Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer, and we're celebrating the holiday weekend with some of our favorite décor and details from beach wedding portraits, ceremonies, and receptions.
It's almost summer! The weather is warming up, the beaches are starting to open, and it's Memorial Day Weekend – which means we're looking back at some of our favorite beach weddings! Strolling through the sand to your future spouse certainly has a dreamy, romantic feel, which is why so many couples choose to exchange vows either on the beach or take their wedding portraits near the ocean to incorporate the blissful feel of the sand and sea into their nuptials.
Nuptials by the ocean seem to especially appeal to those hosting an intimate celebration or destination wedding, but with careful planning, large events can be held on the sand as well. Whether you have two guests or 200, there are a lot of details that need to be accounted for when planning a beach wedding. With both private beaches and public beaches available, you may either have a hefty location fee or require a permit, so be sure to consult with your wedding planner for details on your desired location.
For your ceremony, we recommend instructing guests that the ceremony will take place on the sand (if it will be) so they can prepare the right footwear, as you should too! If you'd rather not deal with sand getting your bridal gown dirty, a wooden aisle is an excellent alternative. As for the reception, we've seen gorgeous open-air beach celebrations, as well as beach weddings beneath striking tents – both either on the sand itself or on flooring that's been installed on top of the beach. Like any wedding venue, you can make the location a canvas for whatever type of event you envision – that's where your wedding professionals come in!
Discover inspiration for your beach wedding in the photos from real weddings, below! To see more from these celebrations, be sure to click the link below each image!
Photo by KT Merry; From Real Wedding: A Gorgeous and Elegant Outdoor Florida Wedding
Photo by Michelle Beller Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Ceremony + Beachfront Ballroom Reception in Santa Monica
Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography; From Real Wedding: Total Divas Star Lana's Circus-Themed Beach Wedding in Malibu
Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Church Ceremony + Soft, Romantic Reception in Santa Monica
Photo by John Schnack Photography; Bridal Salon: Wedding Atelier; Linens by Luxe Linen; From Real Wedding: A Sunny Beach Wedding Featuring Wood Accents in California
Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California
Photo by Marissa Maharaj; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding in Maui with Both Classic and Tropical Touches
Photo by Jose Villa Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Destination Wedding with Beach Ceremony + Gilded Reception
Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Tone It Up Trainer Katrina Hodgson's Shabby Chic Malibu Wedding
Photo by Grant Daniels Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Tent Reception on the Beach in the Bahamas
Photo by Grant Daniels Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Tent Reception on the Beach in the Bahamas
Photo by Collin Pierson Photography; Planning & Design by Michelle Durpetti Events; From Event: Inspirational Destination Wedding Shoot with Romantic Florals in Mexico
Before you celebrate your beach wedding with loved ones, you'll have to send your invites! Discover some of our favorite beach wedding invitations perfect for a seaside ceremony or tropical reception, and browse more beach weddings featured on InsideWeddings.com.