There are so many beautiful locations on the Central Coast to get married! We’ve scouted beaches, wineries, and other spots to find that perfect location for our couples where the backdrop is picture perfect. Year after year, the gazebo cliff and Margo Dodd gazebo in Pismo Beach location is still our favorite location for our wedding packages with guests.

Here’s why the Margo Dodd Gazebo Pismo Beach is our favorite location:

1.) Beautifully romantic backdrop

Located on the cliffs with the bright blue ocean in the background, the Margo Dodd gazebo in Pismo Beach has an amazing ocean view. Getting married in the Margo Dodd gazebo or on the grassy area with the gazebo in the background adds to the romance of your wedding day. Special touches like flowers, lanterns and an arch are decoration options that make your wedding day more beautiful. Before the wedding, guests can even see the whales in the water, catch a glimpse of dolphins jumping, watch seals swimming, and do plenty of bird watching. There are large rock formations and distant cliffs of Pismo that are pretty for pictures.

2.) Exclusive use of the space

The Margo Dodd gazebo area and side space are all reserved for you and your guests for the wedding. This means you are the only ones in the space! At locations like the beach, it’s public property so you might have a sun bather in your photos or a big blue pop up tent in the background. For the gazebo, the only people in the space are you and your guests. There are areas for large group photos and plenty of space for your guests to gather.


3.) Sandy beach for photos 

Since your wedding is at the beach, why not have your pictures taken on the sand. After the ceremony, unwind at the beach with couple’s photos. Kick off your shoes and let the tide wash up. This sandy beach has 2 caves, neat rock formations, tidepools and plenty of sand. The beach is a nice place to escape from your guests and think about your special day while taking photos.  And, it is just a short walk from the gazebo.

For weddings with guests who might have trouble walking on the sand or long distances, the Margo Dodd gazebo is a very short and easy walk from the street parking. Sometimes a wedding on the beach is a concern for couples with parents or grandparents who have difficulty walking in the sand. We’ve seen a few people stumble on the sand, so the gazebo has a nice walk way and grassy space for guests.

5.) Plenty of parking

Finding parking can always be a challenge. But at the gazebo, there is plenty of parking. We’ve had 50 guests at weddings and no parking problems. Parking is free, unlike some local beaches.

6.) Away from the busyness of the pier

Pismo Beach is still a favorite beach to walk on or take the kids to play in the sand at. But, sometimes near the pier it can get a little crowded. I like the gazebo since it’s a few miles away from the pier. You actually can see the pier in the distance. The Marg Dodd gazebo is in Pismo if you want to stay in that area, but far enough away that you and your guests can still feel like you are at the beach, but not have the crowds surrounding you.

7.) The guests love the million dollar view

Everyone loves the views from the cliffs. From the gazebo, there is a 180 degree view from Point Sal to Pismo and Avila. You will always spot sea life from birds to dolphins and even whales in the late summer. Your guest will be stunned by the ocean view and  think you chose a hidden gem to get married at this beach location.

8.) You can add extra decorations to personalize things

The gazebo location is beautiful the way it is, but you have the option of adding extra decorations like flowers, lanterns and an arch.

9.) We take care of it all for you

This is actually what we do!  We take care of all the planning so you can worry about the fun things.

Let us plan your gazebo wedding today!

For a video at the Margo Dodd Gazebo Pismo Beach Cliff location see https://vimeo.com/254956624.

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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