What No One Tells You About Beach Weddings in Florida

Here’s the thing: I love, love, LOVE beach weddings! The soft sand, the salty breeze, the glowing light at golden hour, it’s the stuff Florida wedding dreams are made of! But as dreamy as they are, beach weddings can also be a little unpredictable.

The goal of this post? Not to scare you off (seriously, beach weddings are my favorite), but to help you plan smart so you can enjoy every sun-drenched second without melting, blowing away, or accidentally frying your guests.

First, Let’s Talk About Harsh Light

Florida sun is gorgeous... until it’s directly overhead. That’s when you get harsh shadows, uneven skin tones, and light that can turn the most romantic moment into a squint-fest.

My advice?

Schedule your ceremony for golden hour. That dreamy 1–2 hours before sunset. The light is soft, romantic, and incredibly flattering.
Have sunglasses and cold drinks available for guests. Bonus points for shade options like parasols or a sailcloth tent.
Ask your photographer (hi, that’s me) about where the sun will be during the ceremony. I’ll help you angle everything so you're not staring directly into the sun. This one tiny decision can make a huge difference in your photos and your comfort.

Beauty & Wardrobe Tips That’ll Save the Day

Here in Florida, it’s not just hot, it’s humid. That can mean makeup melting, hair frizzing, and dress fabrics clinging in ways that nobody wants.

Here’s how to prep like a Floridian:

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. Think chiffon, tulle, or cotton-linen blends. (Avoid satin. Just… trust me.)
Use waterproof makeup. Pack blotting paper, setting powder, and use a solid setting spray.
Pack a mini emergency kit with a hand fan, extra powder, and sunscreen.
Flip-flops or barefoot beats heels in sand every time.

Let’s Talk Wind

If your wedding vision includes loose waves cascading romantically down your shoulders, that’s beautiful. It’s also... going to end up in your lip gloss.

Florida beaches are breezy even on a calm day. One time? I watched a wooden altar literally snap in half. Thankfully it was after the ceremony, but still. When I say wind is no joke, I mean it. Wind isn’t the enemy. It adds movement and emotion to photos, we just need to plan for it.

Wind isn’t the enemy. We just need to plan for it.

Rain Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

Yes... you need a rain plan.

No... you don’t need to obsess over it.

Here’s what I tell my couples:
I stalk weather apps days before and throughout the wedding day. If a storm is moving in, we usually know. And some of the most dramatic, romantic skies I’ve ever photographed came right after the rain.

The plan?

Have a covered option. Think pavilions, tents, or indoor backup space.
Have clear umbrellas on standby for the wedding party.
Keep communication open with your vendor team. That way we can adjust the timeline if the skies shift.
And then? Let it go. It’s Florida. The weather does what it wants. But we’ll be ready.

The Logistics That Make a Big Difference

A few not-so-glamorous details that can make or break your beach day:

Permits & Rules: Some Florida beaches (like Honeymoon Island or Fort De Soto) require a permit for ceremonies. Others may restrict decor, music, or amplified sound. I’ve worked at most of them, so ask me if you’re unsure!
Tide Times: Yes, tide tables matter. You don’t want the ocean creeping up in the middle of your vows. I always check tide charts when helping you choose your ceremony time.
Guest Comfort: Make sure there’s a path or walkway nearby for elderly guests or anyone with mobility needs. Consider offering chairs or a small shaded area.

Why Your Photographer Matters (Especially Here)

Beach weddings aren’t like ballroom weddings. You’ve got wind, tide charts, tourists, and shifting skies—and you need someone who sees all of that as creative fuel, not a crisis.

I’ve shot at Clearwater Beach, Fort De Soto, Sand Key, and several other beaches, in all kinds of conditions. I’ve worked through unexpected wind, quick weather changes, and those magical post-storm skies that take your breath away. I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when Florida does her thing.

Here’s what you get with a photographer who’s familiar with these beaches:

I know which spots glow at sunset and which ones fill up fast with spring breakers.
I know how to pose you so the wind works with your dress, not against it.
I know how to pivot fast if the weather turns or the timeline shifts.
I know how to capture quiet moments and connection, even in the middle of chaos.

Also... I’m not afraid of sand. Not even a little. You should see the inside of my car after a beach shoot. It basically is a beach.

Beach weddings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Neither are photographers.

So Should You Still Have a Beach Wedding?

Absolutely!!!
But have one that’s thoughtful. One that lets you focus on the joy... not whether your veil is attacking your face.

Because when it’s done well, a beach wedding is pure Florida magic. Salty air. Sandy toes. Golden skies. Photos that feel like a story.

Are You Planning a Beach Wedding in Clearwater, St. Pete, or Anywhere In the Tampa Bay Area?

Let’s chat and make beach wedding photos that feel relaxed, glowy, and totally you. Not like something you had to survive.

Click Here to Schedule a Call With Me!

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