Welcome to your beach wedding inspiration destination: a curated library of beach weddings from across the globe, from Positano to Bora Bora to Miami, to provide you with endless design ideas. Browse through ceremony aisles, beach wedding dresses, and tabletop details, and hire the vendors behind the beach weddings you love.
If you and your partner have decided on a beach wedding, finding the perfect venues, vendors, and ideas for your upcoming celebration can allow you to create an unforgettable ceremony and reception for you and your guests. Beach weddings offer a unique setting for your big day and can create an atmosphere of relaxed elegance that reflects your own personal aesthetic.
Beach weddings typically embody a more casual and elegant vibe, especially when compared to more formal or modern weddings held in indoor venues. If you love the look of the open water and the feel of sand under your feet, beach weddings are an excellent (not to mention, romantic and beautiful) choice for you and your partner. Depending on where you live, a beach wedding can be local or may require a trip to the coast to ensure the most beautiful surroundings for your special day.
This guide will help connect you with the most incredible beach wedding venues and vendors who can assist you in planning an event that is uniquely your own. Finding the perfect beach wedding ideas can sometimes be challenging, but with pictures of beach weddings in our directory, it’s easier than ever to access all the inspiration you need during these initial stages.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the reasons why couples gravitate toward beach weddings, cost concerns, and the most beautiful venues for your own special day. Plus, we’ll also discuss the appropriate decor for tropical- or boho-chic beach weddings, and help you navigate potential logistical challenges that can arise when planning. We’re here to help you start dreaming about the most unique and memorable beach wedding possible, and it all starts with figuring out the location and theme.
It goes without saying that beach weddings are held outside, and that’s a major reason why people love hosting their ceremony (and sometimes, their reception too) at an oceanfront venue. The natural beauty of the ocean is another key element in the beach wedding experience. Getting married in a beautiful natural environment with a tropical flair can be a magical experience for you, your partner, and the guests you invite to share this special moment with you.
Along with spectacular views, many beach weddings take place near resorts and hotels that can provide added services for your wedding. This can make it much easier to plan an indoor-outdoor wedding or to create a backup plan for your upcoming nuptials that will allow you to retreat indoors if severe weather threatens to spoil your event. That being said, beach weddings usually take place in warm and tropical climates, which can (hopefully) allow you to create the perfect ceremony and reception during any time of year.
Beach weddings packages are available that provide an all-inclusive way to manage your event plans. This can often make it easier to manage the costs of a beach wedding while ensuring that all aspects of the day or weekend-long activities are handled properly. Beach wedding venues that include catering and decor can provide you with that all-in-one opportunity to quickly and easily check off all the must-have items on your to-do list.
Depending on the location you choose, beach wedding venues can be more affordable than comparable options. While resorts and luxury hotels that offer beach weddings packages can be expensive, there are plenty of other options available. Some beach wedding venues could be in local, state, or national parks, and might cost less but require more permissions. And couples should be prepared to spend a little more for destination beach weddings because of the added costs of travel and accommodations at these exotic spots.
The backdrop of the ocean can also set the stage for spectacular pictures of beach weddings. Working with an experienced beach wedding photographer will typically allow you to capture the perfect moments during your ceremony and reception in these beautiful and natural settings. With all of these pros in mind, it’s easy to see why a beach wedding is the perfect choice for so many couples.
Deciding on a beach wedding can allow you and your partner to enjoy fun in the sun while celebrating your very special love for each other. Finding the perfect venues and vendors for beach weddings in California, Florida, or anywhere else in the world can help in creating the necessary arrangements for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.
The cost of your beach wedding will depend on a few factors. This includes the primary must-haves, like the beach wedding venue you choose, your photographer, and the catering arrangements you need. And then there are the other expenses incurred for things like beach weddings dresses and decor. The average cost of a wedding in 2020 was $20,300, but recent supply chain issues have pushed this figure upward in recent years. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a beach wedding for you and your partner:
Most wedding experts recommend spending about 30 percent of your total wedding budget on your venue. Since beach wedding venues vary widely in cost, accessibility, and amenities, beach weddings packages can provide you with a venue and many of the services you will need for your celebration.
