Beach weddings are the ultimate in romance and tranquility, with sun-kissed shores and the rhythmic melody of the waves. There’s nothing quite like exchanging vows with the vast expanse of the ocean as your backdrop.
Let’s explore a treasure trove of beach wedding ideas, from decor inspiration to outfit suggestions, to help you create a dreamy seaside celebration that perfectly reflects your love story.
On this page:
- Why a beach wedding is a good idea
- Best beach wedding ideas
- Choosing the venue
- Beach wedding decorations
- Beach wedding photography tips
- FAQs
Why a beach wedding is a good idea
A beach wedding is great to do things a bit differently. It’s a beautiful, romantic, and adventurous way to make your special day unforgettable. What makes it so special is its gorgeous setting and one-of-a-kind experience: a peaceful yet lively celebration under open skies.
The natural backdrop of the sea and sand adds a special charm, while the relaxed atmosphere ensures a joyful and carefree vibe for the couple and their guests.
Best beach wedding ideas
We’ve compiled a list of ideas to help make your beach wedding an amazing experience for you and your guests.
Whether you’re looking for a small, relaxed ceremony on a hidden beach or a big celebration with the sunset as your backdrop, we’ve got you covered!
1. Luxury wedding beach picnic
Experience the charm of a beachside wedding with our luxury wedding picnic setups in LA, OC, or Malibu. From elegant low tables and boho-chic umbrellas to plush seating and refined décor, we create an intimate setting that will make your special day an unforgettable celebration.
It is the perfect blend of casual elegance and accessible luxury, making your special day one of a kind.
With a seamless book online process and flexibility to choose your ideal beach location, we make it easy to bring your dream wedding to life, whether on the sun-kissed shores of Malibu, the serene beaches of Los Angeles, or the picturesque coastlines of Orange County.
It combines casual beach vibes with elegant dining.
Essentials: waterproof picnic blankets, weather-resistant decorations, and low picnic tables.
2. Nautical nuances
The nautical theme captures the essence of the sea. Think about adding some subtle rope details to your decor. You could use them to tie back curtains or as napkin rings.
Additionally, decorative anchors and compasses can be used as unique picnic table covers or as part of your wedding signage. They can guide guests through your venue.
3. Tropical elegance
Bring the vibrancy of a tropical paradise to your wedding with bold floral arrangements and lush greenery. Picture this: tables lined with monstera leaves, centerpieces filled with bright orchids and birds of paradise, and pathways lit by bamboo torches.
Pro tip: add elements like tiki bars serving the best picnic drinks and fruit displays that add to the decor and give guests a taste of tropical abundance.
4. Creative guest book ideas
If you’re looking for something a bit different for your guest book, why not try a surfboard or driftwood? This is a great way to make your wedding day stand out and become a beautiful piece of art in your home.
5. Sentimental signage
Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with signs that guide your guests and add a personal touch to your wedding decor.
Make them from local wood for an eco-friendly touch, and add your own personal touches with milestones of your relationship, like where you first met, or sweet sayings that have special meaning to both of you.
6. Sunrise or sunset ceremonies
You can make the most of the beautiful beach light for your ceremony. A sunrise ceremony is the perfect way to start your day together. It’s a peaceful, personal celebration of the start of your new life together.
On the other hand, a sunset ceremony lets your vows shine in golden light, with amazing views and a romantic atmosphere.
Capture these heartful moments with the best instant cameras
7. Waterfront wonders
Why not bring the ocean into your celebration in some creative ways? A relaxing kayak ride for two after the vows or a fun group snorkeling trip near the venue. These activities not only fit the setting but also create happy memories.
8. Eco-chic decorations
Make the most of the beach’s natural resources to decorate your venue in an eco-friendly way. Driftwood in your ceremony arch or as the base for your reception table centerpieces is a great way to bring an organic feel to your decor and show your commitment to sustainability.
You can also use seashells found on the beach to make beautiful aisle markers or even part of your table setting. This is a great way to add a touch of the ocean’s charm to your celebration.
9. Fire pit finale
A beach bonfire is a great way to end your wedding day. It provides a cozy, informal space for guests to relax, reflect on the day’s events, and enjoy each other’s company. Set up comfortable seating around the fire pit, bring blankets for cooler evenings, and serve beachside snacks like roasted marshmallows or a local seafood grill.
Related: picnic food ideas
10. Seaside serenade
Jazz up your beach wedding with live music that fits the vibe. Consider hiring a band that plays island music or a solo guitarist who can bring the sounds of the sea to life through music.
This live performance is the perfect addition to your special day and the melodies will blend perfectly with the beach’s natural beauty.
