Let’s face it…planning a destination wedding can be stressful. There are so many things to choose from, and it might leave you with unanswered questions along the way. Sometimes you might not even know the right questions to ask! This is why I’ve put together a guide of the Five Ways to Prep for Your Destination Beach Wedding, hoping it can take the stress off of you.

As a Destination Wedding Photographer, I’ve been lucky to gain insight on the industry. And want to help couples out there trying to plan one of the best days!

Here are five ways to prep for your Destination Beach Wedding!

1. Make sure you’re wearing the right attire

No one wants to be too hot or sweaty on their wedding day. Or you would never want to have a dress that collects the sand around you. So it’s important to know what the weather is like at the time of year you’re getting married, and plan accordingly. When it comes to sand, think the lighter – the better.

2. Know the rules and regulations

If you decide to ditch the wedding planner (which I don’t suggest when planning from afar), make sure you have all the permits needed. This may require some research but knowing the rules (like beach or noise regulations) will make for a smoother weather day. Don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s as easy as show-up-and-get-married-on-the-beach. If you want a seamless day, make sure to look into the rules and regulations of your location. Here is a really good general guide for beaches from Florida to Oregon to Hawaii.

3. Have an accessible spot

Wherever you decide to have your ceremony or reception, make sure it’s easy to get it. Walking on the beach can be tough. Especially for our older family and friends. You want to make sure it’s not a long walk, and a place where vendors can’t easily deliver things like chairs or an arbor.

4. Have the proper expectations

Beaches mean people. And I must say, beach people, tend to have no spatial awareness. So there will be people around you probably. Someone might walk right past your ceremony, yeah. Will your wedding still be beautiful?? HECK YES! So prepare for people, but if you hire the right vendors, they will put you in the best location. And choosing a destination wedding photographer will help ensure you have someone who knows all the tips and tricks for keeping strangers out of their lens as best as they can.

5. Have a backup plan

Chances are, you won’t use it. But having a place to weather out a storm just in case will take a lot of stress off of you. This could look like changing a ceremony time, bringing things indoors, or maybe just having a covered tent. Always have a backup plan. You will thank yourself later if mother nature wants to step in on your wedding day.

That’s it! I hope you find these Five Ways to Prep for Your Destination Beach Wedding helpful!!

Liked these beaches? Check out this beautiful 30A destination wedding.