Yes, you can wear sunglasses to a wedding, but it depends on when, where, and how you wear them. The key is to balance practicality (protecting your eyes from the sun) with respect for the formality, wedding dress code, and etiquette of the occasion.
There’s a fine line between looking effortlessly stylish and unintentionally disrespectful. While sunglasses can be a smart and sensible choice for a sunny outdoor ceremony, they can also give the wrong impression if worn at the wrong time.
Understanding the right time to wear the right type of sunglasses in wedding and when to remove them is important for blending in beautifully and avoiding the wrong attention.
Why Might Sunglasses Feel Inappropriate at a Wedding?
Sunglasses are one of the best and practical ways to protect your eyes from harsh sunlight and UV rays during outdoor weddings. But sometimes, it can feel inappropriate at ceremonies because wedding occasions are about connections and respect for each other so anything that hides your face may feel inappropriate.
That is why if you know the right way to wear them, sunglasses can be both stylish and functional at a wedding.
Can you wear sunglasses to a wedding as a guest?
As a wedding guest, wearing sunglasses to a wedding is perfectly acceptable — but context matters. If the wedding is outdoors, in bright sunshine, or during the summer months, sunglasses can save you from squinting, protect your eyes from UV light and keep you comfortable.
However, once the ceremony begins, it’s best to remove them. This ensures you stay engaged and respectful, and it allows everyone (including the photographer) to see your eyes in key moments.
Always consider the couple’s wishes and the tone of the wedding — more formal or traditional events often call for a more restrained approach.
A short personal anecdote. Here in Scotland, the traditional wedding attire is the kilt. It's traditional for men to keep their (wool tweed) kilt jackets on throughout the ceremony, even during summer. It's only until the groom removes his kilt jacket that it's then deemed appropriate for other male guests to remove theirs too. This signifies the end of the 'formalities'. Relating this back to sunglasses, I personally think that it's a case of safety in numbers - if other guests are wearing them, you're safe to do so too.
Can a bride wear sunglasses?
Absolutely. In fact, bridal sunglasses can be a fashionable accessory for a modern bride. Think outdoor ceremonies, beach weddings, or candid reception photos. A timeless pair of shades can add personality to your look, especially if they match your outfit or bouquet accents. Popular options include oversized cat-eye frames, pearl-decorated sunglasses, custom bridal shades, etc. with your initials. A '50s set of cat eye sunglasses for example...
That said, you might want to remove them for key moments such as walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, or official portraits. Sunglasses can be a playful style statement, but they shouldn’t detract from the emotion of your once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Can a groom wear sunglasses?
Yes — and done well, groom wedding sunglasses can look incredibly stylish. For outdoor or destination weddings, sunglasses can be both practical and photogenic, adding a relaxed confidence to your wedding-day style.
Choose frames that complement your suit or tuxedo. Classic styles like full-rim tortoiseshell acetate or slim metal aviators are safe choices. Avoid bright acetate colours, flashy mirrored lenses, or novelty designs, which can feel out of place at a formal event.
Wedding etiquette for sunglasses
Wedding sunglasses etiquette is simple: wear them outdoors when needed, but remove them during formal moments. Here are the key dos and don’ts:
✅Do
Remove them during the ceremony. This is the most important rule — it keeps the focus on the couple and shows respect.
Take them off for group and formal photos. It’s worth capturing your expressions and avoiding reflective glare.
Store them discreetly. A jacket pocket, clutch, or small case works well. Heck, even an old-school frame chain could be a great option here.
Choose UV-protective lenses. The whole point is to keep your eyes safe. If it's bright enough that you need to wear sunglasses, at least make sure their UV400.
Consider lightly tinted lenses. Instead of dark tinted category 3 lenses, a set of lightly tinted lenses can take the edge off harsh sunlight and glare, but still allow people to see your eyes during sociable reception drinks. A nice middle ground that can look incredibly stylish and harmonise with your attire.
❌ Don't
Wear mirrored or overly reflective lenses. These can be distracting in photos and aren't the right sort of lens for a wedding. You're not competing in the Tour De France or hiking in the Himalayas.
