ready to Plan Your Coastal Celebration?
Let’s talk details.
Contact Dee Wagner Events →
Visit our Stinson Beach Weddings site →