Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Ceremony & Reception
  4. Wedding Décor & Details
  5. Nautical Wedding Ideas for Your Coastal-Inspired Celebration
Martha Stewart Weddings

Nautical Wedding Ideas for Your Coastal-Inspired Celebration

Hannah Nowack Contributor Page Image
By Hannah Nowack
Skip gallery slides
Pin
white canoe decorated in greenery white roses ribbon
Credit: Jessa Schifilliti

Look to the sea for big-day inspiration.

Start Slideshow

1 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
white canoe decorated in greenery white roses ribbon
Credit: Jessa Schifilliti

Whether you're getting married near the sea, on the water (who could resist an intimate sailboat wedding?), or miles inland, put nautical details on your radar. From anchors and buoys to ocean-inspired colorways, these elements will add a timeless touch to your wedding design.

Feeling confused about what exactly constitutes nautical inspiration? That's understandable, considering the fact that not every waterfront event actually falls under this category. (A seaside wedding with palm frond accents and a pink-and-green color palette would better be described as tropical, for example.) The recipe for a party that feels nautical involves naval and maritime influences—as opposed to exotic ones. Ultimately, if you're a classic couple with a penchant for timeless style, nautical is the way to go.

As for the best ways to bring this theme to life? Consider choosing navy blue, emerald green, or soft sky blue as the anchor (pun intended!) color for your celebration's design. Alternatively, layer in coastal motifs, like boats, buoys, anchors, and stripes, to help achieve that seafaring vibe you're after. This vintage rowboat is the perfect example: With a bright teal interior and greenery garland accent, the vessel served as a creative background prop for portraits at this fête planned by Gilded Lily Events.

You don't have to commit to a nautical theme entirely to incorporate sea-ready accents into your big day. A detail as small as anchor place card holders (that honor a spouse's service in the Navy!) or a sailboat crest (a nod to your go-to hobby, perhaps?) will delight your guests. Beyond ocean-ready décor, there are plenty of ways to add nautical influences to the food and fashion selections at your wedding. An ocean-blue wedding gown or blue-and-white striped bow tie would do the trick, style-wise. As for food? Consider serving oysters on the half-shell at cocktail hour, followed by crab cakes at the reception for a maritime-infused menu. Looking for even more inspiration? Bookmark the ideas ahead to achieve a timeless wedding that nods to the sea.

1 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blue Gown

light blue wedding dress with large bow lower back
Credit: KT Merry

Your nautical accents don't have to feel obvious, as this look, styled by The Style Bungalow, proves. A wedding dress in a subtle oceanic hue, like this one from Alexia Maria, can inspire your entire event—thread the shade throughout your party for a touch of maritime influence.

  • Unique Ideas for Your "Something Blue"

2 of 38

3 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Unique Venue

intimate tables and chairs on marina pier
Credit: Greg Finck

Don't want to host your event on a boat? Consider an alternative venue that feels just as nautical. With the help of Laurie Arons and Mindy Rice, cocktail hour at this oceanside fête took place on the marina pier, affording guests sweeping views of the sea.

3 of 38

Advertisement

4 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sailor's Knot

garret sean wedding tying the knot
Credit: The Happy Bloom

The tradition of a sailor's knot, created with two intertwined ropes, began as a way for sailors to remember their loved ones while they were at sea. Although it's a relatively simple knot to tie, it's one of the strongest—which perfectly symbolizes the bond of marriage. For this very reason, the maritime tradition has been adopted by modern-day couples; the knot-tying ritual, which often takes place during the ceremony, speaks to the duo's commitment to each other.

  • Creative Wedding Rituals That Symbolize Unity

4 of 38

5 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wedding Portraits

stacy brad wedding thailand couple on the boat
Credit: Catherine Mead

You may not be exchanging vows on a boat, but their smooth lines and rich wood make them great photo props. Joy Proctor and Bows + Arrows added garlands to this one, making it an even more striking big-day detail.

  • Unique Couple Portrait Ideas to Inspire Your Wedding Photos

5 of 38

6 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shell Escort Cards

beth john wedding escort cards shells
Credit: Rachel May Photography

If you're looking for an affordable upgrade to paper escort cards, consider seashells. With a bit of planning, you and your fiancé (or even an eager ring bearer who wants to get involved!) can collect shells for your calligrapher to transform into seating assignment tokens, like Calligraphette & Co. did here.

