30A is like… My dream destination. A stretch of beach with the most gorgeous blue water and the BEST coastal vibes makes this a hella fun atmosphere for a Florida Beach wedding, and trust me, it hits every time!! Chloe and Angela’s 30A wedding was the sweetest, most romantic day, and I’ll actually never be over it. They’re the coolest, and if you’re dreaming of your own beach wedding (that’s maybe a little funky and actually feels like you), you won’t want to miss the inspiration from this one. Plus, see all my top planning tips for a day like this as a destination wedding photographer!!
Chloe and Angela’s Florida Beach Wedding
This one was extra special to me because Chloe and Angela are some of my best friends, and as a destination wedding photographer, those are always some of my absolute favorite days to capture!! They said “I do” at the most perfect beach wedding in Destin, Florida, to start their forever together. It was such a sweet and intentional ceremony, followed by a party that was SO lively. Classy coastal vibes met wild beach party vibes at their Florida beach wedding in the BEST way!!
These two ditched the venue (which always gets a hell yes from me) and got married at their Airbnb. The ceremony setup lives rent-free in my brain, because they chose to have their guests seated behind them so that they could see their loved ones’ faces in their wedding photos!! Not to mention, they requested that everyone dress in bold colors, so the photos turned out STUNNING. As a destination wedding photographer… More of that, plz.
The night ended with the bridal party (including me!) jumping into the pool in our bridesmaid dresses, which was iconic AF, to say the least.
Why a 30A Wedding is the Move for Your Florida Beach Wedding
30A weddings have their own vibe. They’re classy, but not in a way that feels uptight (because who wants to feel like that on their wedding day??!), and fun, but not in a way that feels chaotic. It’s such a perfect example of how your wedding can be both elegant AND a party. And honestly, 30A is just gorgeous. The blue water photographs BEAUTIFULLY, which has me sold already!! There’s also SO much to do here, which makes it ideal for a destination wedding.
One of my favorite parts of the area, though, is that you can fully make it your own. If you’re here, you’re probably a little wild, a little funky, and a little weird (lovingly!!), so for you that might look like disco balls, an ultra-unique color palette, and an emphasis on having a damn good time. And I seriously LOVE that for you!! A beach wedding in Destin, Florida, is the perfect space to let your personality shine, trust.
More Gorg AF Florida Beach Wedding Locations
I know, I know, so much of Florida is beautiful, so narrowing it down to one place can feel HELLA hard. If you’re still on the hunt for other options, I gotchu!! Here are a few more I loveee:
- Jacksonville – for a wedding with fun party vibes?? Jacksonville is your spot. I love The Ocean Club of Amelia and Private 131 if you’re looking for a beach wedding venue here!
- West Palm Beach – for a vintage, retro energy. Some venues here that I cannot get enough of are The Boca Raton (sooo luxe, in a good way) and The Colony, which is like, pink-everything-retro-goodness!!
- Key Largo – for a more tropical feel. If you want a venue here, I’m obsessed with Dream Bay Resort and Coral Beach. The views are insane, and you feel like you’re in a different world without ever having to deal with TSA.
A Destination Wedding Photographer’s Top Tips for Planning a Florida Beach Wedding
Beach weddings in general take a little extra planning, but that’s 100% what I’m here for babes!! Everything you need is below, so don’t fret.
The Best Time of Year for a Florida Beach Wedding
Listen, Florida hits different because it’s hot AF, like, year-round. I’m not gonna lie… The temperatures in summer are a little bit unbearable, so I recommend early spring weddings to my beach wedding couples! After Daylight Savings Time is ideal for longer days (and golden hour magic!!).
Florida Beach Wedding Dresses, Hair, and Makeup
Beach weddings are gonna be windy, so prepare yourself for that!! I’ll always suggest updos and either flowy, airy wedding dress fabrics or something that’s a little more stiff that can hold against the wind. Here are some beach wedding dresses that gag me EVERY time:
Hire Vendors Who Get It
Hiring vendors who specialize in beach weddings will seriously be the best decision you make. As a beach wedding photographer, beach weddings are a whole different ballgame, so having someone who knows the vibes will have a HUGE impact on how smoothly your day goes!!
Here are some Florida beach wedding vendors that I HIGHLY recommend:
Makeup: Glimmer Gloss by Chloe
Hair: The Beauty Collective
DJ: EEE Destin
Planning: Surfside Brides
Florals: Artistry in Bloom
Cake: Coastally Baked
Check the Tide Charts
Tides change every day, so make sure your beach wedding won’t get ruined by the ocean creeping up on ya. Be sure to check trends for the time of year you’re getting married in and check it (or have your coordinator check it!!) throughout the day.
More Questions You Probably Have About Beach Weddings
- Where will my guests park for a beach wedding?
If you’re getting married on a public beach access, there should be plenty of public parking around, especially for a more intimate ceremony!! Be sure to scope out the space before planning the best logistics for that.
- Should I choose a public beach wedding, a beach venue wedding, or an Airbnb wedding?
Honestly, this one is totally up to the vibes you want! Different spots will have different rules, with the most rules (but also the most organization) at a venue and the least for an Airbnb wedding.
No matter which one you choose, be sure to check with local city rules and Airbnb owners about any specific rules or permits!
My personal fave setup is an intimate beach ceremony with a reception either at a venue or Airbnb!! The day flows SO easily when you plan it this way.
- How do I make a rain plan for a Florida beach wedding?
Florida weather can be tricky and unpredictable, that’s for sure. Some beaches in Florida will let you put up a tent (with prior approval!) if you’re getting married on the beach. If you’re opting for a venue or Airbnb, moving it inside might be your best option, babe!
- What’s a good timeline for a Florida beach wedding?
Your beach wedding should always be based around the time of sunset and tide charts!! Here’s a sample timeline for a beach wedding that has some wiggle room to account for things like that:
10:00 am: Getting ready
3:15 pm: First look, private vows, and portraits – some of my FAVORITE moments!!!
4:00 pm: Wedding party and family photos
5:00 pm: Beach ceremony – WOOHOO!
5:30 pm: To your reception space for a cocktail hour and reception
7:00 pm: Sunset photos on the beach!!
Wild Alchemy Photo | Your #1 Hype Girl + Beach Wedding Photographer
If you couldn’t tell… I LOVE beach weddings. If the kind of day you’re planning is beachy, fun, and so you, I’d love to be there to capture your best moments. You can inquire about booking me here. I already know we’re gonna be besties!!
See more wedding inspo:
Unique Wedding Ideas From a Renaissance Wedding at Ancient Lore Village
Why You Don’t Have to Be “Good in Front of the Camera” for Documentary-Style Wedding Photography
5 Colorful Wedding Ideas from a Funky Day at Maple Grove Estate
