Beach wedding ideas
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.
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 unforgettableWith 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. celebration..
2. Bohemian Beach Wedding
A boho-inspired beach wedding blends natural elements like driftwood, lace, and feathers. Think about flowing wedding dresses, barefoot ceremonies, and minimalistic décor. Use soft tones like blush pink, ivory, and muted gold for a relaxed, dreamy vibe.
3 . Lanterns and Fairy Lights
For evening weddings, lanterns or string lights can create a magical atmosphere. You can place lanterns along the aisle or hang string lights on palm trees for an enchanting effect as the sun sets.
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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.