A Photographer’s Guide to Beach Weddings in Diani, Watamu, and Kilifi

When it comes to planning a dream destination wedding in Kenya, the coast offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops. Whether you're tying the knot on the powdery white sands of Diani, the charming shores of Watamu, or the serene bays of Kilifi, a beach wedding promises unforgettable moments—and stunning photos to match.

As a wedding photographer in Kenya, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories along this beautiful coastline. Here’s my guide to making the most of your coastal wedding photography.

Best Time of Day to Shoot Beach Wedding Photos

Lighting is everything in photography, and coastal weddings offer a unique natural glow—but only at the right times.

• Golden Hour (6:30 AM or 5:30 PM): Soft, warm light that flatters skin tones and adds a romantic glow to your photos. Ideal for portraits and couple shots.

• Mid-Morning (9 AM–11 AM): Still good for group shots before the light gets too harsh. If you’re planning a morning ceremony, this time works well.

• Avoid Midday (12 PM–2 PM): The sun is too high, creating hard shadows and squinty eyes. If you must shoot during this time, shaded areas or diffusers are a must.

Lighting Tips for Coastal Weddings

1. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage The Kenyan coast is blessed with abundant sunshine. For soft and dreamy wedding photos, I often position couples with the sun behind them and use reflectors to bring light back into their faces.

2. Sunset Silhouettes Diani, Watamu, and Kilifi offer magical sunsets. Silhouette shots of the couple holding hands or dancing against the vibrant sky make for dramatic and emotional images.

3. Flash Fill for Harsh Light In case the ceremony takes place under bright midday sun, I use a fill flash to balance shadows—especially helpful for group photos.

Must-Have Photo Styles for Your Beach Wedding

Whether you’re going for boho-chic, elegant minimalism, or full tropical glam, here are essential shots to include in your wedding album:

• The First Look by the Water A candid moment as the couple sees each other for the first time, with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop.

• Barefoot Ceremony Moments Capturing the intimacy and raw beauty of a beach ceremony—feet in the sand, waves in the background.

• Drone Shots from Above Aerial views of your ceremony setup in Kilifi or your reception in Watamu add a cinematic touch to your wedding story.

• Couple Shots at Sunset Embrace the warm, golden tones of the setting sun. Diani’s open beach stretches are perfect for wide, cinematic shots.

• Cultural Touches Whether it's coastal Swahili-style décor or traditional attire, capturing these personal details makes your photos uniquely Kenyan.

Why Diani, Watamu, and Kilifi?

Each of these coastal gems brings something special:

• Diani – Voted among Africa’s top beaches, perfect for larger beach weddings and luxury resorts.

• Watamu – Known for its coral gardens and intimate settings, ideal for smaller, romantic ceremonies.

• Kilifi – Offers a more private, laid-back vibe with scenic cliffs and quiet coves for truly unique photos.

Final Thoughts

A beach wedding in Kenya is more than just a beautiful ceremony—it’s a full sensory experience. As your wedding photographer, my goal is to capture not just how your day looked, but how it felt. From salty breezes to sun-kissed kisses, the photos should bring it all rushing back every time you open your album.

If you're planning your wedding in Diani, Watamu, or Kilifi, I’d love to be a part of your journey and help you tell your story through timeless, soulful images.