Light Up Your Love: How to Decorate Your Wedding Ceremony With Candles

A thoughtfully designed wedding evolves in mood throughout the day, with the ceremony often being the most intimate moment. Because décor plays such a powerful role in shaping the atmosphere, many couples ask us how to create a setting that feels personal and heartfelt as they exchange vows in front of loved ones. Our first recommendation? Candles. A timeless symbol of romance, warmth, and celebration, candles have an undeniable ability to transform a space. Their versatility makes them especially appealing – they pair beautifully with lush, organic florals as well as with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Looking for bright ideas to get started? Here are examples from the Real BB Wedding archives on how to make your wedding ceremony unforgettably luminous from beginning to end.

The perfect wedding ceremony starts with a walk down a luminous aisle way. Pillar candles are an ideal choice—not only do they provide impactful light, but their sturdy, substantial form also makes them less likely to tip over. From hurricane glass holders of varying height to charming lanterns to encased candles accented with a dusting of rose petals, there’s many stylistic options to line a dreamy path leading to your ceremony’s focal point.

Your deepest emotions come to light as you say “I do” surrounded by a golden glow. When placed at the base of a ceremony structure – a chuppah, floral arch, or moon gate – pillar candles cast a warm, radiant ambiance that feels both sacred and intimate. Their soft illumination, whether experienced outdoors under a night sky, in a historic grand hall, or an airy industrial loft venue,  beautifully marks the moment two people commit to a lifetime together.

Candles are a striking way to designate the ceremony apex if you’re not planning to marry before a traditional ceremony structure. An artfully arranged glowing cluster with lush florals adds depth and allure to a fireplace setting just as a presentation of pillar candles provides a lovely frame for a matrimonial gate backdrop.

Most often, outdoor spring and summer ceremonies take place during daylight leaving many of our couples wondering if including candle decor makes sense. While their light will not be as powerful, white candles bring an air of romantic elegance to scene that can’t be denied. 

It’s important to check if your venue has a policy restricting open flames or certain types of candles – this is often the case with historic buildings. If open flames are prohibited, ask about alternatives such as LED candles. Added Bonus: With flameless substitutes, you can design with greater creativity and abundance—without the worry of a toppled LED becoming a fire hazard.

For centuries, candles have been used to illuminate life’s special occasions making them a perfect element to light up the most intimate moment of your wedding day. We hope these ideas inspire you to enliven your ceremony with a glowing warmth and beauty only felt when you fully commit to true love.