A Charming Village Wedding by the Sea
There’s a reason Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has been called one of the prettiest little towns in Florida. This small seaside village — just north of Fort Lauderdale — feels like stepping back in time to old Florida, before the high-rises and mega-resorts took over the coastline. Colorful shops line the main street, the scent of salt air drifts from the beach, and Anglin’s Pier stretches out over the turquoise Atlantic as a backdrop that belongs on a postcard. If you want a beach wedding that feels personal, intimate, and genuinely special, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea delivers.
I’m Notary Alan, a Florida notary public wedding officiant with over 15 years of experience marrying couples along this coast. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is one of my favorite places to perform a ceremony — the village atmosphere makes everything feel warmer and more relaxed than the bigger beach cities. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of up to 20, your wedding here will have a charm you won’t find anywhere else in South Florida.
Why Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Stands Out
While Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach get the lion’s share of attention, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers something they can’t match: a small-town beach wedding experience. The town is walkable, friendly, and refreshingly unpretentious. After your ceremony, you and your guests can stroll to one of the beachfront restaurants for a celebratory meal — no Uber required, no valet parking, just a short walk from the sand to your table.
The town’s compact size also means less competition for beach space. On a typical afternoon, you’ll have far more room to set up your ceremony here than on the crowded stretches of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The coral reef just offshore means the snorkeling is spectacular — and the water has that same vivid blue-green color that makes ceremony photos come alive.
Ceremony Spots in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Thinking about getting married here? Call me first at (954) 652-6643 or send me a message. I know this town well and can help you pick the perfect spot, time, and setup before you make any other plans.
Anglin’s Pier Beach Area
The beach on either side of Anglin’s Pier is the most iconic ceremony spot in town. The pier itself creates a dramatic architectural backdrop that frames your photos beautifully, especially during golden hour. The town square sits just steps from the sand, creating a natural gathering point for guests before and after the ceremony. This is the quintessential Lauderdale-by-the-Sea wedding location.
North Beach (El Prado Park Area)
The beach north of the pier, near El Prado Park, offers a quieter alternative with easy street parking and a more secluded atmosphere. The residential neighborhood backing the beach gives this area a private, tucked-away feel. It’s perfect for couples who want the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea charm without any foot traffic near their ceremony.
South Beach (Near Commercial Boulevard)
The stretch of beach between the pier and the Fort Lauderdale border is wider and less visited by tourists. The advantage here is space — you’ll have a generous stretch of sand to work with, and the nearby Commercial Boulevard has dining options for a post-ceremony celebration. Easy beach access with street parking makes logistics simple for guests.
Services for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Couples
- Beach elopements — Just the two of you exchanging vows with Anglin’s Pier as your backdrop
- Micro weddings — Gather up to 20 guests for an intimate ceremony in this charming seaside village
- Vow renewals — Celebrate your love again in one of the most romantic settings on the coast
- Same-day ceremonies — Have your marriage license? Call me at (954) 652-6643 to check availability
- LGBTQ+ weddings — All couples are welcome and celebrated
- Custom vows — Write your own words, and I’ll weave them into a ceremony that’s uniquely yours
My ceremonies are nonreligious and traditional — I’m a notary public, not a minister. Think of it as a heartfelt civil ceremony with the warmth and personality of someone who genuinely cares about making your day special.
How It Works — 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Reach out. Fill out my contact form or call (954) 652-6643. Tell me about your Lauderdale-by-the-Sea wedding — I’ll share local tips on timing, location, and what to expect.
Step 2: Plan your ceremony. We’ll choose the perfect beach spot, discuss your vows and ceremony flow, and I’ll answer every question you have about getting married in this charming little town.
Step 3: Say “I do.” I arrive early, perform your ceremony with heart, handle all the legal paperwork, and make sure your marriage is official. You focus on each other — I’ll take care of everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Weddings
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Contact me first before worrying about permits. I perform weddings in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea regularly and can advise you on the current requirements, best locations, and timing. Small ceremonies on the public beach are generally straightforward, but regulations can vary — a quick conversation will save you time.
What makes Lauderdale-by-the-Sea different from Fort Lauderdale for a wedding?
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a small, walkable seaside village with an old Florida charm that Fort Lauderdale’s busier beach strip can’t match. The beaches are less crowded, the atmosphere is more intimate, and the town’s restaurants and shops are all within walking distance of the sand. It’s ideal for couples who want a quiet, personal ceremony rather than a big-city beach experience.
Where is Anglin’s Pier in relation to the beach wedding area?
Anglin’s Pier is the centerpiece of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, located right in the heart of the village where Commercial Boulevard meets the ocean. The beach on either side of the pier is the most popular ceremony location. The pier creates a stunning backdrop for wedding photos, especially during golden hour.
Can I walk to restaurants after my beach ceremony?
Yes — that’s one of the best things about Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The town square and several beachfront restaurants are just steps from the sand. You can go from your ceremony directly to a celebratory meal without needing to drive anywhere. Anglins Beach Cafe is right at the pier, and several other dining options line the main street.
Ready to Get Married in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
This little village has a way of making every ceremony feel like something out of a storybook. Tell me about your ceremony or call (954) 652-6643 — let’s find the perfect spot for your wedding in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
Notary Alan also performs ceremonies in nearby Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Sea Ranch Lakes. See all communities we serve on our Locations page.