By: Abby Shepard, Marketing Director at Delaware State Parks

You’ve gotten engaged, you’ve picked a date, and now… it is time to pick a venue. A beach wedding can make for the picture perfect backdrop for your happily ever after, and Delaware State Parks offers plenty of beach and unique venues for your big day. The Indian River Life Saving Station is one of our favorite locations for a seaside wedding, and we have plenty of photos to share to help spark inspiration your own beach wedding. Here are some of our best tips to make your beach wedding picture perfect!

 

Plan for a Ceremony in the Sand

Plan your ceremony on the beach with the ocean in view. You can easily setup benches or chairs, fabric runners, florals and an arbor in the sand. You may want to plan the ceremony either in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and sun.

 

Lose the Shoes, or at Least the Heels

Ditch the heels and feel the sand between your toes! Heels and sand don’t mix. You will have a much easier time walking is you opt for flats, sandals, or barefeet instead. However, sand can be hot depending on the time of day, so you may consider a fabric aisle runner. You can even have a shoe station at the front of your ceremony for people to leave their shoes.

 

Consider a Seaside Color Scheme

Soft neutrals will compliment the natural tones of the beach beautifully. We love these baby blue, pastel pink, and soft green colors in these florals!

 

Flowy Dresses

Long, flowy dresses are perfect for beach weddings, because they catch the wind and make for gorgeous photos. Plus, they are easy to move around it, and will allow you to freely walk through the sand. Not only will you look stunning, but you’ll also be comfortable!

 

Consider an Updo

Weather at the beach can be windy and unpredictable. A solid updo will keep your hair in place all night long.

 

Look for Unique Venue Spaces for Your Reception

There are a variety of seaside locations for wedding receptions, many of which are historic or unique! Consider the Life-Saving Station at Delaware Seashore State Park. This Delaware icon has been restored to its 1905 appearance when it was used as a station to rescue the crew and passengers from shipwrecks off the Delaware shore.

 

Plan for Sunset

Sunset is a beautiful time at the beach. We recommend planning your day so that you have time for couple portraits about 1 hour before sunset when the light is the softest and the sky starts turn different colors.

 

The The Indian River Life Saving Station is just one of many venues available for weddings in Delaware State Parks. For more information on our unique venue rentals, visit destateparks.com/events

Many thanks to this team of vendors who made these photos possible!

Florals by A Styled Fete

Ceremony Setup: Dover Tents and Events

Gown: Bella’s YOUnique Bridal Boutique