39 Best Decorations for a Fall Wedding

Bride and Groom Kissing Beneath Orange Tree in Autumn — Photo by Judy Pak

Many people associate wedding season with the summer months, but we're here to let you in on a little secret: Fall—especially late September, October, and early November—is one of the best times of the year to say "I do." More comfortable temperatures (you're unlikely to wind up with a bitterly cold or scorchingly hot day), a reduced chance of rain, delicious menu options, and a generally cozy atmosphere are just some of the many elements that make this season so special.

What's more, fall is a naturally beautiful time of the year. There are gorgeous leaves on the trees, bright flowers (like dahlias, marigolds, and zinnias) are in full bloom, and accents like pumpkins, gourds, and fresh fruits (apples, pears, pomegranates) are readily available at the market. Your options for ceremony installations, tabletop centerpieces, and reception details are as vast as the piles of leaves accumulating on curbs across the country.

And though all that seasonal beauty is reason enough to tie the knot during the fall, we also love the cozy, casual vibe that comes along with the fall wedding season. There's something undeniably charming about this time of year, and we love seeing couples make the most of it on their autumnal big days. Are you planning a fall wedding and looking for décor inspiration? Here, we're sharing 39 decorating ideas for fall weddings that are guaranteed to make your day all the more spectacular.

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Mimic What Nature Already Offers

Long Wedding Ceremony Aisle with Muted, Autumnal-Colored Floral Arrangements and Black Chairs — Photo by Kurt Boomer

At this fall wedding in Big Sur, the ceremony decorations were intentionally chosen to mimic what the surroundings naturally looks like during this time of year. Garden-style arrangements made up of golden ferns, textural branches, and natural California buckwheat, created by Siren Floral Co, were arranged around an elevated wooden aisle.

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Employ a Moody Color Palette

Romantic, Moody Wedding Reception with Fall-Colored Flowers, Dried Floral Details, and Velvet Chairs — Photo by Anna Delores Photography

At this fall wedding in California, moody hues were on full display, and the result was absolutely breathtaking. Burgundy velvet chairs were arranged around wooden tables lined that had been topped with rich floral centerpieces in coordinate shades. Overhead installations of pampas grass and fresh and dried floral mixes helped reinforce the dramatic color scheme selected for the big day.

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Bring the Outdoors In

Autumnal greenery, leaves, and floral reception décor — Photo by Ryan Ray Photography; Planning by Calder Clark; Floral Design by Blossoms Events

If fall is your favorite season, we suggest going big with the foliage décor. There's no reason not to decorate nearly every surface with changing leaves, much like planner Calder Clark did here when she covered columns inside an industrial space with colorful maple leaves.

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Favor Golden Hues

Reception Tables with Autumnal Centerpieces of Dahlias, Golden Ferns, Butterfly Ranunculus, and Greenery — Photo by Megan Robinson

In the fall, the green leaves of summer begin to turn every color of the rainbow, including bold red, spicy orange, and golden yellow. While any of the season's hues would work beautifully as your fall wedding's primary color, we're partial to the latter: Yellow pairs nicely with so many other hues, including classic white, and strikes the right balance between masculine and feminine. Need proof? Just look at how stunning the golden yellow floral moments at this couple's Utah wedding were.

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Sit at an Eye-Catching Sweetheart Table

Wedding sweetheart table surrounded by red floral structure and grounded floral arrangement — Photo by Hannah Costello; Event Planning by Emily Gaikowski of Heartthrob Weddings and Events; Floral Design by Amanda Vidmar Designs; Rentals by Found Rentals, Standard Party Rentals & Theoni

You chose a fall wedding date for a reason, so go ahead and embrace the season's best colors and textures in every element of your wedding decorations. At this autumnal celebration in San Francisco, the newly-minted Mr. and Mrs. sat beneath an arch of colorful seasonal foliage and fresh flowers.

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Utilize Foliage for Your Entrance

Wedding Ceremony Entrance with Wispy Fall Foliage Arrangements in Changing Colors — Photo by Kyle John

At this intimate Michigan wedding, a white barn served as the setting for the ceremony and reception. Floral designer Katie Wachowiak filled white urns with seasonal foliage for a subtle yet statement-making entryway. Though this installation certainly popped against the backdrop, you could make yours even more eye-catching by having your florist recreate it on a larger scale.

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Decorate With Dahlias

Italian Wedding Reception with Patterned Tablecloths and Petite Centerpieces of Pink Dahlias and Pink Roses — Photo by Gianna di Natale Photographers

If there's one flower we love most for a fall wedding, it's a dahlia—and that's true no matter where the autumnal "I dos" are taking place. Despite the fact that their wedding was held on Italy's temperate Amalfi Coast, the happy couple still asked florist Flower Addicted to top tables with in-season dahlias that coordinated with the rest of their color palette.

