Congratulations on your upcoming Myrtle Beach wedding. With beautiful beaches and lots of energy, Myrtle Beach may be the perfect spot for your wedding with your fiancé. But despite the magic in a wedding that has to be captured, basically two key elements need to be watched: weather and light.
With this detailed article, we wanted to look at much more than just the average temperatures and sunrise times of Myrtle Beach. Specific weather patterns across the year in Myrtle Beach, how those weather patterns affect photography, and secrets on taking photos for the most beautiful pictures with perfect lighting are going to be detailed.
Finding the Comfort Zone: Weather Conditions by Month
Myrtle Beach boasts a humid subtropical climate, offering warm weather for most of the year. However, understanding the nuances of each season is crucial for planning your photos. Here’s a breakdown by month (based on data from NOAA as of April 2024):
January58434.272Pleasant temperatures, but potentially cooler winds and shorter daylight hours. Consider indoor locations or bundle up for outdoor shots.
February61454.171Similar to January, with a slightly increased chance of sunshine. Can be a good option for couples who prefer cooler weather.
March67504.370Spring awakens! Expect comfortable temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. Ideal for outdoor photography.
April74573.868Warmer temperatures with lower humidity make April a prime month for outdoor photos. Expect lush greenery and beautiful beach backdrops.
May81644.171Sunny skies and comfortable warmth. Perfect for capturing golden hour light and vibrant beach scenes.
June87725.274Hotter temperatures and higher humidity. Plan outdoor photos for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun.
July89756.376Peak summer heat and humidity. Opt for shaded locations or consider indoor photography during the hottest part of the day.
August88756.577Similar to July. Consider incorporating unique elements like beach umbrellas or sunset silhouettes for a whimsical touch.
September84726.175Temperatures start to cool down, with lower humidity making outdoor photography more enjoyable. Great time for beach portraits and capturing vibrant fall foliage (limited in Myrtle Beach).
October78624.870Comfortable fall weather with beautiful lighting conditions. Ideal for outdoor photoshoots in natural settings.
November69524.168Pleasant temperatures with a higher chance of rain. Consider backup locations or indoor options.
December61454.369Cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Can be a good choice for couples who prefer a cozy winter wedding aesthetic.
Beyond the Thermometer: Unveiling the Power of Light
The weather is just a part of the equation: light also has a great role in wedding photography and can be subject to your own use. Here’s a little advice on it:
Golden Hour: The magical period of about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset gives the earth warm, soft light. Just ideal for making that romantic, magical photo with natural, ethereal luminosity.
Soft Light: This kind of light is from an overcast day or the shadow of a building, usually characterised by soft, diffused light that is perfect for the skin to appear in its natural tone without giving deep shadows, thus bringing out the natural texture of the skin. Ideal for close-up and candid views.
Bright midday sun: While the bright midday sun will throw very harsh shadows, on the other hand, it could even be used interestingly. For instance, add props like sunglasses, hats, or umbrellas for a playful and fun look.
Planning for the Unexpected: Backup Options
Even the best research can’t predict Mother Nature. Here’s how to be prepared for any weather scenario:
Communicate with your wedding photographer before the photo session, share with him all the details of your desired photo vision, and how the plan for the photos would be. A professional photographer will offer photos being taken indoors or somewhere else and be open to any type of weather.
Always have a Plan B: With the number of alternate pretty historical buildings, great hotels with nice, fancy lobbies, or cosy eateries set in the areas, the group has to always think of several alternatives as a backup in case of rain and extreme heat/humidity.
This should be scheduled as much as possible another day, respecting the time of the ceremony, so as to give you an opportunity to have more chances of taking the most precious photos under the best conditions in light. Your wedding photography Myrtle Beach professional can help you plan an additional photo session, especially in cases when the forecast is not very favourable on your actual wedding day.
Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips for Breathtaking Myrtle Beach Wedding Photos
Soak in the beach vibes at Myrtle Beach, where there’s a natural setting to provide a canvas aplenty. Capture moving moments on piers with playful amusements, lovers taking a walk along the shore, or the dramatic impact of breaking waves.
Mix in Some Local Flavour: Myrtle Beach has a diverse lot of photo locations that extend past its beach. Take your flavours all the way from historic lighthouses and busy fishing villages to lush gardens.
Use your imagination. Grab those candid moments from your rehearsal dinner, reception, or even your post-wedding adventure.
Capturing Memories that Last a Lifetime
Understanding the interplay between weather and light, your Myrtle Beach wedding photos can be an eternal reflection of your love story. And the most important, remember: relax and enjoy this moment. Be easy and let your photographer catch all the real smiles and joys of this day. With that said, a little bit of creativity and thoughtful planning could leave you with a collection of photos making for really great memories for years to come.