Beach wedding venues are available all across the country and around the world. Your beach wedding venue may even be located in a landlocked state or on an island along the coast. Whether you prefer beach weddings California style, Florida beach weddings, or a destination wedding to an exotic location, there are so many options to choose from. Once you’ve weighed your options for the best beach wedding venues, you can start thinking about the decor. Always consider your own beach wedding ideas during this part of the process (and throughout!) as you weigh your options.
If you are interested in the venues for beach weddings California couples prefer, our directory is a great resource that allows you to filter venues by location, size, and wedding style. This can help you find the perfect venues for beach weddings in California. While many of the venues for beach weddings California has to offer are in high demand and are more expensive. However, it’s still possible to find venues for beach weddings in California that are comparably more affordable and beautiful. Just keep in mind that some beaches may lack the facilities and amenities required for your wedding. These beach wedding venues might be much more affordable, but may also call for things like portable bathrooms and a mobile kitchen for catering. And once the costs of rental furnishings, facilities, and other elements required for a beach wedding venue are included, however, you may end up spending much more for beach weddings in California at these types of venues. Overall, we’ve found that taking advantage of well-thought-out beach weddings packages that include necessary amenities like restrooms and kitchen facilities can end up saving you money on California beach weddings in the long run.
With about 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States (that’s excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Florida beach weddings are a popular option for couples who live in the area and for those looking for the best beach wedding venues for their upcoming celebrations. Florida beach weddings and reception packages are available in most locations, so make sure to inquire about them when reaching out to your potential venues. By finding the venue and professionals who can make your day go smoothly, it’ll be much simpler to plan a beach wedding Florida style. Clearwater Beach weddings and Miami Beach weddings are both popular options, so consider where exactly in Florida you’d want to host your event. Florida beach weddings are incredibly popular, and for so many reasons. If you do decide on one of the venues that offer Miami Beach weddings or other Florida beach weddings, be sure to consider the humidity and prevailing climate when choosing beach weddings dresses and other attire. Dresses for beach weddings in the state should be lightweight and comfortable to prevent high humidity from affecting the perfection of your momentous day.
If you’re not totally set on Miami Beach weddings and other offerings in Florida, Myrtle Beach weddings bring so much charm—and could end up being much more affordable. Myrtle Beach weddings in South Carolina are a solid choice for couples who want to beat the heat while enjoying the natural beauty of sand and sea. While Myrtle Beach weddings are among the best known, South Carolina offers many other beach wedding venues that could be the perfect choice for your upcoming reception and ceremony.
Hawaii is a perennially popular choice for weddings thanks to the many resort beach wedding venues in this area. If you choose to marry on the beach without the help of an existing venue or a wedding coordinator, however, you will need to find reliable sources for rentals for your wedding celebration. Working with a wedding planner who specializes in these types of beach wedding venues is often the best way to make sure that your Hawaii beach wedding goes smoothly and according to plan.
Cape Cod and Nantucket are among the most popular northern beach wedding venues on the East Coast. For those who want to stick closer to New York City, the Hamptons and Long Island also have elegant and beautiful beach wedding venues. When choosing dresses for beach weddings in this area, consider the season of the year and the need to stay comfortable throughout your wedding ceremony and reception. Elegant beach weddings dresses are available that can stand up to the cooler temperatures found in this area during the winter months.
Many of the most beautiful venues for beach weddings are located outside the United States in far-flung corners of the globe. Mexico, Italy, and Australia are among the most popular options for those looking for an international beach wedding venue. If you are considering a destination wedding outside the United States, working with wedding planners for beach weddings who are located in the area in which you plan to get married can often help you to find the right vendors and venues for your specific needs. These professionals can also provide you with recommendations for all the other must-haves, including dresses for beach weddings that suit the climate of the area and the overall backdrop for your upcoming nuptials.
Whether you are deciding on venues for Florida beach weddings or interested in a destination wedding in a remote beach area, finding the absolute best venues can be a challenge for any couple. Finding the right venues for destination weddings, Clearwater Beach weddings, or weddings anywhere else in the world can make a big difference in the final results you achieve when planning your wedding. By looking through our directory of pictures of beach weddings and our lists of the talented vendors who brought them to life, you can find the right solutions for venues, officiants, flowers, and event music for your beach wedding close to home or anywhere you choose to get married.
