Choosing the right beach wedding hairstyle is just as important as picking out the perfect dress. It sets the tone for your overall look and needs to harmonize with the breezy, romantic seaside ambiance. This guide explores 21 trending wedding hairstyles that will inspire you to find your dream style while helping you prepare your hair for the coastal elements. Ready to find the beach wedding hairstyle that perfectly captures the essence of your coastal wedding?

From soft, subtle waves that play with the ocean breeze to elegant, dramatic updos designed to last through the festivities, each style complements your seaside celebration beautifully.

A woman is getting her wedding hair styled in a salon.

Effortless Loose Waves

One of the most iconic and universally flattering hairstyles for beach weddings is the effortless loose wave. This style exudes a sense of laid-back elegance that blends seamlessly with the casual, natural backdrop of the ocean. To achieve this look, use a wide-barreled curling iron or a flat iron to create gentle waves, then brush them out slightly for a soft, tousled effect.

A light mist of sea salt spray can add texture and hold, keeping your waves looking effortlessly perfect throughout the day. Ideal for any hair length, loose beach wave wedding hairstyles can be adorned with small floral accents or pearl pins for a touch of bridal glamour.

Elegant Braided Updos

Elegant braided updos are the quintessential choice for the beach bride seeking a sophisticated yet effortlessly chic look. These styles integrate the romantic intricacies of braids with the polished appeal of an updo, making them perfect for outdoor settings where the wind might play a factor.

Begin with a base of French, Dutch, or fishtail braids, then carefully twist and pin the braid into a low bun at the nape. For a touch of whimsy, weave in some small tropical flowers or a delicate jeweled clip. This hairstyle will elegantly manage your locks throughout the day, complementing a variety of wedding gown styles, from the more traditional to the modern bohemian.

Amidst the serene beauty of a lush garden, a couple stands facing each other; the woman, with braided hair, is elegantly dressed in white, while the man complements her attire in a sophisticated navy suit. This enchanting setting is reminiscent of the picturesque surroundings at Fiesta Americana Cozumel.

Sleek Low Bun

The sleek low bun is a classic and refined hairstyle that pairs with the clean, sophisticated look ideal for a formal beach wedding. This style keeps hair neatly away from the face and neck, which is perfect for a warm, breezy day by the sea. To achieve this look, brush your hair back to a smooth finish and secure it into a tight bun at the base of your neck.

Elevate this elegant silhouette with a thin braid wrapped around the bun or a bejeweled comb for a subtle sparkle. This hairstyle adds a refined grace to your bridal ensemble, delivering comfort and durability against the seaside elements.

Bohemian Fishtail Braids

Bohemian fishtail braids are a stunning, laid-back yet intricate hairstyle choice that embodies the spirit of a beachside wedding. This hairstyle works beautifully with long, flowing bridal gowns and is adaptable to either a polished or a more relaxed wedding theme. The key to perfecting the fishtail is to loosely braid your hair, allowing some strands to flow freely for a more relaxed look.

After braiding, gently pull apart the braid to add volume and texture. Embellish with natural elements like small flowers or greenery to complement the bohemian vibe. This style stays put in the ocean breeze and will beautifully frame your face.

Flower-Adorned Hairstyles

Flower-adorned hairstyles are a romantic and picturesque choice for any bride dreaming of a true beach wedding. Integrating fresh, vibrant flowers into your hair can create a stunning focal point and tie your appearance to the lush, natural surroundings. Choose flowers that match your bouquet or contrast beautifully against your hair color for a cohesive and themed look.

Whether woven through a braid, tucked behind an ear, or arranged within a bun, flowers bring a burst of natural beauty that is perfectly suited for the simplicity and splendor of a beach setting. This hairstyle connects your look with the environment, making you pop in every photograph.

Half-Up, Half-Down Curls

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a versatile and attractive option that delivers both elegance and practicality for a beach wedding. This style effectively keeps hair from your face while showcasing the length and lushness of your curls. To achieve this, curl your locks with a medium-barrel curling iron to create soft, flowing waves, then gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a decorative clip or twist at the back.

Adornments like seaside-inspired pins or delicate shells can add a thematic touch that resonates with the coastal vibe. This hairstyle is particularly effective for brides who wish to enjoy the natural beach winds without compromising on style.

