Wedding Ceremony Details

We provide our couples with a customized ceremony. Here’s a little bit about Coastal California Wedding’s Wedding Ceremony Details .

Length

Long, average, or short

  • The average ceremony is 15 minutes. You can choose to have it longer or shorter.
  • A shorter ceremony would be 10 minutes and a long one would be around 20 minutes.
  • Longer ceremonies include a shell unity ceremony and having more than 1 reading or poem. The ceremonies that tend to be heavier on  mentioning  God are longer too.

 

Type

Traditional, modern

  • A traditional wedding ceremony would include all the features of a normal wedding ceremony – introduction, talk about marriage, vows, rings, and ending.
  • Modern wedding ceremony might have things in a different order, or might include certain customizations and changes from the traditional ceremony. Some couples don’t exchange ring for a modern ceremony.

 

Religious or not 

  • A religious wedding ceremony would be something specific to the two of you. For example, maybe you are Catholic and want the ceremony to have a few Catholic elements. We’ve had a couple where he was Muslim and she was Christian. They wanted to highlight their two faiths so we incorporated a Muslim blessing and Verse from the Bible. Or adding a Buddhist blessing and other traditions.

 

God or no God 

For the ceremony you can have it mention God or not mention God.

  • If you want to mention God do you want a little or a lot? Sometimes our couples say they are not religious, but want God to bless their marriage. This would be a light sprinkle of God in the ceremony. God would be mentioned in the introduction and then in a blessing.
  • Other couples want their ceremony to focus around God. This would include a blessing at the beginning and end, reading of scripture, blessing of the rings and final prayer.

 

Shell and sand unity ceremony 

  • The unity ceremony is added to the wedding ceremony to show the bond of two people becoming one.
  • Included in some packages or as an add on, we provide a Shell and sand unity ceremony. There are special words that are said as part of the unity ceremony. You and your fiancé are given a Shell. The Shell is held during the unity ceremony. Then they are places in a keepsake container that is filled with sand. The Shell and sand unity ceremony is a great reminder of your special day and beach wedding.

Plant ceremony 

  • For couples who have a green thumb and are a bit more natural, a plant unity ceremony can be added to your wedding ceremony. It’s the same idea as the sand ceremony and normally done at winery weddings.

 

Vows 

  • For the ceremony you can say your own vows or choose to have the officiant say your vows and you repeat I do.

 

Rings 

  • Most couples exchange wedding rings during the ceremony. If you want to exchange a gift or something besides a ring that goes on the finger please let us know.

 

Children 

  • If you have children together, or his and hers, there are ways to include them. Maybe in the shell ceremony, in the blessing, having them do a reading, or give them a small gift.

 

Kiss

  • Make sure you have a nice, long kiss! It’s much better for photos.

These are the basics for the Wedding Ceremony Details.

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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