Beach wedding photographs are incredibly romantic. The sound of the waves, the soft sand, and the vast sky above create a feeling of freedom, and these natural elements become an important and unforgettable part of your wedding story.
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The beach is the perfect setting for relaxed and more natural photographs, including playful shots by and in the water and the most romantic portrait of the couple as the sun sets behind them.
Silhouette Shot at Sunset
The silhouette photographs of the couple can be stunning. An hour before the sun sets is "the golden hour" when the sun is low in the sky and bathes everything in a diffused golden light.
The couple standing sideways to the sea and holding hands or sharing a kiss is the classic shot. If the bride holds her veil high, the evening breeze will carry it and add even more magic to the scene. There are plenty of variations on this classic shot if the beach has sand dunes, rocks, or a fishing boat that can be used as props.
First Look on the Sand
When the couple arrives at the beach, it is a big moment. It is the perfect opportunity to capture them stepping onto the soft sand, holding hands, and each holding their shoes.
If the bride's dress has a beautiful train or she is wearing a long veil, spend a few moments spreading these out on the sand to capture their beauty.
Holding Hands with Waves Crashing
The couple standing in front of the crashing waves as they hold hands demonstrates the power of the sea and also of the couple's love. The natural beauty of the waves accentuates the beauty of the couple too and makes a dramatic backdrop to this shot.
Bride’s Dress Floating in the Water
The bride's dress gently floating in the shallow seawater, especially in the setting sun, can look dreamy and magical. The color of the soft fabric contrasts perfectly with the azure waters of the ocean.
A variation of this whimsical photo is for the couple to lie in the shallow water where it meets the golden sand and share a very special kiss.
Groom Lifting Bride in the Surf
A romantic and fun photograph is of the groom walking through the shallow water with his bride in his arms. For the best lighting effects, the first thing in the morning or the hour prior to sunset is ideal.
The bride can carry her bouquet. The groom can stand in the water and hold his bride high as she looks down on him, and this too is a romantic shot. The fun element can be introduced with both of them standing in the shallow surf in each other's arms and sharing a kiss, or if the groom is taller he can gently kiss her forehead.
Walking Along the Shoreline
Capture the magic of their beach wedding by having the bride and groom walk along the shoreline together. They can walk along the sand at the water's edge or in the shallow water if they prefer.
The colors of the soft sand and the ocean are magical, and again, the golden hour before sunset adds a romantic golden glow to this intimate moment.
Forehead Kiss with Ocean Backdrop
With his hands on her waist, the groom gives his bride a gentle kiss on her forehead. In addition to the beauty of the sea and sky, the beach may have a small clifftop, sand dune, or wooden jetty that can all be used to add to the charm of this romantic study.
Bride’s Veil in the Breeze
The bride's veil is perfect for adding a dreamy quality to the photographs. If there is a light sea breeze, it can be used to lift her veil. A longer veil will add drama to the photographs too, as the veil dances in the breeze.
If she is standing in the shallow water, the color of her dress and her dancing veil will contrast against the color of the ocean, and if it is possible to take these photos in the diffused golden light before sunset, even better.
Candid Laughter by the Rocks
If there are cliffs on the beach or some large rocks, their rugged texture and darker colors will make a great backdrop for some light-hearted photographs of the couple relaxing together.
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The groom standing behind a rock on which the bride is sitting adds interest to the photograph. Encourage them to relax and laugh, as this will result in some great shots that capture the couple's sense of humor.
Serene Moment Under a Pier
If you are lucky enough that the beach has an old pier, this makes an interesting backdrop for photographs with its rustic charm, contrasting light levels, and storm-weathered supports.
If there is no pier, is there a beautiful tree on the edge of the beach, a cave, or some baskets of fishing nets? These all add character to the photographs and add great variety to the wedding album.
Bride and Groom in a Surfboard Hug
Adding a surfboard or two for a surfboard hug can be fun. The couple stands in the shallow water, sideways to the ocean, holding the boards for a romantic moment. This shot can be easily adapted if either the bride or groom is a diver or windsurfer!
Beach Bonfire Snuggle
As the sun sinks in the sky, what better time to snuggle up together on the beach behind a log fire? If the temperature has dropped, the couple can wrap themselves in a blanket and enjoy watching the dancing flames together.
The atmosphere can be enhanced by the addition of some lanterns, and the bride and groom can each be given some marshmallows to toast – this will definitely cause plenty of laughter!
Hand-in-Hand Footprints in the Sand
Another classic study is of the bride and groom walking hand in hand on the wet sand, leaving their footsteps behind them.
Taken as the sun sinks, this captures the beauty of the beach and the couple, bathed in soft golden light. Their footprints can be decorated with sea shells and a fun shot is of them drawing a huge heart with their initials in the wet sand.
Bride and Groom Running Towards the Waves
Running hand in hand into gently rolling waves is a fun way to capture the couple's zest for life and adventure. This shot works well all day through, but the golden light of the sinking sun takes it to another level.
If the couple prefers, they can run along the water's edge, holding hands and kissing as they go. This is a great way to capture the romance of their special day and also the joy they share.
Playful Splashing in the Shallows
Capture the couple's spontaneous laughter as they play in the shallow water, splashing each other. If they prefer, they can stand holding hands and kick the water.
These images will capture the couple's playful spirits perfectly and will bring a smile to everyone who sees them for many years to come.
Romantic Stroll at Dusk
A romantic stroll as the sun sets gives the bride and groom the chance to share some very special moments surrounded by nature. The photographs capture the silhouette of the couple as they walk along the water's edge, as well as the gentle waves and colorful sunset hues of red, orange, and purple.
At this time of day, the couple's shadow will be reflected on the wet sand as they walk, and the result will be some amazing photographs to treasure.
Bride and Groom Sitting on a Driftwood Log
Often there are large and beautiful pieces of driftwood that have been washed up on the beach. And these can be used to create some special images of the couple sitting on the logs together or standing under some larger pieces.
The colors and rugged texture of the driftwood are a strong contrast to the couple's beautiful wedding outfits.
Couple’s Reflection in the Wet Sand
If you are with the couple on the beach as the sun sets, a clever and romantic shot to take of them is of them facing each other and holding hands, with their silhouette mirrored in the water on the sand.
Using this technique is a clever way to capture the magic of the moment and the intimacy of the couple, especially when they share a kiss.
