30 Wooden Wedding Arch Ideas for Your Ceremony

Wooden Frame With Colorful Flowers in the Corners Thatâs Overlooking the Ocean — Photo by Brett Hickman

The ceremony setting might just be the most important element at your wedding—after all, it’s the spot where you’ll say your vows, commit to a lifelong union, and become newlyweds. That’s why many couples put a lot of thought into conceptualizing and executing their altar design, choosing one that’s both personally meaningful and aesthetically relevant. A wooden wedding arch is one idea that will create a touching focal point for your vow exchange.

An arch with exposed wood coordinates perfectly with the organic feel of forest, rustic, and bohemian affairs—especially outdoor sites where wood is part of the natural habitat. Not to mention, the wooden base has a pared-back feel that allows breathtaking setups to shine, whether it’s overlooking a vast ocean or mountain ridges.

Meet the Expert

Cynthia West is the owner of Creative Flow Co., a boutique wedding and event planning and design studio in the San Francisco Bay Area.

On the contrary, wooden arches also provide a blank canvas, giving you the autonomy to dress it up in any way that you please, from eye-catching florals to wispy pampas grass. Other ideas? “Adding a chiffon drape with floral accents arranged asymmetrically can add a sense of romance to your overall design," offers Cynthia West, owner of Creative Flow Co. "In a natural setting, like a winery or among the redwoods, an abundance of greenery would be the perfect accent.”

Another way to customize your wooden wedding arch is choosing a shape that suits your vision. According to West, rectangular structures, which allow both symmetrical and asymmetrical accents to take shape, are the most popular. Other up-and-coming possibilities to embrace are cathedral styles and geometric ones.

Looking for more ways to elevate your altar setup? Ahead, explore 30 wooden wedding arch ideas that are perfect for any style.

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Explore Exposed Wood

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Space with White Aisle Lined with White and Green Flowers — Photo by Janet Lin Photography

Calling all minimalists: A no-frills wooden wedding arch idea for unfussy couples and aesthetics is a structure made of bare wood sans embellishments. If you’re tying the knot in a forest ceremony, stark slabs of wood will blend seamlessly into the surrounding trees, posing as a natural part of the scene. To complete this pared-back look, decorate your aisle with white blooms and greenery, like this couple did at their woodland wedding in the Pacific Northwest—with floral design by Emerald City Flowers.

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Choose a Unique Shape

Wedding ceremony altar with wooden triangular arch covered in greenery — Photo by XO Golden

Conventional wedding arches typically have a semicircular or even a rectangular shape. For an unexpected touch that challenges the status quo, try implementing a diamond-shaped arch. This geometric iteration by Aztec Events & Tents is ideal for modern nuptials, such as these brides’ contemporary affair in Houston, Texas. Engulf the statement decoration with garlands of greenery for a botanical flair.

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Build a Structure

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Under Wood Arch, Green Foliage, and Chandeliers — Photo by Ryan Ray

Want to really up the ante? Instead of a single wooden wedding arch that frames your vow exchange, build a structure with multiple wooden arches that encloses your entire ceremony setup. This installation, which appeared at this forest soirée in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (with planning and design by Jacin Fitzgerald Events), transported guests to a magical chapel in the middle of a redwood grove. Crystal chandeliers and growing aisle arrangements added an opulent ambiance.

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Add a Pop of Color

wooden ceremony arch with colorful flowers overlooking ocean — Photo by Brett Hickman

To accentuate your wooden wedding arch, adorn the piece with vibrant-hued décor. Since wood has a natural, muted tone, adding a pop of color via décor will enliven the simple design, bringing energy to your ceremony space. For instance, at their surf-inspired celebration in Laguna Niguel, California, this bride and groom trimmed their frame with a splash of orange, yellow, and pink blooms by Nisie’s Enchanted Florist, which matched the ones that lined their aisle. Next to the tranquil blue sea and green foliage, the dazzling shades provided a stunning contrast.

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Compose a Repeating Pattern

Three Wooden Wedding Arches Decorated With White Flowers on the Grass — Photo by Kelley Williams Photography

For wooden wedding arch ideas that make a big statement, create a backdrop with several wood-based frames. The triple arched elements at this classic fête outside of Carmel Valley, California, incorporated a repeating pattern that provided symmetry and visual intrigue. If you want to include some flair, consider white floral accents (like the ones by Seascape Flowers), which won’t detract from the unique design.

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Highlight the Width

White wooden arched frame with red and pink flowers overlooking city skyline — Photo by Larisa Shorina

If you want to take up negative space, select a wooden arch with a thick frame, such as the one at this glamorous event in Brooklyn. Just be sure that the wide structure doesn’t obscure too much of your background. By emphasizing width, your arch will also provide more room for decorations, like these punchy blossoms by Olivia Haward Designs that embellished the edges.

