For this afternoon elopement in Avila Beach, the groom wore a white shirt (barefoot, of course) and the bride wore a beautiful ivory lace dress, with a long train and lacing in the back.   She carried a bouquet of pink roses as she and her groom headed down to the beach, hand in hand.

The groom had always wanted to get married in Avila Beach. He had memories of the town since he was a kid and would come to visit from the Valley.

As the ceremony began, a few onlookers gathered on the cliff above to witness the ceremony.   Naturally, they lingered until the couple was pronounced husband and wife and the groom kissed his bride.   Then, all the onlookers and the beachgoers enjoying a day in the sand, began to clap and cheer.   All were joining in the festive moment. 

Someday this couple will have a story to tell their children.   You see, we received a call from the groom shortly before the wedding.   He and his bride were stuck in traffic.   There was an accident that had closed the road and they were re-routed.   They had to retrace their steps and take a different route to the coast.   But, they made it in time for their wedding, even if it was a little late.   But, as the saying goes, better late than never. 

After the ceremony, with the sun overhead, and a stray dog joining in, the couple had pictures taken on the beach, with moss-covered rocks in the background.   Such a happy couple, and such a pretty setting for this summer afternoon elopement in Avila Beach. 

*To get married in Avila Beach you need a beach permit.

Avila Beach is a quiet little destination for a beach wedding.  One of my favorite spots was this cove that is away from the main section of the beach.  When the tide is right, it creates a nice backdrop with the rocks and the boats.  Avila Beach is between Pismo Beach and Morro Bay.  The town was rebuilt about 15 years ago and has more of a coastal charm to it. There are a few local places to have fish and chips – my favorite lunch spot is MerSeas (http://www.merseas.com/) located at the end of the far pier.  You can enjoy eating out on the patio and watch the sea lions play in the ocean.

Other activities in Avila include:

  • Wine tasting
  • Paddle boarding
  • Apple farms – during Fall time
  • Walk on the beach
  • Great beaches for kids since the waves are not too big
  • Visit the Lighthouse
  • Get married!!
By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
February 1, 2025
Not sure what to wear to a small wedding? We've got some tips on how to dress for a small wedding. Let us plan your small wedding in Pismo Beach.
January 30, 2025
Celebrate your wedding in Cambria! Come have your elopement or small wedding in Cambria. This wedding location overlooks the ocean, have a pretty tree grove and access to the beach. Let us plan your wedding in Cambria!
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