A bride with a half-up wedding hairstyle standing in a greenhouse.

Tousled Ponytails

Tousled ponytails are a fantastic choice for the bride who wants a hairstyle that’s both chic and manageable under the beach’s sun and breeze. This look strikes a beautiful balance between casual beach wedding hairstyles and understated elegance, making it suitable for both informal and more formal beach weddings.

Start by curling your hair for soft waves, then pull it back into a mid-height ponytail, allowing some strands to fall casually around your face for a relaxed, tousled effect. A ribbon or fabric matching your dress wrapped around the base of the ponytail can add a personalized touch, while a few sprigs of baby’s breath intertwined in the curls give it a delicate, romantic finish.

Vintage Waves

Vintage waves are an exquisite option for the bride who adores a classic glamour look, bringing a touch of old Hollywood elegance to the beach setting. Beach wedding long hairstyles like these create deep, sculpted waves with a glossy finish. Use a large-barrel curling iron and a strong-hold setting spray to maintain the shape of the waves throughout the day.

For an authentic vintage feel, tuck one side behind your ear and secure it with a decorative clip or a small cluster of pearls. This sophisticated style pairs wonderfully with more structured gowns and is sure to turn heads as you walk down the sandy aisle.

Waterfall Braids

Waterfall braids are a dreamy and intricate look that beautifully incorporates the flowy, natural elements of the beach. This braid starts at the crown and gracefully weaves around your head, with strands cascading down like a waterfall — hence the name. It’s a fantastic way to feature both braided elements and loose hair, ideal for showcasing highlights or the natural dimensions of your hair color.

Decorate the braid with tiny flowers or small gems to match its intricate pattern, making it a stunning focal point of your bridal look. This style is especially picturesque for ceremonies by the sea, as it mimics the gentle flow of ocean waves.

Layered Bob for the Modern Bride

A layered bob can be a chic and striking choice for brides looking for a non-traditional yet stylish beach wedding hairstyle. This cut is particularly effective for adding volume and movement to your hair, making it a practical yet fashionable option for windy beach settings.

Style with a texturizing spray to make the layers pop and build a playful, tousled look that feels effortless and contemporary. Accessorize with a minimalist clip or a single flower for a touch of elegance, or keep it simple and let the boldness of the cut speak for itself. This hairstyle is perfect for the modern bride who embraces a bold and minimalist aesthetic.

Dutch Braids with Starfish Pins

Dutch braids with starfish pins create a whimsical and enchanting hairstyle, perfect for a beach-themed wedding. This look involves braiding small sections of hair close to the scalp, often starting from the forehead and working back towards the crown or down the sides.

Intersperse the braids with small starfish pins or other marine-themed accessories to tie your look closely with the oceanic environment. This style also adds a playful, themed element to your bridal attire. It’s ideal for brides who wish to infuse a sense of fun and fantasy into their wedding day look.

A beautiful bride with a half-up wedding hairstyle holding a bouquet of flowers.

Sleek and Straight with Tropical Flowers

For the bride who prefers a sleeker, more polished appearance, straight hair styled with tropical flowers is the elegant yet simple solution. Use a flat iron to achieve a smooth, shiny finish, and apply a serum to tame any frizz caused by the beach humidity.

Tuck one side behind your ear and adorn it with vibrant tropical flowers like hibiscus or frangipani, which add a pop of color and exude a tropical charm. This hairstyle is ideal for modern gowns and works beautifully with minimalist jewelry, emphasizing a clean and sophisticated bridal look.

Classic French Twist

A classic French twist is an elegant and timeless hairstyle choice, ideal for brides seeking a sophisticated look that complements the serene beach backdrop. Begin by smoothly gathering your hair at the back of your head and twisting it upwards into a neat, secure coil, fastening it with bobby pins.

For a touch of bridal flair, consider embellishing the twist with small floral accents or delicate pearl pins that subtly adorn the hairstyle. This refined updo holds up beautifully against the coastal breeze and pairs gracefully with both contemporary and classic wedding gowns.

Beachy Bob with Casual Waves

A beachy bob with casual waves is perfect for a playful, youthful vibe, ideal for more relaxed beach weddings. This style works best on shorter hair and consists of creating light, breezy waves with a curling iron or a salt spray.

