24 Unique Wedding Lighting Ideas

At this Philadelphia real wedding, floral and lighting designer Oleander brought the bride's vision for an outdoor vibe indoors with hanging greenery, hanging votive handles—and even more candles on the floor.

How amazing is this photo? We love how the ceiling of lights defines the dinner space while also creating the look of a starry sky (even in daylight).

Again, string lights up above for the win. This lighting example works especially well because the lights can be easily strung through the existing trellis of greenery.

At this Brooklyn real wedding, planner Jove Meyer filled the empty blank space (thanks to those gorgeous high ceilings) with greenery-wrapped garlands, string lights, and white draping. The result: Lights perfectly shining from behind said simple sheers.

You can always make a statement with one eye-catching fixture. This antique bronze chandelier does the trick—and is perfect if you want your reception to feel like an at-home dinner party.

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?

A line of lit lanterns provides light for an open-air dinner, while also setting the scene for one serious dance sesh. (The sand dance floor isn't required but highly encouraged.)

Are these cool chandelier orbs more perfect for a Restoration Hardware catalog or a wedding reception? Hard to decide—but we sure do love them filled with greenery against a sleek white backdrop.

It may sound obvious, but use lighting to show off your beautiful venue (duh). Here, golden spot lights are used along the perimeter of the dinner space to highlight beautiful stone walls.

Don't forget to illuminate the outside of your space, too—especially if you're pitching a tent in the middle of a dark field. Here, Tara Guérard Soirée lined the edges of this white-draped tent with pillar candles in tall glass vases.

String lights come in all shapes and sizes but these mini ones are especially cool. Why? The small bulb size means they make enough of a statement but also don't distract from those perfectly-planned table settings.

Don't think you ever have to choose between a long table garland and statement candles. Here, short pillar candles are used on the outside of each garland centerpiece for one statement display.

Remember to light up the tricky areas where your guests will gather after dark. Staircases are such places, as are paths to the bathrooms and bar. That being said, we can totally see this candle-lined staircase as a first look location or ceremony site.

Now here's a unique idea: Set up your tables around well-lit trees. We're obsessed with how the table arrangement, trees, and spot lights draw your eyes upwards (towards cool, wooden beams) and fill up this large, industrial venue.

If chandeliers are your thing, think outside the box by hanging them outside of a ballroom. We love this unexpected take when sparklers are hung at different heights in a natural setting.

When you spend months curating the perfect place settings and centerpieces, you best use candles of varying heights to show off your handiwork. These tall, black pillar candles and mini votives do the trick.

We've talked about hanging lights from trees but you can hang them around trees, too. At this garden wedding in San Diego, string lights look beautiful when wrapped around a statement tree's base and branches.

At this elegant backyard bash, a cluster of Moroccan-inspired lanterns kept the open-air tent lit well into the night. We especially love how the silver hue adds a metallic accent up above (and coordinates with the marble-inspired table settings).

Talk about a statement installation. Here, an unexpected mix of antique chandeliers and flowing greenery makes for one serious photo op moment.

This photo is yet another reminder of how to use lighting to highlight your space. This real bride wanted to highlight the natural beauty of her ceremony site (and rightfully so) so she lined the aisle and altar with hundreds of candles—and zero flowers.

Tall candelabras do double duty in that they add both light and height to your tabletops. At this wedding, white candles mixed with white linen tablecloths allow the gold accents (and candlelight) to be the focal point.

Here, string lights are hung in straight lines to visually draw your eye towards the peak of the tent. This all-time favorite design works especially well with clear-top tents because it creates the illusion of stars after dark.

Can you say epic photo? This shot features a couple on the dance floor that's surrounded by hanging glass orbs filled with mini votive candles.

And speaking of dance floors, don't underestimate the power of a retro disco ball against string lights. The result is pure magic—and let's be honest: Who doesn't want to be in the middle of this dance floor?