Finding the perfect beach weddings dresses and beach wedding attire for men will help you to create a cohesive look and feel for your event. In general, the rules of proper attire for beach weddings are more relaxed for members of the wedding party and for guests alike.
Beach weddings dresses usually have flowing lines and a small train or no train to accommodate the sand and moisture associated with these environments. When choosing beach weddings dresses and shoes, be sure to think about the effects of wind, sun, and moisture on these elements of your wardrobe. If your beach wedding dress trails on the sand, for example, it could affect its appearance and the durability of these garments. Selecting from among the many practical and beautiful beach weddings dresses for your ceremony and reception can allow you to find the look that best suits you, your venue, and your style.
Beach weddings dresses typically feature lightweight fabrics that give the appearance of floating on the breeze. This can create the perfect look when taking pictures of beach weddings and can create a fairy-tale look for you on your special day. Embroidery, lace, and other elegant additions to your beach wedding dress can allow you to look your best and to feel confident on this important day in the lives of you and your partner.
Your beach wedding dress code should reflect your own personal aesthetic. If you prefer a formal look, beach weddings dresses are available in a wide range of styles. You can even opt for a traditional look when choosing your beach wedding dress and the attire requested from your guests. While black-tie apparel may not seem like a good fit for beach wedding venues, it is important to remember that this is your day. If you want to celebrate on a sandy beach with a uniquely contrasting black tie attire requirement, you absolutely can (and trust us, there are plenty of beach weddings dresses that will fit the bill). Choosing a beach wedding dress that suits your own personal style is the most important way to make your wedding extra special and personal to you and your partner.
You should also consider the venue when deciding on dresses for beach weddings. Areas with plenty of smooth sand and reliably sunny weather (beach weddings in California, for example) are much more forgiving of elaborate or ornate dresses for beach weddings than those that take place on waterfronts and rockier beaches. While these outdoor beach wedding venues may provide a dramatic backdrop for your wedding, they can also limit the types of beach weddings dresses that will work for your venue and your plans. Selecting the right dresses for beach weddings can allow you to make the best impression on this magical day. There are so many factors that go into saying “yes” to the best beach wedding dress, but your focus and venue should be top of mind while you’re shopping.
Accessories can also make a big difference in the appearance of dresses for beach weddings. Bracelets, earrings, and necklaces can enhance the beauty of beach weddings dresses and can allow you to walk down the aisle in style. Tiaras and veils can also help create the look you want while complementing your wedding attire perfectly. And seemingly smaller beauty details, like a flawless manicure and pedicure, can also be helpful in boosting your confidence and ensuring that your beach wedding dress looks great on this important day in your life.
Beach wedding dress requirements for guests are similarly relaxed. While we don't recommend that your guests arrive barefoot, beach weddings dresses for guests can be more casual than those usually worn for formal or traditional weddings. Dresses for beach weddings are often shorter and less ornate than those chosen for other types of wedding events. A general rule of thumb when choosing attire for beach weddings is to keep your choices beautiful, elegant, and simple. Beach weddings dresses and other relevant attire should be designed to stand up to the various types of weather that can occur at Myrtle Beach weddings, and at other events held elsewhere in the world.
Coming up with brilliant and beautiful beach wedding ideas can help you find the perfect decor for beach wedding venues close to home or around the world. Your decor can be based on your choice of dresses for beach weddings, your own personal tastes, and more. And we always recommend looking through pictures of beach weddings online and on social media for even more inspiration. Some venues may offer packages complete with decor, which can make it much easier to add your own personal touches and beach wedding ideas to the existing furnishings, lighting, and facilities. Here are some key elements of beach wedding decor that can provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photos of you and your partner at your upcoming celebration.
In general, decorations for beach weddings are usually more casual than those used for indoor and formal weddings. Sand, sun, and the ever-changing seascape can create the perfect environment for a relaxed wedding on the beach. Of course, this stunning backdrop can help you to create a cohesive and pulled-together look for your entire wedding (and makes for incredible couples portraits, to boot). Natural colors that contrast or complement the sand and sun may include beiges, browns, creams, and gold hues. You can also opt for pastels that will highlight the beauty of nature with light blues, greens, and pinks.
