How to Have Weddings on the Beach

Weddings on the beach! This is one of the most romantic weddings you could ever have. Do you live near a beach? Then you have the perfect chance to have a glorious wedding on a budget, though you can also make it an elaborate event. Both are sure to be wonderfully memorable for all who attend.

Destination weddings often take place on the beaches of lovely tropical islands. You can enjoy gorgeous and very romantic settings in places such as Barbados, Bahamas, Hawaii, St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands.

But don’t forget, beaches are not only found on islands! You can stage your dream destination wedding in a country that is famous for its gorgeous coastlines.

Weddings on the beach are lovely in the Mediterranean countries. Imagine a traditional Greek wedding or a Spanish celebration after your ceremony. Australia and New Zealand also have miles of beautiful coastline that are great locations for your commitment. And of course, so do the United States, Canada and Mexico!

You can combine the modern with the traditional when you have your wedding ceremony on the beach. You can have a traditional ceremony, religious or secular, but be in very casual or semi-formal garb.

Many brides choose much simpler gowns for their beach weddings, and grooms often wear nice khaki pants or shorts with floral shirts. Some brides and bridesmaids take it even further by wearing floral skirts with bikini tops. Beach parties tend to be casual sit-down affairs. Instead of being stiff and formal, the receptions are livened up with a luau or a fire pit or both!

Do you want a beach wedding close to home, or do you want a destination wedding? Before you decide, keep in mind that you’ll need to make travel arrangements and accommodations for your guests. It’s part and parcel to weddings on the beach. If you book a bunch of rooms at a hotel nearby, you can often get reduced rates. If the beach is in a distant location, talk to a travel agent about options for airfare for your family and friends.

Want to get married somewhere unique? Visit Destination Wedding Locations and get insider tips from Weddings in Maui to Weddings on the Beach and everywhere in between.

- Candace Smith