For destination elopements, I always love sharing the beauty of Pismo Beach, seeing   the sites of California, and helping couples have a simple beach elopement. This couple traveled from South Dakota to come to California for a simple beach elopement and honeymoon trip. It’s such a great idea to have a destination elopement and honeymoon all in the same week! And who doesn’t enjoy a week long celebration of love?!?  

When the bride first contacted me she wanted a simple beach elopement with family. She wanted someone to not only help with the wedding but offer suggestions on places to stay and ideas for a small reception. And guess what…we did all of that and more! The more part came when she was in a panic about her hair. She decided she wanted it done so I connected one of our awesome hair and make up gals. She squeezed her in and I even was there for a few getting ready pictures and even the first look. Event hough you are having a simple beach elopement , you can still have all the great parts of a wedding. When couples are stressed with wedding planning, I always like helping brides take away the stress and come in to help.  

To make the trip extra special, the bride surprised the groom with first class tickets for their trip to California. This extra touch was a great start to their simple beach elopement . The couple drove from SouthDakota to Denver to catch a flight into LAX airport. From there, they spend few days exploring La La land and seeing the sights. I then picture them in a convertible cruising the coast up to Pismo Beach – top down, sun in their face and love in their hearts.  

I connected with the bride once she made it to town. She’d already checked out a few local places for food and drink. One of her favorite places to eat was the Cracked Crab in Pismo Beach. She was feeling great and excited for the wedding.  

The couple had their 1st look at the Spyglass Inn in Pismo Beach. This hotel is one of my favorites – amazing ocean view, newly remodeled rooms, and a path to the beach. After getting some 1st look pictures with palm trees in the background we strolled down to the beach so they could seal their love this a kiss! It was a beautiful sunny day for a simple beach elopement, the bride walked bear foot on the rocks as the waves splashed on the rocks. The family stood around the couple and shared in their special day.  

After the ceremony, Spyglass Inn set up a small reception for the guests. Spyglass Inn in Pismo Beach has an awesome view of the Pacific blue ocean from their reception venue.  

It was the perfect simple beach elopement !

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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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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