Keep the effects of salt and moisture in the air in mind. These environmental factors can cause damage to some types of decor and may even cause flowers to wilt more quickly. Making plans that take these issues into consideration can help you to create a wedding day celebration that will be memorable for you, your partner, and everyone involved in your event.
For even more inspiration and ideas, you can also get practical help from friends and family members who have planned beach weddings in the past or from a wedding planner who specializes in these types of celebrations. By finding the perfect decorations for your wedding, you can ensure that this celebration looks and feels true to you, and allows you and your guests to make memories that you will cherish for many years to come.
Beach wedding venues present some interesting challenges for couples who have their hearts set on these outdoor spaces. Many beaches and locations have restrictions on events that could pose challenges with added people and other materials that could affect the natural environment. Additionally, beach weddings that take place at remote venues may pose transportation issues for people who might have difficulties navigating to certain areas. Dresses for beach weddings should be designed to avoid hems or trains dragging through sand and surf too. Here are some of the most common logistical challenges associated with beach wedding venues:
Working with an experienced local wedding planner can help you to iron out many of the challenges that can be presented by beach wedding celebrations. If you choose a venue that is associated with a resort or hotel, of course, most of these potential concerns will be eliminated from the start. Hotels, resorts, and dedicated wedding venues already have access to kitchens, bathrooms, and easy access to transportation. Because these venues already have parking and roads associated with them, you can avoid many logistical challenges that can arise when planning your wedding.
It is worth noting that some venues do require that you use their in-house catering for weddings held in their facilities. The best way to find out about these types of restrictions is to contact the venue directly to find out what is allowed and how to manage catering, decorating, and other issues related to beach weddings.
Finding the perfect beach wedding dress and other more fun parts of the process, like decor and stationery, can serve as the inspiration for your celebration overall. From California beach weddings to the most popular venues for any beach wedding Florida has to offer, you can find all the ideas you’re looking for with the click of a button. Finding the perfect inspiration for the right dresses for beach weddings, the perfect decor touches, and the right beach wedding ideas starts with a little research.
From our directory to social media, there are so many places to find beautiful pictures of beach weddings. And from there, you’ll inevitably start compiling a list of your own unique beach wedding ideas. Whether you are looking for the perfect beach wedding dress or the best vendors for beach weddings packages, there’s practically no limit to what you can do to transform these venues.
You may also find some intriguing beach wedding ideas during your search for the attire. Once you’ve made your choice among the many venues and even beach weddings dresses available, all of the other elements can easily come together. Many beach wedding venues might already have decor options available too. This can, in turn, take some of the guesswork out of coming up with all of your own unique beach wedding ideas and can help you create a wedding that suits your style and that reflects the special love you and your partner share. The wedding team at your venue or a professional wedding planner might also be available to offer ideas for beach weddings that may work perfectly for your event.
Location can also play a role in helping you find beach wedding ideas. In the state of Florida, for instance, Clearwater Beach weddings have a distinctly different vibe than Miami Beach weddings. If you are sticking close to home and planning a celebration at beach wedding venues nearby, you can often look at local weddings on the beach to find a variety of ideas. This could include, but is certainly not limited to, dresses for beach weddings and decor for your chosen venues. Staying current with the latest wedding trends by checking out pictures of beach weddings online can also ensure that you stay on the cutting edge of the wedding industry. From there, you can also start thinking about how to be on-trend, while also incorporating your own unique beach wedding ideas.
Finally, do not underestimate the importance of asking family and friends for their own ideas and help in planning your beach wedding. Turning to the people who know you best is often a practical strategy for finding vendors, decor ideas, and venues that are well-suited for you and your partner. This strategy can often help you find brilliant beach wedding ideas that will make your special day as amazing and unforgettable as possible.
Our directory is an excellent place to start when planning a beach wedding at a nearby location or anywhere you and your partner wish. These pictures of beach weddings can help you find the most beautiful ideas to incorporate into your own wedding plans, and from there, you can connect with the talented professionals who brought those specific events to life. To find everything from where to shop for elegant dresses for beach weddings to inquiring about the best Florida beach weddings and reception packages, it’s all about connecting with the appropriate venues and vendors. After looking through pictures of beach weddings and making the most important decisions with your vendors, all you’ll need to do is look forward to getting married with your toes in the sand!