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Utilize the Season's Changing Foliage as Much as Possible

Leaf and floral-inspired ceremony arch for a fall wedding in the woods — Photo by Rebecca Hollis Photography

The ever-changing hues of autumnal foliage are a boon for couples planning nuptials during this season, so play up those textures and warm colors where ever possible. After all, wedding flowers are expensive, so if you can utilize what's in-season—perhaps even what's right outside your own back door—to create fuller, more dynamic arrangements, why wouldn't you? Incorporate fresh foliage into the day's décor details, such as the escort card display, your reception centerpieces, and even the ceremony altar itself. We're particularly fond of how this organic structure makes a statement while also blending into the environment.

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Layer Rugs to Create a Cozy Aesthetic

Tented Wedding Ceremony with Layered Rugs and Aisle Decorations of Dried Hydrangeas — Photo by Kate Headley

At this tented wedding on a farm in Virginia, a floating chuppah, designed by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design, served as the focal point of the ceremony, but we can't get enough of the other autumnal details. Layered rugs served as the aisle, lending a cozy feeling to the space, while dried arrangements of hydrangeas flanked either side.

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Say "I Do" to a Rustic Setting

Rustic wedding ceremony setup in front of a barn — Photo by Ashley Brown of Shining Light Photography

When it comes to weddings, "rustic" style often gets a bad rap. If visions of mason jar-topped tables and hay bale seating come to mind for you, we're here to set the record straight: It's entirely possible to plan a chic, elevated wedding that still speaks to the organic, relaxed nature of the rustic vibe. At this wedding ceremony, that balance was perfectly achieved. Bench seating, warm blankets, and natural accents of greenery were perfect foils for the barn backdrop.

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Choose Seasonal Colors and Textures for Your Lounge

Moody Wedding Reception Lounge with Autumnal Color Palette and Velvet Couch — Photo by Anna Delores Photography

While this is good advice for every part of your autumnal wedding setup, we especially love when couples choose seasonal colors and textures for their reception lounges. After all, sumptuous velvets and rich colors, like orange and burgundy, will invite guests to sit and relax.

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Decorate With Branches

Floral and branch-inspired indoor wedding ceremony décor — Photo by Morning Light by Michelle Landreau; Floral Design by Floressnce Flowers

Tying the knot indoors and wondering how to bring the best of autumn inside? There's no reason why all that stunning foliage can't come inside, as evidenced by this simple yet impactful ceremony setup. We love how the warm hue of the branches coordinates with the room's worn brick walls and wooden window paneling.

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Create a "Harry Potter"-Inspired Setup

Long Wedding Reception Tables with Tall Taper Candles — Photo by Nirav Patel Photography

There are few movie scenes more magical than Halloween at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. If you're a fan of the films, or if you just love cozy decorations, create a reception setup that looks more like the Great Hall than a traditional wedding venue. Long tables topped with lots of glowing pillar candles will immediately remind your guests of the best parts of fall.

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Turn Warming Blankets Into Décor

Warm blankets for outdoor ceremony seating in the fall or winter — Photo by Nancy Neil; Design by Bash Please

Cozy layers are one of the best parts about the fall season, so why not bring them into your autumn wedding? If you're tying the knot outside, decorate ceremony seating with warming blankets that can also serve as décor. Here, white blankets were monogramed and draped over wooden chairs for both comfort and style.

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Play Up Tree Motifs

Wedding Reception Bar Made from Aspen Tree Wood — Photo by Liz Banfield

There are few things more glorious in the fall than a grove of changing Aspen trees, which is why this couple made sure to put them on full display at their laid-back wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A bar made from Aspen trunks, as seen here, is a great option for any fall wedding, but you can also use whatever tree is native to your destination.

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Decorate With Both Fresh and Dried Floral Elements

Bride and Groom Kissing in Ceremony Aisle Lined with Pampas Grass Arrangements and Autumnal Flowers — Photo by Anna Delores Photography

Our wishlist for every fall wedding? Floral installations that rely on rich, dramatic colors and layered, nuanced textures. In short, it's everything that was selected for this stunning outdoor wedding ceremony. Pampas grass, palm fronds, bougainvillea, dahlias, baby’s breath, and roses were artfully arranged to create unbelievable space for the bride and groom to say "I do."

