What Long Island beach is best for wedding photos?

My daughter is getting married in August and would like to take her wedding photos at a beach location after the ceremony, but truly does not know where to go. The ceremony is in Bethpage, and the reception is in the West Islip/Bayshore area. There is about a 3-hour span between the church and the reception. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. -- Mary, Hicksville

The biggest conflict that most couples run into is the lack of time between the ceremony and the reception, making the search for a location to take photos very limited. Luckily, your daughter and her groom-to-be have some time to spare on their wedding day, meaning options are far wider than you'd think. 

Your daughter's best bet for the time she has would be stopping at Robert Moses State Park in Babylon. This public beach stretches for about five miles and offers a variety of spots where newlyweds can take photographs. This would be a relatively quick drive to the West Islip/Bayshore area for the reception, making an easy route back, with time to spare for cocktail hour!

There are also great options along the Great South Bay in Bay Shore, like Gardiners County Park and Bay Shore Manor Park, that can create equally stunning backdrops for photos.  

As with any location, be sure to call ahead and see if there is a fee for a shooting permit. This ensures that there will be no stress about it on the day of the wedding, and the married couple can be all smiles. 

If you have a wedding question, email The Wedding Helper at karen.ruffini@newsday.com and your question could be featured!