Beach Information

Small wedding ceremonies on the beach do not require a Special Event Permit; however, obtaining a permit is recommended, so that first responders can be aware of your group's location if emergency response is needed.

• Special Event Permit information

If needed, a marriage license can be obtained from the Brunswick County Register of Deeds Office by calling 910-253-2690 or through the Brunswick County ROD website.

Important Reminders

• Space: The beach is a public area, space is provided on a first-come, first-available basis. While you may politely request others to move, they are under no obligation to do so.
• Tides: It is highly recommended to check the tide forecast and how your selected location is affected at high tide.
• Equipment: Items such as tents, chairs, arbors, etc. should not be placed on the beach before 7:00 AM. Tents larger than 400 sq. feet will need to be inspected (call 910-201-8053 for more information). Please remove all items immediately after the ceremony.
• Parking: Please also keep in mind the available parking for guests / visitors. All public parking areas are subject to Paid Parking enforcement (in season) and vehicles parked in the right-of-way (streetside) must have all tires off the roadway. For full details, visit the Parking Information page.

Preservation

Sand dunes and berms serve a vital role in the protection of people, wildlife, and both natural and man-made features. These are protected places, and should be treated with care and respect. To help preserve the sand dunes and berms, which in turn preserve our way of life, please use only the designated walkways, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided by the Town.

Note: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or any other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and berms, except in designated access areas is prohibited.

Need a beachfront venue?

Check out 801 Ocean!

If you are planning a wedding, or any other special event, 801 Ocean, the Town of Oak Island's premier oceanfront venue, is the ideal location for all types of celebrations! Open year round, this inviting event space hosts weddings, social, and corporate events and can accommodate up to 200 guests; all right on the beachfront, next the the iconic Oak Island Pier.

Owned and operated by the Town of Oak Island, 801 Ocean offers a 1,750 square-foot banquet room, along with additional flexible event space. Tables, chairs and set-up are included in the rental cost. Distinctive, custom options allow you to personal your event. Audio-visual services are available for all occasions. 801 Ocean's open-vendor policy allows you to bring your favorite caterer, decorator, or vendor to customize your event.

• More information on 801 Ocean Event Center

2024 Beach Ambassadors Team

The Oak Island Beach Ambassador Program is a great opportunity for for citizens to assist in promoting clean, safe, and protected beach areas for all users.

Volunteer Beach Ambassadors are trained to educate and inform visitors about Town ordinances related to beach areas, and how their actions can provide a safe environment for visitors and sea turtles alike. Emphasis is on visitor-friendly communication. Ambassadors also provide monitoring and observation, reporting potential safety issues, ordinance violations and wildlife concerns.

The program organized by the Beach Preservation Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, dedicated to education and community engagement to enhance the Oak Island beach experience.

• For full details on the Beach Ambassadors Program, visit the Beach Preservation Society website
• Contact the Beach Preservation Society regarding the Program

Responsibilities

Ambassadors are identified by custom reflective safety vests and hats. They work in teams and travel the beach on foot. Patrols are concentrated on weekends with random trips during the week, primarily in the afternoon and early evening, according to the tide schedule. Holiday weeks have more patrols. Ambassadors talk to visitors, take photos, encourage positive beach activities and remind visitors of beach rules. They are the friendly face of our targeted ordinances. They report concerns to a designated Town liaison, or in extreme cases, to the police.

Ambassadors commit to at least 20 hours of service in the tourist season [mid-May through Labor Day]. Some applicants may desire walking duties of shorter duration and greater frequency. Walking patrol locations (approximately 18 blocks each) are assigned by the program manager. The goal is to have 2-3 person teams per location, with a designated team leader coordinating scheduling. Weekend hours are expected for a portion of each volunteer’s service. No patrols take place during dangerous weather conditions.

Qualifications

Individuals interested in becoming a Beach Ambassador must:

• Complete and submit an application to the Program Coordinator
• Be at least 21 years old
• Submit to a background check at the expense of the Town
• Have personal stamina and mobility
• Be outgoing, helpful and friendly to visitors
• Have a positive approach to the protection of the beach as well as the value of beach tourism
• Demonstrate maturity in personal encounters
• Assume all liability for personal injury, illness or accident arising from participation
• Be willing to be a team player.

Training

Upon completion of the application, all prospective ambassadors will be invited to the initial training session, at which time forms will be provided for agreement to the background check. The training session will take place in April. Training will include the language and intent of the beach ordinances, simulated encounters with beach visitors, both positive and negative, and tutorials on the key targeted Town ordinances. Emphasis will be on tactful approaches to encouraging appropriate beach behavior. Guidelines will be given to handle issues that may fall outside of the scope of the beach ambassador’s responsibility.

After the training, interviews and background checks, new Ambassadors will be notified to pick up identification gear, patrol team assignment and supplies at Town Hall during a designated week before patrols begin.