Spotlight: Beat the Heat This Summer
These expert tips will help keep your summer wedding celebration cool and comfortable.
June 29, 2025
From the sun soaked vineyards to breezy coastal bluffs and lush garden estates, California offers endless backdrops for a stunning summer wedding. But with all that golden hour glow comes a very real challenge: the heat. Whether you’re exchanging vows inland or oceanside, warm weather weddings in the Golden State require thoughtful planning to keep your guests cool, your timeline running smoothly, and your celebration picture-perfect from start to finish.
We asked wedding experts from across the state to share their go-to strategies for beating the summer sun without sacrificing style. From ice cream carts and “sweat kits” to natural shade, signature drinks, and fashion-forward cooling touches, these smart (and beautiful!) ideas will help you design a wedding day that’s as refreshing as it is unforgettable.
Sweet Ways to Cool Down
For Ashley Monge of Monge Amore Events (M.A.E.), keeping things cool starts with creating fun, refreshing moments that double as guest entertainment. “Beating the summer heat is all about blending fun with practicality,” she says. "A gelato, paletas, or ice cream cart or truck provides the ultimate refreshment, whether it's during cocktail hour or as a late-night snack. Picture the excitement as guests pick their favorite flavors, or the nostalgia of an ice cream truck rolling in, with the option of a "Create Your Own Flavor" station adding extra fun."
Create Cooling “First Look” Moments
Photographer and videographer Anastasia Shevchenko of Sheff Production recommends planning intimate moments like the first look in naturally cool environments. “We encourage couples to do their first look in a shaded, breezy area, like under an old oak, near a fountain, or even indoors with a beautiful backdrop,” she shares. "It keeps them cool and makes for more emotionally relaxed portraits."
Time it Right
For Coral Brooks of SMR Events & Ancient Peaks Winery, timing is everything when it comes to summer weddings. “You might want to consider a later ceremony time,” she says. “Pushing the ceremony to golden hour can offer cooler temps and a beautiful, soft light for your photos.”
Prioritize Hydration & Shade
Keeping guests cool and safe in the California sun doesn’t require a huge budget, just thoughtful planning. Alan Katz of Great Officiants reminds couples to prioritize both. “Hydration is key. Make sure everybody has access to water and shade.” That could mean setting up stylish hydration stations with citrus-infused water before the ceremony, offering cool beverages throughout the day, or placing shaded seating areas where guests can relax and regroup. Whether you're getting married under a vineyard arbor or on a sun-soaked lawn, a little forethought goes a long way in keeping guests cool, present, and ready to celebrate.