22 Ideas for an Elevated Beach Wedding

Beach weddings have so much to offer. From picturesque views and the rhythmic sounds of waves to the refreshing breeze and sunshine, a coastal locale can create the perfect big-day ambience. Although high winds and sand can make setting up a party challenging, saying "I do" on a breathtaking beach will make any and all planning pains worth it. That's why we've rounded up our favorite beach wedding ideas—they will help you make the most of your venue and throw the seaside event of your dreams.

There are unlimited options for incorporating coastal elements into your celebration. We suggest turning to oceanic and nautical motifs, like sand and boats, for inspiration. Shells make for thematic place cards while driftwood could easily be transformed into a centerpiece, too. Plus, a sea-inspired color palette of blues, greens, and neutrals can enhance your big-day aesthetic. Take this The Artful Event Co. setup, for example; the tablescape mimicked this locale's hues and textures throughout thanks to sapphire dishware and a dune-inspired pampas grass centerpiece. Overall, the station created a relaxed vibe that made guests feel like they were on vacation.

Whether you're planning a tropical destination soirée or a summer event on the shore, these details are definitely worth considering for your ceremony and reception. Between the following refreshing food stations, dress code options, and design ideas, there are so many ways you can wow guests on your beachy big day. Go ahead and start daydreaming about your wedding on the water—these ideas will make it impossible not to.

Take advantage of all the sea has to offer by making thematic escort cards out of shells, like these calligraphed iterations by Chelsea Petaja.

Use elements of oceanic nature—like driftwood, as Lexia Frank did here—to create a centerpiece that adds to the nautical feel of your sea-inspired tablescape.

Cushioned benches decorated with florals can help give your beach ceremony a classic, polished look—especially if you mirror this setup by Onyx & Redwood, which featured a white-and-green color palette translated through roses and greenery by Precious & Blooming.

Hosting your beach reception in a sheer tent—this space was design by DFW Events with florals by Bienamé—puts your natural backdrop (the rolling ocean!) on full display.

Despite the fact that beach weddings are innately casual, you can still make a black-tie dress code work for your big day. Request that guests' formal attire feature ocean-inspired colors (like dark blues and grays) so their looks complement your event's setting and aesthetic.

Make like Cathy Huber Cakes and connote an ocean-inspired wedding theme with a cake modeled after coral reef.

Turn your seafood appetizer into a décor piece by displaying shrimp on a tower that resembles driftwood. We love how Pretty Presentations' weathered wood setup featured blue accents, which complemented the event's nautical theme nicely.

Just because you're hosting an ocean-inspired wedding doesn't mean you have to stick to a cool color palette of blues and greens. Take this place setting by A Family Affair of Maine, for example. Lobster shell crackers, which doubled as favors, topped each station for a beachy look that featured a fun pop of red.

Offering summery frozen treats during your beach cocktail hour will keep guests cool and refreshed. Here, Carolina Catering Co. served gourmet popsicles in tropical flavors like lime coconut, mixed berry basil, and orange mango.

Dress your ring bearer in beach-appropriate clothing, focusing on comfy shoes and a hat. This little attendant wore venue-ready boat shoes, seersucker suspenders, a bow tie with anchors, and a fedora.

Since beach events are inherently casual, your wedding dress can be, too. Take notes from this bride who wore a backless, airy Carol Hannah look that moved in the breeze.

Looking for an intimate way to bond as newlyweds on your big day? Take a quiet cruise together for some alone time in the salty sea air.

Recreate Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design's crescent ceremony arrangement to ensure your beach altar doesn't distract from your water backdrop. The dark greenery and driftwood complemented the sea so well, it looked like it washed up on its own. Plus, its low-to-the-ground design didn't interrupt guests' views of the ocean.

Play up your tropical venue with an altar made of local greenery. This couple said "I do" in front of a pampas grass, palm, and split leaf philodendron arrangement by Betty Flowers Santorini.

A cool color palette that reflects the ocean's many shades is always a good choice for a beach reception. LVL Weddings & Events executed the look perfectly with round tables that featured blue linens and lots of greenery.

For a thematic upgrade, forgo a traditional ring bearer pillow and opt for a nautilus shell instead.

We love how this photo booth backdrop by The Wedding Atelier by Lelian Chew played up this event's surroundings, putting guests right in the "water."

Looking to give your beach ceremony a bohemian look? Style your altar after Anna Lucia Events' oriental rug and floral teepee setup. The eclectic mix of vintage carpets and natural details, like this branch structure covered in greenery and blooms by 50FIFTY, created an artful juxtaposition that melded nautical and boho-chic motifs.

Emulate LeNovelle Cake's towering confection for your own impressive sea-inspired dessert. The multi-tier creation featured fondant ocean life and an ombré scalloped design that resembled waves.

There's no place like the beach to kick back and relax, especially at a wedding. We suggest designing a lounge complete with hammocks, like this one planned by Sea of Dreams, to help guests feel like they can unwind at your event.

Anna Lucia Events' seating setup proves that a mix of wooden benches and chairs can give your ceremony in the sand a laid-back feel.