Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Wedding

Everything you need to know:

Your dream Beach Elopement

Dreaming of a breathtaking Gulf Shores or Orange Beach wedding? Picture yourself exchanging vows with the Gulf breeze in your hair, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the emerald green waters in the background. 

Whether you're planning a simple beach elopement or a small coastal wedding with loved ones, this stretch of Alabama's Gulf Coast in the perfect place to say "I Do". 

euphoric. blissful. meraki.

Gaze at the stars and chase crabs after the sun sets. 

Have your first meal enjoying the freshest local seafood around.

Parasail after your Orange Beach wedding

Get Married in Gulf Shores on a sunset sailboat cruise in the Gulf of America

imagine if you could...

If you're wanting the horizon and the sunset to be your wedding backdrop then let's do it! There are private spots within the State Park that allows ceremonies on the beach.  While many couples opt for a simple beach ceremony, there are also beautiful venues to consider nearby as well. 
  • Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion
  • Heron Pointe at the Wharf in Orange Beach
  • Perdido Beach Resort
  • Private Beach Houses & Rentals- many vacation rentals allow weddings right on the sand. You can check out just a few of them here! 
  • Gulf Shores Wedding Chapel

Let the hardest decision of the day be "with or without sand"?

Best Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Wedding Venues

What are you waiting for? Let's plan it. 

It's a dream come true. This is how we make it happen.

If you're planning a Gulf Shores or Orange Beach wedding on public beaches, there are a few steps you have to take first. Gulf Shores requires a wedding permit for ceremonies and it's best to secure it early. 

Other Tips:
1. Best Time of the Year: Spring and Fall offer warm weather without lots of humidity and summer crowds. 
2. Ceremony Times: The golden hour light makes for stunning wedding portraits. There's always the option of a sunrise elopement or picnic before your day as well. 
3. Backup Plan: Beach weather can be very unpredictable, consider a nearby venue as a backup. 

Take a moment to dream up your best day ever. Imagine surrounded by the smell of fresh brewed java coming through the floors of beach house you've rented for you two and only your closest friends and family. Outside the windows, you see the waves crashing against the shore and the sun beaming inside your window as you get ready. Your photographer has arrived to capture you helping one another become wedding ready. Today is your wedding day. 

Planning your Gulf Shores wedding: Permits & tips

Let me help it become reality

let's talk about how to make 'bama your wedding altar. 

As an experienced elopement and intimate wedding photographer based in South Alabama, I know all the best beach locations, lighting conditions, and hidden gems for capturing stunning wedding photos.  Your wedding day isn't a full on photoshoot rather it's a story line and it deserves to be told in full. 

why hire a local gulf shores & orange beach wedding photographer

Malcolm hill

"Mataya was an absolute delight to work with. She made us feel comfortable and captured our day beautifully."

It's me, Mataya (Muh-Tay-Uh).
Wow, if all that information is leaving you feelin' a little fatigued don't worry! I got the coffee hot and a hand to hold. I've done the research so you don't have to. If you're enjoying all the information, just imagine what your elopement could look like with me by your side researching for you! You aren't in this alone, pinky promise. 

Hey adventurer

Contact - Gulf Shores Wedding Photographer

faq for Gulf shores weddings & Elopements

Q: Can I have guests at my beach wedding?

Yes, absolutely. Most places limit the amount of guests that can be in attendance but each one is different. This is why it's important to check with your beach house, venue, or state park to make sure the location you choose can accomodate for all of your guests. You can also opt to have a private ceremony with only you two and then celebrate with your guests later as well. 

Yes! No matter where you reside, you may get legally married in Alabama. You only need to fill out the county where the certificate will be good for (aka where your "ceremony" will take place and where you plan to send it). 

Q. Can I get married on the beach in Alabama?

Finding an Airbnb or rental that allows private events on their property is one way to go about having the ceremony on the beach. Another way (and if you have family or friends that may be attending) is renting one of the four locations that are offered on the beach. Check out this blog to know exactly how to go about securing those permits and payments. 

Q. Can I get married in Alabama if I don't live in Alabama?