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Oct 14, 2024

50 Beach Wedding Ideas for a Coastal Celebration

Find inspiration for your nautical nuptials. Photo by Andrea Camarena The idea of a beach wedding, or at least a bash bursting with coastal accouterments, is appealing to plenty of couples. The

Find inspiration for your nautical nuptials.

Photo by Andrea Camarena

The idea of a beach wedding, or at least a bash bursting with coastal accouterments, is appealing to plenty of couples. The aesthetic lends itself to so many interpretations, with styles ranging from bohemian to elegant, exotic to minimal, and casual to downright chic. "Everything is possible on the beach," destination wedding planner Gwen Grosset says. "The sky's the limit. There is nothing like dancing barefoot under the stars with sand between your toes and the rhythmic sound of the waves in the background. What better way to celebrate your love?"

Meet the Expert

Gwen Grosset is a destination wedding planner and event designer who has been creating bespoke beach weddings since 2008. She is the founder of Destination Weddings Tulum.

While a coastal fête can be a magical experience, Grosset reminds us that with any outdoor wedding, you should prepare for uncontrollable factors, such as humidity, wind, and unforeseen weather. While you can't fight nature's elements, you can be aware of them and plan accordingly with safeguards, like the following:

Whether you're tying the knot steps from the ocean or you just have a deep love of all things nautical, you can add tons of beach-inspired details to your wedding that will look thematic but won't leave your day feeling themed. Perhaps you decide to pay homage to the coastal setting by holding a bouquet of tropical greenery and florals, serving piña coladas with colorful umbrellas for your signature cocktails, or adorning each reception table with rattan chargers and sea-glass place cards. Whatever you choose, beachy decorative elements are sure to create a beautiful ambiance for your big day.

With that in mind, keep scrolling for 50 of our favorite ways to bring some sun, sand, and sea to your big day, along with some expert intel from Grosset and her team.

Photo by Elizabeth Cecil

If you're throwing your ceremony on the sand, the focal point is surely the expansive sea that stretches out behind you. An arch or arbor may conceal some of the natural beauty of the setting, so to emphasize the blue backdrop, forgo any installation or decorations at your altar. Instead, concentrate the décor on your aisle, such as the puffs of pampas grass, eucalyptus, and roses by County Line Florals that bordered the sandy pathway at this beachfront affair in Martha's Vineyard.

Photo by Duey Photo

For beach wedding ideas that fit the effortless vibe of a waterfront venue, seek inspiration from the bar at NHL star Jake Oettinger's minimalist bash in Mexico. The setup oozed coastal luxury with hanging rattan lanterns, wooden shelves, a washed-wood bar, all-white blooms, and gauzy draping.

Photo by Elizabeth Lanier Photography

Thick bamboo and layers of lush, leafy greenery will create a tropical gateway into the beach nuptials of your dreams. "Consider incorporating natural elements and textures, such as wood, natural fibers, leaves, organic-shaped accents, and neutral colors," Grosset recommends. These interwoven branches and palm leaves designed by Fern Studio blended into the flora and fauna on the dune for a natural, unified look.

Photo by Fortuna Photography

The confectionary pièce de résistance of your big day is no place to skimp on the seaside details. This stunningly simplistic design by Totally Charmed Parties demonstrates that delicate shells are the perfect beach-inspired accent for your cutting cake or wedding cake.

Photo by Tida Svy

Bold colors are the key to vibrant beachfront festivities. Here, bare wooden tables lay flush with centerpieces of vivacious florals by Shindig Chic and ripe citrus for a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Top it off with an assortment of candles in various sizes to cast a warm glow over your waterfront evening.

Opt for lanterns or hurricane candleholders rather than candlesticks or other uncovered candles to ensure the wind won't blow out the romantic light on your tables, Grosset advises.

Photo by Photo by Julieta

Beachfront nuptials are brimming with earthy hues, so reference that natural color palette in your ceremony design. For instance, at this glamorous-meets-bohemian soirée in Cabo, dried palm leaves and pampas grass by Aria Vera Floral formed the basis of the décor, and the beige hues of these decorative objects coordinated with the sandy shore.

Photo by Ashley Jensen

Palm leaves are sizable and durable, making them ideal ornaments for beachside bashes. Tie them to the back of you and your future spouse's reception chairs to designate your seats (like the ones here by A La Carte), use them as chargers beneath place settings, or flip the notion and place them atop white plates. For bohemian-inspired nuptials, you can even opt for dried varieties.

