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Updated Dec 13, 2024These 34 Ideas for Church Wedding Decorations Feel Heaven-Sent
We're here to give you some divine inspiration.
No matter your denomination, a church wedding feels classic and traditional. And even though many folks might call a church the "house of God," it doesn't mean there isn't a possibility for some temporary redecorating, so to speak. You don't have to have church wedding decorations, but they go a long way to make the ceremony space feel stylistically connected to the rest of your event. Simply positioning some flowers at the altar or fastening ribbons to each pew signal a special occasion (and both of those are budget-friendly church wedding decoration ideas).
Whether your religious institution of choice is opulent or austere, it really doesn't take much to set the scene for your nuptials, especially when you find a religious or church wedding venue you aesthetically love on The Knot Vendor Marketplace (just head to the venues section and filter by "Religious Setting"). Below, learn how to decorate a church for a wedding and see some real-life inspiration.
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In this article: Elegant | Simple | Modern | Rustic | Where to Buy | Tips | FAQ
Elegant Church Wedding Decorations
There's a subdued sophistication to nuptials in a religious setting, and how you've chosen to decorate the church for your wedding can play up this element. Lush white florals, stately urns and soft, flickering candles all make an appearance.
1. White Hydrangea and Greenery Decorations
Fluffy white hydrangeas are the star of these aisle decorations for church weddings, with a bloom fastened to the end of every pew atop cascading greenery. The pair of matching wreaths adorning the church's back doors carry the theme through.
2. Overflowing Urn With Flowers
At this Italian church wedding, an old-world urn marks the top of the aisle with a bevy of blush-pink blooms.
3. White Altar Arrangements
An all-white color scheme screams traditional church wedding. Two urns filled with white flowers flank either side of the altar and evoke stately elegance, while the subtle tulle and baby's breath pew decorations look sweet and whimsical.
4. Dramatic Church Entrance Flowers
If you're looking for church wedding decorations for the entrance that'll make your guests (and passerby) gasp in awe, these are the ones. The two waterfalls of greenery and white flowers trailing down each side of the church steps are a gorgeous way to welcome attendees.
5. Pillar and Staircase Entrance Decorations
This is another beautiful idea for the church's entrance: This couple chose to wrap a pillar in flowers and continue the secret-garden look atop the doorway and down the stairs, ending in a cluster of candles.
6. Full-White Altar Flowers
A pair of lush arrangements at the altar is really all you need for a touch of extra elegance.
7. Large-Scale Flower Arrangements
If your ceremony is taking place in an opulent church, your wedding decorations—if you choose to have them—should be able to stand up to the dramatic architecture. Take cues from these large arrangements that draw the eye with bright pinks and purples. Smaller bouquets fastened to the front of the first bench bring a dab more color—one of the more unique church pew wedding decoration ideas we've seen.
8. Hanging Church Door Flowers
Peach and white roses and eucalyptus come together in these unique church door decorations. Not only are they beautiful, but they also signal to guests where the correct entrance is.
9. Flower Blanket Church Wedding Decorations
Especially if your church is already bringing the elegant vibes, a sweeping blanket of flowers is a great choice. It's one of the most striking church altar wedding decorations you'll see. This couple carried it through to the pews, each one getting a bouquet with trailing ivy-like leaves.
Simple Church Wedding Decorations
Churches are already such stunning structures, oftentimes they don't need much. Tiny pew adornments and subtle altar decor go a long way.
10. Ferns and Flowers
A petite white flower arrangement and two potted ferns bring a little life to this simple wedding altar.
11. Pink-Rose Pew Bouquets
A classic rose always makes a statement when it comes to church pew wedding decoration ideas. A few simple blooms set against cascading greenery feels romantic and celebratory, yet unfussy.
12. Entrance Wreath and Garland
This drapey garland and wreath combo proves a little goes a long way. They make the church's entryway feel wedding ready without taking away from the structure's clean lines.
13. Aisle-Flanking Trees
Two leafy trees mark the end of the aisle in this small chapel. This is a great option if you're looking for church wedding decoration ideas on a budget, since they bring big impact, but can be moved to your reception space easily to double down on decor.
