11 Ideas for a Romantic Candlelit Wedding

See how candles can add that extra spark of romance to your wedding.

The soft glow of candles can add warmth to any ceremony or reception, so get ideas on ways to incorporate a romantic candlelit glow on your big day!

By Emily Lasnier

white-flowers-around-base-of-pillar-candle-holder
Photo: J. Cogliandro Photography

Nothing evokes romance quite like flickering candlelight, which is why candles are such a fitting choice for wedding décor. Though candles are frequently found in centerpieces to offer a candlelit-dinner experience, there are a multitude of options for a bride to keep in mind when considering the aesthetic of her wedding.

The soft glow of candles can add warmth to any ceremony or reception, creating the romantic ambience so many couples desire on their wedding days. With so many different kinds and colors of candles available – not to mention vessels to hold them in – there is no shortage of décor possibilities. 

Take a look at a few of our favorite candle displays from real weddings, below! Click on any image that inspires you to view the whole gallery for more ideas. 

wedding portraits candles candlelight candlelit new york public library
Candles can do more than just enhance the wedding décor! Newlyweds surrounded by candles makes for picture-perfect portraits every time. Photo by Ira Lippke Studios

wedding candlelit aisle candles grey candlelight
If there is one way to make a bride walking down the aisle on her wedding day more romantic, it’s by lining the aisle with candles. This simple addition will be a highlight for any ceremony. Photo by KingenSmith

wedding candles escort cards candlelight candlelit

Draw attention to your unique escort cards by displaying them on a table surrounded by candles in a variety of sizes. Photo by Ira Lippke Studios

reflective vases candles wedding candlelight candlelight

Welcome your guests into the reception with rectangular vessels filled with tea lights. The reflective surface of the vessels increases the impact of the candlelight. Photo by Gruber Photographers

candles by pool candlelight backyard wedding
Add ambience to a beautiful backyard wedding by placing pillar candles in glass vases around the edge of the pool. This will help tie the pool in with the rest of the décor. Photo by Boyd Harris Photographs

candles steel shelving floral panels styled shoot wedding

Display floating candles in glass vases on a shelving unit or bar cart for unique wall décor. Pair the structure with a floral panel – as seen in this styled shoot – for contrast. Photo by Gold Grid Studios; Design & Coordination by Kesh Designs

heart shaped candles outdoor wedding
Whether with smaller votive candles as part of a centerpiece or with larger candles outside your reception space, as in the wedding pictured here, candles displayed in a heart shape add a charming touch to the festivities. Photo by Elizabeth Messina

wedding roses candles votive
Use rose petals to turn simple glass votives into beautiful "flowers" to hold your candles. Such attention to detail is sure to awe your guests. Photo by Dalal Photography

outdoor wedding candles candlelight fountain garden reception

Enhance the lighting for your outdoor reception by putting candles everywhere. As long as the candles are encased in glass and won’t cause a fire hazard, more really is more. Take a cue from the wedding pictured here and suspend candles from trees; you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Photo by Simone & Martin Photography; Consulting by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden

wedding cake candles roses
Highlight your wedding cake by encircling it with candles. If it happens to also serve as a barrier keeping sneaky hands from stealing a taste, then so be it! Photo by Max Shaboot Photography

chandelier centerpieces candles wedding reception candlelight
For the ultimate in elegance, place candles in suspended chandelier-style centerpieces. The candlelight reflecting off of the crystals will only add to the opulence. Photo by Images by Berit, Inc.

In addition to candles, string lights can also add a romantic element to wedding décor. For more wedding ideas, visit our photo galleries to find hundreds of inspiring images from real weddings. 

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