Journal
How to Make the Inside Space at Arches Beach Weddings Your Own
By Simon Daukes, Owner of Arches Beach Weddings
One of the charms of Arches Beach Weddings is that you can have a stunning, coastal-inspired wedding without needing acres of space. Our light, airy indoor venue is perfect for intimate celebrations of up to 60 guests, whether you’re exchanging vows, sitting down for your wedding breakfast, or both.
The walls are painted in soft pastels, the floor-to-ceiling silk flowers are already in place, and the room is just a few steps from the beach. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it entirely your own. With a little thought (and not a huge amount of décor), you can transform the space into something that reflects your personality and style.
Here are our top tips for making the most of your ceremony and reception inside at Arches:
Play with the Aisle Layout
The beauty of a smaller space is that it feels instantly warm and intimate, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with a straight aisle and rows of chairs. Consider:
- Curved seating for a softer, more enveloping feel
- A double aisle so you can both make an entrance from opposite sides
- Minimal rows with a standing semicircle for a relaxed, informal vibe
Use the Pastel Palette as Your Canvas
Our pastel-painted walls already bring in a sense of coastal calm. You can lean into that by choosing florals and décor in complementary tones, or go bold with a contrasting colour pop. Think:
- Coral and teal for a fresh seaside punch
- Soft blush and ivory for timeless elegance
- Wild greenery for a natural, organic feel against the silk drapes
Add a Statement Ceremony Backdrop
The silk flowers and arch doorway provide a ready-made elegant frame, but you can layer on extra personality. Options we’ve seen couples love:
- A floral arch or asymmetric floral installation
- Hanging ribbons or macramé for a boho feel
- A neon sign with your names or a favourite phrase
Switch Up the Lighting
Lighting transforms the space more than almost anything else. You could:
- String fairy lights along the silk wall for a magical glow
- Add lanterns down the aisle for romance and warmth
- Use uplighters in your wedding colours to subtly change the whole atmosphere
Keep It Seasonal
Because the space already has a timeless, neutral backdrop, it’s easy to bring in seasonal touches:
- Spring: Pastel blooms, fresh herbs, and citrus accents
- Summer: Vibrant florals, tropical leaves, and beach-inspired centrepieces
- Autumn: Dried grasses, amber glassware, and warm candlelight
- Winter: Evergreen garlands, metallic accents, and soft faux furs on chairs
Let the View Lead
Don’t forget that just beyond those doors is the beach itself. Use the coastal setting as part of your décor by keeping windows clear and framing the view with minimal fuss. Sometimes the best “styling” is simply letting the sea speak for itself.
Your Space, Your Wedding, Your Story
At Arches, our indoor venue is intentionally designed to be beautiful yet adaptable. It’s a place where you can add just a few personal touches or go all-out with your dream décor, and either way, it will feel like your wedding. Just the way it should be.
If you’d like to explore how to style the space for your own day, we’re always happy to share inspiration from past weddings and help you make the most of every inch. We’ve also got a quick list of vendors who have worked really well with our past couples in the space at Arches. And don’t forget, our very own Wedding Whisperer, Nina, has all of the experience you need to help guide you on your way to planning your perfect wedding day.
– Simon
