Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography
To create the look for a formal soirée, place tall gold candelabras on your tables. As this Tara Guérard-designed wedding proves, they can easily elevate an otherwise simple display.
Reception
The Prettiest Ways to Decorate Your Wedding with Candles
Updated on December 2, 2017
Make your day glow (literally!) with the most romantic lighting: an open flame.
Ok, we're just going to say it: Candlelight is a must at any and all wedding-related events. After all, it is the key to a successful party (as event planner extraordinaire Rebecca Gardner so perfectly noted, here). The reason: It's a known fact that people have more fun in a dimly lit room.
And while we're all about having a fun wedding, there's another benefit of candlelight that we're even more into: the look! As you'll see in this gorgeous photo gallery (featuring photos from BRIDES real weddings), an open flame is downright gorgeous IRL and on film. Seriously, picking our favorite candle photos was a challenge in itself! That's because all those flickering flames project an amber glow, which just so happens to be universally flattering. Yes, that means you, your partner, and all your guests will look even more beautiful in a candlelit room. (And if you don't believe us, you're more than welcome to consult your photographer for a second opinion.)
So how exactly are you going to light your reception room or ceremony space, you ask? Well, of course, that's where we come in! Below, you'll find 31 examples of candle-accented decor done just right. From taper candles (the long, skinny ones) on elegant tabletops to pillar candles (the thicker, fatter ones) inside a fireplace or lining a staircase, you're sure to find the right lighting for your wedding. And beyond the type of candle, you'll also have to choose how you're going to display it. But don't worry: We have inspo for that, such as antique-looking lanterns for an old-world affair or sleek, modern cylinders for your modern celebration.
Keep reading to see exactly what we're talking about and get to pinning your dream design inspo. We can't wait to see how pretty your wedding looks when cast in a flattering, romantic glow.
Photo by Lauren Fair Photography
Here, hanging votive candles in geometric orbs make this industrial wedding venue feel oh-so-romantic. And, of course, the additional pillars and votives on the floor don't hurt either!
Photo by Chellise Michael Photography
Simple white candles can add much-needed (but not-too-much!) light to an otherwise dark, moody area.
Photo by Kyle John; Design by Kehoe Designs
You know when they say "more is more," well this Chicago wedding is the perfect example. We love how these pillar candles are used in groupings on the tables and also in the hanging light fixtures up above.
Photo by Melissa Oholendt Photography
A gold candlestick and a white taper candle can do no wrong, as shown here with a lush garland of greenery, fruit accents, and small white votives.
Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography
If you're pitching a tent in a dark field, it's smart to illuminate the outside of the space. And if you're already adding light, why not make it pretty, right?! That's why we suggest channeling this display by Tara Guérard, which shows how a multitude of candles in glass vases can work wonders.
Photo by Matt Lien Photography
Sometimes, it's smart to fill open spaces with candlelight. And it's really smart when said area is as pretty as this metallic-edged mantel.
Photo by Lauren Fair Photography
Here, tall candelabras make a statement on long tables and add an old-world touch that meshes well with the historic space. When you're working with a venue this gorgeous, it's really best to not compete.
Photo by Jose Villa
We're obsessed with these sleek mini vessels! Mix and match metallic containers (each filled with a votive candle or tea light) to create a simple-yet-modern display on the cake table.
Photo by Abby Jiu Photography
Guests will have to find their seating arrangements no matter what so go ahead and make it easy for them. These candles do double duty in that they make a pretty focal point and light the way to the escort card display.
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Flowers by The Bloom of Time; Planning by Taryn Leach Events
We can't decide if this candle-lined staircase is more for show or necessity. For one, it's smart to line tricky areas (like staircases) after dark, but this set-up is so dreamy that we'd be tempted to say "I do" here, too.
Photo by Greer Gattuso
Create the look of stars in a clear-top tent by hanging glass orbs filled with tea lights. The more, the merrier.
Photo by Christian Oth Studio
Make your grand entrance all the more grand on a staircase glowing with tea lights.
Photo by Sarah Falugo
When you spend months curating the perfect tablescape, you best show off your handiwork by mixing in candles of varying heights. These tall, black candles and mini votives make the perfect pair.
Photo by Branco Prata
When you think of candlelight, you often think of a very ethereal, romantic look. But you can def make it modern by using sleek cylinder vases like these.
Photo by Kelly Anne Berry
OK, we know you've seen pillar candles placed on the floor. But how cool are these gold-rimmed containers?! We have heart-eyes for them—and this backyard wedding in Atlanta.
Photo by Davy Whitener
Make a show of white taper candles on the table and in the chandelier.
Photo by Greer Gattuso
Lanterns add a special touch to the entrance of this historic church. We especially like how the containers' black rim matches the black iron railing.
Photo by Lisa Poggi
At this wedding in Italy, the bride used zero flowers and there's really no need when you have candles like these.
Photo by Brittany Mahood
You typically see taper candles on set dining tables but they look especially great around this brick fireplace. (Seen here also with pillar candles, votive candles, and candle-filled lanterns.)
Photo by For the Love of It
We're obsessed with these gold candlesticks, which look as if they were hand-selected from a number of vintage shops to create the perfect (or no-so-perfect!) arrangement.
Photo by Heather Waraksa
Another grand staircase for the win! This particular statement-making entrance features candles mixed among lush garlands of greenery.
Photo by Nirav Patel Photography
We can't get enough of this light-filled scene. Who knew the balance of taper candles on tables and bistro lights up above could be so perfect?
Photo by Sasithon Photography
You already saw lanterns lining a staircase but you can also use these for added romance at the altar. We especially like them clustered in asymmetrical groupings, using different sizes.
Photo by For The Love Of It
Forget candles on the table (JK!) when you can put them below the table. We're all about this unexpected idea.
Photo by Samm Blake for The Wedding Artists Co.
Add candles and cherry blossom branches to a historic fireplace and you're done.
Photo by Jose Villa
Mini votives make this table into one of the sweetest dessert displays we’ve ever seen.
Photo by For the Love of It
Utilize candles inside your cocktail tables by renting clear acrylic ones, which you can fill with fun arrangements like cotton—and candles, duh!
Photo by Amanda Megan Miller Photography
While we adore greenery-covered railings (we do!) it's really the candles that transform this show-stopping staircase. We'll pose here for bridal portraits, please and thank you!
Photo by For the Love of It
Line the center of the table with grey taper candles in gold candlesticks for one gorgeous display. Viola!
Photo by Lauren Fair Photography
Last but not least, any candle-loving bride must pose for a pic surrounded by hundreds of candles. This is one photo op you're sure to cherish forever.
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