If you’re exchanging vows somewhere other than a church, you might have to craft up an altar space—don’t worry, we’ve got lots of ideas. Draw inspiration from your venue and wedding theme to get a few ideas together, then decide on specifics like a color palette or types of flowers to incorporate. Your wedding planner might have some ideas, as would the manager of the ceremony space. To get started, take a look at some of our favorite alternative altar ideas below.
1. Art Canvases
Matthew Moore PhotographyFrom: An Intimate Courtyard Wedding at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas
2. Palm Tree Leaves
Jillian Mitchelle PhotographyFrom: A Beachfront Fiesta-Inspired Wedding at Las Casitas Bonitas in San Francisco, Mexico
3. Fabric Draped Arbors
From: A Romantic, Outdoor Wedding in Austin, TX
4. Floral Installation
Valerie Demo/Honest PortraitureFrom: A Romantic Mountainside Wedding at Castle Hill Cider in Keswick, Virginia
5. Ribbon Background
Jana Marie PhotographyFrom: A Colorful DIY Wedding at Historic Taylor Barn in Lawrence, Kansas
6. Window Frames and Tassels
From: An Eclectic Wedding in Reading, PA
7. Tassel-Covered Arbor
From: A Villa at Sunstone Vineyards Wedding in Santa Ynez, California
8. Whimsical Chandelier
Austin GrosFrom: A Formal, DIY Woodland Wedding With a Bohemian Spin at a Private Residence in Sebastopol, California
9. DIY Backdrop
Erin L. Taylor PhotographyFrom: A Colorful DIY Wedding at the Historic Rice Mill in Charleston, South Carolina
10. Natural Scenery
From: A Romantic Weekend Wedding in Tabernash, CO
11. Vintage Furniture
Wendy LaurelFrom: A Nautical, Rustic Destination Wedding at Olowalu Plantation House in Maui, Hawaii
12. Mismatched Rugs
JR Magat PhotographyFrom: A Boho-Chic Wedding at Degage Jazz Cafe in Maumee, Ohio
13. Rustic Barn Background
Leslie Gilbert PhotographyFrom: An Elaborate Rustic Wedding at the Farm at Eagles Ridge in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
14. Driftwood Beach Arbor
Riverland StudiosFrom: A Romantic, DIY Beach Wedding at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
15. Modern Space
From: A Denver Art Museum Wedding in Denver, Colorado
16. Tissue Paper Pom Background
We Are Diamond EyesFrom: A Modern Wedding With a Southwestern Style at Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California
17. Lots of Lights
Lucas Botz PhotographyFrom: A Romantic Loft Wedding at Aria in Minneapolis, Minnesota