Photo by Elizabeth Lanier Photography

A beach wedding at the height of summer calls for creative ways to help guests beat the heat. Event planner and designer Lindsey Boyce cleverly attached boho-inspired fans to these programs by Swell Press for guests to use during the outdoor ceremony.

Photo by Sasithon Photography

Looking for beach wedding ideas that are both illustrative and artistic? Include a coastal motif into your stationery suite. Sea-inspired invitations will undoubtedly get your guests excited for the upcoming bash. These fun invites by Printerette Press allude to the beach venue and hint at the event's colorful '60s theme.

Photo by Heather Waraksa

You've heard of farm-to-table, but what about sea-to-table? These seashell place cards by AaB Creates bring the ocean right to your plate. You can order a bunch of monogrammed shells online, or you can find ones along the shore of your venue and calligraph them yourself.

Photo by Everence Photography

An acrylic seating chart is about as versatile as it gets: It seamlessly blends into any background and can be used to display existing wedding décor. Set on a canvas of exotic green leaves, a transparent sign takes on all of the glory of nature.

Photo by Everence Photography

As the VIPs of the day, you and your new spouse deserve a special seat at the table. A proper statement chair not only sets the two of you apart in a place of honor, but it also makes for some epic photographs. Sitting on round wicker chairs will infuse your big day with the hues and textures of the surrounding landscape, while giving you the recognition you deserve.

Photo by Rebecca Yale

If you're holding your ceremony on the sand, one pragmatic beach wedding idea is designating a spot for guests to drop off their shoes before taking their seats. A shoe valet, like this one with a custom sign, tells guests exactly where to leave their footwear. They can either trade heels for flip-flops or attend the shoreside ceremony barefoot.

Photo by Kami Olavarria

With their earthy shades and textures, bohemian details feel right at home at beachside weddings. Consider setting a distressed whitewashed table with rattan chargers encircled with straw, stoneware plates, amber-toned glassware, gilded metallic accents, and a rust-hued runner—ideas that will complete the aesthetic.

Photo by Katie Ruther

A bouquet of greens and neutral-toned florals that naturally bloom in island settings is a beach wedding idea that's perfect for a celebration in nature. Take cues from this assortment, composed of king protea, anthurium, roses, eucalyptus, and palms for a statement-making touch to your boho beach nuptials.

Grosset suggests that you repurpose the flowers from your bouquet—you'll save money while being eco-friendly. For instance, use the bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces.

Photo by Anastasiia Photography

Submerge your ceremony in all of the trappings of underwater finery with an aisle decorated with bright coral, textured grasses, sea-glass vases, and the occasional cactus for good measure. With all of these apt add-ons, you'll create a scene fit for a mermaid bride.

Photo by GiannyI Campos

Even if there's no beach in sight, nautical touches are always welcome, bringing an instant laid-back air. These capiz shell escort cards with coral writing, which were designed by Rebekkah Rosado of Runway Events, are the perfect addition to a coastal reception.

Photo by Mandy Ford Photography

This elegant cake by Incredible Edibles Bakery features a delicate blue watercolor design that mimics undulating waves. Adorned with a gold-painted piece of coral, a real-life shell, and dainty pearls, this gorgeous dessert is ready for its seaside debut.

Photo by Jana Williams

Beachy, but make it glam—because not all seaside fêtes are boho and relaxed or nautical and navy. This ballroom celebration, planned by RMBO Collective, is brimming with tropical grandeur. Linens of black-and-white palm prints, magnificent palm centerpieces by Of the Flowers, and gold flourishes deliver the drama here.

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Event Planning by Moana Belle Events; Floral Design by Of the Flowers

For beach wedding ideas that are decorative and delectable, bring the coastal flair to your cocktail-hour fare. Serve up classic summertime sips, like margaritas and Aperol spritzes, and deck out your bar with tropical foliage, such as dragonfruits and birds of paradise.

Photo by Liz and Ryan Photography

Navy-and-white-striped bottles of Champagne with nautical bowties make for the most fitting wedding favor for your seaside bash. These miniature bottles of booze are also a great choice for groomsmen gifts.

