Getting married with the backdrop of crashing waves makes your wedding day that much dreamier. Whether you're a boho bride who wants to walk down the aisle with your toes in the sand, or you want a regal affair surrounded by the sun and sea, there is a beach wedding dress to suit your style.
Since beaches can have unpredictable weather, you want to choose a dress that can withstand the sun, sand, and wind. To help you find the perfect gown for your nautical nuptials, we researched a vast range of options available online. We also spoke to bridal fashion stylists for their advice on what fabrics and silhouettes fare best on the beach. With their advice, we narrowed down our favorite picks based on the range of sizes, materials, lengths, design elements, and overall quality.
Read on for the best beach wedding dresses.
Editor's Favorite
Bronx and Banco Fiona Bridal Gown
How stunning is this floral frock by Bronx and Banco? "The plunging neckline and high-low hem are sexy and eye-catching," said Brides shopping editor Chloe Caldwell. "I'm in love with the embroidered mesh skirt. The floral appliques add romance and whimsy." Plus, the material is lightweight enough for a sunny day at the beach.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Floor-length
Best Embroidery
Jenny Yoo Josephine Off-The-Shoulder Lace Fit & Flare Gown
Effortlessly elegant and sweet, this Jenny Yoo gown is sure to cause some happy tears as you stride down the aisle. The gorgeous floral embellishments offer a tropical feel that is fitting for any destination ceremony, not to mention it will photograph incredibly well.
Size Range: 0-16| Materials: Cotton, rayon, nylon; polyester, elastane lining | Length: Floor-length
Best Long Sleeves
Willowby by Watters Tiered-Sleeve Off-Shoulder Mesh Column Wedding Gown
If the weather may be on the cooler side, long sleeves are a good option for an outdoor wedding. Mesh offers a breathable and airy feel that will keep you comfortable from the altar to the after-party. We also adore the corset top that adds a romantic and feminine feel.
Size Range: Standard 0-15, Plus 16W-26W | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best A-Line Gown
Jenny Yoo Madeline Corset A-Line Strapless Lace Wedding Gown
If you're hosting a fancy black-tie affair by the beach, we found the perfect dress for you. This gorgeous gown features pretty floral appliques throughout, a structured corset bodice, a strapless neckline, and a universally flattering A-line silhouette. Our favorite part, though? The removable puff sleeves.
Size Range: Standard 0-19, Plus 11W-26W | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best One-Shoulder
A.L.C Dahlia Dress
Looking for something modern and chic? Your search stops here. We love this A.L.C midi dress that features an elegant one-shoulder neckline and an eye-catching side cutout. Plus, the pleated material will look stunning beside distant waves.
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Polyester | Length: Midi
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Reformation Butterfly Dress
Effortless and endlessly romantic, Reformation’s Butterfly dress is a no-brainer for a beach wedding. The flouncy midi hemline is ideal for saying ‘I do’ with your toes in the sand, while the fitted bodice and off-the-shoulder neckline give the silhouette shape and structure. Sweep your hair up to showcase your shoulders and back.
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Viscose | Length: Midi
Most Unique
LoveShackFancy Minka Maxi Dress
Semi-casual yet incredibly elegant, this pretty maxi from LoveShackFancy is perfect for coastal cottage core vibes. The puff sleeves pair effortlessly with the button-up closure and handmade lace detailing. We know this will look stunning in the seaside breeze. Plus, the 100% cotton fabric will keep you comfortable and cool.
Size Range: 00-14 | Material: Cotton | Length: Maxi
For the Minimalist Bride
Sachin & Babi Sabrina Gown
For the bride-to-be whose aesthetic leans minimalist, this Sachin & Babi gown should be on your radar. While clean and simple in design, this gown features plenty of eye-catching details like embroidered floral straps, a flattering empire waist, a front slit, and a diaphanous silhouette.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best Details
CAMI NYC Dorthea Dress
At first glance, this dress looks like a simple slip dress (which we love!). But take a closer look and you'll notice the subtle yet eye-catching details. This pretty number features pearls along the bust with a center cutout. The ultra-thin spaghetti straps also make this a beach-worthy ensemble.
Best Tulle Skirt
Phase Eight Wedding Dress
Intricate beading in floral shapes makes this gown ideal for spring and summer weddings. The fluttering tulle skirt feels elegant and ballet-chic, and we love that it creates a dress that is easy to walk (and dance) in. Pair it with a tousled up-do or loose waves to finish the look.
