DIY Weddings at Arches Beach Weddings

By Simon Daukes, Owner of Arches Beach Weddings

When we opened Arches Beach Weddings, our goal was simple: create a stunning, flexible space by the sea where couples could make their ceremony truly their own, without the pressure, price tag, or performance of a traditional wedding venue.
And that’s exactly what a DIY wedding at Arches is all about.
Whether you’re booking just a few hours for a simple seaside ceremony or staying overnight to soak it all in, the experience is relaxed, beautiful, and unmistakably yours.
Here’s what helps make it special.

Keep It Simple, Let the Setting Shine
The arch, the sea, the sky… You really don’t need much more.
One of the biggest joys of getting married at Arches is how naturally beautiful the backdrop already is. Most of our couples add just a few personal touches: a draped cloth, (more) florals, maybe a musician tucked to one side. It doesn’t take much.
Whether you’re standing barefoot overlooking the beach or arriving in a vintage campervan, Arches is a place where simplicity feels meaningful and timeless.

Make the Ceremony Personal
Your ceremony is the heart of the day, and at Arches, it’s yours to shape however you like.
Here are some of our favourite personal touches we’ve seen couples bring in:
– Write your own vows or pick something meaningful you can both read aloud.
– Invite a friend or family member to lead the ceremony. It instantly makes the moment feel more intimate.
– Choose readings that reflect your journey, even if they’re unexpected: a favourite poem, a line from a song, or something you wrote yourself.
– Include your pets. Dogs, especially, are very welcome here.
– Skip the chairs and have guests stand, form a circle, or gather close… it makes the whole thing feel more connected.
– Bring music that matters. We’ve had live acoustic sets, Spotify playlists, and even a surprise sax solo. Whatever moves you.
– Use the arch as a symbol, not just a backdrop. Many couples decorate it with items from home, family heirlooms, or dried flowers they’ve collected themselves.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. That’s what people remember.

Let Your Day Flow Your Way
You can book Arches for a few hours or overnight, depending on what kind of celebration you’re dreaming of. Some couples come just for the ceremony and a glass of fizz with friends. Others stay longer, bringing in food, music, and a sunset beach stroll to end the day.
We keep it flexible on purpose. You’re free to plan something truly personal, without the cookie-cutter schedule or sky-high venue fees.
And if you’re staying overnight, you’ll have a peaceful, private base right on the coast. It’s perfect for a nightcap with your new spouse or a morning coffee looking out to sea.

Nina, the Wedding Whisperer
Every couple at Arches is looked after by Nina. Nina is your friendly, calming presence behind the scenes. She’s not a wedding planner, but she is your go-to person for making sure things run smoothly. Nina gently guides the ceremony, helps coordinate timing, and keeps everything ticking quietly in the background so you can focus on what matters: each other.
We often say she’s the person you didn’t know you needed, until you did.

Bring What Matters to You
Arches is a blank canvas meaning you can make it as laid-back or as detailed as you want.
We’ve seen:
– Champagne toasts straight from the boot of a car
– Floral installations made by friends
– Surfboard exits after the ceremony (!)
– A simple fish and chips dinner shared under the stars
– Afternoon tea on the rocks
There’s no right way to do it. The only rule is: it should feel like you.

Final Thought: Small-Scale, Big Heart
We created Arches to be a space where the people and the moment take centre stage, not the rules, not the costs, and definitely not the drama.
Whether you’re planning something tiny or just a little offbeat, know this: it’s absolutely possible to have a beautiful, meaningful wedding without all the extras. And we’ll be here to help you make it happen.

– Simon