Photo by KT Crabb Photography
Key Takeaways
Choose from mermaid waves or boho braids to elevate your beach wedding hairstyle for any type of celebration.
Consider hair accessories like flower crowns or ribbons to customize your beach-friendly hairstyle and add flair.
Whether you prefer sleek or tousled styles, find easy and elegant looks like updos or ponytails for your big day.
Whether your venue is oceanside or in a classic ballroom, beach wedding hairstyles look stunning both on and off the shore. From classic ponytails to bohemian-like flower crowns, these laid-back styles are the perfect option for brides who desire an effortless look. And for those who need a little bit of inspiration ahead of their own nuptials, don't worry; we found several real brides who perfected the beach hairdo for their own big days.
Ahead, we're sharing 20 of our favorite beach wedding hairstyles, straight from real brides. Whether you have traditional tastes and are on the hunt for a humidity-friendly updo or you're just someone who favors relaxed tousled waves, no matter where your aesthetics fall, we're confident you'll find a look you love.
Embellished Updo
Photo by Leah Marie Photography
While this sleek updo is quintessential for beach brides, the stunning pearl embellishments take it to new heights. As seen here, you can basically elevate any style with small embellishments without taking away from that laid-back vibe you love.
Mermaid Waves
Photo by Photo by Julieta
It doesn't get more quintessential beach wedding hair than shiny, wind-swept waves. This swoon-worthy style is one that fulfills every beachy, bridal-hair dream.
Play with the finish of the hair, from matte to glossy, to adjust the look of these mermaid waves to better fit your style and vision.
Pony Up
Photo by Stephanie Brauer
Don't discount the everyday ponytail—it can make quite the beautiful wedding-day hairstyle, especially when wrapped in ribbon. Former Brides photo editor Brenda Armendariz shows us how it's done at her beachside nuptials in Mexico.
Beachy Crop
Photo by Ryan Ray
Short locks are just as conducive to a beachy style as long tresses. This bride added loose waves to her shoulder-length hair and accessorized with a fabulous birdcage veil for her coastal nuptials.
Long Veil
Photo by KT Crabb Photography
We're in absolute awe of this stunningly ethereal look. There's something so gorgeous about beachy, loose curls styled with a delicate veil.
Messy Bun
Photo by Katie Ruther
What's the difference between an elegant chignon and an impeccable messy bun, perfectly placed just at the nape of the neck? Infinite amounts of California cool-girl factor. This bride nailed the look with a few loose tendrils (and those earrings) for her boho-chic Tulum, Mexico, wedding.
Minimalist Low Ponytail
Photo by Thanasis Kaiafas
An elegant, open-back gown calls for a chic low ponytail. This is the ultimate example of minimalist elegance for a no-frills bride.
Half-Up, Half-Down
Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography
Tousled waves look even better when you pull back the front sections of your hair and let your radiance shine through. So effortless and natural, this half-up bun is playful and pragmatic all at once.
Modern Crown
Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography
Easy and breezy is exactly what you get when you gather your curls in a relaxed style and top it off with a gold floral crown. We're obsessed with how the texture of the florals mimics that of the bride's lace dress at this Northern California wedding.
Traditional Updo
Photo by Bruno Rezza
If you're the type of bride who wants a beachy 'do with a traditional vibe, this beautiful updo is calling your name. Follow this bride's lead and style your beauty moment with gorgeous accessories for a one-of-a-kind look.
Sleek Option
Photo by 2digitalbodas
This look just knocked us over. Fashion-forward brides will appreciate a sleeker take on the beach-friendly updo, like this elegant beauty sported.
Tousled Waves
Photo by KT Merry
Classic tousled waves are the perfect match for a non-traditional beach bride. We love how the texture of the hair emphasizes the dimension in Stephanie Hill's golden highlights.
Polished Knot
PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY
For the unfussy bride looking for an easy 'do to match her sandy nuptials, look no further than a trendy low knot. The polished design will stand out on its own, so no hair accessories are needed.
Add an Accessory
Photo by The Goodness
Wedding day waves look even better with a whimsical hair accessory, as seen on this bride. We love how it mimics the flow of the hair's loose curls.
Boho Braids
Photo by Kaity Brawley
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Adding a braid can instantly transform a simple hairstyle into a bohemian dream. A dainty braid and soft waves complement this bride's low-key locale to a tee.
Laid-Back Updo
Photo by Kristen Curette
This is proof that an easygoing updo can look so elegant. We love how the added volume and wavy texture at the crown blend seamlessly into the carefully coiffed coils.
A Twist on Tradition
Photo by Olivia Rae James
This is how you infuse a traditional updo with a beachy vibe: Twist it up. This style is great for allowing those back details to be the real showstopper, but it isn't something to go unnoticed either. A perfect pairing!
Charming Flower Crown
Photo by Echoes & Wild Hearts
Beach weddings and flower crowns go hand in hand. We love the lush, whimsical look that this bride wore to her wedding on the Greek island of Crete. The sweet combination of white flowers adds so much texture and dimension to her look, transforming her into a full-fledged boho Greek goddess.
Beautiful Blossom
Photo by Olivia Rae James
If you love a "girl with flowers in her hair" moment but don't want to go full Coachella vibes with a flower crown, there are other options. Adorn a sleek chignon with floral detail to give it a tropical flair.
If you're having a destination wedding, consider using some of the local flora in your 'do to infuse some of the natural surroundings and environment into your look.
Classic Bun
Photo by Belathée Photography
Keep it classic with a swept-back bun that shows off your killer smile. Bonus: Your hair will be off your neck when the summer sun beats down.
Loose Tendrils
Photo by Lilly Red
You can have the best of both worlds with this bride's formal low twist coupled with the casualness of the loose tendrils that frame her face. And we love her long pearl earrings to complete the look.
Tight Bun
Photo by Elizabeth Austin Photography
A slicked-back low bun is perfect for a beach wedding, especially if it's a windy or especially hot day. You can get through the ceremony and reception without any strands falling out of place.
Long and Loose
Photo by Erich McVey Photography
This long and loose style is a favorite for laid-back beach brides who want to look stunning but keep it simple for the big day.
Full Glam
Don't think you can go full-on glam for a beach wedding. This bride complemented her beautiful blue wedding dress with a lush low bun and topped it off with a jeweled headpiece.
Touch of Greenery
ViDi Studio/Getty Images
Bring the unexpected to your updo. This bride added some greenery to go along with the florals she included in her beach wedding 'do.
