If you’re planning a coastal wedding, you’re not just picking a time — you’re negotiating with nature. The good news: with a few smart checks, you can choose a ceremony window that feels dreamy, photographs beautifully, and doesn’t have your guests squinting like they’re trying to read a menu in the dark.

Here’s how we do it.

Photographer: Olivia Taylor Photography

Start with the sun (because your photos will)

Light is everything on the coast — it bounces off water, sand, and white tents like a spotlight.

The most flattering option:
2–3 hours before sunset (aka “soft light,” not “sweat and squint”)

• Faces look glowy, not shiny
  
• The sky is bright but not harsh
  
• You’ll still have daylight for family photos + cocktail hour
  
• Golden hour portraits are built in (chef’s kiss)
  

Avoid if you can: 12:00–3:00 pm

• Overhead sun = shadows under eyes + bright squinting
  
• Heat is usually at its peak
  
• It’s harder to keep hair/makeup fresh
  

Planner pro tip: If your ceremony must be earlier, choose shade-friendly layouts (guests facing away from the sun) and prioritize a shaded “photo spot” for family formals.

Photographer: The Joyner Company

Then check the wind (your veil has opinions)

Coastal wind is the wildcard. It can feel refreshing… or like a free blowout you did not request.

Typical pattern: wind often picks up mid-to-late afternoon. (Not always, but often.)

How wind should influence timing:

• If your ceremony setup is delicate (tall florals, lightweight arches, candles), consider a slightly earlier start time.
  
• If you’re doing a beach ceremony, wind can make guests uncomfortable and audio harder to hear.

Quick wind-proofing checklist:

• Skip super-light aisle runners (they become kites)
  
• Use heavier vases + secure arrangements
  
• Veil? Use hidden weights (they make magnetic ones) or choose a shorter style for ceremony. On windy days – skip it during ceremony and just get some pics in a spot that is less windy. 

Audio in coastal wind (what actually works):

• Skip lapel mics when it’s breezy — wind noise can overpower everything.
  
• Use a stand mic between the officiant and the couple (weighted base + windscreen).
  
• If you’re doing handhelds for readings, have a plan for who holds/passes it.

Do a real sound check at ceremony time (wind shifts during the day).

Photographer: Lee Asher Photography

Don’t forget the tide (especially if you’re near the waterline)

If your ceremony is on the beach, marsh edge, or any spot where water creeps in, tides matter more than people realize.

High tide can:

• Shrink your usable beach space
  
• Push your ceremony setup farther back (hello, dunes)
  
• Make guest access trickier

Low tide can:

• Give you more space
  
• Create wider walk paths
  
• Sometimes expose… less-cute parts of the shoreline (it happens)

Best practice: choose your ceremony window based on where the setup will be, not just the venue address. “Beach wedding” can mean a dozen different tide realities.

Photographer: Danielle Volk

Heat + humidity: the comfort factor that changes everything

Even the prettiest coastal view loses its sparkle if everyone’s melting.

If you’re marrying in warm months (July, August are HOT):

• Aim for later ceremony times when the sun softens
  
• Add shade wherever possible
  
• Keep the ceremony tight (10-15 minutes is the sweet spot)
  
• Think through water stations + fans (and actually put them out early)

Hair/makeup reality: humidity is undefeated. Build time for touch-ups before ceremony and plan portrait time strategically.

Photographer: Lightbloom Photography

A simple way to pick your best ceremony time

Here’s the planner-friendly order of operations:

1. Pick your ideal photo light: typically 2–3 hours before sunset
   
2. Check the tide window: make sure your ceremony spot is safe + spacious
   
3. Layer in guest comfort: heat, shade, and how long they’ll be seated
   
4. Confirm the venue rules: noise curfews, vendor access times, beach permit limits

Sample coastal ceremony times that tend to work well

These are general “coastal-friendly” windows (we always tailor by season + location):

• Spring/Fall: 4:30–5:30 pm ceremonies are often the sweet spot
  
• Summer: 5:30–6:30 pm (later if your reception lighting is strong)
  • Sometimes earlier, if there is a 10pm sound ordinance that you’re up against for reception timeline planning
    
• Winter: 3:00–4:30 pm to catch daylight and warmth

Want a planner to do this math for you?

This is exactly the kind of decision that looks simple and turns into 14 tabs open and one person angrily googling “wind speed wedding veil.” If you’re planning a coastal wedding and want your timeline built around real conditions (light, tide, wind, and guest comfort), we’re happy to help.

If your wedding is in the Southport / Bald Head Island / Wilmington area, tell me your month + venue type and I’ll suggest your best ceremony window and a sample timeline.”

Photographer: Olivia Taylor Photography