14. Go All Greenery
Maybe you're saying "I do" in a historic church that's cloaked in ivy vines. Regardless, a few strands of greenery draped along the pews (or in this case, around candlesticks attached to the pews) soften harsh edges and bring a magical feel.
15. Pair of Arborvitae Trees
Arborvitae trees are simple in their silhouette, but make a big impression with their stately stature when flanking your church's front entry.
16. Minimalist Pew Bouquets
Dainty nosegays fastened to the ends of the chairs sitting closest to the aisle is one of our favorite ideas for small church wedding decorations. This is especially true when they're presented in little glass vases and tied with white ribbons like these.
Modern Church Wedding Decorations
The clean lines of modern wedding decor can create a striking contrast with opulent churches. And sleek flowers arrangements can do the same.
17. Glass, Mirror and Neon Accents
Photo: Ashleigh Coleman Photography
,Floral Design: Root Floral Design
,Decor & Rentals: Royal Events, Candles and Decor, True Value Rental/Just Ask, AD Event Group
Looking for a jaw-dropping slate of church wedding decorations that feels like Lana Del Rey could emerge from behind the pulpit at any second? (Yeah, us too.) Otherworldly pink and purple florals add whimsy to this church ceremony dreamscape created with ghost chairs, a mirrored aisle, clear candles and neon cross lighting features.
18. Elevated Flower Arrangements
Elevating your altar flower arrangements high above the ground ensures your guests in the back will see them. And opting for a simple white-and-green color scheme and sleek, chrome pedestals feels totally contemporary.
19. Lush Floor Flowers
These overflowing floor arrangements marking the altar feel romantic, yet modern, thanks to the wispy pampas grass peeking out from between the peachy roses. It provides interesting texture and contrast to the traditional church setting.
20. Tall Glass Flower Vases
The tall and slender glass vases elevating these pink and red rose arrangements feel sophisticated and contemporary.
21. Jewel-Toned Florals
Roses on their own feel quite traditional, but presenting the blooms in arrangements of peacock blue, hot pink and dusty lavender offer a brighter, bolder look. The lack of greenery and presence of glass vases make these flowers read more modern.
22. Geometric Pedestal Arrangements
Photo: Jenny Haas Photography
Drapey eucalyptus bundles give the aisle a soft look, but the flower arrangements suspended on minimalist, geometric pedestals around the altar keep it looking contemporary.
23. Skinny Pedestal Arrangements
While the historic chapel venue and cream-and-pink color palette are soft and romantic, the slender pedestals that the flowers perch atop walk the line between traditional and modern. Simple glass votive candles also keep with the contemporary thread.
24. Modern Candles and Greenery
Sleek glass-encased pillar candles of varying heights bring modern minimalism to this ornate chapel. A shock of greenery at each candle cluster's base keeps the decor from appearing too stark.
25. Scandinavian Minimalist Altar Decorations
A few simple white candles flanking an of-the-moment arrangement of white blooms feels fresh and whimsical. The fluted container holding the flowers feels contemporary and also plays into the existing moldings of the church.
26. Tropical Calla Lily Altar Flowers
Using tropical-looking flowers and foliage—like these orange calla lilies and hammock ferns—offer clean, modern lines and punchy color palettes that contrast with a traditional church setting.
Rustic Church Wedding Decorations
There's nothing more darling than a little chapel in the country. Play up the rustic vibe with delicate wildflowers, lanterns and ribbon.
27. Antique Candlestick Church Decorations
Six tall, antique candlesticks with ornate designs and peeling paint feel rustic and elegant when arranged at the front of a church.
28. Autumnal Aisle and Altar Flowers
The rustic oranges, yellows and pinks of these flowers lining the aisle and altar perfectly pair with this church's rustic wood tones.
29. Rich Reds and Soft Greenery
The red and peach blooms softly positioned in urns bring a rustic, romantic feel that's only increased by the fluffy ferns lining the area behind the priest. It's the perfect backdrop for reciting a Bible verse about love, no?
30. Wild Greenery Half Arch
Photo: Barker Evans
The wild nature and soft edges of this half arch climbing up the church wall feels plucked from an enchanted English garden and brings out the existing architectural features of the small stone church.
