Gardens have long been a haven for lovers, writers, and artists, but these places are not just for celebration. Garden weddings are beautiful outdoor ceremonies typically held in a well-maintained, natural setting such as a botanical garden, private backyard, or park. The natural backdrop of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and serene surroundings create a romantic and peaceful atmosphere, making garden weddings popular for couples looking for a scenic, relaxed vibe.
Key elements to consider for garden weddings
Venue selection Botanical gardens are perfect for couples who want an already established and well-maintained space. Many botanical gardens offer wedding packages with stunning flower beds, manicured lawns, and scenic backdrops. Private gardens are a more romantic option. Couples can host a wedding in a family or friend's garden or rent a private estate with expansive grounds.
Decor Since gardens naturally provide beautiful scenery, you can keep décor minimal to allow nature to shine. However, adding floral arches, rustic wooden chairs, or elegant canopies can elevate the look. Soft lighting, such as fairy lights, lanterns, or
candles, can enhance the romantic atmosphere, especially if the ceremony extends into the evening.
Weather preparedness Outdoor weddings are at the mercy of the weather. A backup plan, like a tent or nearby indoor facility, is crucial in case of rain or extreme heat. Offering guests fans, umbrellas, or even blankets can add a thoughtful touch depending on the season.
Floral arrangements
Choose flowers that complement the garden setting. Seasonal blooms or wildflower bouquets can tie the look together effortlessly. Floral garlands, centerpieces, and aisle décor can add a cohesive theme to the wedding.
Lighting Natural lighting is a key feature, but as the evening approaches, consider setting up twinkle lights, string lights, candles, and lanterns to create a magical atmosphere after the sun sets.
Photography A garden offers endless opportunities for beautiful wedding photography, from shots among blooming flowers to capturing sunset moments. Photographers will love the natural light and vibrant colors.
Seating arrangements
Wooden chairs, benches, or vintage seating arrangements can complement the garden ambiance, allowing guests to enjoy the surroundings comfortably.
Candles for a magical evening Decorating garden weddings with candles can create an enchanting, romantic atmosphere, especially as the evening approaches. Candles can be an excellent decorative element for garden weddings, offering a romantic, warm ambiance. For an evening or nighttime wedding, candles can illuminate the space and add to the magical atmosphere of a garden at twilight or under the stars. They enhance the aesthetic of the natural environment, working with trees, flowers, and garden features to create a cohesive look. Candles naturally create a soft, warm glow that enhances the romantic feel of an outdoor wedding.
The flickering candlelight complements natural settings, making them perfect for intimate, cozy gatherings. Candles are highly versatile and can be used in various decorative styles (vintage, rustic, elegant, or boho). They can be placed in lanterns, glass holders, hanging jars, or candelabras. They can be scattered around tables and pathways or integrated into floral arrangements, making them flexible for different spaces. Compared to more elaborate decor options, candles are relatively affordable. You can create a sophisticated look without overspending on flowers or other materials.
11 creative candle decoration ideas for garden weddings
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Candlelit aisle
Line the garden wedding aisle with lanterns containing
pillar candles for a soft, glowing path. For a rustic touch, use wooden or metal lanterns. Place clusters of pillar candles of varying heights in hurricane vases along the aisle. Surround them with flowers or greenery for added texture. Combine flowers and candles by placing floral arrangements along the aisle, with candles nestled within the flowers or in glass vases.
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Candlelit centerpieces in garden weddings
Use glass bowls or low vases filled with water and float candles in the center, paired with flower petals, greenery, or delicate blooms. Group
taper candles in the center of reception tables. Surround them with greenery, flowers, or small stones for an organic touch. For a more elegant or vintage feel, use tall, ornate candelabras as centerpieces, adding grandeur and height to the table decor.
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Candles in glass votives
Scatter small
votive candles in glass holders on tables, around the reception space, or on ledges. These small accents are subtle yet effective at creating warmth. Use colored glass votive holders that match your wedding palette for a more customized and cohesive look.
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Hanging candle jars
Hang mason jars filled with candles from tree branches using twine or ribbons. This creates a whimsical, glowing effect that enhances the garden’s natural beauty. Use small glass orbs with candles inside, hanging from trees or a wedding arch. They give off an ethereal, floating light that’s perfect for evening ceremonies.
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Wedding garden pathway
Line garden walkways or stairs with candles placed in lanterns,
glass jars, or
votive holders to create a beautiful path for guests to follow as they move between different areas of the venue. In larger garden spaces, strategically place candles around key features like fountains, statues, or trees to highlight these elements after dusk.
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Candlelit ceremony arch for garden weddings
Decorate the base of your wedding arch with large pillar candles in lanterns or hurricane vases, interspersed with floral arrangements or greenery. Suspend small candles in glass holders from the arch itself, adding a romantic glow to the backdrop for your vows.
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Candles in birdcages
Use vintage-style birdcages filled with candles as decorative accents around the ceremony or reception space. These can be placed on tables, hanging from trees, or set on the ground. For a unique centerpiece idea, place a pillar candle inside a birdcage and surround it with flowers or greenery.
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Candlelit reception tables
Mix different candle heights on tables using candlesticks, pillar candles, and votives in clusters. Combine them with fresh greenery or floral accents for a lush, layered effect. Create a candlelit table runner by placing candles of varying heights and sizes down the center of the reception tables, mixed with flowers and greenery.
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Floating candles in water features
If the garden has water features like ponds or fountains, scatter floating candles across the water’s surface to add a serene, reflective element to the decor. Floating candles add a serene, glowing ambiance in larger garden venues with pools, especially as the evening sets in.
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Personalized candle favors
Offer small, personalized candles as guest favors that match the theme of the garden weddings. You can set them up at the guest’s table or a dedicated candle station.
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Unity candle ceremony
If you’re incorporating a
unity candle ceremony, the candle itself can serve as a decorative element, especially if displayed on an adorned table. Candles are a fantastic option for garden weddings, especially if you are looking for romance, warmth, and an intimate atmosphere. Whether used to line the aisle, illuminate pathways, or enhance centerpieces, candles provide a warm, soft glow that beautifully complements the natural outdoor setting. From elegant chandeliers to hanging mason jars, candlelit decorations offer versatile design options that can be tailored to any wedding theme or style. With careful placement and creativity, candles can transform garden weddings into a magical celebration that your guests will remember forever.
