With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about beautiful beach weddings! Wedding ceremonies on the beach can range from very casual with just a handful of guests to large and formal celebrations – and everything in between. No matter what size or style of wedding you choose, the music of the harp is the perfect complement to a beach wedding ceremony!
The two instruments I primarily use for beach ceremonies are my BlevinSong (pictured above) and Laurel Leaf harps (pictured below):
Both of these harps are easy to transport across the sand, and can be set up directly on the beach with nothing underneath them. Lots of flexibility for your location with these instruments! If you have a boardwalk or patio that is a solid, non-sand surface, I can use one of my pedal harps (Venus Classic harp pictured below):
Although these larger and heavier harps cannot be moved across or set up on sand, they are a good option if there is a solid surface nearby.
With the wind and waves at the beach, having amplification for both your officiant and music is a must. Otherwise, all of the sound gets carried off over the water and no one can hear your vows or the beautiful music you have selected! With all beach weddings, I bring an amplifier for the harp.
When in comes to selecting specific songs to be played, the versatility of the harp gives you almost unlimited options! You can go traditional (“Canon in D,” “Here Comes the Bride,” “Ave Maria“), or for something completely different. I’ve played for weddings with a Final Fantasy theme, one that was all Beatles music, a Celtic wedding with Irish folk songs, and many that combined classical and traditional music with a few unexpected pieces that had a special meaning to the couple. As a professional wedding harpist playing for beach weddings, I love working with my couples to create a play-list for their ceremony that fits their vision, theme, and personalities. Each one is unique!
In your search for the perfect music for your wedding, be sure the musicians you select have experience with the logistics of playing on a beach. Most require shade during the summer months, as musical instruments are delicate and staying out in direct sunlight on a hot day can cause them permanent damage. This also helps keep the instruments in tune and your wedding music sounding the best. Consider bringing or renting a large umbrella or canopy that coordinates with your wedding colors so that everything has a cohesive look.
Ask musicians you are considering if they will provide their own amplification, if there will be an additional charge, or if you will be responsible for renting equipment on your own. I strongly recommend hiring musicians that have their own sound system, as the audio quality will be better with a system they are familiar with using, and that is geared to their instruments.
Beach weddings are beautiful, and adding harp music makes it all the more romantic and special. If you are interested in having a harpist for your wedding ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner, please contact me!