But there’s more to a beach wedding than ambiance. Take it from Catherine Walton of Weddings by the Sea in Cape May (609-884-7900; weddingsbythesea.com), who has planned more than 400 beach weddings in recent years. “The beach is an unstructured, no-walls environment, where the atmosphere is more casual than inside a church, outsiders regularly wander in, and sun showers are always possible. Prepare for anything.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind: The busiest months and best weather for Shore weddings are May and June, September and October. Schedule your ceremony when there’s less wind and smaller crowds, maybe as the sun sets—and definitely when the tide is out. And just in case, map out a rain retreat to a covered pavilion, tent, local church, or your reception site should the weather not cooperate the day of the wedding.

Apply for a wedding license and permit to use a public beach at town hall, and be sure to ask if you need liability insurance. Keep in mind that Catholic churches do not recognize weddings held outside, so schedule a second private ceremony in church if need be.

Circumvent beach traffic by mapping out alternate routes and reserving parking spaces for guests. And arrange horse-drawn carriage or limo rides if parking is too far away.

So, which beach should you head for? Cape May, the nation’s oldest seaside resort, sets the standard for Jersey Shore weddings. Thanks to its Victorian architecture, charming bed-and breakfasts, close proximity to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, and year-round appeal, Cape May is now the third most popular wedding locale in the United States, according to Walton. All Cape May beaches are public and may be reserved for marriage ceremonies. But since alcohol and tents are prohibited, receptions are held at nearby restaurants or inns.

Sunset Beach, with views of Cape May lighthouse and fabulous sunsets, plus a pavilion for shade or shelter, is Cape May’s most sought-after site for beach weddings. Second Avenue Pavilion also overlooks the beach. Harbor View Park, with three white pavilions overlooking the fishing boats of Cape May harbor, is another option. Cape May Point State Park features a bird-watching platform with views of marshes, sand dunes and ocean.

And for some final tips, Walton recommends rehearsing at the beach, bringing a cooler full of water, saving candles for inside, and turning off the Weather Channel the day of your wedding.