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Bring in Wooden Beams

Wooden Arch Altar with White Flower Decor and Wicker Seats with Black Trim — Photo by Lisa Ziesing with Abby Jiu Photography

Wood is a recurring design element at rustic or forest affairs, but for a modern take on a wooden arch, try wooden beams with sharp right angles. At this contemporary-coastal bash in St. Michaels, Maryland, the grooms’ event designer, Amaryllis, used the organic material to create a tunnel over the aisle that led to a matching chuppah. The juxtaposition of the organic material and the stark feel made the installation look grand yet minimalist.

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Create a Canopy

Lauren and Justin's floral chuppah in front of a lake and their aisle lined with purple and white flowers — Photo by Jose Villa

Want to dress up your wooden wedding arch? Design a canopy with a bed of flowers and greenery, like the one that Aspen Branch Design crafted at this elegant celebration in Aspen, Colorado. A lush installation like this will bring vitality and natural beauty to your affair. For a cohesive event, use the same blooms as the ones that border your aisle.

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Frame It With Trees

wedding chuppah with organic flowers and trees planted in the grass — Photo by Samm Blake

Flowers are typically a go-to ceremony decoration, but placing trees at the base of your wooden arch (like this bride and groom did at their autumnal wedding in Hudson Valley, New York, with floral artistry by Studio Mondine) will take your design to the next level. To make the decoration more meaningful, you can even hold a tree-planting ceremony before you say “I do,” where the two of you plant trees to symbolize your joint union. We particularly love this idea for forest or garden nuptials.

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Consider Teepee Poles

Teepee Style Ceremony Structure with Flowers, Greenery, and Rattan Lanterns — Photo by Kurt Boomer Photography

Another trailblazing wooden wedding arch idea is using wooden poles to construct a teepee. That way, you and your future spouse can recite promises in a sheltered spot with a bohemian feel. Beneath the converging point, you’ll also have plenty of room to implement decorations, such as the rattan lanterns and greenery by Sisters & B that premiered at this whimsical wedding in Provence, France.

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Showcase Neutrals

Wooden ceremony arch with pampas grass on the beach overlooking the ocean — Photo by Photo by Julieta

Let the natural color of wood inform the rest of your wedding-day palette. Pampas grass, with its beige hue, is a complementary component that will enhance your organic ceremony frame (as is evident with the above rental from Del Cabo Events at this glamorous beach wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico). For a color-coordinated setup, consider this idea for beach nuptials, set on a sandy shore and complete with a wooden boardwalk.

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Opt for a Simple Design

Wooden Ceremony Arch With White Flowers and Greenery in Front of Creek in the Woods — Photo by Meraki Weddings

If you want to beautify your wooden installation without overly demanding attention, integrate simple adornments. The white buds and greenery by Plume & Furrow at this minimalist-rustic fête in Lyons, Colorado, is a great example: The timeless foliage added a lush touch that beautifully complemented the forest setting.

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Fuse Flowers With Greenery

Wooden Ceremony Arch With Colorful Flowers in Front of Grassy Area and Ocean — Photo by Natalie Bray

For those who like the idea of embellishing their wooden arch with flowers and greenery, but who are craving a bit more pizazz, go for a larger floral installation that focuses on brighter-colored blooms. A bevy of blossoms in pastel shades, paired with overlapping vines, will transform a simple design into a garden-fresh one. For ideas, take cues from this pair’s ceremony design by Tyler Speier Events at their coastal affair in Santa Barbara, California.

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Install Decorative Elements

Wooden ceremony arch with white roses and baby's breath on a dock on the water — Photo by Liron Erel & Co

While you can surely deck out your wooden wedding arch with decorations, you can also adorn the base with decorative elements. If you want the wood to shine, showcase décor only at the foot of the structure. If you’ve chosen a wooden arch as a blank canvas, double the décor. This arched piece from Rental City at this pair’s waterfront wedding on Treasure Island, Florida, is an example of the latter: Ribbon and baby’s breath covered the wooden material, while vases of white blooms flanked the frame.

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Go for Geometry

Double triangular wooden ceremony arch with bright flowers and dried palm leaves overlooking the ocean — Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography

Wooden wedding arches also work for bohemian nuptials—just take this double triangular piece from Details, Darling, at an organic wedding in Santa Barbara, California, for instance. The dual shapes integrated a free-spirited, earthy flair, while dried palm leaves and a sandy-toned color scheme helped produce the intended ambiance.

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Construct a Pergola

Ceremony Altar with Purple and White Flower Decor — Photo by Jennifer Darling

Give the prototypical wooden arch an upgrade by turning it into a pergola. With a quaint, whitewashed frame full of elegance and whimsy, this structure is perfect for outdoor garden ceremonies. Elevant the garden-like feel by engulfing the sides with bountiful blooms—like the ones at this sustainable barn wedding in North Yarmouth, Maine, by Field Floral Studio.