Wear brightly coloured, novelty, or sporty frames. They can clash with formal attire and the tone of the day. Again, this isn't a sporting event.
Don’t wear your sunglasses indoors. Unless medically necessary, keep them for outdoor use where other guests will likely also be wearing them. Don't be that one person who looks like they're in an MTV music video.
What kind of sunglasses should you wear to a wedding?
The best sunglasses for a wedding will protect your eyes and complement your outfit.
Neutral acetate colours like black, dark brown, or tortoiseshell are timeless choices that suit most dress codes. These cater for any skin tone, hair colour and formal setting such as a wedding. Brown, grey or green lens tints are also a safe bet, as long as they aren't mirrored.
Metal-rimmed frames are a particularly safe bet — minimal, refined, and unlikely to overpower your look. For bonus points, you could match silver or gold rimmed metal frames with any jewellery or accessories. If the wedding has a set colour palette or dress code, you could subtly match your frames to your outfit for a cohesive finish.
Whatever sunglasses style you choose, make sure they have proper UV400 protection, fit you comfortably and don't become the wrong kind of talking point. Again, it's a good idea to avoid overly sports-orientated eyewear which generally don't work in any social occasion anyways.
Common Sunglasses Mistakes to Avoid at Weddings
- Wearing sunglasses indoors (looks disrespectful)
- Choosing reflective mirrored lenses (ruins photos)
- Forgetting to remove them during vows or speeches
- Picking frames louder than your outfit
- Treating them like a “fashion prop” instead of a subtle accessory
Sunglasses at weddings FAQs
Is it rude to wear sunglasses during a wedding ceremony?
In most cases, yes — wearing sunglasses during the ceremony can be seen as disrespectful, as it hides your eyes and creates a barrier between you and the couple. The ceremony is one of the most important, emotional moments of the day, and showing your face helps you share in that atmosphere.
That said, there are valid reasons why someone might need to keep sunglasses on. Certain medical conditions make light sensitivity (photophobia) a genuine issue, meaning bright sunlight or strong indoor lighting can cause discomfort or even pain.
If you do need to wear sunglasses for medical reasons, choose a discreet, neutral pair and consider letting the couple or photographer know beforehand. That way, your eyewear will be understood and accommodated without drawing unnecessary attention.
Unless, of course, if the ceremony is outdoors on a sunny day. You'll likely be better wearing sunglasses during the ceremony in order to be able to see the proceedings, bride and groom etc without having to strain or squint your eyes. The whole point is to be there for the happy couple on their big day, right?
Can you wear sunglasses in wedding photos?
You can for casual or candid shots, but for formal portraits it’s best to go without. Remember, these photos will be kept and reflected upon for years, so it's a good idea to have your entire face exposed, rather than hidden behind sunglasses.
Are mirrored sunglasses appropriate for weddings?
Generally no — they can reflect light and become distracting in photos. Furthermore, they're not necessary when regular tinted lenses are more than sufficient for visual comfort - even on the brightest days.
Should you match your sunglasses to your outfit?
It's a great idea if you can find a sunglasses frame or already have one that matches with your outfit. In fact, a coordinated pair of sunglasses can create a polished look, especially at formal events.
What should you do with your sunglasses during the reception?
Keep them handy for outdoor mingling, especially during the reception where you may have to socialise outdoors. When it comes to the latter half of the day, during speeches, dancing, or indoor celebrations, store your sunglasses away inside their protective hard case. Ideally put the case in a bag, jacket pocket or if you can, back in your accommodation to avoid losing them.
Summary
Sunglasses at a wedding can be both stylish and practical — if worn with thought. The golden rule? Keep them for outdoor use, remove them for the ceremony and formal photos, and choose frames that enhance rather than distract from your outfit.
If you’re searching for your next sunglasses frame, explore our collection of handmade sunglasses before our next release.
Thanks for stopping by — and here’s to looking sharp (and sun-safe) at the next wedding on your calendar.