60+ Fresh Ideas for a Beach Wedding
Sunny skies, sandy beaches, and ocean breezes spell romance for so many couples. Whether you're dreaming of a destination wedding on a tropical island or a seaside celebration near your hometown, here are 60+ new ideas for your beach wedding.
By: Kristen Klein
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Invitations -189043
A watercolor ombré invite mirrors the ocean and sets the tone for your seaside celebration.
Photo: Alicia Ann Photographie
Bouquets
Muted tones reflect the natural backdrop and let the beauty of the shoreline shine through.
Photo: Alicia Ann Photographie
Attire
A dip-dyed gown mirrors the beauty of the sea.
Photo: Amber Goetz Photo via Havasu Springs Resort
Transportation
A trolley brings vintage charm to your wedding. Dress it up with starfish for a beachy vibe.
Photo: Andrejka Photography
Ceremony Décor
Create an easy-breezy backdrop for your ceremony with hoop wreaths and golden chain links.
Photo: Andrejka Photography
Ceremony Ideas
Make a wish and toss a shell back into the sea with all of y our guests.
Photo: Andrejka Photography
Attire
Keep your attire light and breezy with all white and floral prints.
Photo: Andrejka Photography
Centerpieces
Give your tables a unique look by decking them with gold-painted pineapples.
Photo: Andrejka Photography
Bouquets
Muted tones and mint leaves mirror the softness of the ocean’s waves.
Photo: Ariena Photography
Cakes
Keep your cake light and airy with a shortcake covered in fresh fruit.
Photo: Ariena Photography
Reception Décor
A romantic color palette for a beach wedding, dark blue and pale pink with a touch of sparkle sets the right mood. Lantern centerpieces are the perfect finishing touch.
Cakes
A sailboat makes a too-cute topper for a nautical wedding cake.
Photo: Emma Thurgood Photography
Attire
Adorn your hair with an ocean-inspired clip, like this starfish version.
Photo: Delaney Dobson Photography
Invitations
A watercolor invite with nautical elements sets the stage for a beach wedding.
Photo: Emma Thurgood Photography
Guest Books
Inspired by a message in a bottle, have your guests write their well wishes on scrolls.
Photo: Emma Thurgood Photography
Centerpieces
Make tropical foliage the main focus on your centerpiece.
Photo: Eye Wander Photo via My Playa Wedding
Ceremony Ideas
Get the best of both worlds – enjoy the sea breeze and ocean view without baking in the sun thanks to a pergola.
Photo: Eye Wander Photo via My Playa Wedding
Reception Décor
A simple chiffon table runner will flow beautifully in the ocean breeze.
Photo: Heather O’Steen Photography
Cakes
A marbled watercolor cake with gold accents beautifully reflects the ocean.
Photo: Heather O’Steen Photography
Photo Ideas
Alone in paradise! Use a drone to capture an amazing photo you’ll always cherish.
Centerpieces
Add a pop of color with bright orange candles and flowers.
Bouquets
A bouquet with warm tones and textured flowers that remind us of coral looks gorgeous in a beach setting.
Ceremony Décor
Let the beauty of your natural surroundings shine through by keeping your décor simple. A white sheet with a favorite quote is all you need.
Cakes
From the fishing cake topper to the starfish details to the anchor emblem, this cake is a nautical couple’s dream come true.
Photo: Limelight Photo
Reception Décor
Navy and white stripes set the tone for a nautical wedding – a fitting theme for a wedding on a dinner cruise.
Photo: Limelight Photo
Ceremony Ideas
Throwing a destination wedding? Embrace local customs and traditions in your ceremony. This couple tied the knot in Bora Bora and hosted a traditional Polynesian ceremony, including Tahitian dancers.
Ceremony Décor
Tropical bliss! Use a giant palm leaf as your aisle runner, and add a pop of color through bright orange flowers that pop against the sand.
Attire
Who says floral crowns are just for brides? This couple looks spectacular in their matching crowns, leis, and white attire.
Ceremony Ideas
Borrow this Tahitian hand-fasting ceremony: the couple’s hands are tied together with a palm leaf and then cleansed with water from the lagoon poured from a conch shell.
Ceremony Décor
An ocean view without the sandy feet? Yes, please! Set up your ceremony in the grass overlooking the beach to get the best of both worlds.
Photo: MeewMeew Studios
Ceremony Ideas
Display this cute sign at your ceremony entrance to encourage your guests to kick off their shoes and relax.
Photo: Natalie Heim Photography
Reception Décor
A neutral color palette with pops of green mirrors the beauty of the beach.
Photo: Neil GT Photography via Sanderling Resort
Cakes
Incorporate tropical flavors into your wedding cake, like this delightful toasted coconut and pineapple treat.
Photo: Neil GT Photography via Sanderling Resort
Ceremony Décor
Exchange your vows between towering arrangements of tropical leaves.
Photo: Neil GT Photography via Sanderling Resort
Bouquets
Skip the flowers in favor of tropical leaves for your bridesmaids.
Photo: Neil GT Photography via Sanderling Resort
Reception Ideas
What could be better than dancing under the stars on the beach? Set up a dance floor and lounge furniture to make your beachside reception more comfortable.
Photo: P. Taufiq Photography
Ceremony Décor
The beach provides a blank canvas for your ceremony decorations; save on décor by carving a design right into the sand.
Photo: Paul Douda Photography
Ceremony Décor
Go bold with deep purples and vibrant pinks that’ll pop against the ocean.
Photo: P. Taufiq Photography
Ceremony Décor
You can also minimize the sand factor by raising your ceremony up onto a platform.
Photo: P. Taufiq Photography
Centerpieces
Embrace natural elements like burlap and twine to give your wedding a homespun vibe.
Photo: Pure Wedding Photography
Escort Cards
Set the tone for a beach wedding with “message in a bottle” escort cards.
Photo: Ross Kyker Photography
Photo Ideas
A customized surf board is the perfect prop for your beach wedding.
Photo: Steph Sousa Photography
Ceremony Décor
Ocean views aren’t a requirement for a beach wedding! Tucked away in a courtyard filled with palm trees and cacti, a wicker backdrop and pampas grass lend a bohemian vibe.
Photo: Steph Sousa Photography
Attire
A beach hat is the perfect finishing touch for your wedding-day look.
Ceremony Décor
Choose a ceremony arch that complements the natural scenery.
