A beach wedding photo shot list ensures you capture all the important moments and the stunning beach setting that makes a seaside wedding unique. The natural beauty of a beach, combined with the intimacy of the ceremony and fun of the reception, provides countless opportunities for memorable and beautiful photos.
Be sure to take advantage of the golden hour, sunset, and the relaxed, playful atmosphere to create a variety of stunning images.
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Pre-Ceremony Shots
Wide Shot of the Beach Venue – Capture the ceremony setup with the ocean and horizon in the background.
Decorative Signage – Photos of beach-themed signs, such as wooden welcome signs, seating charts, or ceremony instructions.
Aisle and Seating Setup – Detail shots of chairs, floral arrangements, and any beach elements such as seashells, driftwood, or tiki torches.
Altar/Arch Decorations – Capture the ceremony arch or altar adorned with beach-inspired elements, such as flowers, fabric, or shells.
Ocean and Horizon – Take scenic shots of the ocean, waves, and horizon to set the scene.
Getting Ready Shots
Bride Getting Ready – Candid moments of the bride preparing, with the bridal party helping her with the dress, makeup, and veil.
Groom Getting Ready – The groom and groomsmen putting on their attire, perhaps barefoot or in casual beachwear.
Bridal Details – Close-ups of the bride’s bouquet, jewellery, beach-themed accessories such as barefoot sandals or anklets.
Groom’s Details – Close-ups of the groom’s boutonnière, shoes (or barefoot), cufflinks, or other personalized items.
First Look (Optional)
First Look – Capture the emotional first look between the bride and groom. Choose a spot near the beach with soft sand or a private dune for an intimate backdrop.
Candid Moments – After the first look, capture the couple interacting naturally, laughing, and embracing with the ocean in the background.
Ceremony Shots
Guests Arriving – Capture guests arriving, some may be barefoot or dressed in light, beach-appropriate attire.
Bridal Party Prep – The bridal party getting ready to walk down the aisle, adjusting dresses or ties, and sharing light-hearted moments.
Processional
Groom at the Altar – Capture the groom waiting at the altar or beach arch, with the ocean or sand dunes behind him.
Bridal Party Walking Down the Aisle – Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down a sandy aisle, perhaps barefoot or wearing beach sandals.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer – Capture these cute moments, especially if they are holding seashell baskets or other beach-themed items.
Bride’s Entrance – The bride walking down the aisle, perhaps escorted by her father or family member, with the sea breeze and ocean waves in the background.
Groom’s Reaction – Close-up of the groom’s face as he sees the bride walking toward him.
Guests Watching the Procession – Capture the expressions of family members and friends as they watch the bride’s entrance.
During the Ceremony
Vows and Ring Exchange – Close-up shots of the couple exchanging vows and rings against the ocean backdrop.
Wide Shot of the Ceremony – A shot from the back of the ceremony showing the couple, officiant, and guests with the ocean in view.
Candid Reactions – Photos of family and bridal party members reacting to key moments, such as the vows or first kiss.
The Kiss – Capture the first kiss with a wide-angle shot of the ocean and sky or zoom in for a more intimate shot.
Ceremony Rituals – If the couple includes any special beach rituals such as a sand ceremony or a shell blessing, capture the details.
The Couple’s Hands – A close-up of the couple holding hands or exchanging rings with sand, shells, or water in the background.
Recessional
Bride and Groom Walking Back Up the Aisle – Capture the newlyweds’ joyful expressions as they walk back up the sandy aisle as a married couple.
Guests Cheering and Tossing Flower Petals – Capture guests celebrating, perhaps tossing petals, shells, or blowing bubbles as the couple exits.
The Couple at the End of the Aisle – A romantic moment of the couple’s embrace or kiss at the end of the aisle with the beach backdrop.
Post-Ceremony Shots
Bride and Groom with Immediate Family – Formal shots with parents, siblings, and grandparents against the ocean or beach scenery.
