My 5 TOP TIPS for planning a Beach Wedding
ALOHA, my name is Rae Marshall and I’m a full time wedding photographer living in Hawaii! You’re probably reading this because you’re considering choosing a beautiful beach location to say your “I do’s”, and this can be an amazing choice if you’re looking to save on venue costs, or just wanting to showcase the natural beauty that the planet has to offer.
I’ve been photographing for 15 years, and I’m an EXPERT on beach weddings. I have watched hundreds of couples get married on beaches in Hawaii as well as when I lived in Florida. So I have seen it all, including what works beautifully, and what people aren’t usually expecting when they walk down the sandy aisle.
Today I want to share with you some of the biggest things to think about when planning a beach wedding day, whether it’s in Hawaii or anywhere else! From what to wear to how to plan your vendor choices, I have my top 5 tips for your ocean wedding day below.
1, Expect there to be wind
SPOILER ALERT: There is wind on beaches. I’m sure you’re like, yeah I know. But did you really think about it? I am often surprised how often people forget that beaches can be windy! Days definitely vary widely in any location, but just like the weather the wind comes when it pleases.
I actually think wind can add a lot of interest and motion to your images and I make sure to turn my subjects in a way that makes the wind flatter their hair. But there are things to keep in mind when planning your look for a place that can have a lot of wind!
- Choose a hairstyle that will still look good or will hold well
- Wear an outfit that won’t “blow open” in the wind (specifically dresses with large slits or ruffles at the top)
Our Hawaii officiants often choose where the bride will stand based on which way the wind is blowing, this is a great thing to keep in mind to make sure people can see your face when you’re reading your vows.
2. You don’t need to wear shoes
Shoes are really not a necessity when it comes to beach weddings, especially ones in Hawaii. Men in suits can wear dress shoes for their ceremony, and a dressy sandal can work well for women. But for portraits you can just go ahead and take them off.
You can also get away with a more casual look in general if you want to, but dressy suits and ornate wedding dresses still match the majesty of the ocean no matter what you decide.
3. Your officiant will make or break your experience
This is a big one. Chances are if you are having a beach wedding, you won’t be having as many vendors as with a big wedding day. The ones you do have will have a lot more responsibility, including planning the wedding with you, and creating the experience itself. A good officiant is basically creating the entire ceremony experience on a beach wedding, so please get an experienced one!
** If you’re getting married in Hawaii then you need a PERMIT to have your wedding on one of their public beaches, and you can’t just choose any beach. A local officiant will be able to get the permit for you and fill you in on all you need to know about where you can have your ceremony.
I recommend the officiants at: https://www.marryyouinhawaii.com/ (Send me an email to ask which one is my absolute favorite!)
4. Choose a weekday for less crowds
The beaches in Hawaii are beautiful! They are also popular, and we don’t want tons of people lounging in the background while you say “I do”. This is another reason why finding experienced vendors can help tell you where spots are that are less crowded. A weekday is always much less crowded than a weekend, which can work really well in Hawaii when you’re on vacation anyway!
You’ll also likely have an easier time finding places for your reception dinner afterward that have reservations available.
5. The time of day for light matters!
Now let me tell you what my photography brain is thinking when you are planning your day! Beach lighting is THE HARSHEST LIGHT of any outdoor location. Period. This is because there is usually no shade to stand under and the sand and ocean reflect the light straight back up into everyone’s face. However, there is an answer to getting amazing photos on your wedding day.
You’ve heard of “golden hour lighting”. This is the light during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low in the sky. Instead of crashing down on people’s heads it is softly coming from one side. Choose a photographer who’s photography style you love and they can tell you the best time of day to get that look you want!
There is no replicating in photoshop that can take the place of beautiful, real natural lighting.
Thanks for reading my top 5 tips for planning a beach wedding, and if you’re thinking of heading out for a destination beach wedding, Hawaii is here and ready to celebrate with you in the aloha spirit. Congratulations on your engagement and happy planning!
