The search for a beach wedding location

I’ve been busy meeting with couples these past few weeks.  It has been fun to take them around to each of the locations and see their excitement when they’ve found that special beach wedding location.

It takes me back to my search for a wedding location when I was planning my wedding.  I remember looking up and down the state for a wedding location.  My husband and I had friends and family all over the state and even out of the country.  Because of this, we were ok with a destination wedding spot.  We considered Portland and Hawaii…talk about destination wedding!  When we toured each of the places I was excited to see what they had to offer.  All of the locations were great ones with some nice features.  Since I had found the majority of the locations online, it was important for me to make sure the pictures matched the real location.  One of the spots I found had a lot better photos than online, while another one was so much better in person.  There was this one location that still stands out in my brain today…it was located past Santa Cruz.  It was surrounded up these tall trees with the ocean far off in the distance.  The ceremony would be outside in their garden and the reception in an old historical home.  My husband and I knew right then THAT WAS THE SPOT!  Well, it actually didn’t turn out to be our spot.  The location was amazing, but the lady couldn’t give us a price on the food or what the food selections would even be, the hotels in the area were going to be expensive for our guests since it was summer time, the location wouldn’t do a no host bar, and the destination was a little too far away from where we were living so planning was going to be tough (AND they didn’t have a wedding planner to help coordinate the details).  I have to admit my heart sunk.  But my search continued!

I am happy to say I found the PERFECT  location for my wedding!  I was lucky to get a great off season discount on a roof top reception spot in Santa Barbara.  The view of the city lights, the delicious food, the dancing, a place on budget, our signature drink, and the most important part – saying I DO.

So, if you have your heart set on a location, just know there are other spots out there for you.  I am happy to take you on a wedding location tour around the Central Coast. Pismo Beach and Shell Beach are some very beautiful places to get married.  There are also some of my favorite places to eat around here.  Let us help you with your search for the perfect beach wedding location!

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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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.
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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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