If you are considering eloping and feel like you will miss out on a party, check out some of our elopement party ideas for having a party before or after you elope.

Before you elope- If your elopement is not a secret or you have explained to family and friends you are having a small wedding, plan to throw a getting married or bon voyage party. Send out announcements asking friends and family to wish you  well and send you on your way.

After you have eloped- Send out a “look what we did, come and celebrate our marriage” announcement. Host a party celebrating what you did and that you want to share your happiness with friends and family.

Party ideas

-If you and your fiance or the fun, playful type consider renting a room at Dave and Busters, or planning a carnival with corn hole toss, croquet, three legged race, gourmet hot dogs, adult snow cone station and cotton candy.

-If you want something a little more elegant, you could choose a nice restaurant and host a cocktail party with appetizers. Give the party a glitter and gold theme and ask the guests to dress up a little. Or theme it to be a Great Gatsby party where guests dress up in the era and party like a New York millionaire.  During the party toast with champagne and cake. If you are on a budget, consider having the party on a Thursday night since most places give a weekday discount.

-Or how about a food themed dinner party.  You could do an Italian food themed part with Frank Sinatra playing in the background, spaghetti feast, garlic bread, salad, and plenty of red wine.  Or try a Mexican food fiesta with a margarita bar, enchiladas, rice, beans, and live entertainment with a mariachi band.

For either event you can still have all the features of a wedding reception guest book, photo booth, party announcements, place to wear a fancy dress and get your hair done, a photographer to capture the events of the day, and a cake to cut.  You may also decide to register for gifts or just allow friends and family to give you a present if they feel like it instead of being obligated.

As a word of warning, there will probably still be people who don’t approve that you eloped. But there is always someone who doesn’t like something about what you do or don’t do. Either way, relax, have fun, and celebrate the love you share for your partner!

Pictures from an elopement party we planned .

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

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.

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Cambria Wedding

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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