Beach Wedding Decoration Ideas (and a Whole Lot of Fun at Chelsea & Troy’s Big Day)
There are weddings where everything looks beautiful—and then there are weddings like Chelsea and Troy’s, where it feels beautiful too. This one had it all: sunshine, sunflowers, sand between the toes, and more joy than I could possibly fit into a single blog post. But I’ll try!
They tied the knot at Dock’s Beach House, and if you’re on the hunt for beach wedding decoration ideas that are easy, elegant, and full of personality—this one’s worth a look.
Sunflower Chair Ties: Simple, Bright, and Totally Them
Chelsea loves sunflowers, so we made sure they were sprinkled throughout the day. One of my favorite little touches? The sheer white ribbons tied around the ceremony chairs, each with a single sunflower tucked in. Nothing over the top—just enough to catch the breeze and give the setup that breezy, natural beach vibe. It was such an easy DIY that looked amazing in photos (and even better in person).
2. A Driftwood Arch with Flowing Fabric
The ceremony took place under this handmade driftwood arch that looked like it grew right out of the shoreline. We draped it with soft white fabric that caught the wind in all the right ways—romantic and effortless, just like Chelsea and Troy themselves. If you're looking for beach wedding decoration ideas that feel like the beach (without hauling in boat anchors or seashells), this is the way to go.
The Sand Ceremony: Personal and Picture-Perfect
I’ve seen a lot of unity ceremonies, but this one stood out—not just because it was beautiful, but because it included their son. They layered bright colored sand into a tall glass keepsake, and I caught one of my favorite shots of the day when their little guy, decked out in his suit, leaned in to help. It was sweet, it was colorful, and it added such a personal touch to the whole ceremony.
Speaking of their son… he kind of stole the show.
Ring Bearer? More Like “Ring Security”
Yes, you read that right. Their ring bearer showed up in full “Ring Security” gear—sunglasses, badge, the works. He walked down the aisle like he meant business, and everyone lost it. Moments like that are what make weddings unforgettable. And from a photographer’s point of view? Pure gold.
Joyrides, Barefoot Dancing & Balcony Shenanigans
Right after the ceremony, Chelsea and Troy did what any fun-loving couple would do—they hopped on a jet ski for a quick joyride (yep, in full wedding attire). They came back laughing, windswept, and ready to party.
The tented reception took place right on the beach, just a few steps from the water. Guests kicked off their shoes and danced barefoot in the sand until the sky turned pink and the fairy lights came on. It was one of those warm summer nights where no one wanted the fun to end.
And to top it all off, Chelsea and Troy had a suite overlooking the beach. We snuck in a few fun shots on their balcony—hair flying, bouquet in hand, soaking in the view. Those are some of my favorite images: relaxed, real, and full of that just-married magic.
Beach Wedding Decoration Ideas That Really Work
Here’s what made this one shine—and what you can take away for your own beach wedding:
Keep it simple. A few thoughtful touches (like sunflowers and driftwood) go a long way.
Make it personal. Sand ceremonies, “ring security,” joyrides—whatever feels like you, do that.
Embrace the setting. Let the beach lead the way. Use the breeze, the light, the sand as your décor.
If you’re planning your own beach wedding and want decorations that are beautiful, natural, and full of joy—I’d love to help tell your story. Whether it’s barefoot vows or jetski getaways, I’ll be there to catch it all.
– Bill Morley
