Our Favorite Beach Wedding Décor + Details

Whether you want your toes in the sand as you say "I do" or a view of the ocean, you'll love these real weddings.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer, and we're celebrating the holiday weekend with some of our favorite décor and details from beach wedding portraits, ceremonies, and receptions.

first-kiss-ceremony-beach-pacific-ocean-wood-arch-verdure-sand-oceanside-california-wedding
Photo: John Schnack Photography

It's almost summer! The weather is warming up, the beaches are starting to open, and it's Memorial Day Weekend – which means we're looking back at some of our favorite beach weddings! Strolling through the sand to your future spouse certainly has a dreamy, romantic feel, which is why so many couples choose to exchange vows either on the beach or take their wedding portraits near the ocean to incorporate the blissful feel of the sand and sea into their nuptials. 

Nuptials by the ocean seem to especially appeal to those hosting an intimate celebration or destination wedding, but with careful planning, large events can be held on the sand as well. Whether you have two guests or 200, there are a lot of details that need to be accounted for when planning a beach wedding. With both private beaches and public beaches available, you may either have a hefty location fee or require a permit, so be sure to consult with your wedding planner for details on your desired location.

For your ceremony, we recommend instructing guests that the ceremony will take place on the sand (if it will be) so they can prepare the right footwear, as you should too! If you'd rather not deal with sand getting your bridal gown dirty, a wooden aisle is an excellent alternative. As for the reception, we've seen gorgeous open-air beach celebrations, as well as beach weddings beneath striking tents – both either on the sand itself or on flooring that's been installed on top of the beach. Like any wedding venue, you can make the location a canvas for whatever type of event you envision – that's where your wedding professionals come in!

Discover inspiration for your beach wedding in the photos from real weddings, below! To see more from these celebrations, be sure to click the link below each image! 

Amy Crawford & Gerrit Cole at Beach Wedding

Photo by Chard Photo; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; From Real Wedding: MLB Pitcher Gerrit Cole's Luxe Destination Wedding in Santa Barbara

Bride and Groom on the Beach Portrait

Photo by KT Merry; From Real Wedding: A Gorgeous and Elegant Outdoor Florida Wedding

Bride & Groom Walking Dog in Santa Monica Beach

Photo by Michelle Beller Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Ceremony + Beachfront Ballroom Reception in Santa Monica

Violinist at Beach Wedding Ceremony

Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography; From Real Wedding: Total Divas Star Lana's Circus-Themed Beach Wedding in Malibu

Bridesmaids on Beach Boardwalk in Santa Monica

Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Church Ceremony + Soft, Romantic Reception in Santa Monica

Destination Wedding Ceremony on Sand

Photo by Carrie King Photographer; From Real Wedding: Neutral & Tropical Fall Destination Wedding on the Beach in Mexico

Ceremony First Kiss on Beach in California

Photo by John Schnack Photography; Bridal Salon: Wedding Atelier; Linens by Luxe Linen; From Real Wedding: A Sunny Beach Wedding Featuring Wood Accents in California

Silver Urn with Ivory Blooms & Lanterns on Beach

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California

Beach Wedding Flower Girl

Photo by The Day by Ira Lippke; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Beautiful Destination Beach Wedding in Turks & Caicos

Beach Wedding Ceremony in Key West

Photo by John Cain Photography; From Real Wedding: Fall Destination Wedding on the Beach in Key West, Florida

Happy Couple After Jewish Beach Ceremony

Photo by M. Hart Photography; Floral Design by Lilla Bello; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Beach Ceremony + Ballroom Reception at a Luxury Seaside Hotel in Santa Monica

Beach Chair Escort Cards

Photo by Nicole Barr; From Real Wedding: Ceremony Overlooking the Bay + Tented Reception at Beach House

Beachside Escort Card Display

Photo by 
Yvette Roman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California

Golden Hour on the Shore Beach Wedding

Photo by Marissa Maharaj; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding in Maui with Both Classic and Tropical Touches

Lounge Area at Beach Cocktail Hour

Photo by Jose Villa Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Destination Wedding with Beach Ceremony + Gilded Reception

Tiki Torches on Beach in Bahamas

Photo by Grant Daniels Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Tent Reception on the Beach in the Bahamas

Malibu Beach Couple

Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Tone It Up Trainer Katrina Hodgson's Shabby Chic Malibu Wedding

Tented Wedding Reception on the Sand

Photo by Grant Daniels Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Tent Reception on the Beach in the Bahamas

Food Stations on the Beach Wedding

Photo by Julieta Amezcua Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Destination Wedding with Modern-Day Details in Mexico

Lounge Furniture on the Beach

Photo by Grant Daniels Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Tent Reception on the Beach in the Bahamas

Wedding Lounge on the Beach

Photo by Julieta Amezcua Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Destination Wedding with Modern-Day Details in Mexico

Before you celebrate your beach wedding with loved ones, you'll have to send your invites! Discover some of our favorite beach wedding invitations perfect for a seaside ceremony or tropical reception, and browse more beach weddings featured on InsideWeddings.com.