Outdoor weddings are so charming. The fresh air; the natural beauty; the open sky—everything comes together to make the perfect place to say “I do”. But you want to make sure the celebration continues after sunset, too. Right? That’s why outdoor wedding lights are so important.
In addition to illuminating the space, outdoor wedding lights set the mood for the event. They’re also important for your pictures! Having wedding photos in a poorly lit space is definitely not something the couple wants.This blog post will guide you through everything about outdoor wedding lights. So, let’s get started!
Why Wedding Lighting Matter
The right lighting does a lot for your outdoor wedding. For one, it can set an intimate ambiance. You want to go for create an inviting,for long evenings spent outdoors. warm lighting, around 2700K to 3000K, for a romantic and inviting environment. This will instantly make your guests make themselves home.
When you're hosting an event outdoors, there are trip hazards, especially when the night falls. So, outdoor lighting is essential for them to be able to navigate their way throughout the venue (along with sign boards, which we’re sure you’re already hoarding).
And, very importantly, good lighting makes sure you can get the best pictures, even when it gets dark. One super important tip to remember here is layering lighting. When you have light coming from different sources, you get a warm and flattering glow that balances exposure. You can also avoid those harsh shadows this way.
Finally, if your venue is well-lit, your guests can continue dancing and mingling even after the night approaches.
20+ Creative Outdoor Wedding Lighting Ideas
When it comes to outdoor wedding lights, you have so many different options. And, as we mentioned, the more of these you choose and layer together, the better!
1. Outdoor String Lights
Photo from Govee Outdoor Light
String lights—one of the most popular choices for outdoor weddings. Also called bistro lights, these create a dreamy and twinkling effect. You can use them in so many different ways. Hang them across tables; wrap them around trees; drape them from tents and pergolas.
For a magical outdoor wedding, try Govee Color-Changing String Lights – the ultimate tool for crafting a dreamlike atmosphere. You can set them to romantic warm white lighting or vibrant colors to match your dream theme. Featuring advanced RGBIC technology, each bulb shines in a unique hue, creating an enchanting ambiance. Perfect for outdoor celebrations, these lights bring charm, elegance, and an unforgettable atmosphere to your special day.
2.Hanging Lanterns for Outdoor Wedding
Photo from Greenvelope
Lanterns add an elegant and timeless touch to your decor. You can use them as the centerpiece of your decor or line them along the aisle. You can also hang them from tree branches for a whimsical effect.
3. Neon Signs
Now this is a trendy form of outdoor wedding lights. Use neon signs to display the couple’s names, wedding hashtags, etc. They’re especially great for photo backdrops and lounging areas.
Photo from Customneon
4. Rattan Chandeliers for Rustic Outdoor Wedding Lighting
We often recommend these for the patio, but we’re equally eager to use them for weddings. Rattan chandeliers are made from straw and palm. Light and airy, they can bring a natural touch to your wedding setting—perfectly complementing the outdoor ambiance.
Photo from Selecteventgroup
5. Wedding with Fairy Lights
What better way to say “I do” than under a canopy of twinkling lights? Hang fairy lights overhead for that starry-sky effect, that too right under the stars. You can mix in lanterns and Edison bulbs for a beautiful layered scene.
Photo from Onefabday
6. Floral Chandeliers for Outside Wedding
Flower chandeliers enhance outdoor weddings by adding elegance and natural beauty. Suspended above reception areas or dance floors, they create a romantic ambiance, seamlessly blending with the surroundings. Incorporating flowers like roses, peonies, or greenery complements various wedding themes, from rustic to bohemian, making the event unforgettable.
Photo by Abby Grace
7 A Disco Scene
Up the party scene at your wedding with disco balls. Be sure to add these beside lighting; the mirrored tiles will reflect the light and create a fun ambiance. This is also a good opportunity to add a neon sign and multiple lanterns!
Photo from Theweddingplaybook
8. Mason Jar Wedding Centerpieces with Lights
Fairy lights don’t only have use on your canopy. If you’re in for a quick DIY (we mean, who doesn’t like a little handmade love for their special day?), add fairy lights to mason jars, and then place these along your walkway. This idea is especially great if you’re looking to create a whimsical and rustic feeling.
Photo from Pinterest
9. Use Marquee Lights
Add large letters of the bride and groom’s names. These are a good way to fill open space at an outdoor reception, all while providing the perfect backdrop lighting for photos.
