50 Must-Have Beach Wedding Photos
Nothing says paradise like the sand between your toes and the sea salt in your hair. Lucky for you beach brides, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect beach backdrops, no matter your destination. From the lighthouses of Cape Cod and the vivid hues of the Caribbean to the tropical surroundings of Hawaii and the romantic coastlines of Australia, we’ve rounded up some of the best beach photos for your must-have wedding shot list.
By: Hillary Hoffower
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The Unique Shot -163948
Take advantage of any unique characteristics of your beach setting. An abandoned railroad that butts up against this stretch of ocean adds a unique element to this romantic photo.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
The Playful Shot
Some husbands carry their new brides into the house, some carry them into the ocean. This playful image is fun, happy, and whimsical.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Nicole Photography
The Blacked-Out Silhouette Shot
Black silhouettes emphasize the painted skies as the sun drowns in the horizon leaving its last golden rays.
Photo Credit: Paul Johnson Photography
The Sexy Shot
Kissing on the tideline as the waves break and then roll out — it doesn't get much sexier than this.
Photo Credit: Connection Photography
The Beach Creatures Shot
Snap a shot with the beach’s friendly creatures. These seagulls form a lively frame around this loving couple.
Photo Credit: Brooke Roberts Photography
The Sand Dunes Shot
Whispy grass, sand dunes, and a sliver of the seashore create a magical effect made all the more ethereal by the rays of the setting sun.
Photo Credit: Dave & Charlotte
The Lone Rock Shot
Even without the sun, an overcast beach can be breathtaking, and an oversized rock is the perfect pedestal for a photo op.
Photo Credit: Sara Byrne
The Reflection Shot
This shot is all frills and fun. Capture your reflection in the high tide for a double take.
Photo Credit: Concept Photography
The Movie Shot
“If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” We love this Notebook-esque shot that can be replicated along any shoreline.
Photo Credit: Angie Diaz Photography
The Sunset Shot
Rose pink and vivid orange hues make for a dreamy sunset as the ball of brightness disappears below the skyline and leaves just the two of you.
Photo Credit: Michelle Turner
The Splash Shot
For a sparkling backdrop, catch the ocean splash behind you as waves meet rocks for a fabulous shot.
Photo Credit: We Are the Brauns
The Profile Shot
A profile shot can capture the beauty of the ocean plus, with a little help from the wind, your veil and dress billowing behind you.
Photo Credit: Craig & Eva Sanders Photography
The Sandy Feet Shot
This angle is just plain fun. Nothing says beach like sandy feet.
Photo Credit: Sacha Blackburne Photography
The Nautical Shot
A sailboat is the perfect prop for a photo op by seashore.
Photo Credit: Michael Barnholdt Photography
The Bluffs Shot
If your beach backdrop boasts this kind of natural setting, don't miss out on the magic of the ocean spray and jagged coastline.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Cathey Photography
The Bird's Eye View
You don’t have to be standing on the beach to get a great beach shot. The views can be even more breathtaking when admiring from above.
Photo Credit: Richard Grainger
The Bedrock Shot
This bedrock serves as a good metaphor for any marriage and adds a romantic, rugged look to this must-have beach photo.
Photo Credit: Photo by Betsy
The Beach Trees Shot
A gorgeous beach tree graveyard offers a unique, artistic background for any photo.
Photo Credit: Breanna Elizabeth Photography
The Aerial Shot
The aerial shot can offer dazzling views of any ocean scenery.
Photo Credit: Angie Diaz Photography
The Ambiance Light Shot
Utilize the soft lights and white ambiance cast by a bright, setting sun.
Photo Credit: Brandi Potter Photography
The Coastline Shot
Crashing waves, a widespread coastline, and rugged scenery make for dramatic views for your photos.
Photo Credit: Gaby J Photography
The Carefree Shot
Capture the carefree and laidback vibes of your beach wedding by dancing your heart out.
Photo Credit: Sarah Christensen Photo
The Boulders Shot
Be bold and step out onto boulders of a rocky shoreline for a gorgeous pic.
Photo Credit: Ashley Bosnick / Wedding Planner/Stylist: Elena Damy
The Running Shot
Who says you can’t get a workout in on your wedding day? This couple looks like they’re running toward happiness against a backdrop of stunning blue sky and rippling sea.
