Photography: Kristen Marie Parker, Stetten Wilson
A beach wedding always sounds like a dream. With golden sand beneath your feet, the gentle lull of waves echoing as you recite your vows, and a soft breeze tousling your hair, it’s nature’s most romantic backdrop. But behind that effortlessly romantic image is a setting that requires thoughtful preparation and right planning. To help you create a celebration as seamless as it is scenic, we asked five industry insiders to share their top tips for executing the perfect beach wedding.
Photography: Taylar Photo, Samm Blake
Make Sure to Have
a Backup Plan
Mother Nature has a mind of her own, especially when you’re celebrating near the sea or ocean. From sudden gusts of wind to surprise rain showers, beachside weddings are undeniably romantic but notoriously unpredictable. That’s why Anna-Jill Gierhards, a seasoned wedding planner and creative force behind Kiss from Fleur, insists on having a solid Plan B. Whether it’s a chic beach club with an indoor option or a beautifully styled tent, having an elegant alternative ensures your day stays exciting and stress-free, come sun or storm.
Photography: Tatyana Sozonova, Taylor Dawning
Sand Isn’t Always
Your Best Friend
There’s no denying the romance of a beachfront ceremony—the breeze, the waves, the golden hour glow. But when it comes to hosting an entire celebration on the sand? That’s where things can get a little tricky. Wedding planner Marianna Idirin, renowned for her effortlessly luxurious and sensory-driven events, suggests keeping things strategic. “A beachfront ceremony can be magical, but full events on the sand often come with added logistical challenges and higher costs,” she says. Marianna's advice? Exchange vows by the sea, then guide guests to a nearby terrace or platform for the reception with an ocean view. “This gives you the best of both worlds, scenic beauty without the complications of building everything directly on the sand,” she explains.
Bash Please, Sofia Gama, Oh, Maria Flores
Photography: Kristen Marie Parker, The Lopes Photography
Design for Heat, Wind, & Sun
The beach is beautiful, yes—but it’s also wild and untamed. That’s why thoughtful design is everything. Maria Figueira, creative director of Oh, Maria Flores, knows exactly how to work with nature, not against it. “Expect wind, sun, and no shade, and choose blooms and techniques that can withstand it,” she says. “Think sturdy flowers, secure arrangements, and mechanics that hold everything in place without looking heavy. Instead of fighting the elements, work with them, let movement be part of the story and celebrate the natural energy of a beach wedding.” And if temperatures soar Anna-Jill Gierhards of Kiss from Fleur has a simple solution: “Make sure to provide shade for guests with umbrellas, and set up a bar with refreshments.”
Serebro, Moon Velvet
Photography: Tatyana Sozonova, Paco & Aga
Chase the Golden Hour
One thing couples often overlook is beach light. It can be harsh, bright, and intense during midday, especially in sun-soaked destinations like Los Cabos. Romana Lilic, wedding photographer and co-founder of LA76 Photography, advises to embrace the sun's softer side. “We always recommend scheduling your ceremony about an hour and a half before sunset, when the sun softens and the light is warm and flattering. This timing not only makes your ceremony more comfortable and beautiful—it also flows perfectly into golden hour with soft light that help us make those dreamy couple portraits.”
Óscar Guillén, wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing love stories, couldn’t agree more: “Golden hour light is pure magic—soft, romantic, and perfect for those lifetime photos. Starting your ceremony about an hour and a half before sunset lets you soak up every golden moment together.”
Photography: LA76 Photography, Zara Staples
Use the Ocean as Your Canvas
Few backdrops rival the ocean’s natural drama—let it lead the aesthetic. As Maria Figueira wisely notes, “The ocean’s blue is one of nature’s coolest backdrops. Instead of competing with it, make it part of the design. Use colors, textures, and florals that harmonize with the sea and sky, so the wedding has that natural and effortless feel.”
Marianna Idirin, Paloma Cruz
Photography: Kelly Brown, Óscar Guillén
Blend In or Boldly Contrast
When it comes to styling a beachside wedding, Maria Figueira recommends choosing one of two directions: either fully embrace the natural surroundings, or deliberately contrast them. “That might mean using a palette and textures that blend seamlessly with the sand, sea, and sky,” she explains. “Or it could mean creating a bold, sculptural contrast—unexpected colors, materials, and super-structured forms— something that catches you off guard against the softness of the beach. Both approaches work beautifully, but what doesn’t work is trying to sit somewhere in the middle.”
Serebro, Oh, Maria Flores
Photography: Tatyana Sozonova, Louise Golding
Be Mindful of
Dress Code & Footwear
Beachside weddings call for a dress code that fits the setting—stylish, but also breathable and beach-appropriate. “Always trust your planner when making decision around the particular climate when deciding the dress code,” says Marianna Idirin. “For beach weddings, lightweight, breathable fabrics and flowy silhouettes are ideal. Avoid anything too structured or overdressed.”
The choice of footwear is just as crucial. Romana Lilic stresses thinking ahead about what you and your guests will wear on the sand. “Barefoot vows can feel carefree and romantic, but not all the guests might like the idea of going shoeless. Many of our couples opt for beach runners or install wooden platforms to create a stable aisle, allowing everyone to wear their preferred footwear.”
Sophie Elizabeth Studio
Photography: Samm Blake
Lean Into Relaxed Luxury
The secret to a standout beachside celebration? Refinement that feels spontaneous, never staged. For Marianna Idirin, the key is keeping the right balance: “Our approach to a beach celebration is always focused on relaxed luxury, where everything revolves around creating a refined experience that feels effortless. It’s not about extravagance, it’s about intentional details that elevate the atmosphere, from curated welcome moments to thoughtful textures and ambient lighting.”
To set the perfect tone for celebration ahead, Óscar Guillén suggests starting with a private sailboat escape: “A sailboat ride is such a special way to pause, breathe, and toast to the adventure ahead. Drift along the coastline, share a quiet moment, and return to shore ready to welcome your guests with full hearts.”
Marianna Idirin
Photography: LA76 Photography, Kernickaya
Add Playful,
Beach-Inspired Details
Beach weddings are the perfect excuse to include fun, beach-inspired touches your guests will actually use—and want to take home. Think chic parasols, personalized fans, or even branded sunglasses and flip-flops. “These thoughtful details are fun (and useful) wedding keepsakes your guests will love,” says Romana Lilic. “They also help make your wedding photos fun, memorable, and creative.”
