Planning a coastal chic wedding is all about balance—refined and effortless, elevated and natural. It’s a celebration that honors the wild beauty of the coastline while embracing timeless elegance and cinematic romance. Whether you’re dreaming of windswept cliffs in Oregon or a barefoot ceremony beside gentle ocean waves, here’s how to plan a coastal chic wedding that feels deeply personal and visually stunning.
1. Start With a Breathtaking Coastal Venue
The heart of every coastal chic wedding is the setting. Choose a wedding venue that reflects your personality while offering views of the sea. Whether it’s the rugged bluffs of the Oregon Coast or a quiet East Coast harbor town, look for places where the coastal ambiance feels both grounded and elevated.
If you need inspiration, take a peek at this especially dreamy Sea Ranch Lodge wedding or our roundup of top coastal wedding destinations in the US.
A few of my favorite coastal wedding venues:
- Sea Ranch Lodge, California – Ideal for cinematic weddings with raw natural beauty, Pacific Ocean views, and modern coastal architecture.
- Meena Lodge, Oregon – Perfect for intimate coastal elopements with vintage flair and foggy, windswept backdrops that are just a short drive away.
- The Beach House, Kauai, Hawaii – Best for beachfront destination weddings that blend both island charm and breezy, relaxed coastal vibes.
2. Choose a Getting Ready Space With Ocean Views
One of the easiest ways to set the tone for your day is by selecting a serene space to get ready. For example, you might want to book a natural-light-filled Airbnb or suite overlooking the Pacific. Picture soft shadows, windswept curtains, and views of the sea as you slip into your dress or linen suit. If you’re getting married on the West Coast, this list of Oregon Coast Airbnbs is a great place to start.
3. Flowing Attire for Breezy Beach Moments
Additionally, to maximize that coastal elegance, your attire should move with the wind and light. For brides, opt for flowing gowns with long sleeves or ethereal textures that dance across the frame on film. A vintage getting-ready gown or beach chic wedding attire brings effortless elegance to your morning portraits.
For grooms, soft linen suits in earthy tones also add coastal sophistication without feeling too formal. They photograph beautifully and feel right at home among cliffs, tide pools, and wildflowers.
4. Layer Meaningful Details Into Your Look
Coastal chic doesn’t mean minimalist. Bring depth to your aesthetic with pearl jewelry, family heirlooms, and accessories that nod to your heritage. These personal touches feel especially moving when styled against the natural beauty of the ocean.
5. Florals That Complement the Coast
Choose flowers that echo the surrounding landscape. Think wild grasses, local blooms, and color palettes that pull from the shore. For example, use muted colors, sandy beige, and soft ivory. Your arrangements should feel like they could have grown right out of the earth beside you.
6. Add Vintage Touches for Depth and Texture
Vintage accents bring a cinematic quality to your coastal chic wedding. So, consider woven textures, glass candleholders, or mismatched seating for your ceremony. We especially loved how our couple J+M thrifted her ceremony dress and french lace wedding veil for romantic texture.
7. Plan a Cocktail Hour That Leans Into Luxury
For your cocktail hour, lean into ocean-inspired flavors and visuals. A raw bar with oysters or shrimp brings a luxe seaside feel, while signature cocktails in tall-stemmed glasses elevate the guest experience.
8. Invitations That Set the Tone
Let your wedding invitations reflect the coastal vibe from the very beginning. Choose materials like textured paper, deckled edges, or watercolor artwork that nods to waves, shells, or your wedding location. It’s a subtle but powerful way to immerse your guests in your story.
9. Sunset Portraits + Cinematic Film
Golden hour by the sea is unmatched. So, work with a photo and video team that captures those magic moments with intention. Especially one that shoots on vintage film formats! Film adds emotion, nostalgia, and timeless elegance to your gallery.
Curious what that could look like? Then, check out this Sea Ranch wedding for ideas.
10. Create an Experience Your Guests Won’t Forget
Finally, remember that it’s not just about the ceremony—it’s about crafting a wedding experience that resonates. Think welcome drinks by the fire, beach bonfire after-parties, and a dance floor under the stars. Altogether, these touchpoints build connection and make your destination wedding unforgettable. We loved the bonfire that A+S did at their Oregon Coast destination wedding celebration!
Coastal Chic Wedding Style Tips
- Color palette: Use neutrals with depth—ivory, beige, taupe, soft yellows, greens and brown hues
- Textures: Layer lightweight fabrics like gauze, linen, silk, and cotton
- Attire: Flowy silhouettes, bare feet, or sandals, with mismatched seating and organic elements for a lived-in but elevated look
- Decor: Candles in hurricane jars, driftwood signage, hand-dyed fabrics, and elements inspired by the tides
Final Thoughts: Plan With Intention
A coastal chic wedding is more than a trend—it’s a way of celebrating that honors simplicity, storytelling, and a sense of place. Let the landscape speak, and choose vendors who understand how to preserve the feeling of the day, not just the events.
Ready to bring your vision to life? If so, reach out here to inquire about photo + video coverage or browse our pricing and services to learn more.
