Beach Wedding Photography: 6 Tips for Unforgettable Pictures

A romantic beach with an awesome sunset in the background is the ideal setting for amazing beach wedding photography! When you’re planning on having your wedding on the beach, you might as well want to plan to have a professional photoshooting at the beach. We will show you exactly what to be cautious of and how to get the perfect beach wedding photography to capture your special day!

1. Choosing the Perfect Beach Venue

When planning a beach wedding, choosing the perfect location is essential for the overall ambiance and plays a significant role in ensuring stunning beach wedding photography. One of the most crucial factors to consider is the backdrop.
Opt for a location that offers a captivating and picturesque backdrop, such as a pristine stretch of shoreline, dramatic cliffs, or a serene sunset view over the ocean. These natural elements will enhance the beauty of your wedding photos and create a timeless and romantic atmosphere for your special day.

Additionally, consider the direction of the sun during the ceremony and reception. A beach with the sun setting over the water can provide a warm and dreamy light, ideal for capturing those unforgettable moments. Finally, think about accessibility for your guests and photography team. A well-thought-out beach wedding location will not only make your day more memorable but will also ensure that your wedding photographs become cherished keepsakes for years to come.

2. Budgeting for a Beach Wedding

When planning a beach wedding photography, one of the most crucial elements to consider is your budget for your photographer. Your wedding photos are not just snapshots; they are cherished memories captured in time. Choosing the right budget for your beach wedding photography is about striking a balance between your vision and your financial means.
You will need to plan with at least 500$ to 1500$ for a professional photographer.

While cutting corners is tempting, investing in a skilled and experienced photographer can make all the difference. Beach weddings often feature stunning natural backdrops, and a seasoned photographer can capture these moments with finesse. Especially when you want to play with lightning and motion, a professional photographer with the right equipment can make or break your photo.

While it may seem like an added expense, think of it as an investment in preserving the beauty and emotion of your special day. Consider your budget carefully, ensuring you allocate a sufficient portion to photography to create lasting memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

3. Choose the Right Time and Date

Of course, the time and date of your ceremony and photoshoot are crucial due to the sea and sunset. You want to avoid the hottest parts of the day, so plan your ceremony for early morning or late afternoon. Also, keep in mind the tide schedule, as you don’t want to have your ceremony or photoshoot during high tide.

Many photographers recommend the “golden hour” for beach wedding photography, which occurs during the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. During these times, the soft, warm sunlight casts a beautiful, flattering glow on the couple and the surroundings. The harsh midday sun, on the other hand, can create harsh shadows and overexposed shots. So, if you want your beach wedding photos to have that dreamy, ethereal quality, consider planning your ceremony during the golden hour – your photographer will thank you, and you’ll have captivating memories to cherish forever.

4. Selecting Your Wedding Photographer

As we already said in the budgeting part, having a professional photographer who knows what he does is worth gold on your special day. Beach weddings are unique in their own right, with the stunning natural backdrop of sun, sand, and sea. Therefore, selecting a photographer who specializes in outdoor and destination weddings is essential, as they understand the nuances of shooting in varying light conditions and capturing the essence of a beach wedding.

Look for a photographer with a portfolio that showcases their ability to work with natural light, as beach weddings often have abundant sunlight. They should also be skilled in capturing candid moments and the beauty of the beach’s natural surroundings. Furthermore, consider their familiarity with beach wedding logistics, such as tides, potential weather changes, and the best spots for those breathtaking sunset shots.

Ultimately, the photographer you choose should have technical expertise and share your vision and enthusiasm for capturing the romance and magic of your beach wedding. Meet up with them and see if your vibe is on the same level. You have to feel comfortable with them. Trust your feelings!

5. Incorporating Unique Beach Elements

You’re at the beach! Your surroundings are your best friends to make for beautiful and creative photos. Talk with your photographer about which elements you could include in your photos if you can. However, of course, we have a few ideas to get your creativity going:

• Sand: Okay, seems almost too easy. But sand can help you make a great setting and photos! Throw some in the air, make a heart into the sand, or some footprints…
• Flowers and Vases: One of the classic wedding elements. Have some flowers for you to hold or stray them out on the ground. They will add a romantic touch to your photos
• Candles and Lanterns: Those always come off well in a beach setting. Especially when the photo session goes on for some time, and the sun sets
• Sparklers: Our Protip! Sparklers are cool for photoshootings and can make for a dynamic and cool effect. Try it out!

6. Dealing with Weather Challenges

Coming from your best friends for beach wedding photography to your worst enemy…the weather.
Beach weddings are beautiful, but they come with their own set of weather challenges. While you can’t control the weather, you can prepare for it. Especially if the beach is not in a location where it’s the same weather most of the time, you should come prepared.

The first step in dealing with weather challenges is to check the forecast. This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you plan accordingly. If the forecast calls for rain, consider renting a tent or indoor space as a backup plan. Or try to change the schedule and see if the weather clears up later!

Other than that, just embrace the weather! If it’s going to rain, so it is!
Maybe consider incorporating umbrellas into your photos or play around with the water drops. If it’s going to be windy, have fun with it and let your veil or dress flow in the wind. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love, regardless of the weather. And believe us – a skilled photographer has seen it all. He can handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions