Whatever wedding dreams you’re having, we’d like to ask you to close your eyes and imagine… your wedding on the beach. There’s simply nothing else like it. It’s like having the best day of your life – plus a holiday. It’s wearing a gown that’s light and floaty like a cloud. It’s sand between your toes, and feeling oh-so-relaxed, like you just strolled off a yacht party. And of course, don’t forget the guests, the food, the sunshine, the sound of the waves. No, there’s really nothing like a wedding on the beach. Some of the world’s most fabulous beaches are just a short flight away from Irleand – so here’s our list of top places you should consider.
Image courtesy of The Grande Real Santa Eulália
Wedding on the Beach in the Algarve
If you feel you’ve seen the Algarve mentioned many times before, there’s a good reason for it. This southern Portugal region has a coastline more than 200 kilometres long, and some of the world’s most amazing beaches are on it. There are 150 beaches with actual names, and countless other hidden gems that aren’t easily accessible. A good rule of thumb is to go for the eastern and southern ones if you want that soft, warm water and weather for your wedding on the beach, or to the west for a more refreshing experience. You’ve probably already heard the names Praia da Luz, Praia Verde, Praia do Martinhal or Praia da Falesia – and that’s just a few to get you started. Luckily, we have some fantastic wedding planners in Algarve, trusted by many of our brides over the years – click here to see all our wedding suppliers in Algarve.
Read our guide to getting married in Portugal here!
Image courtesy of AVBart Wedding Photography
Wedding on the Beach in Italy
Blue waters, warm sands, prosecco and tiramisu… you, your other half, and a group of enchanted guests, all thinking ‘so, that’s what all the fuss is about’. That is, if they’ve never been to Italy before. And if they have, then you probably won’t have to ask them twice to join you. Here, you have plenty of choice – stay by the famous Amalfi Coast, where hotels and villas perch charmingly on cliffs over beautiful waters. Or, consider Lake Como, made famous by a certain Mr George Clooney, and one of the most famous places in the country. Or, have your wedding on the beach – they sure have lots of them, thanks to thousands of kilometres of coastline. Some of the most sought after places include Tuscany, Taormina, Portovenere or Apulia. Our Italian wedding directory is the best place to get advice and help for your Italian beach wedding.
Our guide to getting married in Italy is right here!
Image courtesy of I Do Knot, Malta
Wedding on the Beach in Malta
Of all the things people say about Malta, one repeats most often – the absolutely gorgeous weather. And that’s pretty much a prerequisite for your wedding on the beach, isn’t it? Malta may be small, but its coastline is one of the most interesting in the world, packed with beaches, marinas, bays, villages and other interesting nooks and crannies, a veritable goldmine of locations for any couple wishing to dip their toes in the sea. With the average temperatures of around 18C, where the summers reach a peak of 35C and the winters may go to 12C, you’re free to choose the season that suits you best, any time of year. Some of the best locations include Hola Beach, Golden Bay, Paradise Bay, Blue Lagoon or Peter’s Pool. We have plenty of trusted Maltese experts in our directory, and they are the best people to ask for advice and assistance.
Be sure to read our guide on getting married in Malta!
Image courtesy of D’Inspiration Dubrovnik
Wedding on the Beach in Croatia
What’s good enough for Game of Thrones is sure good enough for your wedding on the beach! And we’re only half-joking here. Croatia, and especially Dubrovnik, have been praised by couples from the four corners of the world (and so, so many Irish ones too), as being one of the best wedding destinations anywhere. One of its main attractions is that it’s not been discovered by everyone yet, so while it’s busy at the peak of tourist season, it’s pleasantly uncrowded the rest of the time. You can stay in Dubrovnik, of course, or consider some destinations less travelled – Brac, Hvar, Peljesac or Rovinj. Also, this would be a good choice for those who prefer pebble beaches over sand, because truthfully, sand just isn’t for everyone. For professional help with your wedding, we have several Croatia-based suppliers in our directory, all of whom have worked with Irish couples.
Here’s essential advice for your wedding in Croatia.
Image courtesy of Marbella Marriages
Wedding on the Beach in Spain
Choosing a Spanish beach for your wedding is a bit like choosing a wedding venue in Ireland – there are at least 100 places, each lovely and picturesque, and perfectly suitable for a wedding. That’s the thing about Spain – the food is great, the hospitality even better, the wine is flowing, and there are beaches everywhere. If this is your ultimate destination, then it’s best to put your practical hat on first. You need a place that’s easy to get to, but not overrun by tourists, and one with enough accomodations for everyone, but not prohibitively expensive. Do your own research online of course, but the best advice will always come from a knowledgeable local Spanish wedding planner, who’ll be able to suggest some lesser-known venues that are stunning yet affordable. Consider such places as Port d’Andratx, Mijas, Ibiza (the quiet side) or Calpe.
Here you’ll find all the details about getting married in Spain.
Image courtesy of Lyndyloo in Spain
Finally, here are five incredibly useful tips for your wedding on the beach
1. Be sure to send your ‘save the dates’ if you’re going abroad – your guests need as much notice as possible to make arrangements (like booking time off work, making sure your date doesn’t collide with their own holidays, etc).
2. Beaches are idyllic, but they’re noisy too, especially on windy days – the waves, the seagulls, even the sunbathers. Ask your planner or venue to recommend the best spot, you want your guests to hear you.
3. Just as you would with an outdoor wedding at home, make sure you have Plan B in case the weather disappoints you. Again, your planner or venue will be able to help with this.
4. Check the average temperatures to estimate the hottest time of day – and avoid it. You don’t want to be wilting in the heat while your guests are suffering sunburn. Get married earlier, or a little later to catch the golden hour in your photos.
5. Ask the planner for all the details about the location – and when we say all, we really mean all. How far is it from the nearest buildings, is it sand or pebble, how much privacy does it afford, can a canopy or a small marquee be erected there, how easy is it to get to, do you need special permission to get married there… the more you know, the more you’ll be sure it’s the perfect spot. Of course, nothing beats visiting it – so if you have time and funds, hop over for a short getaway and see it for yourself.
Main image courtesy of Sonho a Dois Algarve Weddings