  • Paper Place Card Alternatives That Your Guests Won't Expect

6 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creative Shelving

brittany alex wedding pashminas in boat
Credit: Sarah Ingram

Tipped on its end, a boat can easily become a useful and creative décor element. For this lakeside wedding, Upstate I Do transformed a canoe into a pashmina display.

  • Ideas to Keep Your Guests Warm at Your Wedding

7 of 38

8 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thematic Tabletop

compass wedding ideas thematic nautical plates
Credit: Nikki Santerre Photography

If you're adding a nautical statement piece, in this case a model sailboat, to your tablescape, work in other thematic details to tie the design together. Aisle Society used compass-emblazoned plates to complement the central motif.

  • Trending Now: Compass Wedding Ideas

8 of 38

9 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Arrival by Boat

wedding couple on boat
Credit: Rachel Havel Photography

Boats are sometimes used for grand exits, but have you thought about utilizing a sea vessel for other moments, as well? With Emily Clarke's help, this couple used a motorboat to get from their ceremony to their reception.

9 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ocean Hues

christina matt wedding charleston sc table setting
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

Nautical inspiration can be subtle—you don't have to include boat or anchor motifs if that doesn't mesh with your aesthetic. Instead, look to a color palette inspired by the sea itself. The white-and-blue color scheme at this Duet Weddings event subtly referenced the waterfront Charleston venue without feeling overly thematic.

  • Cool Blue Wedding Ideas You'll Love

10 of 38

11 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
brittany alex wedding escort cards
Credit: Sarah Ingram

If you like the idea of adding art-inspired details to your maritime-influenced wedding, you'll likely gravitate towards this one-of-a-kind escort card display. Sofia Invitations made use of the couple's Wide Eyes Paper Co. crest to create this watercolor and wax-seal seating chart.

  • Gorgeous Wedding Invitations with Wax Seals

11 of 38

12 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seating Chart

wedding escort cards
Credit: Love & Light Photographs

One of the simplest ways to weave nautical influences into your wedding day is with an ocean-minded color palette. Soft blues, sea greens, and neutral driftwood hues connected this Gilded Lily wedding's design with the seaside venue for a cohesive, maritime aesthetic.

12 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shell Garland

kaitlin dan wedding table
Credit: KT Merry

If you love the idea of adding seashells to your tablescape, but don't want to randomly scatter them around, consider crafting a shell garland. A few drill holes, some strong fishing line, and a bit of creativity are all you need to bring together an iteration like this one from Sinclair and Moore.

  • Lush Wedding Garlands Guaranteed to Elevate Your Reception Tables

13 of 38

14 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Saltwater Taffy

stephanie philip wedding welcome bag
Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

Saltwater taffy is probably the candy most associated with the ocean. Add the sweets to your welcome bags—and then fill them up with other seashore-inspired treats, as Pineapple Productions did here.

  • Welcome Bags from Real Weddings

14 of 38

15 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cake Topper

Single-Tiered Cake Decorate with Shells
Credit: Marianne Lucille Photography

Shells' interior luminescence makes them an elegant source of sparkle—so why not add them to your wedding cake? Take this Baker's Pride confection, for example. The simple white one-tier didn't need any extra embellishments for sheen; the cake's shell cake topper had it covered.

  • Beach Wedding Cakes That Are Perfect for Your Seaside Dessert Table

15 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thematic Calligraphy

nautical invitation set beach element with blue calligraphy
Credit: KT Merry

Ocean-inspired stationery accents will set the tone for your seaside wedding from the onset. As if bold blue stripes weren't enough to drive their nautical theme home, this couple also asked Laura Hooper to pen wave-inspired calligraphy onto each envelope.

  • Nautical Wedding Invitations Perfect for a Waterfront Celebration

16 of 38

17 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ocean Waters

Blue and White Wedding Cake Topped with Shells
Credit: Koby Brown

If you find yourself gravitating to this cake but can't figure out why, pay close attention to two of the elements The Sugary & Chic and The Foraged Fern incorporated into its design. Drastically different tier heights made the confection feel unique, while tide-inspired hand-painting connected the dessert to the waterfront locale.

  • Beautiful Wedding Cakes That Are (Almost!) Too Pretty to Eat

17 of 38

18 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bar Sign

rose bar
Credit: Rachel Havel Photography

Small nautical accents are still incredibly striking. Case in point? This bar sign from The Detail Department, which featured a simple boat motif. The elegant script added a touch of refined romance to the signage, preventing it from feeling overtly coastal.