Photo by Sara Lobla

Tropical leaves are a suitable and budget-friendly beach wedding idea for any part of the day. Inject beach vibes into your reception by marking blades of palm leaves with table numbers or names. You could use the same idea for place cards, seating charts, or even menus. The crisp green leaf will especially stand out against all-white décor and lucite materials.

Photo by Katie Ruther

What's a beach theme without coconuts? While you can always add the shells to your tabletop décor, you can also crack them open and puncture them with a straw, so guests can stay hydrated throughout your big day. For an extra edge, spike the coconut water or pour a tropical cocktail into the natural vessel. You can even engrave each one with your names, the wedding date, or a hashtag and gift them to guests as favors.

Photo by Heather Waraksa; Event Planning by AaB Creates

Woven baskets are a surefire win for a beach-inspired aesthetic or coastal setting. These gorgeous basket lanterns reinforce the nautical, earthy feel of these reception decorations, yet it still maintains the airiness of the clear tent without weighing everything down.

Photo by Melissa Marshall

Using plush seats and comfortable cushions for your guest tables will provide optimal comfort and create a relaxed, informal vibe. If you're setting up shop on the sand (like this scene by Diana Romo Weddings), consider adding eclectic throw rugs to anchor the space and keep guests from getting too sandy. "We love to transform areas on the beach into unique spaces using furniture and decorative items to create cozy and blithe surroundings while still being respectful to and integrating the local nature," Grosset says.

Photo by Charlotte Jenks Lewis Photography

Even the smallest nuptial-related details can nod to the oceanic views. For another beach wedding idea, try tying the wedding bands to a nautical pillow, complete with a navy blue anchor. For added security and another reference to the locale, secure the baubles with twine.

Photo by Kallima Photography

Driftwood is quite possibly the poster child of beach-appropriate finishes. This scene, which was designed by Little Island Design, exhibits "Mr." and "Mrs." signs that the planner hung on the backs of bamboo chairs for the bride and groom. You can also use driftwood to decorate reception tables or create signs pointing guests in the right direction.

Photo by Jana Williams

Surfboards are the epitome of a laid-back, effortlessly cool celebration. Rent distressed boards to use as signage for your big day, or, better yet, display ones from your own personal collection.

Photo by Ryan Ray

Whether you want to accompany the traditional wedding cake or set up a dessert bar, consider adding chocolate oyster shells to the lineup. These blue-toned oyster shells are filled with rich, chocolatey goodness and topped with sea salt—it doesn't get much more on-theme than that.

​Photo by Sara Lobla

This captivating seating chart display is bursting with all of the tropical trimmings. Framed by a lush, verdant frame of natural ferns, monstera leaves, and gilded touches, this simple board comes to life. Bright pink blooms also add a pop of vibrancy to the scene.

Photo by O'Malley Photographers

For beach wedding ideas that will complement and support the locale, pair your floral centerpieces with fruit grown locally in the vicinity. This deliciously tropical tablescape by Valley & Company is flush with pineapples and papayas, which deftly blend with ivory blooms, straw chargers, and palm-leaf accents.

Photo by Clayton Austin

Seek inspiration from the sea when choosing your tableware. For instance, plates featuring a starfish-and-seashell motif, menus depicting a beach scene, and origami sailboat place cards will transport your guests to the shore, even if you're throwing your affair indoors.

Photo by Ashley Jensen

These palm leaf runners by by A La Carte seamlessly blend with the natural vista and oceanic carpet that stretches beyond. Set on a wooden table, these tropical greens assume the primary focus of the display. Glowing votive candles will illuminate the space once the sun starts to set.

Keep decorations simple when surrounded by natural beauty. "Focus the budget on the experience, like food and entertainment," Grosset suggests. If that's on point, guests won't miss the rest.

Photo by Liz and Ryan Photography

In addition to their functional purposes, these namesake knots were used by sailors as a way to keep the memory of their loved ones with them on long journeys at sea. Such a sentimental symbol of enduring love deserves a place in your wedding celebration. Create large knots from nautical rope to hold table numbers in place.

Photo by David Salim

You and your wedding party deserve to make an entrance, and for a waterfront fête, there's only one way to go about it: by sea. Or, make a grand exit with your new spouse by chartering a vessel of your choice and sailing off into nuptial bliss. Feel free to get super creative with the notion. "The craziest request we have had must be arriving on a kiteboard for the ceremony," Grosset recalls.