11. Interactive beach games and activities
Playing the best beach games can help guests get to know each other better. A casual beach volleyball tournament or a laid-back sandcastle-building contest can be a great way to bring some laughter and fun to the day and encourage everyone to enjoy the sand and sun.
For an afternoon of fun and memories, set up some colorful:
- buckets
- spades
- beach balls
12. Sustainable seafood station
Amaze your guests with a taste of the ocean. Work with a chef who specializes in coastal cuisine to ensure the menu is as delicious as it is responsible.
13. Beach-themed photo booth
Capture the spirit of the day with a fun photo booth setup. Stock it with props like oversized sunglasses, straw hats, and faux parrots to encourage guests to take fun, creative photos.
A backdrop of fishnets and tropical leaves, or a simple panorama of the sea, lets guests capture a piece of the beach in a photo.
Related: best photo booth backdrops
14. Garden by the sea
Combine the beauty of florals with the seaside setting by creating a “garden by the sea.” Use local plants to create a lush, blooming aisle leading to the altar.
Small potted plants or artificial flowers can be aisle markers and wedding favors. This way, guests can take home a living reminder of the day.
15. Al fresco dining under the stars
Why not host your reception dinner on the beach, with tables set up under the open sky? The twinkling lights and lanterns hung from above, along with the moon and stars, made for a magical dining experience.
Pair this with a french picnic ideas menu highlighting local flavors for a meal to remember.
16. Stargazing session
Once the celebrations are over, invite your guests to enjoy a stargazing session. Bring along telescopes and have an astronomer show you the constellations and stories written in the stars.
17. Eco-friendly favors
Thank your guests with favors that give back to the planet. Seed paper bookmarks, reusable straw sets, or donations to a marine conservation charity in their names are thoughtful gifts that reflect your commitment to sustainability.
Related: best plastic plates for a party
18. DIY cocktail station
Set up a DIY cocktail station where guests can mix their own beach-themed drinks. Ensure you have the ingredients for classics like mojitos and piña coladas, along with instructions for mixing.
19. Beachside brunch reception
Imagine a morning wedding followed by a beachside brunch reception. Tables with light, airy linens and centerpieces featuring morning blooms like daisies and sunflowers.
To kick off the day on a high note, serve up some brunch party ideas favorites—think fresh fruit, pastries, and mimosas.
20. Sand art contest
Spice up your wedding day with a sand art contest. Get your guests to team up and create some sand sculptures. This activity gets guests interacting with each other and celebrates the beach setting.
21. Vintage beach cabana
Create a relaxing lounge area with vintage beach cabana tents. Cover the area with soft, flowing fabrics for shade and fill it with plush cushions and low tables.
22. Customizable welcome bags
Make your guests feel right at home with bags that are more than essentials like sunscreen lotion, and bottled water. Think local with snacks to give them a taste of the destination, a custom map highlighting your favorite spots around the venue, and maybe a small keepsake like a personalized ornament or a mix CD of beach-themed tunes.
They’ll help make your wedding an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
23. Barefoot ceremony
Encourage our guests to go barefoot to experience the beach fully. Set up a foot-washing station and have some flip-flops on hand for later. it’s a laid-back vibe that brings everyone together with the natural surroundings.
Essentials:
- wooden walkway
- towels and water (for foot washing)
- flip-flops
24. Seashell aisle decor
Create a gorgeous aisle using a variety of local seashells. You could also add candles or flowers for a bit of romance. It’s a gorgeous, affordable way to spruce up your space.
25. Driftwood arch
Use the driftwood you’ve found to build an arch for the ceremony. Add some flair with flowing fabrics, flowers, or fairy lights. It is a one-of-a-kind, natural backdrop for your vows and photos.
Related: best arch backdrops
26. Beach ball send-off
Instead of rice or bubbles, have your guests toss colorful beach balls as you exit. There are several advantages to this approach. It’s a great way to create a playful atmosphere and get some great photos.
Here are the essentials: inflatable beach balls, a distribution plan, and a collection strategy for reuse.
27. Seaside s’mores station
Set up a gourmet s’mores bar with various chocolates, marshmallows, and graham crackers. Be sure to include some coastal flavors like sea salt caramel.
Here are the essentials:
- fire-safe roasting stations
- roasting sticks
- a variety of s’mores ingredients
28. Message-in-a-bottle invitations
Sending out invitations in real glass bottles with cork stoppers is a great idea. Include a rolled scroll with the wedding details and a small bag of sand. It’s fun to set a whimsical tone and doubles as a keepsake. You’ll need to find suitable bottles, waterproof ink, and packaging that can match the post.