  • Trending Now: Drink Stations to Elevate Your Reception

18 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oysters

cocktail hour foods
Credit: Nancy Ray Photography

Oysters on the half-shell are always a great summer cocktail hour staple—so make sure to highlight them at your event. Galvanized trays and servers clad in ocean-inspired blue bow ties made these passed raw hors d'oeuvres feel inspired and fresh.

  • Cocktail Hour Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love

19 of 38

20 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lobster Rolls

lobster rolls
Credit: Emily Delamater Photography

Another great sea-ready addition to your cocktail hour menu? Lobster rolls. Whether you're tying the knot in Maine, or simply have a soft spot for these shellfish sandwiches, they'll bring a fun, nautical feel to your cuisine. Upgrade the savory snacks even more by serving them on raw-edged wood trays that reference driftwood.

  • Crowd-Pleasing Engagement Party Food Ideas

20 of 38

21 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Classic

navy blue cardstock rose gold printing anchor design invitations
Credit: J. Harper Photography

If you consider yourself a classic-meets-preppy bride, this suite is for you. This Zazzle invitation proved that navy and white will always work for a seaside wedding.

  • Classic Wedding Invitations for Traditional Brides and Grooms

21 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Anchor Pins

gillian-william-7431-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls

These Lion in the Sun escort cards are a great reminder that paying attention to the smallest details is the best way to make your aesthetic feel cohesive. Mini anchor pins adhered guests' escort cards to the display board for a practical and on-theme addition to the wedding design.

  • Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays

22 of 38

23 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

King Crab

engagement party food michael and anna costa
Credit: Michael and Anna Costa

It's not hard to understand why delicious King crab legs should make an appearance at your nautical celebration. But the part of this display that really resonates? The catering team displayed the seafood in oversized shell-inspired trays as yet another nod to the water.

23 of 38

24 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Model Boat

julie anthony real wedding table number sailboat
Credit: Mirelle Carmichael Photography

Did you grow up building model boats? Or maybe you just love sailing. Either way, miniature sailboats with table numbers painted onto their sails are a thematic way to bring the sea to your reception tables—the wooden vessels at this Amorology wedding did exactly that.

  • The Prettiest Wedding Table Number Ideas from Real Weddings

24 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Save-the-Date

beach wedding invitations hook line sinker
Credit: Kate Headley

You don't need to wait until the end of the reception to hand out favors—send a trinket along with your save-the-date to get the party started early. Crab hammers, engraved by Empress Stationery with pertinent big-day details, gave guests an idea of what to expect at this couple's seafood-filled event.

  • Wedding Insiders Share the Biggest Save-the-Date Faux Pas

25 of 38

26 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shells

simple neutral reception place setting
Credit: Sasha Smolina / READYLUCK

There are a million shells on the beach, which means they're an easily-accessible addition to your event design. You don't have to go crazy when adding seashells to your décor—Margaret Cally Events simply placed one at every place setting as a finishing touch.

26 of 38

27 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Calligraphed Shells

beach wedding ideas seashell escort cards
Credit: Ryan Ray

With a bit of planning, shell escort cards are a wedding project that everyone can participate in. During your next seaside vacation, task your family with collecting shells for your calligrapher to decorate. Depending on their script style, the end result will look similar to what Chelsea Petaja created here.

27 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crab Box

wedding gift tables love and light photographs
Credit: Love & Light Photographs

A crab box caught a little something different at this Gilded Lily Events wedding: cards from friends and family! Selecting a gift container that fits into your overall theme is a thoughtful, personalized touch.

  • Ways to Set Up a Card or Gift Table at Your Wedding

28 of 38

29 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Anchors Away

molly josh wedding place cards
Credit: Kati Rosado Photography

Looking for a way to honor your spouse-to-be's service? A subtle nod to the Navy, these tiny gold anchors were a thoughtful reference to the groom's career. Vanessa Michelle helped bring the couple's vision to life while Kelsey Malie was responsible for the calligraphy.

  • Ways to Honor Your Military Bride or Groom on Your Wedding Day

29 of 38

30 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Life Preserver

jenny-freddie-boatride-lifesaver-005-s112779-1215.jpg
Credit: Katie Mitchell Photography

Of all the seafaring ideas on this list, this is one of the most unique. A calligraphed life preserver was used to commemorate the pre-wedding boat ride this couple hosted for guests at their destination wedding, which Bash Please planned.

