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Get Married at Stinson Beach Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Marin · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Stinson Beach?
Yes. A Stinson Beach micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Marin, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 50 guests.
Stinson Beach is a public beach and popular on summer weekends. Acoustic ceremonies here feel natural and unhurried, and the ambient sound of waves does more work than any sound system.
In brief
Stinson Beach micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 50 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 50
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Stinson Beach. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Permit fees: $60 non-refundable application fee. Additional permit costs vary based on event size and complexity, so contact the park for a specific quote for your ceremony. Certificate of insurance required: minimum $1,000,000 naming the United States as additional insured.
Lead time
Plan ahead
Applications accepted up to 1 year in advance. Allow at least 30 days minimum; allow several months if your event is complex. Maximum event duration: 3 hours including setup and cleanup.
Sound policy
Acoustic only
No exclusive use of the beach, and other park visitors may be present. No amplified sound or microphones; sound limited to 85 dB. No glass containers, fire, candles, balloons, confetti, or drones.
Good to know
Bring it in
Stinson Beach is a public beach and popular on summer weekends. Acoustic ceremonies here feel natural and unhurried, and the ambient sound of waves does more work than any sound system.
How to book
How to book Stinson Beach for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Apply for a Special Park Use Permit through GGNRA: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. The GGNRA Special Park Uses page is nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/specialparkuses.htm.
2
Step 2
Permit fees: $60 non-refundable application fee. Additional permit costs vary based on event size and complexity, so contact the park for a specific quote for your ceremony. Certificate of insurance required: minimum $1,000,000 naming the United States as additional insured.
3
Step 3
Applications accepted up to 1 year in advance. Allow at least 30 days minimum; allow several months if your event is complex. Maximum event duration: 3 hours including setup and cleanup.
4
Step 4
No exclusive use of the beach, and other park visitors may be present. No amplified sound or microphones; sound limited to 85 dB. No glass containers, fire, candles, balloons, confetti, or drones.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
Stinson Beach is one of Marin's best-kept wedding secrets. The wide sandy beach, rolling hills behind, and Pacific views make for natural ceremony framing without the crowds of more famous spots.
OLW tip
Morning fog here burns off by late morning in summer. Aim for 11 AM to 2 PM for the clearest light. In winter, golden hour at 4 PM is stunning.
OLW tip
Highway 1 through Marin can back up on summer weekends. Alert guests to add 30 minutes of buffer from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Stinson Beach for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Parkside Café
Local favorite right at Stinson Beach, brunch-style menu and a relaxed patio
2 min walk from the beach
Nick's Cove
Waterfront oyster bar on Tomales Bay, private dining room
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Garrapata State ParkPfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation Area
Questions
Stinson Beach wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Stinson Beach?
Yes. Permit fees: $60 non-refundable application fee. Additional permit costs vary based on event size and complexity, so contact the park for a specific quote for your ceremony. Certificate of insurance required: minimum $1,000,000 naming the United States as additional insured. Apply for a Special Park Use Permit through GGNRA: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. The GGNRA Special Park Uses page is nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/specialparkuses.htm.
How many guests can I have at Stinson Beach?
Stinson Beach accommodates up to 50 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 50 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Stinson Beach?
Apply for a Special Park Use Permit through GGNRA: goga_permits@nps.gov or (415) 561-4300. The GGNRA Special Park Uses page is nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/specialparkuses.htm. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Stinson Beach, chairs, decor, flowers?
Stinson Beach is a public beach and popular on summer weekends. Acoustic ceremonies here feel natural and unhurried, and the ambient sound of waves does more work than any sound system. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
Stinson Beach photo: Beatrice Murch, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
