33 Stunning Beach Wedding Dresses

If you're planning an oceanfront ceremony, you probably already know that your wedding dress will—in some way or another—play into the location. For some brides, this means donning a slinky, move-with-you silk sheath that won't blow up and away during gusty waterfront vows. For others, this implies finding a wedding dress that keeps them cool and protects them from the sun's rays thanks to shoulder-shading cap sleeves or a full-cover back. Whatever you decide to wear on the big day, keeping the elements top of mind while shopping will only increase your comfort when it's time to celebrate.

To help you search for the perfect beach wedding dress, we've rounded up our favorite gowns that brides wore to their own seaside nuptials. The main takeaway from these brides' looks? Whether you're throwing a nautical-inspired wedding or a fiesta on the sandy beaches of Mexico, most of you will want a beach-ready look that flows and moves as easy as an ocean breeze (just like this bride's floaty, backless number by Carol Hannah). But what if you've always envisioned a dramatic, figure-hugging mermaid wedding dress and a beach ceremony? Here's the good news: You don't have to give up one idea in order to have the other. Believe it or not, traditional ball gowns or trumpet silhouettes can feel right at home on the shoreline—all you have to do is go for it.

Though the silhouette you choose on your sun-soaked big day is entirely up to you, you'll want to make sure that you don't overheat. Several of the following brides prove how statement-making, unexpected beach garments can absolutely work to your advantage on warm-weather beaches. Click through to discover all of our favorite beach wedding dresses. Their versatility will definitely surprise you.

If you love the unfussy look of a silk gown but still want to wear a little lace on your big day, this bride's Anais Anette wedding dress, which was purchased at Love and Lace, might be the answer. It worked especially well at her beach féte since the skirt could move with the wind while the top felt a bit more dramatic.

Just because you're tying the knot on the beach doesn't mean you have to wear a boho-chic gown. This bride chose an elegant Galia Lahav A-line wedding dress with a plunging neckline for her big day—the floaty skirt ensured the look worked for a sun-soaked ceremony. 

There's no rule that says you have to wear a dress on your wedding day, and that's especially true when you're tying the knot on the beach. This bride chose a flowy pantsuit from BHLDN, which certainly made traversing the beach terrain much easier.

Sometimes less is more, as evidenced by this bride's simple, elegant halter wedding dress from Estee Bridal. The dramatic V-neckline and ruched bodice detailing balanced out the otherwise understated fabrication; her colorful bouquet also popped against the gown's ultra-clean lines.

If you love a glamorous look, don't shy away from one for your beach wedding. A strapless Berta wedding dress complete with intricate lace detailing was a surprising choice for this couple's oceanfront beach vows, but the bride balanced her look with a tropical bouquet and relaxed hairstyle. 

A vintage-inspired Naeem Khan wedding dress the bride found at Saks turned out to be the perfect beach wedding dress. A simple sheath silhouette is a great choice for a breezy locale.

This bride's subtly-beaded Mira Zwillinger sheath shimmered under the warm sun—and showed a peek of leg, thanks to a semi-sheer skirt.

Though it wasn't a typical beach wedding dress choice, this bride's elevated Monique Lhuillier ball gown was beautifully juxtaposed against the casual, natural setting. The garment, was, however, perfectly designed for the warm weather—note the spaghetti straps and light-as-air skirt.

A classic but sheer buttoned-up back panel kept this bride cool throughout her waterfront ceremony. Amsale brought the garment to life.

Boho-chic and entirely effortless, this laser-cut lace ensemble from Rue de Seine was the perfect choice for a wedding on the shores of Santa Marta, Colombia.

This beauty proved that a Victorian-inspired, high-neck wedding dress, like this one by Christos Costarellos, is absolutely an option for beachy brides. To pull it off, you just need to choose the right fabric (the lighter the better).

To honor her wedding location's constant sunshine, this bride donned a cheerful yellow frock by Sarah Seven for her sandy ceremony.

This bride's traditional Watters wedding dress—featuring a feminine sweetheart neckline, beaded belt, and trumpet skirt—felt decidedly classic, but still appropriate for the beach setting.

Illusion long sleeves, gathered with lace at the wrist, gave this Victoria Kyriakides wedding dress ethereal vibes. We love how they billowed in the breeze as the bride walked with her new husband.

This bride kept her big-day ensemble simple, donning an effortless strapless A-line dress for her post-ceremony walk on the beach.

The floaty components of this bride's get-up—from the lightweight skirt of her Monique Lhuillier wedding dress to her matching veil—ensured she was comfortable under the sun.

See-through lace kept this bride's Essense of Australia wedding dress' corseted bodice from feeling too restrictive during the outdoor ceremony.

This bride knew that her beach wedding was the perfect opportunity to show some skin. Her deep V-back, accentuated with the sweetest bow tassel, on her Mikaella Bridal gown was the ultimate summery touch.

Color and palette played a major role at this couple's Mexico destination wedding, starting with the bride's bold, floral Lela Rose dress.

The lace floral appliqués on this bride's Pronovias wedding dress referenced the indigenous lotus blossoms surrounding the ocean-front ceremony site.

Her Jenny Packham gown's short, lace sleeves protected this bride's shoulders from the overhead rays.

This bride chose an ever-popular beach wedding dress neckline for her Mexico nuptials: a halter. She purchased the Rue De Seine garment from The Dress Theory.

Everything about this bride's Berta wedding dress—including the elegant crisscrossed pattern, the dramatic V-back, and subtle shimmer—referenced the celebration's overall theme: beachy sophistication.

Don't let this bride's fitted Lovely Bride wedding dress fool you—just a few hours later, she actually did "the worm" on the dance floor while wearing the garment. It was the ultimate choice for both the beach setting and celebratory, dance-filled evening.

This bride's illusion open-back Berta garment showed off her subtle tan, courtesy of her destination wedding location: Cancún.

For her Mexico beach wedding, this bride tried on just under a dozen dresses before choosing what she thought would be "the one." But, when it arrived she realized she hated it! So, she called her maid of honor and drove to a bridal boutique near her hometown, where she chose the first and only dress she tried on: an Enzoani lace sheath that happened to be hemmed to her exact height. If that's not fate, we don't know what is.

This bride donned an Oscar de la Renta gown, which matched the ocean water's hue and served as her "something blue."

The same bride wore a second gown to her reception: a slinky, beaded Zuhair Murad dress.

A lightweight, A-line Oscar de la Renta gown with Chantilly lace leaf appliqués was more than appropriate at this Thailand beach ceremony.

This bride wore a high-neck Jenny Packham gown with a beaded bodice and flowing skirt to her seaside nuptials.

This bride wore a gown by Rue de Seine from LOHO Bride. "I loved that the dress was romantic but also lightweight and no-fuss for international travel. When I saw it, I could immediately picture us dancing on the cobblestones," she said. She topped off her look with a floral crown from Flor Mimo. 

With custom long-sleeves, an open back, and illusion neckline, this lace Erdem dress was a hit at a Tulum wedding. The bride finished off her look with white Prada sandals and a crown of fresh orchids.