One of the most common questions we hear from couples planning a Pismo Beach elopement, Pismo Beach small wedding, Cambria elopement, or Cambria small wedding is: "We love the beach, but we'd really like some trees too. Do you have any locations that offer both?"

Absolutely!

While the California coastline is famous for its stunning beaches and dramatic ocean views, many of our favorite ceremony locations also feature beautiful cypress trees, coastal forests, grassy cliffs, and natural greenery. If you're dreaming of a wedding that blends the romance of the ocean with the beauty of nature, here are a few of our favorite spots.

Cypress Cliff – Pismo Beach

If you're planning a Pismo Beach elopement or Pismo Beach small wedding, Cypress Cliff is one of the most unique locations on the Central Coast.

Named for its beautiful cypress trees, this location offers the best of both worlds. A large cypress tree and smaller groupings of trees create a beautiful natural backdrop while the ceremony site overlooks the Pacific Ocean from a scenic grassy bluff.

One of the things couples love most is the variety. There are several ceremony locations within the site, allowing you to choose the backdrop that fits your vision. If the tide is low, the sandy beach below is just a short walk away, making it easy to capture romantic portraits with your toes in the sand after your ceremony.

Because the ceremony area is grassy, chairs can easily be added to your wedding package, making it a wonderful option for couples inviting family and friends.

Things to know:

• Multiple ceremony locations
• Cypress trees and ocean views
• Beach access for additional portraits (if the tide is right)
• Walking distance to several nearby hotels
• Parking can become limited with larger guest counts

Tree Grove – Pismo Beach

Tree Grove has been one of our favorite hidden gems for years.

Perfect for a Pismo Beach elopement or intimate wedding, this location feels tucked away from the crowds while still showcasing breathtaking coastal scenery.

The short 10 to 15-minute walk to the ceremony site becomes part of the experience, with countless opportunities to stop for photos along the way.

Once you arrive, you'll discover two beautiful tree-lined openings that naturally frame the ceremony, almost like nature created its own wedding arch. Fallen trees also provide rustic seating for a handful of guests, creating an organic, relaxed atmosphere.

After exchanging vows, you'll have endless opportunities for portraits among the trees, on the sand dunes, overlooking the ocean, or even with your feet in the water.

Things to know:

• Beautiful natural tree arch
• Ocean views and beach access
• Wonderful variety for wedding photos
• Easy 10–15 minute walk to the ceremony location
• Best for guests comfortable with walking

Montana de Oro – Los Osos

If peaceful coastal scenery is what you're after, Montana de Oro is difficult to beat.

As you drive into the park, the winding road opens to spectacular views of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Exchange your vows with your toes in the sand, then explore the surrounding coastal bluffs for stunning portraits featuring rugged cliffs, native plants, and endless ocean views.

The peaceful atmosphere makes this location especially popular for intimate weddings and elopements.

Morro Bay

For couples looking for a combination of iconic scenery and greenery, one of our Morro Bay ceremony locations offers both.

You'll enjoy beautiful views of Morro Rock while also having nearby trees and landscaped areas for portraits with a softer, more natural backdrop.

The location is close to the water and offers a large parking area, making it convenient for guests attending your ceremony.

Cambria Landing

If you're dreaming of a Cambria elopement or Cambria small wedding, Cambria Landing offers incredible variety all in one location.

This beautiful ceremony site combines coastal forest, towering trees, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and breathtaking ocean views.

One of the reasons couples love Cambria Landing is that you can completely customize your ceremony experience. Say "I do" on the beach with your toes in the sand or exchange vows atop the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Afterward, wander through the forested paths for portraits surrounded by trees before making your way to the beach for romantic sunset photos.

With mountains, ocean, forests, and rugged coastline all within walking distance, Cambria Landing offers some of the most diverse wedding photography opportunities on California's Central Coast.

Which Location Is Right for You?

Whether you're envisioning a romantic Pismo Beach small wedding, an intimate Pismo Beach elopement, a peaceful Cambria small wedding, or a breathtaking Cambria elopement, you don't have to choose between trees and ocean views.

The Central Coast offers beautiful locations where forests meet the sea, creating unforgettable backdrops for your ceremony and wedding photos.

If you'd like to explore each location before deciding, click on our Ceremony Locations page above to view all the beautiful locations.