29. Sandcastle cake display
Hire a pro sand sculptor to create a stunning beach-themed cake for your wedding. It’ll be a stunning focal point and a great photo opportunity.
30. Tiki torch pathway
Light the way from ceremony to reception with classic tiki torches. Alternate with tropical plants to give it a lush feel. Romantic lighting helps guide guests around the venue.
Essentials: weather-appropriate torches, fuel, and a first aid kit.
Related: best string lights
31. Floating lantern release
End the night with a beautiful floating lantern release. Before the outdoor lanterns are released, guests are invited to write wishes for the couple on them. What’s in it for you? It’s a stunning visual and a meaningful group activity.
Pro tip: decor the environment with fairy lights.
32. Surfboard guest book
Why not use a full-sized surfboard as a unique guest book? You can display it vertically at the reception desk for guests to sign.
This is a great piece of functional art for your home after the wedding. You’ll need a clean, light-colored surfboard, permanent markers in various colors, and a display stand.
33. Beachcomber scavenger hunt
Organize a fun scavenger hunt with beach-themed items. Form teams for an icebreaker before the ceremony. Guests get to interact with each other and explore the beach.
Here’s what you’ll need: scavenger hunt lists, collection bags, and small prizes for the winners.
34. Sail away send-off
End your celebration with a boat departure. You can also decorate a sailboat or yacht and wave goodbye to your guests from the water. There are several advantages to this approach. It’s a great way to end the event and get some great photos.
Choosing the venue for your beach wedding
The first step in making your dream beach wedding a reality is finding the perfect venue. It sets the tone for your day; therefore, let’s look at the key things to think about when you’re deciding between a public beach and a resort for your wedding.
Public vs. resort beaches for wedding
There’s nothing like a public beach for your big day. They offer breathtaking natural beauty and are a more cost-effective option. They let you connect with nature in a way that’s hard to replicate.
They require more detailed logistics planning, such as getting the necessary permits and ensuring your guests can get to the venue easily.
Resort beaches are probably more expensive, but they offer much more for your wedding on the beach day. They can help with everything from the ceremony setup and reception to guest accommodations, making the planning process much smoother and more streamlined.
Special beach wedding considerations
One of the best things about a beach wedding is that it can be timed perfectly. If you time your ceremony to match the natural rhythms of the sea and the sky, it can turn your wedding into something special.
Check the tidal charts and sunset times as you choose your date and time. Aim for low tide to make the most of the beach space and keep your guests safe. A sunset ceremony is a great way to set a romantic tone for the evening, with the golden light bathing your vows and setting a magical mood.
Comfort:
- Be ready for whatever nature throws at you.
- For sun protection, make sure you have the best non-toxic sunscreens, sunglasses, and stylish beach umbrellas on hand.
- As the temperature cools in the evening, provide guests with lightweight blankets or wraps to keep them comfortable.
- Make sure your guests can enjoy the celebration without any discomfort or distractions.
Accessibility:
- Pick a beach spot that’s easy for everyone to get to, including guests with mobility issues.
- Ensure parking and good paths are nearby, or arrange transportation from a central spot.
- Ensure there are clear signs and you’re there to help guests get around the sand and sea easily.
Beach wedding photography tips
The right lighting can make a big difference in your wedding on-the-beach photos. The early morning or late afternoon, when the light is at its softest and flattest, is a great time for photos. Let your photographer know if you’re planning a sunset ceremony so they can be ready for the challenges and opportunities it presents. They might suggest doing the first look or portrait session a bit earlier to make the most of the natural light.
Have a chat with your photographer before the big day to go over the shots you’d like to get. Think beyond the usual ceremony and family portraits. You might want to capture some unique beach elements, like the waves crashing behind your altar or a romantic stroll along the shore.
Make sure you leave the beach as clean as you found it. Have a plan for cleaning up after the event, and get your wedding team or a professional service involved. Think about having a ceremony that shows you care about the environment.
FAQs
How do we choose the right beach for our wedding?
Find a beach that fits your theme and level of privacy. Consider how easy it is for guests to get to the venue, whether there’ll be lots of tourists around during your ceremony, and any permits or rules you’ll need to follow for hosting events.
Can we have a beach wedding any time of the year?
While beach weddings are a popular choice in the warmer months, there are some unique benefits to having your wedding off-season. You’ll find the beaches are less crowded and the scenery is just as beautiful. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
What are some considerations for beach wedding attire?
Lightweight, semi-formal, or casual fabrics are great for a relaxed beach setting. Sandals or flip-flops are a good idea for guests to wear.