30 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Favors

emily-david-souveniers-002770-r1-012-mwds110206.jpg

To ensure that your wedding feels nautical from beginning to end, pay extra attention to the favors you're sending guests home with. Bottles of maple syrup got an anchor upgrade at this wedding, so attendees could remembered its ocean-inspired theme long after it wrapped.

  • Edible Wedding Favors Guests Will Eat Up (Literally!)

31 of 38

32 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seafaring Fashion

brides walk on ocean front beach
Credit: J. Harper Photography

One word of advice: Pay special attention to the fabrics you select for your oceanside wedding ensemble. Breathable materials like chiffon and organza are the way to go, as opposed to more structured crêpes and brocades. These brides selected light and breezy BHLDN outfits that felt right at home at their Rhode Island wedding.

  • Stunning Beach Wedding Dresses

32 of 38

33 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grand Exit

wedding exits boat britt rene photo
Credit: BrittRenePhoto

If you want to carry your seafaring theme throughout every element of your day, don't forget to plan a nautical grand exit. This couple hopped into the back of a vintage boat for a one-of-a-kind getaway.

  • Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Exit

33 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Portraits on a Boat

Anchor and Safety Throw Ring Accents
Credit: KT Merry

This couple took their wedding portraits on a picturesque sailboat. If your locale affords you the same opportunity, take advantage of the pretty prop—especially during golden hour.

  • Get Inspired by Unique Couple Portrait Ideas

34 of 38

35 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tying the Knot

Anchor and Safety Throw Ring Accents
Credit: Catherine Ann Photography

Make like this this bride and groom—who participated in a traditional knot-tying ceremony using sailing rope—and display the keepsake in a shadowbox in your home to commemorate your marriage vows.

  • See More Creative Wedding Rituals That Symbolize Unity

35 of 38

36 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Arrival by Boat

Anchor and Safety Throw Ring Accents
Credit: Catherine Ann Photography

Make your "something borrowed" nautical by borrowing a boat from a loved one for your wedding. This couple did just that; the groom arrived to the ceremony on his father-in-law's boat.

  • Get More Unexpected Wedding Transportation Ideas

36 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oar Signs

Anchor and Safety Throw Ring Accents
Credit: KT Merry

Wedding-day signage certainly doesn't have to be paper. This couple opted for calligraphed wooden oars to match their oceanside theme. The boat motifs from Life at Studio B were turned into signposts, guiding guests to all of the evening's activities and events.

  • 29 Creative Wedding Signs You'll Love

37 of 38

38 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sailboat Escort Card

peony-richard-wedding-maldives-seating-cards-1888-s112383.jpg
Credit: KT Merry

If you aren't able to incorporate an actual sailboat into your nautical wedding plans, consider creating paper iterations instead, like this bride did. These sailboat-shaped escort cards were actually calligraphed by the bride herself.

  • See More Elegant Ways to Decorate Your Wedding with Calligraphy

38 of 38

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Hannah Nowack

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 38
    2 of 38 Blue Gown
    3 of 38 Unique Venue
    4 of 38 Sailor's Knot
    5 of 38 Wedding Portraits
    6 of 38 Shell Escort Cards
    7 of 38 Creative Shelving
    8 of 38 Thematic Tabletop
    9 of 38 Arrival by Boat
    10 of 38 Ocean Hues
    11 of 38
    12 of 38 Seating Chart
    13 of 38 Shell Garland
    14 of 38 Saltwater Taffy
    15 of 38 Cake Topper
    16 of 38 Thematic Calligraphy
    17 of 38 Ocean Waters
    18 of 38 Bar Sign
    19 of 38 Oysters
    20 of 38 Lobster Rolls
    21 of 38 Classic
    22 of 38 Anchor Pins
    23 of 38 King Crab
    24 of 38 Model Boat
    25 of 38 Save-the-Date
    26 of 38 Shells
    27 of 38 Calligraphed Shells
    28 of 38 Crab Box
    29 of 38 Anchors Away
    30 of 38 Life Preserver
    31 of 38 Favors
    32 of 38 Seafaring Fashion
    33 of 38 Grand Exit
    34 of 38 Portraits on a Boat
    35 of 38 Tying the Knot
    36 of 38 Arrival by Boat
    37 of 38 Oar Signs
    38 of 38 Sailboat Escort Card

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Nautical Wedding Ideas for Your Coastal-Inspired Celebration
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.