The Best Spots in the World for a Beach Wedding

For the most part, every beach wedding is exactly the same. Sand? Check. Waves? Check. That’s all you really need. But there are certain locations around the world that offer a more unique beach wedding experience. Like any wedding, the resort or venue, entertainment, food and views are aspects that can make your wedding stand out from the rest.

If you’re a bride who isn’t interested in the standard wedding experience, these 10 beach wedding locations each has a certain something you and your guests won’t soon forget.

Santa Monica, Calif.

With a wedding package at the resort Shutters on the Beach, you and your beloved will have a dreamy ceremony with the ocean as your backdrop. What sets this wedding location apart is that your photos can be shot at the famous Santa Monica Pier. Play boardwalk games or ride the Ferris wheel for a fun twist on traditional photos.

Bournemouth, England

A beach wedding? In England? Yes, it’s possible! Bournemouth Beach is the first and only beach wedding location offered in England. Feast on fish and chips at your reception or even hold an afternoon tea for your guests.

Hilton Head, S.C.

The Beach House resort on Hilton Head offers a ceremony setting so beautiful that many a heartstring will be tugged amongst your guests. But then it’s time to get the party started. You can hold your reception right on the sand, complete with tables, a bonfire area and even a dance floor.

Waikoloa, Hawaii

A Hawaiian wedding in itself would be an amazing experience, and the Lava Lava Beach Club Resort just might make it even more amazing. Set amongst brightly colored cottages and kiawe trees, your ceremony and reception will be accented with magical lights in the trees and perfect sunset views.

Hamilton Island, Australia

If you and your husband-to-be crave adventure, Australia might be just the place to tie the knot. You and your guests will arrive by helicopter or sailboat to Whitehaven Beach, famous for its white sands and turquoise waters. You can also take in views of the nearby Great Barrier Reef.

Key West, Fla.

The Casa Marina Resort of Key West offers the largest private beach on the island, so if its seclusion you’re after, this would be the place. Exchange vows as waves crash against the rocky shoreline, and afterwards, dance the night away under lit palm trees and stars.

Trancoso, Brazil

The Villas de Trancoso, a boutique beach hotel, is known for its lush, exotic setting for weddings. Tropical flowers and palms will be everywhere you look, and at the reception, professional Brazilian dancers can be booked to perform.

Cannon Beach, Ore.

If the beach wedding you envision doesn’t include palm trees, the Surfsand Resort of Oregon could fit the bill. You and your guests will always remember the cool breezes, sea and waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Saint Tropez, France

Getting married on the French Riviera might sound like a dream, but at Pearl Beach Resort, it can be a reality. The venue might look like something you’d see on a Caribbean island but is still distinctly French, featuring yachts passing in the distance, pressed white tablecloths and, of course, Champagne.

Pembroke Pines, Fla.

It might be fun to imagine getting married on a private island all your own. But on Petit St. Vincent, a private Caribbean island off the coast of Florida, you can make that happen. The only sounds you might hear are waves, seagulls and the occasional sniffling guest.