15 Gorgeous Lighting Ideas for Outdoor Weddings ⋆ Viet Wedding

The right lighting can set the perfect mood for your wedding. An elegant chandelier over the dance floor will make your reception space feel like a royal ballroom, and a few strings of lights can turn a barn into an elegant, rustic reception space. But your lighting doesn’t have to stay inside. Take your celebration outdoors: Hang chandeliers from oak trees, drape lights over your ceremony arbor or string Edison bulbs above your reception tables. Whatever you choose, light the way to a beautiful celebration with any one of these outdoor lighting options.

1. Beachside Lights

J Photography By Jessi Caparella

Simple market lights will look beautiful draped across tropical tree limbs at your beachside reception.
From: A Barefoot Beachside Wedding at La Siesta Resort & Marina in Islamorada, Florida
2. Gold Chandeliers

Hang ornate gold chandeliers above banquet tables to give your outdoor tent the Midas touch.
From: A Modern Romance Wedding at The Lowndes Grove Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina
3. A Low Arbor With String Lights

Kate Webber Photography

Seat your guests beneath a woodland-inspired arbor with lots of greenery. Weave twinkling lights between the leaves and branches for captivating reception décor.
From: An Elegant, Multicultural Wedding at Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford, California
4. Steel Lanterns

Gayle Brooker

Chic lanterns instantly upgrade an outdoor seating area while providing an intimate glow.
From: An Elegant, Outdoor Wedding at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia
5. Chandelier in the Trees

Andyseo Studio

A glitzy chandelier will adds whimsy and glamour to an outdoor reception. Hang the chandelier from a large tree branch to take advantage of natural setting.
From: A Glamorous, Colorful Wedding at Oak Canyon Ranch in Cornell, California
6. A Fire Pit

Dana Cubbage Weddings

A cozy fire pit will set the tone for a relaxing evening and give your guests a homey place to sit and chat.
From: A Glamorous Winter Wedding at Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina
7. Limb Lighting

Derek Chad Photography

If your reception area has a canopy of trees with long, low-reaching limbs (like oak trees), use them to your advantage by dangling clusters of lights from the branches.
From: An Elegant Black-and-White Garden Wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California
8. Geometric Glow

One Love Photography

Hang chic, architectural chandeliers along banquet tables to add light and cozy ambiance.
From: A Rustic, Citrus-Inspired Garden Wedding at Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California
9. Lanterns on Vines

Shea Christine Photography

Incorporate an array of lanterns in different metals and designs for your rustic reception. Wrap the lanterns in verdant garlands and hang them over your tables.
From: A Whimsical Spring Wedding at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
10. Tented Lights

Austin Gros

String market lights from the top of a pole to create a charming and impressive tent-shaped light display.
From: A Formal, DIY Woodland Wedding With a Bohemian Spin at a Private Residence in Sebastopol, California
11. Edison Lightbulbs

Fondly Forever Photography

Chasing daylight at an evening reception? Hang industrial-chic bulbs along your tables for a beautiful visual that your guests will love—especially when they can still see their entreés after the sun sets.
From: An Elegant, Rustic Wedding at the Paion Estate in Big Sur, California
12. Rustic Candlelight

Cassidy Carson Photography

Bring romantic candlelight to your tables with tall silver candelabras holding with classic white tapers. Incorporate lots of greenery and fresh florals for elegant centerpieces.
From: A Southern, Garden-Style Wedding at Southwood House and Cottages in Tallahassee, Florida
13. Lanterns on Limbs

Millie Holloman Photography

Hang lanterns from low limbs for an alternative ceremony backdrop or cocktail hour setting that’s cozy, unexpected and just a touch magical.
From: A Romantic Garden-Inspired Wedding at Bald Head Island Club in Bald Head Island, North Carolina
14. Vintage Lamps

Michael Liedtke Photography

Vintage glass lamps will offer a soft glow during your outdoor ceremony. Hang them from a homemade arbor and decorate with delicate blooms and lots of greenery.
From: A Vintage Wedding at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
15. Lanterns on the Beach

Brandon Kidd Photography

A set of simple lanterns will look breathtaking at your sunset wedding on the beach.
From: A Rustic, Elegant Beach Wedding at Monarch Bay Club in Dana Point, California