Long Island Beach Weddings
That point on the sand where the ocean meets the shore is a dramatic symbol of transition. Couples who choose a beach wedding are making a bold statement about the transition that is about to reshape their own lives – and the venue of a beach can be the perfect place to make it happen. For Long Island couples, a beach wedding often means Montauk Point, where the Island stretches to its easternmost end into the Atlantic Ocean. Just as gold rings are at the heart of the wedding ceremony itself, the iconic Montauk Lighthouse is likewise wedded to this destination too. Long Island photographers know the magic and the symbolism this historic beacon brings to wedding photographs. Long Island photographers also know that the blue of the ocean, the sparkle of the sand and the shape of the shoreline also create a natural sanctuary for this important exchange of a couple’s vows. To a wedding photographer, the beach becomes the most natural photo studio of all.
Photograph of exchange of wedding rings by Placid Media Creations
Seaside Ceremonies
Wedding experts have written extensively on the subject of seaside ceremonies. Their recommendations on how to do things successfully simply come down to largely one word: research. Though much of their advice may have been written for beach weddings on far-flung islands, almost all of it is useful for a Long Island beach wedding too. Many of the tips offered by the blog by Beaches Resorts by Sandals could just as easily apply to couples making plans for Montauk. A destination wedding, after all, doesn’t necessarily have to have a Caribbean venue as its destination. Long Island is beach wedding country too.
Least Crowded Beaches are perfect for weddings
Find out when the beach will be the least crowded so you can have the privacy you deserve. If a beach permit is required, apply well enough in advance so that the paperwork is done and your date is locked in. You will also need to know if a fee is involved for use of a beach and whether any insurance is needed.
Photograph of Bride and Groom on post wedding ceremony
Time, Tide and Wind Conditions
Consider the time of day as well as the tide and wind conditions that come with the hour you’ve chosen for your beach wedding. This is as important for the ceremony itself as for the wedding photographs. A morning wedding will likely avoid concerns about crowds and oven-like temperatures but you’ll have less time for hair, make-up, dressing and starting your day, as well as for wedding photographs beforehand. A midday wedding gives you more prep time but, of course, there’s that noon sun to think about. A late afternoon wedding can bypass the sun’s intense rays and let you segue directly to your wedding dinner.
Photograph of Bride taken on a sunny day - Eastern Long Island Wedding
Wedding Photographs and Guests
Any Long Island photographer will surely sing the praises of wedding photographs taken at sunset: temperatures are cooler and the sky puts on a spectacular light show. If this is going to be a shoeless event for guests and the wedding party, make sure a shoe station is on hand (or on foot!) to keep things organized while everyone steps out to the shoreline with sand between their toes.
The Martha Stewart wedding blog cautions couples to have a backup plan in case inclement weather crashes the party and finds the beach wedding plans as washed up as a castle in the sand. The blog also suggests that if the only consideration is the blistering sun, a good option would be to set up areas of shade for people who are especially sensitive to summer sun and heat, especially the very youngest and the very oldest guests.
There’s no question that the sound of waves rolling into shore creates romance and drama but check with your wedding photographer about whether that background noise will make it harder to capture audio for professional (or even amateur) videos being taken.
Eastern Long Island Wedding photograph
Food and Décor
Serious thought needs to be given, as well, to any food or décor that will be on the beach, according to the Martha Stewart blog. Décor should complement the natural setting of the beach and not add anything environmentally harmful. Sometimes the natural setting of the beach itself will serves as your best décor. If you are providing any kind of food, it needs to be stored safely, especially if the wedding is happening on a day when temperatures are expected to climb.
Photograph of Bride holding bouquet on wedding day- Eastern Long Island Wedding
Special consideration at a beach wedding
Though the focus of the day is on the bride and groom, bear in mind that guests may have special considerations at a beach wedding. Thoughtful wedding favors for them might include small gift bags of sunscreen, handheld fans, insect repellent or small bottles of water.
Ride the wave
It’s important to bear in mind that a beach wedding is first and foremost a casual wedding. Though your wedding photographer will likely create formal portraits and traditional wedding photographs to capture your day at the shore, this big moment in your life is intended to unfold in a relaxed environment with sand and sea and sky.
There is nothing casual, however, about Placid Media’s commitment to providing photography and videography services for your Long Island wedding. If you’re heading to the beach, consider letting us ride the wave of your wedding at the shore.
Bride and Groom Wedding Toast
Wilson was very personable, and captured our wedding day beautifully. Him and his partner were incredibly kind and made photographing effortlessly easy. We couldn't have selected a better candidate for this position. He was down to earth and extremely professional. If you're looking for the right person to capture you and your soulmate on your special day, look no further! Thank you again. Wilson, We will keep in touch for future events
Long Island Beaches for wedding ceremonies
Fire Island Light House at Robert Moses State Park, 4640 Captree Island, Captree Island, NY 11720
Heckscher State Park, Field 1, East Islip, NY 11730
Hempstead Lake State Park, Lakeside Drive, West Hempstead, NY 11552
Hither Hills State Park, 164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Montauk Point State Park and Lighthouse, 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Route 25, Orient, NY 11957
Sunken Meadow State Park, Rte. 25A* Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park, NY 11754
Historic Places and Mansions for wedding ceremonies in Long Island
Bayard Cutting Arboretum. 440 Montauk Highway, Great River, NY 11739
Long Island Maritime Museum,88 West Avenue, West Sayville, NY 11796
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park and Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
Sands Point Museum and Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY 11721
New York Wedding Photographer - Placid Media Creations
Long Island wedding photography and cinematography services capturing precious moments of your wedding day. A candid & photo journalistic approach for your wedding day. Placid Media offers creative, candid, and professional wedding photography & videography in Long Island, New York. Top rated photography service in Long Island.
email: info@placidmedia.com
