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Wedding altars are a key part of any ceremony. They create a special place for couples to say their vows. Over the years, I’ve seen many beautiful altar designs.
A good altar design sets the mood for the whole wedding. It can match the couple’s style and the venue. I’ll share some ideas that might inspire you for your own big day.
From simple to fancy, there’s an altar design for every taste and budget.
1. Elegant Fresh Florals Wedding
We certainly love everything about this altar design, it is giving everything classy and sophisticated. The intricate design and styling make it all the more stunning. If you want to make a statement with your altar design this should be your go-to choice.
2. Dreamy Altar Design
This dreamy alter design is perfect for a dreamy wedding decoration. The soft, calm, and demure setting is super eclectic and soothing and it can prepare your guest for a night filled with love and romance.
3. Rustic Wooden Arch
I love rustic wooden arches for wedding altars. They bring a natural, earthy feel to any ceremony. You can make one from raw birch logs or weathered planks for that perfect outdoorsy look.
Adding flowers and greenery to the arch makes it even more beautiful. I recommend using seasonal blooms that match your wedding colors. Roses, eucalyptus, and wildflowers are great choices.
For a DIY touch, you can build the arch yourself with some basic woodworking skills. Or you can rent one from a wedding supplier. Either way, a rustic wooden arch creates a stunning focal point for saying “I do.”
4. Floral Crescent Moon
I love the romantic look of a floral crescent moon altar. This design features a curved moon shape made of flowers and greenery.
I’ve seen stunning examples with roses, pampas grass, and baby’s breath. The crescent shape creates a magical backdrop for the ceremony.
Some couples add candles or fairy lights to make it glow. Others hang the moon from an arch or place it on a stand.
I think this altar works well for outdoor weddings, especially at night. It adds a whimsical touch to any ceremony space.
5. Geometric Copper Structure
I love the modern look of a geometric copper arch for wedding ceremonies. It adds a sleek, elegant touch to any venue. The copper material gives a warm glow that complements many color schemes.
These structures come in various shapes like hexagons, triangles, or diamonds. You can leave them bare for a minimalist feel or add some greenery or flowers for a softer look.
I find that geometric copper arches work well for both indoor and outdoor weddings. They create a striking focal point without overwhelming the space. Plus, they make for some amazing wedding photos.
6. Tropical Palm Leaves
I love using tropical palm leaves for wedding altars. They create a lush, exotic backdrop perfect for beach or destination weddings.
Large palm fronds can frame the altar beautifully. I often arrange them in a fan shape or cascading design. Smaller palm leaves work well as accents.
For added flair, I like to incorporate bright tropical flowers like orchids or birds of paradise. This pops against the green palms.
Palm leaf altars photograph amazingly. The large leaves provide texture and drama in pictures. They also rustle gently in the breeze, adding ambiance.
7. Macrame Backdrop
Macrame backdrops are a beautiful choice for wedding altars. These intricate knotted designs add a bohemian touch to any ceremony space. I’ve seen many couples use macrame as a focal point behind their vows.
Macrame comes in various styles and sizes. Some feature simple geometric patterns, while others incorporate elaborate floral motifs. Natural cotton rope is common, but colorful cords can add a fun twist.
You can hang a macrame backdrop from an arch or freestanding frame. It works well indoors or outdoors. For a personal touch, some couples even learn to make their own macrame pieces.
I think macrame backdrops photograph beautifully. They create an interesting texture and depth in wedding photos. Plus, you can repurpose the piece as home decor after the big day.
8. Greenery-Covered Circle
I love the look of a greenery-covered circle altar for weddings. It’s a simple yet stunning design that creates a beautiful focal point.
The circular shape symbolizes unity and eternity, perfect for a wedding ceremony. Florists can cover a metal or wooden hoop with lush greenery like eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy.
Some couples add pops of color with flowers woven into the greenery. White roses or orchids look especially elegant. Fairy lights intertwined with the foliage create a magical glow for evening ceremonies.
This versatile altar works for many wedding styles – from rustic barn weddings to elegant garden affairs. It frames the couple beautifully without blocking the view for guests.
9. Vintage Door Frames
Vintage door frames make stunning wedding altar designs. I’ve seen many couples use old wooden doors as a backdrop for their vows. These frames add a rustic, charming touch to the ceremony space.
You can stand one or two doors upright to create a unique focal point. I recommend decorating them with flowers, greenery, or fabric. Some couples hang wreaths or vintage picture frames on the doors for extra flair.
These altar designs work well for outdoor weddings, barn venues, or any rustic-themed event. I love how versatile they are – you can paint them to match your color scheme or leave the wood natural for a more weathered look.
10. Birchwood Chuppah
Birchwood chuppahs bring a natural, rustic charm to Jewish wedding ceremonies. I’ve seen many couples choose this elegant option for their special day.
The pale bark and slender trunks of birch trees create a light, airy feel. Florists often weave flowers and greenery through the branches for added beauty.
Some couples keep it simple with just the birch poles and a fabric canopy. Others go all out with lush floral arrangements climbing up each post.
Birchwood works well for both indoor and outdoor weddings. It fits nicely in garden settings or adds a touch of nature to ballroom ceremonies.