Photo Credit: The Uppermost
The Walk-on-the-Beach Shot
Because every great romance should begin with a long walk on the beach.
Photo Credit: Sacha Blackburne Photography
The Trash-the-Dress Shot
If you’re game for it, take a swim into the wild blue and capture that moment it all came together.
Photo Credit: Del Sol Photography
The Perspective Shot
With the faraway perspective switched to an angle from down below, the effects of the gentle shoreline, bluff, and sun basking this couple in its heavenly rays are all the more ethereal.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
The Tide Pools Shot
Take a trip back into childhood and wade through the tide pools with your partner for a fun, whimsical photo.
Photo Credit: Angie Diaz Photography
The Breathtaking Sunset Shot
A photograph or a painting? If you're lucky enough, you'll get one of these amazing shots of a vivid, colorful sky to serve as your backdrop.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Cathey Photography
The Perfect Kiss Shot
A beach setting makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic kiss shot.
Photo Credit: Tamiz Photography
The Daring In-The-Water Shot
This couple sure wasn’t afraid to get wet! A bit sensual, a bit romantic, this photo is full of love, if you dare.
Photo Credit: Radiant Photography by the Chansons
The Repose Shot
It’s a long day — snuggle up with your groom in a hammock, chair, or anywhere you can take a few moments to relax and enjoy the your day.
Photo Credit: Chris Glenn
The Glamour Shot
It’s not all about the ocean — this couple knows how to rock the craggy coastline (pun intended). Get comfortable on an outcropping of rocks for a glamorous shot.
Photo Credit: Angie Diaz Photography
The Fairy Tale Shot
Hidden coves and secret caverns create mythical backdrops for the perfect otherworldly shot.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
The Perfect Dusk Shot
As sunset fades into a canopy of darkness, sneak away from your reception for one last photo during the beach’s quietest hours. Make sure you’re illuminated by lights for a magical effect.
Photo Credit: Brooke Roberts Photography
The Driftwood Shot
Using driftwood as a prop adds an extra fun touch, while a shore scattered with pebbles, rocks, and branches adds a bit of texture.
Photo Credit: We Are the Brauns
The Far Out Shot
A panned-out view best incorporates the lavishness of an endlessly colorful sky and tranquil seas into your photos.
Photo Credit: Paul Johnson Photography
The Climbing Tree Shot
Climbing trees isn’t just for kids — use one as a podium for your love.
Photo Credit: Brooke Roberts Photography
The Craggy Beach Shot
This one is for the couple with adventure in their hearts.
Photo Credit: Angie Diaz Photography
The Close-Up Shot
A close-up shot with the beach blurred in the background zeros in on the couple’s emotions captured against a beautiful setting.
Photo Credit: Emily Magers
The Cliffs Shot
If your beach setting affords this kind of view, you'll need little else to create incredible photos.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
The Candid Shot
The best moments are often unstaged. Blanket or no blanket, take a seat on the sand to capture some intimate memories.
Photo Credit: Indwell Weddings / Dresses: Made With Love Bridal / Flowers: Male Flores
The Panoramic Shot
Perched on coastal boulders with a stretch of open blue skies and seas laid out before them, this couple looks like they’re on top of the world.
Photo Credit: Kellie Kano
The Palm Trees Shot
Silhouetted palm trees create the perfect arch for the setting sun and doting couple.
Photo Credit: Concept Photography
The Greenery Shot
An overhang of palms in the foreground elegantly frames this bride and groom.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
The Docks Shot
Take a stroll out onto the docks for some seaside fun in your photos.
Photo Credit: Katie Slater Photography
The Ocean Waves Shot
Luscious, rippling waves of sapphire set a majestic scenery you’ll want to capture.
Photo Credit: The Uppermost
The Hand-In-Hand Shot
Now this groom is a true gentleman, carrying his Cinderella’s glass slippers as they walk hand-in-hand down the beach.
Photo Credit: Joann Arruda Photography
The Horizon Shot
The horizon has never looked so bright. This picture says, “Together, we’ve got this.”
Photo Credit: Concept Photography
