Let’s be honest for a second. You’re here because you’ve seen the photos on Pinterest. You know the one, the couple standing at the water’s edge, the sun beach wedding setting in a perfect blaze of orange behind them, her hair flowing like a Greek goddess, and not a single other human being in sight for miles. It’s romantic, it’s ethereal, and it’s why thousands of people flock to the coast every year to say “I do.”
As a photographer, I love that dream. I really do. But after years of shooting on the coast, I’ve realized there is a massive gap between the “Pinterest Dream” and the “Sandy Reality.” If you’re planning a beach wedding, we need to have a heart-to-heart about your expectations versus the physical laws of nature. Because, at the end of the day, you don’t just need photos; you need photos that don’t make you look like you were fighting for your life against the elements.
The Great Sand Delusion
Let’s start with the obvious: sand. It’s the main character of your wedding, whether you like it or not. I’ve seen brides show up in gorgeous, $5,000 designer stilettos, only to realize within three steps that they are now essentially operating a pair of post-hole diggers.
When you’re thinking about the photos you need, ask yourself: Do you want photos of you looking graceful, or photos of you looking like a baby deer trying to walk on ice? If you want those effortless walking shots, you have to ditch the heels. Go barefoot, wear “foot jewelry,” or find some flat sandals
And a side note for the “no-sand” people: If you are a person who hates the feeling of grit between your toes, the beach is not your venue. I’ve had couples spend half their portrait session trying to brush sand off their hemlines. That’s time we could be using to capture your actual faces! If we’re doing a beach wedding, we have to embrace it.
Wind: The Silent Photo Saboteur
You might call it a “gentle ocean breeze.” In the photography world, we call it “The Hair Destroyer.”
Unless you are getting married on one of those rare, eerily still days, the beach is a wind tunnel. If you have your hair down and loose, I can almost guarantee that in 70% of your ceremony photos, you will have a face full of hair. It’s hard to look deeply into your partner’s eyes when you’re literally blinded by your own highlights.
What kind of photos do you actually need here? You need shots where we can see your expressions. If you’re dead-set on the beach, I am begging you: consider an up-do or at least a very secure half-up style. And let’s talk about veils. A cathedral-length veil on a windy beach isn’t a fashion statement; it’s a sail. I have seen more than one bride nearly lose her neck because a gust of wind caught her veil and tried to launch her into the Atlantic. If you want the veil, make sure it’s weighted, or be prepared for “action shots” of us chasing it down the shoreline.
The “Squint” Factor and the Mid-Day Sun
This is the technical part that most couples don’t realize until they see their proofs. The beach is essentially one giant, white reflective surface. When the sun is high (anywhere from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM), it’s hitting the sand, bouncing back up, and forcing everyone to squint.
I’ve had couples insist on a 1:00 PM ceremony because they wanted a beach party afterward. The resulting photos? Everyone looks like they’re angry because their eyes are squeezed shut against the glare.
If you want those soft, “how-is-this-even-real” photos, you need to plan your ceremony around golden hour: (about 60 to 90 minutes before sunset). The light is directional, it’s warm, and, most importantly, it’s kind to your skin. If you can’t change the time, then we need to talk about what you actually need: maybe we can skip the “beach” portraits during the harsh light and slip away during the reception when the sun is finally behaving itself.
The “Public Beach” Reality Check
Unless you’re paying for a private estate, the beach is public property. This means that while you are exchanging the most sacred vows of your life, there is a very high probability that “Uncle Speedo” is standing twenty feet away, has cracked open a cold one, and is watching you like you’re the afternoon entertainment.
I do my best to angle things so we don’t see the tourists, and yes, Photoshop is a miracle worker, but it’s not magic. If you’re expecting a photo of a totally deserted coastline, you might be disappointed when you see a lifeguard stand or a stray trash can in the background. When you think about the photos you need, decide if you’re okay with a “realistic” beach vibe, or if we need to scout a more remote (and likely harder-to-get-to) location.
The Humidity and the “Meltdown”
Let’s talk about the “glow.” On a beach, “glow” is usually just a polite word for “sweat.” If you’re getting married in Florida, or anywhere tropical, the humidity is going to hit you like a wet blanket the momet you step outside.
I’ve seen grooms in full black tuxedos look like they’ve just finished a marathon by the time the rings are exchanged. Makeup starts to migrate. Everyone gets a little… shiny.
So, what do you actually need? You need a “less is more” strategy. Light fabrics (linen is your best friend!), waterproof makeup, and a massive supply of blotting papers. If you’re comfortable, you look better. If you’re roasting, you look stressed. My goal is to capture your joy, not your heatstroke.
The Bottom Line
I know I sound like a bit of a buzzkill, but I promise I’m coming from a place of love! I want you to have those jaw-dropping photos. But to get them, we have to respect the environment.
The beach is unpredictable, messy, loud, and sometimes uncomfortably hot. But it’s also breathtakingly beautiful. If you can go into your wedding day saying, “I don’t care if my hair gets messy, I don’t care if my feet are sandy, and I don’t care if there’s a seagull in my wide shot,” then you are going to get the best photos of your life.
FAQs: Frequently asked questions
Ques1. Can beach wedding photos still look elegant if things get messy?
Ans. Yes, absolutely. Wind, sand, and movement often create more natural, emotional, and beautiful photos than stiff, overly posed shots.
Ques2. What should couples prioritize when choosing beach wedding outfits?
Ans. Always choose lightweight fabric, and for footwear, flats and barefoot options are the best.
Ques3. How do photographers deal with crowds on public beaches?
Ans. By using smart angles, timing, and lens choices, but empty beaches aren’t always realistic without permits or remote locations.
