Coastal Chic: How to Plan a Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding - The Romance of Beachside Vows
The sound of rolling waves, the feel of sand between your toes, and the salty seaside air create the ultimate backdrop for a fairy tale "I do."
There's nothing quite as romantic as exchanging vows on the beach with the sound of waves crashing behind you. If a beach wedding is your dream, you're in good company! More and more couples are choosing to have destination weddings on the coast for a laidback, romantic vibe. Here are some tips for planning the perfect coastal celebration.
—
Beach Wedding: A Seaside Wedding Fairytale
For countless couples, the idea of an intimate seaside wedding evokes a true sense of romance. The sound of crashing waves, the feel of sand between your toes, and the salty breeze encapsulate the dreamy coastal wedding we all envision. More than just a beautiful backdrop, the beach intrinsically creates a laidback, romantic allure. Perhaps it’s the tranquility of looking out at the vast horizon or watching the sun sink into the sea. Standing barefoot with your beloved while reciting heartfelt vows brings an undeniable magic. The beach naturally sets an atmosphere of simplicity, intimacy, and wanderlust.
From elegant resorts, to remote tropical locales, or your favourite beach location of your childhood memories, a beach wedding promises easygoing elegance. Sophisticated details like driftwood accents, loose floral arrangements, and gauzy fabrics perfectly complement the natural setting. A seaside palette of light blues, sage greens, and neutrals evokes effortless coastal style. But it’s the memorable moments that make a beach wedding truly special. Stealing a first kiss as the waves crash behind you. Toasting the sunset with your favorite drinks in-hand. Dancing barefoot in the moonlight with the sand between your toes.
A seamless blend of dreamy romance and coastal enchantment, it’s easy to see why beach weddings are the epitome of fairytale bliss.
—
Keep it Chic and Simple: Planning a Boutique Beach Wedding
For brides and grooms seeking an intimate seaside celebration, it's totally possible to plan a beach wedding that's both elegant and simple. Follow these tips to create a chic coastal wedding:
Choose a Smaller Venue: When planning an intimate beach wedding, it's key to choose a venue with the vibe and capacity you want. For a laidback yet luxurious affair, boutique hotels situated right on the sand are perfect. Historic inns with fireplaces, patios and oceanview rooms keep your guest list small while providing cozy charm. For ultimate exclusivity, rent a beach house where you have the venue all to yourself. Wineries, yacht clubs and restaurants with floor-to-ceiling views of the sea also make stylish but intimate venues for exchanging seaside vows. Limit your guest list to 50 or under to complement the boutique vibe. Smaller venues let you focus budgets on luxe details, gourmet cuisine and wow-worthy decor.
Focus on the Essentials: You really just need an officiant, music for ambiance, minimal décor and a photographer to capture the big moments. Skip extras like photo booths.
Select an Elegant Colour Scheme: When designing your beach wedding palette, soft neutrals like ivory, blush and tan make an elegant base. These warm, natural hues complement the seaside setting. Then bring in oceanic accent colors like navy blue, sage green, and aqua. Add pops of colour through your florals - hydrangeas, ranunculus, thistles - in shades of blue and green. Tie everything together with natural elements like driftwood, shells, and sand for an organic seaside feel. Cream linens, neutral wedding cake, and accents of pale blue glassware keep decor refined yet beachy. For a modern twist, weave in touches of gold, rose gold, or copper metallics to make neutrals shine. The result is a calming, coastal palette that feels luxe, organic and peaceful.
Style Your Wedding Party: For a polished beach wedding party, select chic beach-appropriate dresses and lightweight suits. Look for breezy chiffon, silk, or linen fabrics that won't get weighed down by ocean winds or sand. Keep the guys cool in light linen suits or shirts, finishing the look with casual loafers or leather sandals. Keep the style coordinated yet casual.
Serve a Personalised Menu: Offer guests a fine dining experience with gourmet small plates or unique stations emphasising quality ingredients. Pick fresh local cuisine and seaside-inspired small plates for a relaxed reception meal under the stars. Display food elegantly on marble, driftwood, or vintage silver. Signature cocktails in copper mugs add flair.
Incorporate Natural Details: Think linen table runners, rattan chargers, raffia accents, wood signage and wicker baskets for a natural yet polished coastal look.
Incorporate Elevated Rentals: Rather than typical plastic outdoor chairs, splurge on chiavari chairs with crossback designs, cushioned seating, or fun pops of color to give your reception refined style even outdoors. Farm tables, wooden benches, and reclaimed wood seating continue the organic yet sophisticated look.
