5 Ways Coastal Towns Add Romance to Your Wedding Experience

Weddings deserve an ideal backdrop, and you can’t do much better than a coastal town. With stunning sunsets, saltwater-infused breezes, and gorgeous ocean views, you’ll have the perfect ambiance for your special day. 

Coastal destinations give guests an extra reason to RSVP “yes,” and you’ll ensure an unforgettable experience. 

Read on to discover five ways that coastal towns add a touch of romance to your wedding day.

1. Unique Seaside Ambiance

Water features enhance just about any setting, and the ocean offers a grand expanse of water that will be a breathtaking addition to your special day. Imagine dipping your toes in the warm water after the ceremony concludes or feeling sand beneath your feet as you exchange vows. 

And when there’s a charming town nearby, you’ll have other picturesque features like exquisite beach houses, historic lighthouses, and quaint harbors to add to the ambiance. Even if your ceremony and decor are simple, the setting will do the work when you’re getting married by the shoreline or in a rustic seaside chapel. 

Locations like Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, for instance, combine the Monterey Peninsula’s natural beauty with architectural charm. You can snatch up a covered shelter in a seaside park or look to gardens and redwood groves for gorgeous venue options. 

Ultimately, no matter which destination wedding town you choose, you’ll elevate your ceremony and give your guests lasting memories.

2. Quaint Downtown Settings

While the water may be the star of the show in a coastal town, the downtown can be equally as enchanting. Many coastal towns are known for charming boutiques and outdoor markets that draw a crowd on weekends. 

You’ll give your guests some extra perks when you plan your wedding in a charming town like Seaside, Florida, or Nags Head, North Carolina. They’ll love exploring the artisanal shops and scooping up some souvenirs during their downtime. 

But don’t let guests have all the fun in a charming coastal town. You can enjoy shopping and tree-lined streets by planning your honeymoon in one of these towns, too. 

A honeymoon in Cape May, New Jersey, for example, offers an idyllic ocean setting. With its Victorian-style architecture and historical appeal, Cape May is an excellent place to relax after you’ve exchanged vows.

3. Places for Excursions

Do you want to mix a little adventure into your wedding experience? Many coastal towns boast hiking or biking trails, plus family-friendly paths that offer a perfect excuse to go on excursions. Take advantage of your surroundings to go windsurfing or paddle boating. 

Start your morning with a wedding party bike ride by the coast. Towns like Hilton Head Island, South Carolina provide visitors with bike-friendly terrain to make exploring the landscaping while connecting with loved ones easy. 

4. Perfect Photo Backdrops

Photographs and videos are a central part of any wedding experience. And you’ll want crisp, professional photographs that capture your joy – and the setting where your nuptials took place. You can’t do any better than a coastal town when it comes to wedding photo backdrops. 

Head out during sunset to capitalize on the sun’s warm glow for amazing wedding portraits. Crashing waves, craggy cliffs, or a distant lighthouse will make any photo come to life. 

Determine what kind of oceanside setting suits your aesthetic preferences when you’re planning your dream wedding. Maybe you want the rugged charm of the Oregon Coast. Or maybe you’d prefer a serene South Carolina beach. 

Whatever you end up choosing, you’ll fall in love all over again when you’re leafing through your wedding photo album a few months or years down the road. 

5. Tasty Culinary Options

Seafood always tastes better when you’re by the sea. Indulge in a lobster roll along the Maine coast, or taste the best crabcakes in Maryland. When you choose a town with oceanfront dining options, you’ll get to taste some of the best locally-sourced food while enjoying gorgeous views. You can even incorporate seafood-focused menu items into your wedding meal. 

Give guests scallops or oysters in a Bar Harbor wedding. Or serve grouper sandwiches for a laid-back Florida celebration. You’ll give guests a taste of the region as you celebrate your big day.

Plan Your Coastal Wedding

Coastal towns offer a breathtaking setting for a romantic wedding. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the beach or in a grand resort, you’ll create a magical moment when the ocean is just steps away. Guests will love wandering the streets of charming downtowns like Cape May or Bar Harbor. 

And when it’s time to eat, a feast that draws from locally-sourced ingredients will give everyone something extra to savor. As you’re planning a wedding or honeymoon, consider a coastal escape as your destination.