Martha Stewart Weddings

40 Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Brides with Long Hair

Updated August 19, 2020
Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

Whether you choose an updo or prefer to leave your hair down, there are tons of unique and beautiful hairstyles to consider for your big day.

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Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

If you're a bride-to-be with long hair, you're in luck: There's no shortage of wedding-worthy hairstyles for women with Rapunzel-like tresses since long hair makes it easier to twist, twirl, braid, and tuck in ways that brides with short haircuts can't always accomplish. Whether you want to wear a classic updo, a fishtail braid, or a half-up, half-down look, longer locks complement nearly any bridal style. Another great option? Wear your hair down in its natural state, allowing it to cascade over your shoulders and trail down your back.

To help you find your ultimate wedding hairstyle for your long locks, we rounded up some of our favorite looks on long-haired brides. At a complete loss for what you want? First, narrow down the options by considering a few important factors: the weather (humidity is incredibly important), the setting (you might want to go with an updo on a windy beach), the formality (perhaps you opt for an elegant chignon if it's a traditional black-tie affair), and the style and cut of your dress. Then of course, it's all about how you want to look. Some brides choose a wedding hairstyle that mimics their everyday look, while others amp it up, add in extensions to fill it out, and go for a totally glam style.

Jason Sparks of the Jason Matthew Salon transformed this bride's long blond locks into a dreamy hairstyle that showcased bouncy, romantic curls down her back, but kept her hair out of her face courtesy of an intricate braid. When it was time to dance, the half-up, half-down hairstyle shifted to a low bun. But that's not all we found. Click through to see more hairstyles every long-haired bride should put on her radar.

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A Braided Updo

Credit: Michael Radford

Add a little texture and structure to a loose updo with a braid that starts towards the top of your head.

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A Timeless Chignon

Credit: Rachel Red Photography

Consider wrapping your long hair into an elegant, feminine, and classic bun, like Hunter Johnson, Gloss Salon did here. Then get ready to hug your partner without anything getting in the way.

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Perfectly Curled

Credit: The Edges

Bobbi Gutierrez kept this bride's hair long and natural, with a definite curve to the waves that added beautiful texture. 

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Full of Flowers

Credit: Becca Lea Photography

Beauty & the Blush Artistry added real blooms to this bride's simple bun. 

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Middle Part Magic

Credit: Mo Davis Photography

This bride's cascading waves pinned to either side of her middle part by Fascio Hair make a gorgeous statement. 

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Low and Loose

Credit: Janine Licare

Alice Tang kept this bride's hair close to the nape of her neck, with long, loose pieces framing her face. 

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Tied Up

Credit: Taylor & Porter
11 Ways to Tie the Knot at Your Wedding (Literally)!

On a day where you "tie the knot" why not do the same in your hair? Ella Butler entwined two small sections of hair into a relaxed knot.

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A High Ponytail

Credit: Elizabeth Austin Photography
Natural Wedding Hair Tips from Rihanna's Hairstylist Yusef Williams

If you have long, voluminous curls, think about pulling them into a high ponytail and showing them off.

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A Romantic Updo

Credit: Elisa Bricker

Modern Salon and Spa made sure this updo really wowed. Long hair comes in handy if you favor a look like this, because your stylist is able to achieve a full and voluminous look with ease.

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A Fancy Fishtail

Credit: Gabriel Conover Photography

Wedding Hair by Jillian Rae wove these golden tresses into a fishtail braid down the back. It almost blends in with the long loose waves but adds a little something special to the casual hairstyle.

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Gilded Braids

Credit: Jillian Mitchell Photography
13 Braided Wedding Hairstyles We Love

When you're tying the knot somewhere hot (this bride was married in Jamaica!), humidity is a key factor to consider. This bride chose an updo with a thick braided crown, which held up well in the heat and could be further upgraded by Isha Kamara and Nyja Chambers, who wove gold string throughout to add an elegant, metallic touch.

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On the Side

Credit: Audra Wrisley Photography

If you're skipping a veil, you have even more freedom to have a little fun with your wedding hairstyle. About Faces Day Spa & Salon curled and pinned this bride's hair to the side, which framed her face and showcased the wedding dress's stunning back.

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Pony Up

Credit: Maui Maka Photography
30 Wedding-Worthy Ponytails to Complete Your Bridal Beauty Look

Simple can be quite chic. Take this ponytail for example. Calvyn Cass of Brush Salon put the bride's straight hair in a low ponytail and wrapped her locks around it for a sleek finish.

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Simple and Timeless

Credit: Jacob and Pauline

You can never go wrong with a center part and a low, full bun. The longer your hair, the more volume you can achieve.

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Let Your Hair Down

Credit: N Barrett Photography

When choosing your hairstyle, consider what your wedding dress looks like. Long locks with a bit of body and shape, which were styled by Ali Ryan for the Dry House Nashville, beautifully balanced the ornate lace of this bride's gown.

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Glamour Girl

Credit: The De Jaureguis

For a Gilded Age-inspired wedding, a glamorous hairstyle is pretty much a requirement. This bride wore loose finger waves styled by Team Hair & Makeup, which channeled the era in a way that didn't feel like a costume.

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Crowning Around

Credit: Adam Naples
68 Flower Crown Ideas to Complete Your Wedding Hairstyle

If you're getting married in a barn or else planning a somewhat boho celebration, highlight that aesthetic with a hairstyle to match. Here, Makeup with Me added loose waves, which were then topped with a floral crown from The London Plane.

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Half-Up, Entirely Chic

Credit: Erich McVey
28 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love

When you get married on the beach, the wind can make your long hair blow all over your face. Help keep it out of the way with a style like this one by Amy Clarke, who made two braids and merged them for a beach-appropriate look.

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A Timeless Updo

Credit: Liz Banfield

Ashe Franke gathered this bride's hair into a loose and low updo, keeping a few pieces out in the front to frame her face. A classic, timeless look like this never goes out of style.

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Garden Style

Credit: Clary Pfeiffer Photography

Add a little glam to a garden setting with a side-part and soft curls. Hannah Wagner Design kept this bride's long hair off her face with a brooch placed right over her ear.

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Made in the Braid

Credit: Erich McVey

If you're the type of woman who always wears one hairstyle in your day-to-day life, keep it consistent on the wedding day. For this bride, that meant wearing an upgraded version of her everyday look: a braid. She tapped Adrienne Aereboe to create the casual wedding hairstyle.

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Tucked In

Credit: Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashleigh Howard twisted and tucked the back pieces of this bride's long hair and added a soft, romantic wave throughout. With a style like this, you can show off a pair of dazzling earrings with ease.

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Lush and Natural

Credit: Nicole Leever Photography

If you want a little body but nothing too "done," consider a hairstyle like this one by Sherilyn Beauty.

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Romantic Style

Credit: Jacqui Cole Photography
How to Channel Your Favorite Style Icon on Your Wedding Day

Jolie Bridal Beauty pinned back pin-curls to create an intricate, gorgeous updo. Meanwhile, face-framing pieces of hair add a touch of romance. 

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Face-Framing Locks

Credit: Charla Storey Photography

If you're opting to keep your long hair down, curl the sections by your face away so your eyes can be front-and-center.

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Long Waves

Credit: Margaux Cronje

Want to keep your hair casual but elevated? Take a cue from this bride, whose locks were given a subtle wave by  The San Hair.

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Flowers and Braids

Credit: Charity Maurer Photography

There's a subtle princess vibe to this hairstyle by Fairest of All and we love it for that. A thick braid across the back of the head (perfect to tuck a few fresh blooms into) frames a cascade of long curls.

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A Wavy Updo