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Bring in Pops of Red

Wedding Reception Tablescape with Centerpiece of Dahlias, Zinnias, and Roses, Red Candles, Fresh Apples, and a Hand-Calligraphed Menu — Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick Photography

Bold red hues are common in the fall, and they're surprisingly easy to work into your wedding décor. Consider adding the color in small, impactful ways, such as on your reception tables through taper candles, pomegranates, and dahlias.

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Create a Farm-to-Table Installation

Farm-to-table wedding station — Photo by Rachel Havel; Planning by Ashley Nicole Events; Catering by Catering by Design

We're always fans of a farm-to-table menu, but with all the produce in season, why not make a show of it? This couple made their own market—named T + F after their first initials—at cocktail hour, and it made for a unique photo backdrop.

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Put Pumpkins to Work

White Pumpkin Escort Cards on Shelves — Photo by Carmen Santorelli

If you don't gravitate towards the look of a pumpkin-filled ceremony and reception, consider using gourds in smaller, more impactful ways. At this celebration, mini white pumpkins stood in as escort cards; it's a subtle nod to the season that doesn't feel too overdone.

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Go Big With Installations of Foraged Leaves and Flowers

Italian Wedding Reception with Overhead Dried Arrangements of Flowers in Dusty Fall Color Palette — Photo by Gianna di Natale Photographers

Flower Addicted transformed a venue in Italy into an autumnal dream space by building a hanging installation of dried foraged leaves and fresh flowers. This setup is proof that, no matter where you're tying the knot, it's entirely possible to bring the autumnal aesthetic to life on your big day.

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Let Your Favors Pull Double Duty as Seasonal Décor

Apple Cart Wedding Favor with Crates of Apples and Candy Apples on Display in Field — Photo by Kate Headley

If you're giving out seasonal wedding favors—like candy or caramel apples—create a display station that can also serve as a decorative element for the day. A rustic cart like this one is guaranteed to turn heads.

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Brand Your Games for the Season

Personalized corn hole wedding game with monogram and floral details — Photo by Olivia Rae James; Planning by Gregory Blake Sams Events

Though you can certainly plan an ultra-formal fall wedding, more casual events just feel right during this season. One of our favorite ways to bring the spirit of autumn into your big day is by having games at cocktail hour. Add some branding that speaks both to the time of the year (in this case, dried flower illustrations) and your initials for an eye-catching decorative detail.

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Create an Installation With Dried Blooms

Wedding Seating Chart Installation Made from White Blocks with Dried Floral Accents — Photo by Laurken Kendall

You can use dried blooms all year long, but they feel especially fitting for fall weddings. At this couple's magical celebration in the Utah desert, a seating installation was created alongside a wall of dried flowers.

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Let Your Backdrop Shine

Wedding Ceremony Space with Ghost Chairs and Benches Overlooking Grove of Trees Changing Colors in Fall — Photo by Megan Robinson

If you're getting married somewhere with plenty of trees, don't try to bring in details that will overpower what's already there. Instead, choose décor that allows the beauty of nature to shine. This simple ceremony setup, complete with ghost chairs and wooden benches, is the perfect example of fall wedding decorations done right.

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Make the Setting Cozy

Intimate wedding reception with blankets and warm lighting — Photo by Tec Petaja; Design by Calder Clark

Guest comfort is important all year long, but if you're tying the knot when temperatures can be a bit cooler, it's crucial to pay extra attention to how your attendees might feel throughout the party. Everyone spends a great deal of time at their dinner table, so providing blankets that serve both as décor and a warming favor will help keep everyone happy.

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Build Impactful Moments, Whether Big or Small

Wedding Reception Lounge with Pumpkins and Plaid Pillows — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

We love a full lounge area, but it's not always necessary depending on the size of your guest list. If you want to build out a spot for attendees to sit that highlights some of the season's best details but don't need multiple couches and chairs, take note of this petite setup at a wedding in Wisconsin. Plaid blankets were draped over chairs and tons of gourds were stacked to create a perfectly autumnal spot for guests to take a breather.

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Play With Produce

Textured and mixed color palette wedding tablescape with persimmons — Photo by Rachel Gomez Photography; Design by Calluna Events; Florals by Siloh Floral Artistry; Rentals by Yonder House and Eclectic Hive

We love a nuanced, textured wedding tablescape at any time of the year, but especially during the fall. This setup, with its yellow and blue color combination, stunning floral centerpieces, and persimmon accents, is a lesson in how to expertly layer different elements to create an eye-catching seasonal reception display.