This versatile chuppah style can be dressed up or down to match any wedding theme. It’s a timeless choice that photographs beautifully.
11. Minimalist Steel Frame
I love the sleek look of a minimalist steel frame altar. It’s a modern twist on traditional wedding decor. A simple rectangular or arched frame made of black or silver steel creates a striking focal point.
You can leave the frame bare for an ultra-minimal look. Or add a few tasteful touches like sheer fabric draping or delicate floral accents. Greenery vines woven through the frame can soften the industrial feel.
The clean lines of a steel frame complement many wedding styles. It works well for indoor or outdoor ceremonies. This versatile altar option lets the couple’s love take center stage.
12. DIY Flower Wall
I love the idea of a DIY flower wall for a wedding altar. It’s a stunning backdrop that can be customized to match any wedding theme or color scheme.
To create one, I start by building a simple frame with PVC pipes or wooden boards. Then I attach chicken wire or a mesh grid to the frame.
Next, I choose a mix of artificial flowers in my desired colors. I insert the stems through the wire grid, working from the bottom up. I make sure to vary the flower types and sizes for a natural look.
For added depth, I incorporate some greenery or foliage. This helps fill any gaps and creates a lush, garden-like effect.
13. Bohemian Vintage Rugs
I love using bohemian vintage rugs to create a unique wedding altar. These colorful, patterned rugs add warmth and texture to the ceremony space.
I often layer multiple rugs of different sizes for a cozy, eclectic look. Mixing patterns and colors gives a free-spirited vibe that’s perfect for boho weddings.
For an outdoor ceremony, I place a large rug under the altar to define the space. Smaller rugs can line the aisle for a soft walkway.
Indoors, a vintage rug makes a great backdrop when hung behind the altar. It creates a beautiful focal point for photos of the couple.
14. Industrial Pipe Design
I’ve seen some amazing industrial pipe altar designs at weddings. They’re perfect for couples who want a modern, edgy look. Metal pipes can be arranged in various shapes to create a unique backdrop.
You can add flowers or greenery to soften the look. I’ve noticed that fairy lights wrapped around the pipes create a warm glow. Some couples use the pipes to hang decorations or photos.
These altars are often freestanding, which makes them versatile for different venues. I think they work especially well in loft spaces or converted warehouses. The raw, unfinished look of the pipes adds character to any ceremony space.
15. Ceremonial Teepee
I love the idea of a ceremonial teepee as a unique wedding altar. It brings a boho-chic vibe to any outdoor ceremony.
Teepees can be decorated with flowers, fabric, or fairy lights to match the wedding theme. They provide a cozy, intimate space for the couple to exchange vows.
I think teepees work especially well for rustic or woodland weddings. They create a focal point without blocking views of nature. Plus, they offer shelter if there’s light rain.
For a personal touch, couples can add meaningful decorations or symbols inside the teepee. This makes the space even more special for the ceremony.
16. Driftwood Sculpture
I love the idea of using driftwood to create a unique wedding altar. Driftwood sculptures can add a natural, beachy vibe to any ceremony.
I’ve seen beautiful arches made from large pieces of driftwood. They look stunning against an ocean backdrop. Some couples add flowers or greenery to soften the look.
For a more artistic approach, I recommend stacking smaller driftwood pieces into an abstract sculpture. This can serve as a focal point behind the couple as they say their vows.
Driftwood altars work well for rustic, bohemian, or coastal-themed weddings. They bring an organic, earthy element to the decor that many couples appreciate.
17. Modern Plexiglass Arch
I’ve seen plexiglass arches become a popular choice for modern weddings. These clear structures create a sleek, minimalist look that works well in many venues.
Plexiglass arches can be customized with floral arrangements, greenery, or geometric shapes. Some couples add LED lights for a subtle glow.
I like how these arches don’t block the view behind them. This makes them great for outdoor ceremonies with scenic backdrops.
Plexiglass is also versatile. It can be shaped into circles, triangles, or other unique forms to match a couple’s style.
18. Hanging Floral Installment
Hanging floral installments are a stunning way to elevate your wedding altar design. I’ve seen these create a magical atmosphere above couples as they say their vows.
Suspended blooms and greenery can range from lush and full to delicate and airy. Some popular options include cascading flowers, floating greenery canopies, or geometric shapes adorned with florals.
These eye-catching displays work well in both indoor and outdoor settings. They’re especially impactful in spaces with high ceilings or open-air venues.
When planning a hanging floral installment, I recommend working closely with your florist and venue. This ensures the design is secure and complements your overall wedding style.
19. Gothic Wooden Gates
Gothic iron gates make a stunning wedding altar. I love how they add drama and elegance to any ceremony space. These gates often feature intricate scrollwork and pointed arches that are hallmarks of Gothic style.
For a truly eye-catching altar, I suggest placing the iron gates against a backdrop of candles or fairy lights. This creates a magical glow. Draping the gates with dark fabric or greenery can enhance the Gothic aesthetic.
Some couples choose to say their vows in front of open gates, symbolizing a new chapter. Others keep the gates closed for a more intimate feel. Either way, Gothic iron gates create an unforgettable focal point for exchanging vows.
