Stunning views, a gentle sea breeze, and soft white sand between your toes, does it really get any better than a beach wedding? For the happy couple and guests, beach weddings are such a blast and make for an event they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

If you’re planning seaside nuptials, there are some amazing ideas to make your special day feel extra dreamy and highlight your stunning venue space. Every beach and venue is different so it’s important to keep in mind the rules you’ll need to adhere to in each space, but with that in mind, let’s get to the fun part: planning!

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Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas
Cocktail Hour Activities for Guests
Beach Wedding Picture Ideas
Beach Wedding Dresses
Beach Bridesmaid Dresses
Bouquets & Floral Ideas
Wedding Decor Ideas

Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas

There’s nothing more romantic than a beachside wedding ceremony! Make it feel extra special and tie it into your wedding aesthetic with florals that match your color scheme, decor along the aisle, or – our favorite – framing your ceremony space with a gorgeous arch!

We love the combination of lush florals, flower petals, and a neutral, matching ceremony arch. It feels so elegant but lets the ocean be the focal point!

Simple, rustic, and chic, a greenery lined aisle, simple seating, and a draped arch look gorgeous against the shoreline backdrop.

Cocktail Hour Activities for Guests

In addition to hitting the bar, guests usually just socialize during cocktail hour while the newlyweds and their bridal party take pictures. Level up your cocktail hour with these beach-inspired activities that will not only keep guests occupied but help them have some fun while they await dinner and the reception festivities ahead.

You can’t go wrong with corn-hole for a cocktail hour activity. Not only is it easy to play in the sand, but it’s a fun and simple game that can be enjoyed by all ages!

Beach Wedding Picture Ideas

After you’ve said “I do” (or if you’re doing a first look!), there are so many unique and beautiful ideas when it comes to beach wedding pictures. Pose with the sun setting for a super romantic photo, have your partner carry you through the waves on the shore, or use nautical scenery around the area like lighthouses and docks to make your photos pop!

This type of portrait is so romantic and one that feels like such an intimate moment between the bride and groom. It’s also a great idea for an engagement picture shot!

A long shot that captures the shore, or a perfectly timed sunset photo makes for wedding memory magic!

Beach Wedding Dresses

Want to carry the beach theme into your wedding dress selection? We don’t blame you, it’s the perfect inspiration! Beach brides love lighter, flowing fabrics and boho styles to fit the seaside scene. You can always change into a reception gown that’s fancier, and more fitting for a ballroom if you decide you’d like to incorporate both classic elegance and the boho-beach bride look.

Beach Bridesmaid Dresses

There are lots of gorgeous options for beach bridesmaid dresses. From colorful, short little numbers to long and wispy pastel dresses, there’s a dreamy option for any bridal style. Light, wispy fabrics tend to be the best option for the sea breeze and sand, and look stunning in pictures!

Beach Wedding Flower & Bouquet Ideas

From rustic greenery to tropical, colorful flowers, there are endless ideas for flowers and bouquets at beach weddings! You have complete flexibility based on your bridal style, with the added option of more exotic, island-vibe arrangements that are most fitting for a seaside celebration.

Keep it simple with all white bouquets (above) and play up the beach feel of your special day with palm leaves and green tropical accents.

Carry those tropical leaves throughout the space by putting it the chairs lining your ceremony aisle or in your reception space.

All-white bouquets not your thing? Play up the tropical vibe of beach weddings with bright, colorful flowers and palm leaves.

Beach Wedding Decor Ideas

Decorating a beach wedding space can really enhance the already stunning views and feel of the location. We love rustic lanterns and greenery for both ceremony and reception space, and ocean-themed extras like starfish table numbers! Whatever you decide on for decorations, just make sure it’s tied down or heavy enough to not be blown away if you’re in an outdoor space.

Gorgeous greenery backgrounds are great for defining the head table space, or makes a great photo backdrop for guests!

Simple centerpieces made from tropical leaves, gold accents and votive candles are super elegant and play up your beach-themed reception.