Aruba is a beautiful location for a wedding, with its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets. It’s no surprise that many couples choose Aruba for their wedding day. However, to capture the true magic of your special day, you’ll want amazing photos that showcase Aruba’s natural beauty. Whether you’re working with a professional photographer or taking some shots on your own, here’s how you can make the most of Aruba wedding photography and create unforgettable images.
1. Pick the Best Beach Locations
Aruba is known for its stunning beaches, and each one offers a unique backdrop for wedding photos. Eagle Beach, with its iconic Divi Divi trees and soft white sand, is ideal for romantic, serene shots. Palm Beach has a lively vibe, perfect for capturing a mix of nature and luxury resorts. For a more secluded, natural feel, consider Baby Beach or Arashi Beach. Choosing the right beach for your photos can help set the mood and reflect your personality, making your Aruba wedding photography both personal and beautiful.
2. Plan Around the Golden Hour for Perfect Lighting
The golden hour—right after sunrise or just before sunset—offers soft, warm light that makes photos look magical. In Aruba, the sunsets are breathtaking, casting a gentle glow across the island’s beaches. Photos taken during this time have a warm, romantic quality that enhances skin tones and creates a dreamy atmosphere. Many couples choose to plan their photo sessions around the golden hour to take full advantage of this natural lighting, ensuring every shot has a beautiful, timeless feel.
3. Incorporate Aruba’s Unique Landscape
While the beaches are beautiful, Aruba offers many other unique landscapes that can make your wedding photos stand out. Consider adding variety to your photo album by including shots in Arikok National Park, where desert-like landscapes, cactus-covered hills, and rugged coastlines provide a stunning contrast to the soft beaches. The natural bridges along the north coast add a dramatic and adventurous feel to your photos. Using these unique locations allows you to showcase Aruba’s diverse scenery and adds character to your wedding photos.
4. Capture the Local Culture and Colors
Aruba is rich in culture, and incorporating local elements can make your wedding photos truly special. The colorful buildings of Oranjestad, with their bright pastel shades, can be a fun backdrop for vibrant, joyful shots. Adding elements of Aruban culture, like traditional art, local music, or the iconic Divi Divi tree, adds a sense of place to your photos. A few photos featuring local décor or taking a walk around town can make your wedding album feel more connected to Aruba, capturing the spirit of the island.
5. Use Props to Add a Personal Touch
Simple props can add a unique touch to your Aruba wedding photography. Think about using a beach blanket, picnic setup, or a tropical flower bouquet for more playful and natural shots. Many couples bring beach-themed props like a parasol, seashells, or even tropical fruits to add a splash of color and a fun island vibe. You could even incorporate Aruba’s national flower, the yellow Watapana flower, for a pop of color. These props help make your photos feel more personalized and capture the relaxed, joyful energy of a beach wedding.
6. Make the Most of Aruba’s Beautiful Sunsets
Aruba’s sunsets are nothing short of magical, with colors ranging from deep orange to soft pink and purple. A sunset shot can be the perfect way to close your photo session, adding a romantic and timeless feel to your album. With the ocean as your backdrop, a well-timed sunset photo will capture both the breathtaking beauty of Aruba and the love between you and your partner. Ask your photographer to experiment with angles, lighting, and silhouettes to capture the unique beauty of this moment.
7. Opt for Candid Moments
Candid photos are often the most memorable because they capture real emotions and genuine interactions. Instead of focusing only on posed shots, try to enjoy natural moments like laughing, sharing a quiet moment, or walking hand in hand along the beach. Aruba’s relaxed vibe and beautiful surroundings make it easy to let loose and enjoy the day, and a skilled photographer will know how to capture these moments beautifully. Candid photos not only feel more genuine but also tell the story of your day in a more personal way.
8. Include Underwater or Edge-of-Water Shots
For couples looking for something different, consider taking a few underwater shots or photos at the edge of the water. Aruba’s crystal-clear waters make it possible to capture magical underwater photos that give a unique, almost dreamlike quality to your wedding album. Photos taken right at the water’s edge, with waves gently splashing around you, can be both playful and romantic. These types of shots add variety to your album and highlight Aruba’s pristine waters in a creative way. Make sure to discuss these ideas with your photographer in advance to prepare any special equipment.
9. Create Group Shots with Family and Friends
Aruba’s scenic spots are ideal for capturing not only couple photos but also group shots with your loved ones. Group photos taken against a beautiful beach or lush landscape create a sense of togetherness and joy. To make the group photos feel more natural, arrange everyone casually or interactively rather than in a stiff pose. This relaxed approach helps capture the happiness of the day, and having these photos with family and friends can make your album even more meaningful. These group shots are often cherished memories that everyone can enjoy.
10. Work with a Photographer Who Knows Aruba Well
A photographer familiar with Aruba will know the best times, places, and lighting conditions to make your photos extraordinary. Local photographers understand the island’s unique landscapes and can recommend hidden gems that might not be obvious to visitors. They can also advise on the best times to shoot and suggest spots that showcase Aruba’s natural beauty, from popular beaches to lesser-known locations. Working with a local photographer ensures you get the best of Aruba’s scenery in your wedding photos and helps you feel more relaxed on your special day.
