Intimate Beach Wedding On Coronado Island

Sarah and Houston’s intimate Coronado Beach wedding was one of the most beautiful events that I have ever been a part of. While the scenery was of course absolutely gorgeous, it was the heartfelt and intimate nature of the event that made it such a treasured occasion.

The beaches on Coronado Island truly make you feel like you’re a world away. I’ve lived in San Diego for eight years now and I still get completely swept away into vacation mode whenever I venture down to Coronado’s lovely beaches. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married here? San Diego has dozens of jaw dropping wedding locations, but Coronado Island really is one of the most beautiful spots where you could hold a wedding or elopement. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, and gorgeous Airbnb’s nearby, it’s also the perfect place to plan a smaller more intimate wedding, while still having lots of local amenities around.

Coronado Beach has white gold sands, shimmering aquamarine waters, and warm orange sunsets that relax you all the way down to your bones. It’s no wonder that this beach frequently appears on top ten lists for best beaches in the U.S. and why so many San Diego locals even consider it to be a wonderful spot for a staycation or a weekend getaway.

Due to some last minute challenges, Sarah and Houston ended up turning their large traditional event into an intimate elopement style wedding. And I’m so glad they did! They ended up choosing a nearby venue just a short mile from the beach. It was nestled in a little corner of the marina and even had its own little cove with a private stretch of sand. Not only was this space incredible, but the overall change to an elopement was so fitting for them and their story together.

These two kind souls have a strong focus on putting their relationship first and loving and supporting each other through all of life’s ups and downs. It just felt so fitting that they would choose to plan such a meaningful intimate wedding that truly felt like them. Want to know my absolute favorite part of this wedding? They hired a musician just to sing the acoustic version of their favorite song while Sarah walked down the aisle. (In case you’re wondering, it was Noah Reid’s version of You’re Simply The Best from Schitt’s Creek!).

After their ceremony we headed to the beach just down the road and took some stunning sunset photos. These two were just so happy to be married, so happy to get to spend the rest of their lives together, that they truly were lost in their own little world on the beach, laughing and enjoying the sweetness of each other’s company. I know a lot of wedding photographer’s will describe themselves as a third wheel, but truly, this was one time that I actually felt like a third wheel, hah! And I loved every second of it. It was lovely, and loving, and it felt sacred.

And on a side note, this is such a good example of why I always highly recommend setting aside lots of time in your wedding timeline for sunset photos and/or a first look. This day is about you two enjoying this milestone in your relationship. You deserve to have a sweet, cherished, unforgettable time together.

It was a true honor to get to know these two and to document this beautiful day for them. My heart is full and I just really love, love, love my job. I am so thankful to all of the couples who hire me and allow me to be witness to this divine magic.

Want to check out more beach weddings and elopements? Check out this Sunset Cliffs Wedding in San Diego, or slide into my inbox and let’s chat about planning your own intimate sunset wedding!