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

It's not a full-fledged beach theme until your guests can actually taste the ocean. If coastal New England is your vibe, then you already know that lobster rolls (like these ones from Belle Mer) are a beach wedding idea you must include. Grosset believes in incorporating a seaside theme into all components of a celebration, including cocktails and food. "If you do this, you will create a whole experience that will engulf everyone in the vacation mood and what the beach offers," she explains.

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

For beach wedding ideas that adhere to the theme and enhance the guest experience, consider gifting out-of-town attendees welcome bags with nautical trimmings. For instance, personalize a burlap beach tote with an anchor illustration and navy blue engravings and fill it with all of the usual suspects, from candy crustaceans and bottle openers to nautical wine stoppers and seafood mallets—wrapped in lobster-printed tissue paper, of course.

Photo by Katie Ruther

With a view this magnificent, you'll want nothing to get in the way, but a minimalist ceremonial backdrop may be in order. While we wouldn't call this an arch per se, the structure by Destination Weddings Tulum creates the perfect frame for the newlyweds' vows while leaving the sweeping oceanic vista free from obstruction. Two swags of monstera leaves, palm fronds, orchids, pampas grass, and white king proteas finish off the look.

Photo by Everence Photography

This tropical color scheme of vibrant green, creamy white, and natural tones is the epitome of island charm. We're obsessed with the combination of textures, from the soaring arrangements of palm leaves to the organic rattan and wicker finishes to the bamboo furniture.

Photo by Katie Ruther

What better way to relax with your new spouse and commemorate a beach theme than with a macramé hammock? Grosset says her clients love to incorporate the native facets into their big day. "These local details, mixed with the personal elements of the couple, can make the experience more unique and complete," she says.

Photo by Biancca Wallace

We love a uniform, on-theme look, and a bridal bouquet should be no exception. Blend the local colors and greenery into your bouquet for an ode to the destination and culture. It's also a cheaper alternative to flying in exotic flowers that may not even withstand the climate. This bride's oh-so-tropical bouquet by Walden Floral LA consists of tonal palms, ferns, massive monstera leaves, and anthurium.

Photo by O'Malley Photographers

Not all seaside weddings have an alfresco setting, especially if your ceremony calls for a chapel. Bring the beach indoors with beautiful foraged foliage and blooms, like these colorful arrangements of monstera leaves and proteas by Valley & Company. This vibrant array of colors, set against the whitewashed interior, is sure to dazzle.

Photo by Jose Ruiz Photography

A beachside bash can often be a more casual affair, so providing flip-flops for guests to change into when the dance floor opens up is a beach wedding idea you'll want to replicate. Place these informal shoes in boxes or baskets near the seating chart, so everyone can grab a pair before they sit down. Your guests (and their feet) will thank you.

Photo by By Julieta

Pampas grass décor is here to stay, and what better way to use the beige-colored plant than your aisle arrangement? Beach wedding ideas featuring tall pampas grass and wicker baskets will create a neutral, boho-style ceremony setup, such as this waterfront site by Amy Abbott Events.

Photo by Allan Zepeda Photography

Having a destination wedding with a beach-inspired theme and location? Be sure to offer welcome bags that feature all of the beach-day necessities, such as fresh fruit, water, potato chips, sunscreen, and other relevant goodies.

Photo by Lauren Fair Photography

Channel an idyllic sunset by serving colorful cocktails at your wedding. Choose bright, bold hues, such as pink and yellow, to reference this natural phenomenon. Bonus points if the flavor tastes tropical, too.

Photo by Heather Waraska

Flowers don't have to solely stay on tables and altars. This hot pink floral installation of bougainvillea creates a stunning backdrop for photos at a beachside wedding. Not to mention, the striking hue and hanging Edison bulbs will help generate a fun, playful ambiance.

Photo by By Julieta

Give your beachy sweetheart table a little kick with a neon sign, a beach wedding idea that will illuminate the night. Choose one that features your new shared last name and hang it behind your sweetheart table for a wow-worthy backdrop when you take your seats.

Photo by Lilly Red

Don't forget to have a Plan B in place for your beach event. In fact, it might be appreciated even if it doesn't rain. An elegant, sheer tent will protect guests from the harsh sun or a sudden downpour without concealing the surrounding nature.

Photo by Natalie Bray Photography

Greet your guests with a tropical cocktail that they can grab—along with their table number—for a creative seating chart idea. It's a fun way to greet your loved ones and get the cocktail hour started on the right foot.