34 Beach Wedding Arch Ideas With Tips To DIY

Save to Find It Later!

A beach wedding already has the perfect backdrop; the ocean, the breeze, and that golden-hour glow. But if you want to take it up a notch, a wedding arch can frame the moment beautifully.

Whether you go for something natural and rustic or elegant and dreamy, the right arch can make your ceremony feel even more special. There are so many ways to style a beach wedding arch, and the best part? You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you want.

Some couples love the effortless vibe of driftwood, while others want something lush with tropical flowers or pampas grass. The key is picking an arch that fits your style and complements the scenery rather than competing with it. If you’re going for something romantic, soft drapes and twinkle lights can do wonders.

If you want something boho, pampas grass and palm branches might be your go-to. There’s no right or wrong way to do it; just whatever feels most like you. Here are some of the best beach wedding arch ideas that will fit right in with the waves and the sand.

Driftwood Beach Wedding Arch

Driftwood is perfect for a beach wedding because it already looks like it belongs there. The weathered texture and natural tones make it feel organic and effortless, and the best part is that no two pieces are ever the same. You can go minimal with just the structure itself or dress it up with flowers, fabric, or even fairy lights.

To create a driftwood wedding arch, you need:

• Large driftwood pieces for the frame
• A sturdy base or anchors to keep it in place
• Floral arrangements or greenery (optional)
• Sheer fabric or macramé (if you want a softer look)

Start by securing the driftwood pieces into the sand or onto a stable base so the wind doesn’t knock them over. You can tie them together with strong rope or wire for extra support. If you want to keep it natural, leave the wood as is and let the ocean be the backdrop. If you want a little extra flair, add fresh or dried flowers in a cascading arrangement on one side. Sheer fabric draped loosely over the top can add a romantic touch without feeling too structured.

Tropical Flowers Wedding Arch

If you love color and want your wedding arch to feel lush and vibrant, tropical flowers are the way to go. They work beautifully against the ocean backdrop, adding a lively contrast to the soft blues and sandy neutrals. Hibiscus, orchids, birds of paradise, and monstera leaves all bring that tropical island vibe to life.

To create a tropical wedding arch, you need:

• A sturdy wooden or metal arch frame
• Fresh tropical flowers (hibiscus, orchids, birds of paradise, etc.)
• Greenery like palm leaves and monstera
• Floral foam or wire to secure everything in place

Start by wrapping the frame in greenery so the arch looks full and natural. Use floral wire or zip ties to secure the palm leaves first, then layer in the flowers. For a balanced look, focus on adding florals to one or two corners instead of covering the entire arch. If you want a more dramatic effect, go for a full floral arch that looks like it was plucked straight from a Hawaiian garden.

Pampas Grass Wedding Arch

Pampas grass is the ultimate choice for a boho beach wedding. It’s light, airy, and sways beautifully in the breeze, giving your ceremony a dreamy, effortless feel. The neutral tones also blend seamlessly with the sand and sky, making it feel like a natural extension of the landscape.

To create a pampas grass wedding arch, you need:

• A wooden or metal arch frame
• Bundles of pampas grass in varying sizes
• Dried flowers or palm fronds for texture (optional)
• Floral wire or zip ties to secure everything

Start by securing the largest pampas grass pieces at the base of the arch, then work your way up, layering smaller pieces for a cascading effect. Pampas grass has a naturally wispy look, so don’t overthink the placement—just let it flow. If you want extra texture, add in dried flowers or palm fronds. Keep the arch asymmetrical for a more organic feel, and let some of the grass spill over the edges for that effortlessly wild look.

Triangle Beach Wedding Arch with White Drape

A triangle wedding arch is modern, minimalist, and looks stunning against the beach backdrop. The geometric shape feels fresh, and when paired with a simple white drape, it’s elegant without being fussy. This style is perfect for couples who want something sleek and stylish without going over the top.

To create a triangle wedding arch, you need:

• Three wooden beams for the frame
• White fabric (chiffon or linen works best)
• Floral arrangements (optional)
• Anchors or stakes for stability

First, assemble the triangle frame and secure it firmly in the sand. Drape the white fabric over one side so it flows naturally in the breeze. If you want a bit of greenery, add a small floral arrangement at the top or bottom corner for a soft touch. The simplicity of this arch lets the ocean view take center stage while still giving you a beautiful focal point.

Wooden Arch with Twinkle Lights

There’s something magical about twinkle lights at the beach, especially as the sun sets. A simple wooden arch wrapped in string lights can create a romantic glow that looks incredible in photos. This is a great option for sunset ceremonies or receptions that extend into the evening.

To create a wooden arch with twinkle lights, you need:

• A wooden arch frame
• Warm white string lights
• Battery packs or an outdoor power source
• Sheer fabric or flowers (optional)

Wrap the twinkle lights around the arch, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Use battery-powered lights if you don’t have access to an outlet. If you want a softer look, drape sheer fabric over the top so the lights glow through. The effect is simple but stunning, making it feel like your wedding is straight out of a fairytale.

Wooden Arch with Palm Branches

Palm branches are a natural choice for a beach wedding, bringing that tropical feel without needing a ton of extra decor. They’re bold, lush, and work beautifully on a wooden arch for a clean, effortless look.

To create a wooden arch with palm branches, you need:

• A wooden arch frame
• Fresh or dried palm branches
• Floral wire or zip ties
• Flowers (optional)

Attach the palm branches to the frame, starting from the base and layering them up. If you want a fuller look, add a mix of large and small fronds. For extra color, tuck in a few tropical flowers or dried blooms. The result is fresh, vibrant, and perfect for a beach ceremony.

Arches with Hanging Lanterns

Hanging lanterns instantly make a beach wedding feel intimate and romantic. Whether you go for classic paper lanterns or Moroccan-style metal lanterns, they create a soft glow that adds warmth to the setting.

To create an arch with hanging lanterns, you need:

• A sturdy wooden or metal arch
• Lanterns (paper, glass, or metal)
• LED candles or fairy lights
• Twine or fishing line to hang them

Hang the lanterns at varying heights for a layered effect. If you’re using real candles, make sure they’re in windproof holders. For an extra dreamy look, pair the lanterns with draped fabric or floral accents. As the sun sets, the glow of the lanterns will make your ceremony feel even more magical.