Bride and Groom with Bridal Party – Group portraits of the bridesmaids and groomsmen in front of the beach or with the waves behind them.
Bride with Bridesmaids – Fun and formal shots of the bride with her bridesmaids, perhaps holding their bouquets or walking barefoot on the sand.
Groom with Groomsmen – Fun and formal shots of the groom with his groomsmen, possibly incorporating a fun, relaxed beach vibe.
Entire Wedding Party – A full-group photo of the wedding party, including flower girls and ring bearers, with a scenic ocean or sunset background.
Couple Portraits
Walking Along the Shore – Candid shots of the couple walking hand-in-hand along the shoreline with the waves gently crashing beside them.
Standing by the Water – Capture the couple standing at the water’s edge, with the horizon in the background.
Sitting in the Sand – Photos of the couple sitting in the sand, sharing a candid moment while the waves roll in.
Close-up of Barefoot Feet – A playful, romantic shot of the couple’s bare feet in the sand, with their footprints or water washing over them.
Kissing with the Waves Behind Them – A romantic kiss by the water, capturing the ocean waves in motion behind them.
Sunset Silhouette – Capture the couple in silhouette as they stand together at sunset with the glowing horizon and water behind them.
Dancing on the Beach – A romantic shot of the couple dancing on the beach, with the sun setting or the moon rising in the background.
Holding Hands in the Water – For an adventurous couple, capture them standing in the shallow water, holding hands, or playfully splashing.
Sitting on Driftwood or Rocks – Pose the couple sitting together on a piece of driftwood or large rock, with the ocean as their backdrop.
Reception Shots (If Outdoors on the Beach)
Wide Shot of the Reception Area – Capture the full reception setting, whether it is a beach pavilion, a tent, or tables set directly on the sand.
Table Settings and Centrepieces – Close-up shots of beach-themed decor, such as seashell centrepieces, nautical accents, or driftwood decorations.
The Cake – A photo of the wedding cake with beach-inspired decorations, such as seashells, starfish, or palm leaves.
Guest Book and Favors – Shots of personalized beach-themed guest books and wedding favours such as seashells, flip-flops, or miniature bottles of sand.
Dance Floor with String Lights – Capture the dance floor, whether it is on the sand or under a tent, especially if it is decorated with lights or tiki torches.
Reception Candids and Special Moments
First Dance on the Beach – Capture the bride and groom’s first dance, especially if they are dancing under string lights or with the ocean in the background.
Toasts and Speeches – Candid moments during the speeches, including reactions from the bride, groom, and guests.
Guest Reactions and Dancing – Capture guests interacting, dancing, and enjoying the celebration.
Cutting the Cake – Capture the couple cutting their beach-themed cake and sharing playful or intimate moments afterward.
Night-time Dancing Under the Stars – Photograph the couple and guests dancing with the night sky or moonlit ocean behind them.
Bonfire or Fire Pit – If there is a beach bonfire or fire pit, capture guests gathered around, enjoying food and drinks, or sharing stories.
Special Send-Off
Sparkler Exit – Capture the couple walking through a tunnel of guests holding sparklers with the beach and night sky behind them.
Riding Off in a Boat or Convertible (Optional) – If the couple departs in a unique way, such as on a boat or in a vintage convertible along the beach, be sure to capture their exit.
Detail Shots
Close-Ups of Rings in the Sand – Artistic shots of the wedding rings placed on seashells, sand, or driftwood.
Bouquet and Boutonnière – Close-up shots of the beach-themed bouquet and the groom’s boutonnière.
Seashells and Starfish – Capture decorative seashells, starfish, or any natural beach elements used in the wedding decor.
Beach-Themed Signage – Photos of any custom or handmade signs with beach themes, such as “Tied the Knot” or “Love by the Shore.”
You have been reading CHAPTER 17: Beach Wedding Photography Shot List