Limit Décor: To keep your beach wedding décor feeling refined, edit down and embrace minimalism. Simple is best against the gorgeous seaside backdrop. Skip over-the-top trinkets and focus on a few key details. Drape gauzy ivory fabric on the sweetheart table and wedding chairs for soft elegance. Arrange a variety of seashells found on the beach itself and groupings of clear glass votive candles for organic texture. Float florals in glass vases filled with sand and water for subtle centerpieces. You only need a few decorative touches to complement, not compete with, the natural beach setting. Let the sound of waves, tranquil views, and easy breezy ambiance speak for itself.
Insert High-End Details: Upgrade basics with luxe details like calligraphy signage, engraved glassware, a live music trio, or a post-dinner bonfire with s’mores kits. Personalised matches, candles, robes, and hangover kits make sweet gifts.
By focusing on simple, meaningful elements you can absolutely pull off an intimate coastal wedding that feels laidback luxe. Keep things breezy and let the dreamy beach views shine…
—
Say I Do at the UK's Most Romantic Beaches
From remote coves to lively promenades, some beaches seem designed for romance. If you're planning a beach wedding in the UK, consider one of these swoon-worthy spots that are perfect backdrops for your "I dos."
Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall: This golden sand beach sits just steps from the vibrant harbour town of St Ives. Exchange vows with views of Godrevy Lighthouse then celebrate at the luxurious Porthminster Hotel and Beach Cafe.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall: With its secluded horseshoe bay flanked by dramatic cliffs, Porthcurno has an unspoiled and tranquil vibe perfect for romance. Exchange vows on the soft white sands with the turquoise sea before you.
Brighton Beach, Brighton: For an iconic and lively seaside celebration, you can't beat the vibrant atmosphere of Brighton Beach. Pose for photos on the Victorian pier before toasting the day away on Beach Road.
South Sands, Salcombe: Nestled within the cliffs of the South Hams peninsula, South Sands feels like your own secret paradise. Nearby Salcombe provides boutique hotels and delightful cottages ideal for newlywed hideaways.
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales: Named one of Britain's best beaches, Three Cliffs has steep limestone cliffs, sandy dunes, and epic views. Tie the knot with this stunning natural beauty as your backdrop.
Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire: Accessed only by scenic walking trail, Barafundle evokes a castaway feel with its seclusion and natural beauty. Exchange rings with this half-moon bay as your witness.
Elie Beach, Elie, Fife, Scotland: Elie's postcard-perfect golden sand beach is framed by Elie Ness peninsula. Nearby harbours, lighthouses, and 19th century architecture provide a charming Scottish seaside feel.
Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall: Watergate Bay boasts two miles of golden sand and excellent surf. The beach is dotted with cozy rental beach huts for a private romantic feel.
Whitepark Bay, Northern Ireland: This remote Northern Irish beach is edged by grassy dunes and crashing surf. Exchange vows with just your nearest and dearest beneath the emerald cliffs.
With so many stunning shores to choose from, you’re guaranteed an idyllic, romantic beach wedding somewhere along the UK coastline.
—
Can I get married on any beach?
Here's an overview of the laws around getting married on beaches in the UK:
England
It is legally possible to get married on a beach, but approval and permits are needed.
You must apply for permission from the local council or landowner to use a public beach as your venue.
A marriage license from the local register office is required. Some areas require a special license to marry outdoors.
Time restrictions, noise limits, and environmental impact rules often apply.
Wales
Outdoor weddings are allowed, but local council permission is still required for public beaches.
Apply to the local register office for a license and check if any special permits apply.
Scotland
Beach weddings are legally permissible but permits, consent forms, and licenses are mandatory.
Apply to the local registrar and council to seek permission for using a beach venue.
So in summary, beach weddings are allowed across the UK but require proper permissions and paperwork. Contact your local registrar and beach/venue early in advance to account for any application timelines or restrictions.
—
So for all you hopeless romantics, take it from the sea and plan your big day on the beach. You'll never forget the sound of the surf, the romantic ambiance, and the picture-perfect moments made even more magical against the beautiful sea.
Stay tuned for our list of coastal wedding planners and photographers…
—
You Might Also Be Interested In:
>> COASTAL TABLESCAPES
>> BEACH ESSENTIALS - HER
>> BEACH = HAPPY PEOPLE
__