Lewes

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By Seaside Bride, 07 February, 2022

If you are planning to hold your event in one of Lewe's Parks or Beaches, please email Janet Reeves at jreeves@ci.lewes.de.us or call 302-645-7777 (ext. 100)

Step 1: Beach weddings within the City of Lewes require the couple to fill out a Wedding Ceremony Request, available for download at https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/159/Forms-Applications

Step 2: Choose wedding location. Reservations are based on a maximum four-hour event (includes set-up, ceremony, pictures and breakdown) on a first-come, first-served basis, unless otherwise specified. Permit fees are non-refundable.

Step 3: Obtain Sussex County marriage license www.sussexcountyde.gov/applying-marriage-license *

*Note: The marriage license is valid for 30 days, based on time of application. It must be used in that time period. It is only valid in the State of Delaware. The waiting period is 24 hours (based on time of application) for all applicants.

Wedding locations/permit fees:

  • Canalfront Park: $400 — Arbors (up to 200 people)/Pavilion (up to 20 people), Village Green (200+ people)
  • George H.P. Smith Park: $200 — Pavilion (up to 75 people)/Park (200+ people)
  • Zwaanendael Park: $200 — Park (up to 100 people)
  • Stango Park: $200 — Park (up to 200 people)
  • 1812 Park: $200 — Park (up to 50 people)
  • Mary Vessels Park: $200 — Gazebo (up to 20 people)
  • Roosevelt Inlet: $200 — Inlet Beach (up to 100 people)
  • Beach #1 and Beach #2: $200 — Beach (200+ people)
  • Lewes Shoreline: $200 — Cape Shores, Pilot Point, and other Lewes beach crossings (up to 150 people)

Rules:

  1. Loading and unloading of tables, chairs, etc., must take place in city parking lots or on city streets. It is not permissible to drive vehicles onto city park property or on city beaches.
  2. Parks and beaches and the surrounding environment located within the City of Lewes are subject to all rules and regulations as stated in the Charter, City Code, and in Park Rules (www.ci.lewes.de.us/).
  3. Park areas may be decorated using ribbon, zip ties, or tape, but use of nails, tacks, or staples is prohibited.
  4. A unity candle is permitted on a table.
  5. Music is permissible. Amplification of sound is prohibited, except by approval of the mayor and city council.
  6. The use of weighted tents only is permitted in Zwaanendael Park, Stango Park, George H.P. Smith Park and Canalfront Park. Staked tents are permissible on the beaches.
  7. Should security or traffic control be required for an event, the Lewes Police Department (302-645-6264) will provide this service for an additional charge. Advance arrangements with the LPD are required.
  8. Smoking is prohibited in all parks and on all beaches.
  9. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  10. Flower petals or flower parts used for decoration or in a ceremony are prohibited.
  11.  Release of animals (including birds and butterflies) is prohibited.
  12. Birdseed, rice, or any other uncooked grain product used as part of a ceremony is prohibited.
  13. Piñatas or other scattering decorations are prohibited.
  14. Sparklers, fireworks and open fires are prohibited. Bonfire permits may be obtained for beach events only.
  15. Beverage or cocktail straws are prohibited.
  16. Use of broadcast insecticides (“foggers” or “bug bombs”) is prohibited.

Parking:

Parking at the Canalfront Park site is limited. Car or van pooling is encouraged. Parking is available next to the Net House (#3) or adjacent to the Tennis Court/Basketball Courts, Little League Field (#9). Drop-off of all participants for events shall take place at Canalfront Park parking lot or at the Net House only (#1 & #5). Visit www.ci.lewes.de.us/pdfs/Canalfront_Park.Wedding.Rules&Map.pdf for additional guidelines specific to Canalfront Park.