The waves add volume and movement, making the bob appear fuller and perfectly tousled. You can leave the hair free or clip one side back with a sea-themed accessory like a starfish or a small sailboat pin for an added nautical touch.

Crown Braid with Baby’s Breath

The crown braid is a romantic and ethereal hairstyle that circles the head for a regal yet delicate look. This style is particularly suited for beach weddings due to its secure form that withstands the wind while maintaining a touch of whimsy.

Weave a thin crown braid from one side of your head to the other, securing the end discreetly under the start of the braid. Intersperse small sprigs of baby’s breath throughout the braid for a subtle floral accent, which boosts its fairytale appeal and beautifully complements any lace or light fabric bridal gown.

Windswept Updo with Coral Accessories

The windswept updo is designed to look as though the sea breeze naturally styled your hair. This effortlessly chic hairstyle gathers curls into a loosely tied-back updo, allowing some curls to escape artfully around the face and neck.

Enhance this tousled look by weaving coral accessories into the updo, echoing the ocean’s beauty. This style will withstand the beach elements while capturing the spontaneous spirit of a seaside ceremony.

High Bun with Breezy Bangs

A high bun paired with breezy bangs makes a contemporary and tidy look while keeping your hair away from your face and neck during the beach festivities. The bun should be sleek and secure, while the bangs can be styled softly to flutter with the ocean wind for a playful and youthful vibe.

Embellish the bun with small white flowers or minimalist pins for a subtle but beautiful accent. This style is excellent for showcasing earrings and the neckline of the dress.

Woman adorned with a floral hairpiece styled in an elegant updo, ideal for destination wedding hairstyles by the beach.

Grecian Goddess Braid Crown

Grecian goddess braids exude romance and elegance, perfect for a bride aiming for a timeless look inspired by ancient beauty. Start with two thick braids at each side of the head and cross them at the nape before wrapping them around to the front, creating a crown-like effect.

Intertwine ivy or small white blossoms into the braids to match the ethereal aesthetic. This hairstyle is particularly striking for long hair and complements flowy, empire-waist gowns beautifully.

Mermaid Waves with Crystal Clips

For a truly beach-inspired look, mermaid waves are soft, undulating curls that mimic the ocean’s rhythm. Use a large-barrel curling iron to achieve loose waves, then brush them out gently for a natural, flowing appearance.

Secure one side with crystal clips to add a touch of sparkle that catches the sunlight, reminiscent of water glistening in the sun. This romantic and captivating hairstyle is perfect for brides who want to embody the allure of the ocean on their special day.

High Ponytail

For the bride looking for a mix of sophistication and practicality, the high ponytail is an effortlessly chic solution that’s perfect for a beach setting. This hairstyle pulls all your hair up and away from your face and neck, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the ceremony.

To add a bridal touch, wrap a section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic, and consider incorporating a few delicate flowers or a sparkly hair accessory for a touch of elegance.

Half Fishtail

The half-fishtail braid is a stunning choice for brides who love a blend of loose hair and intricate braiding. This hairstyle involves starting a fishtail braid at the back of the head on half of the hair while leaving the rest flowing freely.

It’s a less formal look that captures the relaxed vibe of beach weddings but still adds a touch of special occasion flair. Accent the braid with small beads or pearls woven into the plait for a subtle yet beautiful embellishment that complements the oceanic backdrop.

Perfect Beach Wedding Hairstyles to Seal Your Vows

As you plan your dream beach wedding, choosing the right hairstyle is crucial in setting the tone for your overall look so you feel comfortable and look beautiful. The 21 popular wedding hairstyles we’ve explored a variety of options that cater to every beach bride’s taste and wedding theme. From the relaxed allure of effortless loose waves to the structured elegance of a classic French twist, each style has been selected to highlight your natural beauty against the stunning backdrop of the sea and sand.

These hairstyles help you look your best while freeing you to embrace the laid-back spirit of your beach venue. Whether you opt for soft curls that catch the sea breeze or a secure updo adorned with tropical flowers, your hairstyle should complement your surroundings and reflect your style. Remember, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your special day.

As you make your final choice, consider the practical aspects of your wedding setting. Beach weddings often come with unique challenges, like wind or humidity, so select a hairstyle that will withstand the elements. With the right preparation and the perfect hairstyle, you’ll be ready to walk down the sandy aisle confidently and gracefully.