Photo from Event-Lit
10. Low to High Chandeliers
Add visual intrigue to your wedding setting by varying the heights at which you hang your chandeliers. Ideally, mix and match two different types of chandeliers (for example, crystal and rattan). To add some more dimension, add ombre florals above.
Photo from Theknot
11 Moroccan Lanterns
Get inspired by Morocco for your reception with colorful metal and glass lanterns. Dot these throughout your guest seating area. These are great for a cultural charm, especially if you’re looking for a tropical wedding vibe.
Photo from Rock my wedding
12. Spotlights
For an outdoor wedding, a colored spotlight can make the celebration extra special. The Govee outdoor spotlight is a great choice because it is easy to use and adds multi-colored lighting to the outdoor area. It makes the garden decorations look charming under the night sky.
13.Tree Lights as Centerpiece
Add a majestic feel to your outdoor wedding with a lit tree centerpiece. Choose one of the larger trees in your venue and light it up with string lights. This makes it the focal point of the space (and doubles as decor) while also adding illumination.
14. Pathway Lighting
Pathway lighting offers a great way to illuminate the pathways—and guide your guests the way. They’re also decent to use on stairs. Some fun ideas are:
- Solar-powered stake lights
- Small lanterns or LED candles in hurricane vases
- Rope lighting along the edges of pathways
Product: Govee RGBIC Outdoor Neon Rope Light
15. Add Some Fire Features
Outdoor wedding lights are fire—and quite literally. Fire features can bring a flickering romance to your setting. For example, candles in glass holders and hurricane lanterns. These are especially a great idea for beach weddings. If you’re hosting in your backyard, a fire pit will do so much for the ambiance.
Photo from: Reinfireranch
16. Moon and Stars
You do have them in the sky during the nighttime on your wedding day, but we’re not referring to those. A charming 'Moon and Stars' wedding decoration with a glowing crescent moon and sparkling star lights creates a magical and romantic atmosphere. It’s great as a photo backdrop or centerpiece.
Photo Credit: Diktat Photography
17. Moravian Stars
These are a gorgeous take on lanterns. You want to hang them at different heights (and use additional string lights for hanging if you’re looking for an extra dreamy effect).
18. Floating Candle Ponds
If your venue has a water feature—a pond, fountain, or pool—bring attention to it with light. Floating candles look absolutely stunning, and help create the ultimate romantic ambiance. The reflections these create on the water will be ethereal. Sprinkling flower petals around the candles will look gorgeous.
19. Go Dark (with the Strand)
A contrast of dark and light instantly adds visual interest. Go for a darker light strand for hanging bulbs. This allows them to truly pop!
20. LED Balloon Lights
LED balloon lights can add floating magic to your outdoor wedding arrangement. Fill helium balloons with LED lights and then let them float above tables. This creates a soft and ethereal effect.
21. A Soft Outline
Bring illumination to your stunning venue—especially if you’re celebrating in a tent—by adding a string of lights around the base of the tent. Be sure to use white floral arrangements and pieces of greenery to complement the space.
22. Sparkler Exit Tunnel
This one’s a bonus outdoor wedding light idea. Have guests hold long sparklers as you and your partner walk through them for an epic exit. This creates a cinematic glow, and puts just the right memorable end to your big day.
23. A-Frame with Lighting
If you’re hosting an intimate and open-air wedding on the beach, you won’t need as much light as you would for a larger celebration in a covered tent. In such a celebration, suspending a few jute lanterns from an A-frame above the reception table will suffice. This boosts the romantic vibe while providing just enough light post-sunset.
How to Plan Your Outdoor Wedding Lights
You’ve got all the best outdoor wedding light ideas. Before you get planning, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Walk through your venue at night to see which areas need extra lighting. Also look at the power sources, and identify where you may need extension cords.
- Layer different types of lighting for the best photos.
- Sync your lighting with your theme. For example, mason jars (filled with fairy lights) go well with a rustic wedding theme.
- Do a lighting test the evening before your wedding. Make sure everything looks and functions as you envisioned.
Light Your Wedding Night Up
Lighting your wedding night can make the event all the more memorable. We hope you have all the inspiration to create an ambiance that leaves a lasting impact on you as well as your guests.