31. Wicker Floral Wreath
These wicker wreaths adorned with fluffy white flowers are ideal for a country or rustic-coastal wedding.
32. Leafy Entrance Garland
Photo: The Schultzes
,Floral Design: The Bloom Room
This simple garland of leaves and flowers feels as if it was assembled with materials gathered around this rustic mountain chapel.
33. Greenery Chandelier Crowns
Photo: Chris Isham Photography
A simple spray of leaves and vines ups the country feel of this stone church, softening the structure's angles.
34. Gold Aisle-Lining Lanterns
Antique gold lanterns of varying sizes and shapes bring evenings spent on a country porch to mind—which would be fitting if your reception is being held at a rural estate. Plus, they'll give the ceremony a soft glow.
Where to Buy Church Wedding Decorations
- The Knot Shop: You'll find all manner of wedding decor at The Knot Shop, including options to spruce up your church venue. Items like aisle runners, ceremony backdrops, candle holders and ribbon are all available at reasonable prices, if you're looking for church wedding decorations on a budget.
- Etsy: For bespoke wedding decor, church or otherwise, Etsy is the place to go. The marketplace offers tens of thousands of unique pieces from curated sellers and talented artisans. Find unique pew decorations, flower holders, perfectly tied tulle bows, ready-made faux arrangements and more.
- Minted: Unique floral arrangements, hand-painted candles, preserved flowers like baby's breath and other adornments are all available on Minted for your church ceremony. Minted also sources their items from makers and artisans, which makes their offerings quite unique.
- Amazon: Yes, Amazon has nearly everything, including church wedding decorations. Along with the basics as far as decor goes, you can also easily find the unseen essentials you'd need to hang or display like hooks for pew florals and pedestals for altar arrangements.
Tips for How to Decorate a Church for a Wedding
So you've gotten some inspiration on what kind of church wedding decorations speak to you, but how do you get started? We've got a handful of helpful hints that'll help you with the practical elements of church wedding decorations.
Bring in a Pro
A wedding decorator will be a godsend when ideating ceremony decor—and you can find one in your area on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. These experts will know the tricks of the trade, like the right height for altar flowers and how to add pizazz to pews damage free, but also provide a guiding eye to ensure your wedding's style flows seamlessly
Take Existing Architecture into Account
If you're saying "I do" in a gilded, ornate chapel, you may want cascading florals to match that energy. Or perhaps you want to go minimalist to avoid competing with the maximalist design. Either way, take stock of the space and make your choice accordingly. Also consider using your wedding decorations to highlight a favorite feature. For example, a garland of greenery bent over an archway will show off its shape.
Hit the Three Areas of Interest
There are three spots in a church where it's easy to add a personal touch through wedding decor: the entrance, the aisle and the altar. Choose one, two or all three areas to add decor. The entry is ripe for wreaths and garlands, while the pews are perfect for bows and nosegay bouquets. The altar is where you can pack the biggest punch, adding statement florals, candles or a special ceremony backdrop.
Repurpose Items for the Reception
Look for versatile church wedding decor that can be transported and repurposed from the ceremony to the reception. For example, flower arrangements flanking the start or end of your aisle can then be moved to mark your reception venue's entrance. It's a great way to achieve a cohesive style and keep your wedding decorations affordable.
Church Wedding Decorations Frequently Asked Questions
Don't fret if you're not an expert yet. We're answering some common questions you might have about church wedding decorations below.
Can You Decorate a Church for a Wedding?
Yes, you can typically decorate a church for a wedding, though some might have restrictions. Any element that won't require much clean up will likely be okay. Placing some simple flower arrangements at the top of the aisle and adding some simple decor elements to the pews are both popular choices that'll likely be permitted, but it's always smart to ask beforehand to make sure.
Do You Need to Get Approval to Decorate a Church?
You should always get approval before you decorate a church. Some decorations may be permitted, while others are a no-go. And you should always ensure you understand those special stipulations before you get too far into your planning.
Who Decorates the Church for a Wedding?
A couple could have their wedding party or family members decorate the church ahead of the wedding or bring in a professional wedding decorator or full-service designer to take care of the design work and the physical setup.
