Summer Gazebo Elopement in Shell Beach

Sometimes we have couples who compose their own vows, but rarely do we get a couple who will write the entire ceremony.  But, for this summer gazebo elopement in Shell Beach, this couple, who traveled here all the way from Washington, did just that.  And, their ceremony was just perfect for them.

They told us that, even though they were a little older, they had never been married before.  But, after many years, they had met, fallen in love, and were ready to make a lasting commitment to each other.

As the beautiful bride walked up the path to the gazebo, dressed in an elegant lacy dress, carrying a bouquet of roses, her groom had his back turned so that he would not see her.  Suddenly, he was asked to turn around, and he got the first glimpse of his beautiful bride.  And, he smiled!

Their ceremony started with a prayer, thanking God for the love that they both share and asking His blessing as they exchange their vows and seal their promises.  We asked God to surround them with His grace and to live within their hearts from this day forth.

Their ceremony went on to remind them that all of their moments together have led up to this exchange of vows and prepared them as each other’s lifetime partners.  They were about to share a most special gift, one that had been carefully nurtured and polished to give to each other.

As several family members gathered, this couple pledged their loyalty to one another.  They asked for the patience to listen, the capacity to understand, the compassion to give comfort, and the joy to laugh and just to be together.  But, most importantly, they asked that their marriage be a home where neither person is a stranger.

Then, together they repeated:

I will share my life openly with you.
I will walk hand in hand with you.
I will grow with you, not away from you, in each of our discoveries.
I will support your strengths with love and honest,
and protect you, as we go forth together into this world as two yet one.

After the ceremony, there were group photos and then the bride and groom escaped to a secluded beach for some more pictures of just the two of them. What a perfect ending to this summer gazebo elopement in Shell Beach.

May the two of you continue to be as happy as you are today, and may you continue to thank God for the precious gift of your love for one another.  Our best wishes to you both!

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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