Size Range: US 2-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi
Most Feminine
V. Chapman Lily Ruched & Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress
It doesn't get more beach-y than this feminine frock from V. Chapman. We adore the frilly details, and the waistline bow and tie-straps add a pretty touch. We can picture this dress at a coastal soiree in the Hamptons—just add some gorgeous gold accessories.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Midi
Most Feminine
Riki Dalal Lace Gown
Floral lace, a Swarovski crystal belt, a plunging illusion neckline, and an exposed back make this dreamy gown feel like the epitome of romance and femininity. We love the sheer long sleeves for a modest look that's still breezy and beautiful for the beach environment.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, rayon | Length: Floor-length
Best Slit Detail
DB Studio Wedding Dress
Between the pin-thin spaghetti straps and jersey material, this maxi dress feels like it was made for an outdoor summer wedding. The lace along the slit is a pretty detail that stands out, and the wrapped bodice creates a gorgeous silhouette to accentuate your figure.
Size Range: Missy 0-14, Plus 16W-30W | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor-length
Most Whimsical
Willowby by Watters Persephone Sweetheart Off-The-Shoulder Side-Slit Lace Wedding Gown
If you want a fairytale wedding, this dress is the perfect fit. This flowy gown features a dreamy sweep train, embroidered lace sleeves, and a corset bodice with dynamic detailing. The result? A dress that's just as dreamy as the love you're celebrating.
Size Range: 00-15, Plus 16W-24W | Materials: Soft netting, polyester stretch charmeuse, tulle, rope trim | Length: Floor-length
For the After-Party
Markarian Mini Dress
Throwing an after-party complete with a beach bonfire? This mini dress will complete the night. The bow details on the shoulders and the long train in the back are unexpected in the best way.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, silk | Length: Mini
Best Linen
Reformation Baela Linen Dress
Lightweight and breathable, linen is an excellent fabric for a beach wedding in the summer. Besides the material, this dress has a midi hemline that makes walking in the sand a breeze. We also love how the flouncy off-the-shoulder neckline plays up the boho aesthetic of seaside nuptials.
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Material: Linen
Best Mini
AMUR Reed Strapless Pleated Shell Mini Dress
If you're hosting a more laidback seaside ceremony, or you're looking for the perfect welcome dinner dress, go with this mini that looks like the ocean waves. From the ruffled hem to the pleated fabric and tiered layers, there's no better mini than this one for a beach affair.
Size Range: 00-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Recycled polyester
Best Jumpsuit
Lulus Britney White Lace Halter Jumpsuit
Not interested in the traditional bridal gown? This eyelash lace jumpsuit is both modern and sophisticated, with an intricate flounce bodice and chic halter neckline. This would look especially stunning paired with a boho flower crown.
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester
Best Wrap Dress
The Prancing Hare Linen Wedding Dress
When you're going for a more simple look, you really can't go wrong with a classic wrap dress. Ruffles and a high-low hemline are both romantic and practical. Made from linen, it will perform well in the unpredictable beach weather. Plus, you can order a custom size for the ideal fit.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Linen | Length: Floor-length
Best Sheer
Natori Lace Gown
For a beach wedding, you can never go wrong with a dress crafted from lightweight lace. It’s romantic, timeless, and breathable. This dreamy gown in a pretty floral lace features a scoop neckline and a side slit, making it a standout choice for seaside nuptials.
Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Lace (nylon, cotton, poly) | Length: Floor-length
What to Look For in a Beach Wedding Dress
- Fabric: Since beach weddings typically happen in the summer or late spring, you may want to choose fabrics that are more comfortable and breathable for warmer weather. Gillian McHattie, stylist at Stitch Fix, recommends lightweight lace, linen, or cotton-silk blends. We like Reformation's Baela Linen Dress as a breathable boho option.
- Length: When getting married on the beach, it's important to consider the length of your dress. McHattie recommends avoiding long trains, as they will drag in the sand and quickly become dirty. "A more casual bride might opt for a midi-length dress to avoid dragging the hem through the sand, but floor-length dresses are certainly also a popular choice," says McHattie. "If opting for a floor-length silhouette, I recommend selecting a hemline that gently touches the ground, but won’t drag behind you and collect sand as you walk down the aisle."
- Design: For a no-frills ceremony, you might want to pick a quiet luxury style, non-traditional beach wedding dress that feels simple and relaxed. Consider something short that won't be dragged through the sand or something more modern like a sleek jumpsuit, such as the Lulus Lace Halter Jumpsuit. If you're going for a ceremony that is more formal, a ballgown or stylish A-line gown can look unexpected in just the right way. For a more feminine look, opt for gowns with embellishments like florals or beads.
Why Trust Brides
Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.
Emily Cieslak is an Associate Commerce Editor at Brides, covering all things beauty and fashion. For this article, the brides team spoke with industry experts for their insight:
- Gillian McHattie is a stylist at Stitch Fix, a clothing site that provides curates personal shopping recommendations.