The 25 Best Beach Wedding Hairstyles for Brides, Bridesmaids, and Guests

Make waves in the best way with these beautiful hairstyles.
25 Perfect Hairstyles for Beach Weddings
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
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Elizabeth Kadar
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Elizabeth Kadar
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Elizabeth is a freelance fashion, beauty, lifestyle and commerce writer with more than 10 years of editorial experience writing for top tier publications, including The Knot, TIME, Forbes Vetted, Hearst, Brides, Today’s Parent and many more.
  • Elizabeth freelances as a copywriter, specializing in fashion, and has worked with major brands like Maisonette.
  • Prior to writing, Elizabeth worked in fashion PR in both New York a...
Updated Nov 21, 2023

Beach hair, do care! There's a lot to consider when choosing the perfect hairdo for your big day, and even more so when you're tying the knot outdoors and don't want your hair in knots thanks to the beach breeze. The best beach wedding hairstyles can go with the flow, quite literally, and are relaxed, romantic, and effortlessly chic no matter your dress or venue.

From easy-breezy braids and loose waves to humidity-proof ponytails and buns that beat the elements, we've rounded up the coolest beach wedding hairstyles to keep you cool for every texture and length, from short to long to medium. These beachy 'dos work great for guests and bridesmaids too. Simply save your faves, and share them with your stylist, stat!

A Beautiful Boho Half-Up Braid

Braided beach updo
Photo: Bree Rubin Hair / @breerubinhair

All the floral boho beach wedding hairstyle inspiration you'll need! Whether you're exchanging vows in a remote tropical paradise or hosting a laid-back luxe, modern-hippie wedding on the sand in Malibu, this half-up beach wedding hairstyle is sure to wow. Add a fresh floral crown to accessorize your braid, and keep it all in place with perfectly placed pins and product—just ask your hairstylist to secure it well to withstand wind.

Sleek Pony With Curls

Sleek pony tail with curls
Photo: Ashley Antoine Beauty

This ultra-glam ponytail is giving us all the Kim Kardashian vibes. It's elegant yet effortless and would be perfect for a black tie or formal beach wedding at a fancy resort. Pair it with an open-back dress and diamond drop earrings for some serious wow factor. Do note that you'll need long hair or extensions to pull off this style.

A Messy High Bun

Messy high bun for your wedding day
Photo: Beyond The Ponytail

Not your typical messy mom bun. Instead of fighting your hair's natural texture, embrace one of our fave beach wedding hairstyles for curly hair by opting for this chic textured high bun. Leave some curls down to frame your face, and add some natural makeup and a beautiful boho lace gown to complete the look.

An Elegant & Undone Low Bun

elegant messy low bun
Photo: Anna Dutko & Lo Welch

If you're looking for Insta-worthy updos for a beach wedding, this soft, sophisticated textured low bun is the perfect twist on a traditional bun. Not only is it simply stunning, but it's also practical and works with the humidity so you can focus on enjoying the night with your loved ones instead of stressing about frizz and flyaways.

A Stylish Side Bubble Braid

Side bubble braid for your wedding day
Photo: @kayy.hairstylist

Bubble ponytails and braids are all the rage, but we especially love this boho-beachy take on the trendy look for your oceanfront wedding. It's ideal for brides, bridesmaids, or guests who want to take their loose waves to the next level with a little something extra. Isn't it incredible how the bubble braid basically blends right in?

The Floral Crown Jewel

floral crown for your wedding day hair style
Photo: Maria Grace Photography

The perfect beach wedding hairstyles for short hair do exist. This beautiful bride proves that letting your short natural hair do its thing is a thing of beauty. Simply top with a statement accessory, like this delicate floral hairpiece, to add a touch of glamour to your wedding day look.

Classic Curled High Pony

Classic curly pony tail
Photo: Bo Shim Photo / @boshimphoto

Traditional country club wedding with epic ocean views? We got you. For the best beach wedding updos that beat the heat, you can't go wrong with this classic curled ponytail, which keeps the hair off your neck so you're not hot and bothered all night.

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An Edgy Inside-Out Side French Braid

Side braid with cowrie shells
Photo: Posh Equestrian

Puka shells, but make it modern. A little bit edgy and a lot a bit cool, this punk rock beach wedding hairstyle is definitely different and we're digging it. We love the slightly messy side inside-out French braid accessorized with tiny shell rings for a subtle sea vibe. Style the rest of your hair straight with a slight wave/texture for a perfectly imperfect look.

Slightly Messy Braided Low Bun

Gorgeous braided bun with flowers
Photo: Skincover Bridal Makeup / @skincare_bridal_makeup

Braided updos top our list of the best beach wedding hairstyles for bridesmaids. They look effortless even when they're not and allow your girls to express their own unique styles while still keeping it cohesive. This intricately braided bun is a stunning choice for a sand ceremony. Accentuate it with flowers that match the wedding colors to finish the look.

A Simple, Sleek Undone Bun

Twist with gold barrettes
Photo: @leletny

It's the giant gold ponytail cuffs for us. Picture this simple yet sleek twisted bun paired with a chic slip wedding gown and embellished sandals for a magnificently modern beach wedding moment. We love that the pony cuffs will help keep your hair extra secure as you dance the night away and that they're something you'll be able to wear again in real life.

