7 Ideas for your Outdoor Wedding Arch

When you get married in the great outdoors, Mother Nature is basically your floral designer. But one décor item you may want to splurge on? A killer wedding ceremony arch.

Garden wedding ceremony arch covered in flowers

Nancy Liu Chin Designs | Victor Sizemore Photography

Whether you call it a chuppah, an altar, or an archway, the fact remains that it is the centerpiece of your ceremony. It not only frames your wedding vows and creates a lovely focal point for the ceremony space, but it also acts as your backdrop for photos!

Yes, a wedding arch is kind of a big deal. So we've put together 7 ideas—and lots of photos—to help inspire yours.


1. Circular Wedding Arch

A circular wedding arch is like a big, modern wreath. Not only does it pack a visual punch, but it also represents the eternal love you're about to promise to your soon-to-be-spouse. Whether it's covered in flowers or totally naked, a huge round wedding arch lends some drama to saying "I do".

Circular wedding ceremony arch dripping in red florals

California Academy of Sciences | Annie McElwain Photography

Green and white circular wedding ceremony arch

Jenfolio Wedding and Portrait Photography | A Design Decor

Minimalist wooden circle wedding ceremony arch

Victoria Rayburn Photography | Gatherings Wedding and Party Rentals

2. Angular Wedding Arch

Geometry in school? Not so fun. Geometric décor on your wedding day? So dang chic! For a modern take on the wedding arch, go the angular route. Giant octagonal structures, wooden triangles, and even teepees give some serious shape to your ceremony.

Geometric structure wedding ceremony backdrop

California Ranch Events | Danielle Poff Photography

Modern wooden triangles as wedding ceremony backdrop

Olympia's Valley Estate | The Poffs

Wedding teepee with birch and flowers

Kristina Staal Photography | Fani Flowers | Abbey Tent & Party Rentals

3. Flowerless Wedding Arch

Although many of the wedding arches you see on Pinterest are positively dripping with flowers, some of the most creative ones we've seen use little to no florals at all! Think colorful ribbons, streamers, or even balloons as well as lots of vibrant greenery.

Colorful streamers on a wedding ceremony arch

Mary Costa Weddings | Shindig Chic

Colorful balloon arch for wedding ceremony backdrop

Mary Costa Weddings | Shindig Chic

Simple wooden ceremony arch with lots of greenery

Randy + Ashley | Studio Kate Floral

4. Beach Wedding Arch

If you're having a ceremony on the sand, or just going for a tropical vibe, you'll want a wedding ceremony backdrop with some beachy elements. Materials like driftwood, Monstera leaves, or airy fabrics pair perfectly with a beachfront setting.

Lush floral beach wedding ceremony arch at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica, CA

Casa Del Mar | André Maier Photography

Simple driftwood beach ceremony arch

Lauren Fair Photography

Tropical wedding ceremony backdrop with Monstera leaves

Kristina Staal Photography | Carrie Wilcox Floral Design | Gather and Lounge

5. Boho Wedding Arch

Macramé we suggest some bohemian arch options? This knotted textile gives a hippie-chic vibe to your nuptials, and it looks especially eclectic when paired with a vintage rug. But if you don't want the arch to steal the spotlight, a perfectly minimalist frame in a metallic finish shows off the setting with gypsy-like flair.

Macrame wedding arch at Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda in Soquel, CA

Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda | The Poffs

Bohemian wedding arch with macrame and vintage rugs

Randy + Ashley

Minimalist bohemian wedding arch with a geometric shape

Emily Wren Photography

6. Rustic Wedding Arch

If you're getting married in a forest or at a rural ranch, an overly floral arch might look out of place. Instead, consider neutral pampas grass to frame your ceremony, or put the focus on knotted vines or twisted branches. You can even forgo the archway altogether, and set up distressed wooden doors for a more shabby-chic style.

Neutral wedding ceremony arch with pampas grass

Ventana Big Sur | Carlie Statsky

Rustic wedding ceremony arch with branches

Thistle Springs Ranch | Stephanie Rose Photography | Blushington Blooms | RK Weddings & Events

Distressed wooden doors as a rustic wedding ceremony backdrop

Mandy Ford Photography | Buckeye Blooms

7. Backdrop Wall

Wedding walls are a modern take on the traditional curved structure. We've seen them range from full-on floral to glorious greenery—but the sky's the limit here. Set up a backdrop stand, channel your inner YouTube star, and hitch up a funky-fresh fabric with a glittery sheen or custom pattern.

White floral wedding wall as ceremony backdrop

Christine Bentley Photography | Flowers by Cina

Bright and colorful geometric pattern for a wedding ceremony backdrop

Jenna Bechtholt Photography

Moral of this story? Your wedding ceremony arch should be as unique as the two of you...so don't be afraid to get creative!


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Photos: The Inn at Round Barn FarmBernardus Lodge & Spa


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