Sea & Beach Elements to Include in Your Wedding

13 wedding décor details to give your special day a touch of the ocean.

Sea & Beach Elements to Include in Your Wedding

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Photo: Photography by Sydney Rasch

While a wedding doesn’t exactly need to have a traditional theme, deciding upon the motif for your big day can be an exciting venture. There are a few overarching categories to select from – such as the well-known city glamour, rustic-chic, and boho – and within those choices are numerous ways to conceptualize your event. For example, if you decide to go with rustic-chic, are you leaning more toward a classic country celebration with barn details, or are you thinking of something more west coast, like a vineyard soirée? It’s pertinent that you and your beloved discuss what is most important to you both based on your location, venue, and personal preferences.

If you elect to host your nuptials in a beachy location – or if you simply have a deep love of the ocean – we recommend including sea-inspired elements into the décor of your ceremony and reception. You might be apprehensive to do so, in the mindset that it may look overdone, but fear not: there are plenty of ways to implement this plan without going overboard (pun intended). To see idyllic ways in which to incorporate ocean items into your day, scroll through the photos from real weddings and styled shoots below. Be sure to click on each picture for further inspiration!

Photo by Art | Photography by Sydney Rasch

Photo by Victoria Angela Photography; Planning & Design by Très Chic Southern Weddings & Events

Photo by Jana Williams Photography

Photo by Perez Photography & Sarah Kate, Photographer; Planning & Design by DFW Events and Emily Clarke Events; Floral Design by Jackson Durham Events

Photo by Braedon Photography

Photo by Jana Williams Photography


Photo by Michael Svoboda Wedding Photography; Planning & Design by Thomas Bui Lifestyle

Photo by Perez Photography & Sarah Kate, Photographer; Planning & Design by DFW Events and Emily Clarke Events; Floral Design by Jackson Durham Events

Photo by Braedon Photography

Photo by Jana Williams Photography


Photo by Barber Photography

Photo by Braedon Photography


Photo by Steve Steinhardt

View some of our beautiful oceanfront and tropical weddings, read up on the pros and cons of hosting your nuptials on the beach, and discover a guide to planning an event by the sea.