Beachy Waves

Beachy waves for your wedding day
Photo: Passport to Pretty / @my_passporttopretty

We've all heard the wise advice that if you normally wear your hair down, then you should follow suit on your wedding day. This glowing bride is a prime example that sometimes simple beach wedding hairstyles really are best. These easy waves would work well on almost any hair length.

Wavy Boho Half-Up Hairstyle

Beachy waves for your wedding day
Photo: Mindy Tidwell / @bowsandarrowhair

If you don't want your hair in your face all night but still want to wear it down, this half-up boho style is the way to go. It combines simple soft waves with front pieces pulled back and tied in a loose "knot" at the back of the head to create an elegant and easy beach wedding hairstyle that can go with almost any gown.

Simple Waterfall Braid

Simple waterfall braid for your beach wedding
Photo: Jessica Keife / @jaykaybraids

Finding straight beach wedding hair inspiration can be tough when you're surrounded by waves, literally. This simple waterfall braid nails it though, allowing you to wear your long hair down just the way you like it, but with a little something whimsical to turn heads. Just be warned that if your hair tends to frizz up in high humidity, you may need to add loose waves to help weatherproof it.

Sleek Low Braided Bun

Braided bun for you wedding day hair inspo
Photo: @leletny

If your wedding vibe is less free-spirited boho and more elevated beach, consider this sleek braided bun hairstyle bedazzled with the most gorgeous 14k gold floral combs (or your statement hair accessory of choice). We love how it's paired with coordinating statement earrings for a glam beach goddess look.

Low Voluminous Pony

Voluminous pony tail for your wedding day hair inspo
Photo: Anna Sullivan Hair / Pinterest

We're enamored with this wildly good ponytail, perfect for all the curly-haired girls who want to embrace their natural texture for the big day. Frame the face with a couple of loose strands and loosely pull long hair back into a low ponytail for an undone look that's super dreamy. We can envision this on a bride, bridal party, or wedding guests.

A Chic Infinity Braid Updo

fishtail braid for your wedding day
Photo: @beyondtheponytail

So enchanting! If you're on the hunt for beach bride hairstyles that perfectly blend boho with glam, you'll fall in love with this unique infinity braid bun. It's romantic and elevated with that tactfully tousled touch that feels right at home for a wedding by the water.

A Twisted Half-Up Look

Wedding day hair inspo
Photo: Hairstyles by Sydney / @hairstyles.by.sydney

Short and sweet, this twisted half-up up look is simple but so pretty. In fact, it's one of our favorite beach wedding hairstyles for shoulder-length hair because it pairs well with practically any dress style and is interesting without too much drama. We adore this hairstyle for beach wedding guests in particular

Skinny Goddess Braids

Beach ready hairstyles for your wedding day
Photo: @leletny

Channel your inner cool girl Zoe Kravitz with these Rapunzel-length skinny goddess braids that'll make you feel like a modern-day mermaid. We love the addition of a dazzling gold headband and big hoops to round out the look. Pair with a flowy boho dress for the ultimate whimsical wedding style.

Beachy Curls With Bangs

Beach ready waves for your wedding day
Photo: Hair by Azi / @hair_by_azi

We're a sucker for beach-wavy wedding hairstyles. These soft romantic curls lean a little more feminine and less boho surfer babe. They also look super stylish with straight bangs.

Twisted Braid Half-Up Half-Down 'Do

Beach ready waves for your wedding day
Photo: @kayy.hairstylist

Whether you're throwing a magnificent ballroom beach wedding or planning the prettiest picnic dinner right on the sand, this curly beach wedding hairstyle half-up half-down braid with a twist is utter perfection and gives major glam girl vibes. Pair it with an equally as fabulous gown to make a big splash.

A Long, Loose Fishtail

Braid with mermaid charms
Photo: Ulku Volk / @hairmakeupbyulku

A loose fishtail braid is easily one of the coolest beach wedding hairstyles for long hair. This bride accessorized hers with tons of sea-themed hair rings; however, you could also keep it simple if that's more your style, and let your dress be the star.

Big Beachy Waves

Beach ready waves for your wedding day
Photo: Sarah Doucet Photography / @sarahdoucetphotography

Let your hair down, Repunzel. One of the best beach wedding hairstyles for long hair is tousled beach waves, similar to that surfer chic, naturally windblown look we all love. Plus, it makes for some seriously dreamy, "hair blowing in the wind" wedding photo opps.

A Classic Bun With Pearls

Sleek bun hairstyle for your wedding day
Photo: Hair by Hal / Pinterest

This classic, no-fuss bun is coastal prep perfection. For the bride who leans a little bit more traditional, a simple sleek bun accented with a pearl-adorned clip (as a slight nod to the sea) couldn't be prettier. Pair it with matching pearl earrings for a more preppy look or go bold with big gold hoops to make it more modern.

An Ultra-Modern Fishtail Pony

modern fishtail ponytail braid with gold accessories
Photo: @leletny

A high-fashion fishtail pony for a hip bride with serious style and swagger. This cool, contemporary braid is made even better with the addition of some glossy gold and arched ponytail cuffs, perfect for your modern coastal celebration.

A Curly Ethereal Updo

Romantic curly updo for your wedding day
Photo: Erin Rhyne / Pinterest

Sea goddess goals! For girls with curls looking for romantic beach wedding hairstyles for short hair, we're absolutely swooning over this ethereal updo with bangs. It's finished with a realistic-looking, whimsical floral hair vine that's oh-so dreamy.

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