Stunning Altar Alternatives for Your Outdoor Weddings

Are you planning on having your big day outdoors this coming season? Outdoor weddings are one of the most popular options, especially for couples who are exchanging vows on a budget. When planning an outdoor wedding, whether it’s a beach wedding on one of the best Florida beaches, a beautiful, scenic mountain wedding, or even at an outdoor venue, the wedding altar is going to be the main focal point on your big day. There are many stunning altar alternatives to make your wedding unique and keep things cheap. Here are some of the best altar alternatives that can really make your wedding one of a kind.

Using steps as your wedding altar alternative is a great idea for outdoor weddings, because it is simple, and many outdoor wedding venues already have steps in place. For any bride that is on a budget, steps may be completely free and will require no additional work. Also, steps will allow you and your groom to stand above your guests as they watch you say your vows and commit to one another forever. There will be no distractions surrounding you, and your dress will be the main attraction.

French doors can be an excellent altar alternative, because they combine outdoor weddings with a rustic indoor feel. This look will make your wedding day look original and you can decorate the doors with your own signature embellishments. Add pictures of you and your groom or mementos that are personal to your journey together. Your big day will be extremely special if your altar represents a literal “opening” into your new future as a couple.

Adding curtains as part of your outdoor wedding altar will be a unique touch as you and your groom are exchanging vows on your big day. If you’re having a beach wedding, your wedding day will surely have a nice breeze, and with curtains as an altar alternative, the fabric will be beautiful as it blows in the wind along with your dress behind you. There are so many variations of curtain fabrics that can be used as well to make this look really personalized to your wedding style and color. You can’t go wrong with this alter alternative when you're planning a wedding on a budget.

Trees/Plants

To keep your outdoor wedding with a true natural feel to it, consider sticking to the elements for your altar alternative. There is nothing more symbolic than getting married in front of a giant oak tree or creating your altar out of plants and/or trees. Nature is all about growing from nothing and watering that plant to make something flourish. Marriage is the same way. If you want your altar to represent something more as you’re exchanging vows on your wedding day, then this altar alternative may be for you.

Floral Archway

One of the most common altar alternatives for outdoor weddings is the floral archway. You really can’t go wrong with this beautiful wedding altar on your big day, because there are so many ways to take flowers and create something unique and magical. However you choose to do a floral archway, whether you are on a budget or want to go all out, you can make it look amazing with very little effort.

Wooden Arbor

A wooden arbor is a beautiful altar alternative for any outdoor wedding, whether it is a beach wedding or a mountain wedding, because the wood aesthetic will mesh well with the outdoor theme. There are also many different options for wooden arbors including original carved pieces, simple builds for brides on a budget, or something in between. Your wedding altar should be something special to you and your groom, so if you go with a wooden altar, make sure it is made with love.

Fabric Drapery

Creating your wedding altar with fabric drapery is like using curtains as an altar alternative, however, fabric drapery can be combined with many other outdoor wedding altar ideas such as the wooden arbor above or floral archways to make a magical and picturesque centerpiece at the end of the aisle. The possibilities are endless here, and your ceremony will be something special if you choose to get creative with an array of different textures and materials.

Chandelier Set Up

If you want your outdoor wedding to be a little more vintage or have a rustic charm feel, consider adding chandeliers to your wedding altar. Chandeliers come in many different types and they can be filled with jewels, lights, or be very antique looking. Whichever chandeliers you choose, whether they are heirlooms or you are on a budget, these pieces can make your altar alternative very unique as they hang from your altar or from the trees above. This is not something many brides do, so if you choose this option, you will be one of a kind for sure!

Light it Up

Are you and your groom exchanging vows at sunset or having a night wedding? If so, consider making your big day magical by adding string lights to your wedding altar. There are so many ways to do this and make your altar alternative the spotlight of the night. As you walk up the aisle, you will be glowing and the twinkle of the lights behind you and your groom will make your big day so special under the night sky. Night weddings are so much fun and not many people choose to have their ceremony in the dark. Using string lights effectively can make the moment one the remember and one of the most useful light hacks that might surprise you.

Flower Petals

If you truly want to be original, consider opting out of a wedding altar altogether. Let your outdoor wedding and the world around you speak for itself. Place flower petals in a beautiful display on the ground below and as you and your groom exchange vows, your friends and family can focus on what’s important. The flowers will keep you on a budget and your big day can really be special and full of love and laughter.

Creativity can go a long way when planning an outdoor wedding or deciding on altar alternatives. Be original, use your imagination, and remember to enjoy yourself on your wedding day!