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Make Your Bar Thematic

Harry Potter-Themed Wooden Wedding Bar with Neon Sign — Photo by Charla Storey

You don't have to have Halloween-inspired elements at your fall wedding, but you certainly can if you'd like! Want to bring witches and wizards to life in more elevated way? Take note of the bar at this elegant Austin wedding, which was inspired by the couple's mutual love of Harry Potter. It's a subtle but fun nod to the season.

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Embrace the Bare Table

Natural wood wedding reception seating with candles and floral décor — Photo by James & Schulze; Design by Bluebird Productions; Florals by Mindy Rice Design

Every detail of this table—from the orange blooms to the wooden cross-back chairs—feels like the epitome of fall. If we had to choose a favorite piece, though, we'd say it's the rustic base that really ties it all together.

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Go With a Pumpkin Runner

Wedding table with mixed color mini pumpkins and black plates — Photo, Tabletop Design, and Rentals by Casa de Perrin

No, we're not saying you have to plan a pumpkin-filled bash (though you certainly can if you're a big fan of the gourd!), but they do have their place in autumnal nuptials. Incorporate them as subtly or overtly as you'd like. We love that this mixture of mini ones (in shades of blue, gold, orange, and white) plays so nicely with matte china and antique-looking charger sets by Casa de Perrin.

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Transform Your Bar Into a Focal Point

A light wood bar with florals and signature cocktails — Photo by Isabelle Selby Photography; Design by Jove Meyer Events; Florals by East Olivia; Rentals by Rent Patina

Match the signature cocktails to the rest of the décor—that way, you can put the ingredients on display (in chic, minimalistic vessels) without the bar feeling cluttered. We're obsessed with this perfect pairing of bright flowers and light wood.

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Incorporate Rustic Accents

Vintage-inspired wedding reception tablescape with wildflower arrangements — Photo by Alex Bramall; Design by Firefly Events; Florals by Saipua

This tablescape feels mismatched yet cohesive thanks to vintage china, wooden chargers, and wildflowers. The finishing touch? Bandanna napkins tied in a knot. A similar look would be ideal for your own autumnal wedding.

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Get Creative With Lighting

Floral and light bulb installation with flowers and greenery suspended above wedding reception seating — Photo by Lauren Fair Photography

The sun sets earlier in the fall so good lighting at your wedding is a must-have, but that doesn't mean it can't look beautiful, too. At this reception, the couple arranged tall taper candles (in a fun color) beneath an installation of Edison bulbs that were hung amongst flowers and lots of fall foliage.

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Incorporate Natural Elements

Cotton arrangement inside acrylic frame on a natural wood table — Photo by For the Love of It

Think beyond foliage when adding natural elements (such as natural wood, cotton, and grasses) to your wedding décor. This bundle of cotton goes perfectly with the rustic vibe of fall weddings, yet the acrylic pedestal makes it feel decidedly chic and elevated.

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Reinvent the Flower Wall

Floral and vine embellished wedding bar with dried elements — Photo by Heather Waraksa; Florals by Saipua; Venue by 99 Scott

The bar is one of the most popular spots at a wedding reception, so why not make it the focal point? We love the idea of covering it with something unexpected, as floral designer Saipua did here with dried blooms and branches that spoke perfectly to the season.

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Make Your Getaway Ride Part of the Day's Décor

Vintage truck wedding exit and décor — Photo by Carrie Patterson; Design by Easton Events; Floral Design by Lily and Company

If you're already planning a special wedding exit, let your getaway car become part of the day's décor. This vintage truck made for one pretty autumnal photo op during the party.

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Give Your Guests Something to Look At

White Wedding Reception Lounge Arranged with Changing Trees in the Background — Photo by Megan Robinson

When you're tying the knot in the fall—especially in the weekends when the local foliage is at its peak—create moments that encourage your guests to take in the beauty of what's around them. At this wedding, simple white lounge furniture was positioned facing a grove of changing trees, letting attendees soak up autumn in all her glory.

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Showcase Seasonal Blooms

White mum wedding bouquet — Photo by Forged in the North; Design by Jove Meyer Events; Florals by Doan Ly of A.P. Bio

Whether it's in your wedding bouquet or on top of the reception tables, we love the idea of highlighting just one type of in-season flower. A bundle of white mums, as seen here, is a great choice, but you can recreate this look with any in-season variety (like marigolds or dahlias).

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Decorate With Mini Pumpkins

Long Wedding Reception Tables with Petite Floral Arrangements and Mini Pumpkins — Photo by Hugo Coelho

Planning a destination wedding this fall? Known that autumnal accents are universal, so if you want to bring the spirit of the season into your far-flung celebration, you absolutely should. Case in point? This couple's elegant nuptials in Portugal, where variegated mini pumpkins were added to fill negative space on the reception tables.

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