Fire Island Intimate Wedding | Orsi and Peter
Fire Island, a dreamy destination for an elopement wedding, is surprisingly close to New York. Yet, it feels like a journey to a distant beach resort. Whether it’s the off-season or late spring, the island remains serene. The sound of the waves, the gentle breeze, and the sight of the Lighthouse emerging from the mist create a scene straight out of a romantic movie, ready for your love story to unfold.
No surprise that Orsi and Peter chose this Long Island spot for their intimate beach wedding. It was late May. There was still a spring chill in the air, and a dreamy fog rolled in from the ocean and the bay. Everything felt soft, calm, and impossibly romantic.
Getting Married on Fire Island
Peter and the family arrived first and set up their ceremony spot in about twenty-five minutes. The location overlooked the water with the Lighthouse standing proud in the background. You can’t park right next to the Lighthouse, but you can unload your things before moving the car to a nearby lot off Robert Moses Highway. From there, it’s about a fifteen-minute walk back. A stroll if you’re not in heels!
By late afternoon, the fog wrapped us in this soft, diffused light. It made everything feel even more intimate and cinematic.
The Beach Elopement Ceremony
The wooden path from the Lighthouse to the beach kept everyone steady as they made their way to the ceremony. It’s a simple plank walkway that frames your elopement portraits perfectly. Orsi made her entrance with the wind playing in her dress, and Peter’s face said everything. These two were ready to make it official.
The ceremony wasn’t too long, but it was long enough to capture all those candid moments: smiles, tears, rings, vows. Afterward, we did some quick family portraits with their boho-inspired wedding arch before I whisked the couple away for their portraits.
TIP: Leave the heels at home. Beach weddings call for barefoot moments or comfy flats.
Fire Island Wedding Portraits
After the ceremony, Orsi and Peter gave me time to explore the island with them. Fire Island is perfect for elopement portraits. You can walk from the ocean to the dunes in minutes, and every path brings new backdrops. Your photos will be one of a kind with dunes, boardwalks, and, of course, the Lighthouse.
We took our time, stopping where the fog looked magical or where the dunes rolled out like a desert-meets-sea scene. Their Fire Island elopement wedding felt effortless and full of joy. The quiet and seclusion allowed them to be themselves truly. Just the two of them, taking in the moment, and letting me capture it all.
As a Long Island wedding photographer, I never get tired of beach elopements, especially when couples like Orsi and Peter trust the setting, the light, and their connection.
Thinking About Your Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a Fire Island elopement wedding or looking into a Long Island beach wedding, know that it can be simple, stunning, and full of heart. You don’t need a big crowd or a grand venue. You just need a beautiful place, a little planning, and someone to capture the magic.
Other Public Beach Elopement Locations on Long Island
While Fire Island is a favorite, other public Long Island beaches are perfect for a small wedding or elopement:
- Robert Moses State Park – Right next to Fire Island, with long stretches of sand and that iconic boardwalk vibe
- Jones Beach – A classic choice with pavilions, piers, and epic golden hour light
- Montauk Point State Park – For couples who love cliffs, waves, and that end-of-the-world feel
- Hither Hills State Park – A quiet spot with beautiful dunes and a very relaxed atmosphere
- Cupsogue Beach County Park – Charming at sunset, with wide beaches and less foot traffic
Each of these has a unique character, but they all share that calming coastal magic.
Pros and Cons of a Public Beach Wedding
Pros:
- Nature does the decorating—think ocean waves, vast skies, and soft sand
- You don’t need much to make it beautiful.
- Beach elopements feel laid-back and deeply personal.
- The light is incredible for photos (hello, dreamy golden hour!)
Often more affordable than traditional venues
Cons:
- The weather is unpredictable; bring a backup plan or a cute umbrella. With Orsi and Peter, we had some wind but also a beautiful fog.
- There may be some beachgoers in the background if it’s peak season.
- Public access means less control over the space.
- Wind and sand can be tricky with dresses, hair, and decor
Some locations require walking, so comfy shoes are a must.
What You’ll Need to Know
Even for a low-key Fire Island beach wedding, there are a few things to check:
- Permits – Many state parks require a permit for weddings, even for elopements. Reach out to the park office a few weeks in advance.
- Parking – Limited at some beaches, especially in season. Arrive early or arrange for guests to carpool.
- Accessibility – Boardwalks help, but some spots require a bit of walking.
- Leave No Trace – Make sure to clean up afterward. Some places are very strict about protecting the dunes and beach areas.
Congratulations again to Orsi and Peter. Your love made the island glow.
Photos by: Blazej @ Soulmates Studio – New York Wedding and Elopement Photography || You can see more elopement weddings here || Location: Fire Island, New York