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Try a Floating Frame

Rectangular Wooden Frame With Dried Palm Leaves and Pampas Grass in Front of Ocean — Photo by Madeline Barr

Most wooden arches are stationed on the ground, but one that defies gravity is simply unmatched. To create the illusion that your frame is floating, set up the structure on small pegs—you can even conceal them with decorations, like this vase of dried palm leaves and pampas grass at this cliffside ceremony in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, for a more pronounced effect.

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Pick a Print

Ceremony setting in a forest with wooden benches and a wooden triangular arch — Photo by Lauren Baker Photography

Give your wooden wedding arch a boho-inspired flair with an Aztec-style print—like the one at this DIY forest affair in Cambridge, Minnesota. Wrapping a triangular structure in a multicolored geometric pattern will captivate the crowd. Wooden benches and a backdrop of towering trees will also fit the vibe.

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Illuminate the Decoration

Candle and Minimal Flower Decor at Wedding Altar — Photo by Ruby Olivia Photography

Infuse your wooden design with romance by decorating the space with string lights and glowing votive candles, such as the one that appeared at this moody celebration in Norwalk, Connecticut, with flowers and rentals by Jessie Wilson Design. Before implementing this wooden wedding arch idea, though, be sure to double-check with your venue to see if they allow an open flame. To complete this fairy-tale scene, implement roses in burgundy and baby pink.

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Blend With the Landscape

ceremony setup in woods with wooden arch decorated with flowers and wooden benches — Photo by Jordan Voth

Wooden arches are the perfect complement to woodland weddings: The exposed beams of wood blend well with the bark on the trees, which makes the decorative piece look like they're part of the natural habitat. If you’re exchanging vows in the middle of a forest, like this couple did at their elegant-meets-earthy camp wedding in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, have your guests perch on wooden benches, and tap your floral artist (in this case, Color Theory Design Co.) to bring in muted florals that match the aesthetic.

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Accentuate the Scenery

Wooden Ceremony Arch Decorated With Flowers Overlooking Ocean and Mountains — Photo by Natalie Bray

A wooden-clad arch is an excellent choice for scenic ceremony settings: With a modest tone and feel, the view will take center stage. Beautiful scenery doesn’t mean you need to skimp on decorations, though—a sprinkle of flowers and greenery will enhance the décor element without detracting from the sweeping backdrop.

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Cover It in Blooms

Wooden Ceremony Pergola With White Flower Decor — Photo by St. Chelle

Rather than using wood to make a décor statement at your wedding ceremony, you can simply lean on the material for structural durability. In this case, at their fashion-forward affair in Rancho Palos Verde, California, the duo immersed their wooden pergola in a thick hedge of white larkspur and roses by Everbloom Floral Design, interspersed with greenery, so the front part of the piece didn’t show a lick of wood.

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Make It Botanical

Wooden Chuppah With Greenery and White Flowers in Front of Ocean — Photo by Tara Johansen

Another wooden wedding arch idea that masks the frame? Instead of the aforementioned flowers, garnish the structure with an array of greenery, from eucalyptus to Italian ruscus. Adding verdant greens (like the ones by Moon Canyon Design at this rustic dinner party in Santa Barbara, California) will inject a botanical edge, ideal for venues in lush fields or other outdoor vicinities.

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Infuse a Bohemian Flair

wooden wedding arch with pampas grass, dried palm leaves, white anthurium, and pink roses — Photo by Alex Lasota

Add a boho-style element to your wedding ceremony with pampas grass, dried palm leaves, white anthurium, and pink roses. With a simple wooden arch, these chic, textured plants will make a bold statement.

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Use Birch Wood

Birch Wood Wedding Arch With Colorful Flowers Overlooking Golf Course — Photo by Josh & Dana Fernandez

Replace refined wooden pillars with birch wood for a raw, natural feel. One wooden wedding arch idea that accomplishes this vision is using bark from a birch tree to form the basis of each rod. If your outdoor ceremony site is scattered with trees, the hardwood will mirror the existing flora and fauna.

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Elevate Your Entrance

Wooden Wedding Arch With Colorful Marigolds and Flowers and Dried Palm Leaves — Photo by James x Schulze

Most wooden arches appear at the altar, but why not place the structure at the beginning of your aisle? That way, you’ll kick off your ceremony with a bang. To further elevate your walk down the aisle, create a maximalist display—like this one, which featured sunny marigold garlands, vibrant-hued roses, and dried palm leaves.

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Plant Wildflowers

triangular wooden wedding arch with wildflowers in mountains — Photo by Henry Tieu Photography

For rustic affairs in sprawling meadows, wildflowers are must-have finishing touches for your wooden wedding arch. Wild foliage, such as sunflowers, eucalyptus, and poppies, will enrich exposed wood and inject a cozy, cottagecore feel. Top it off with a triangular installation, and voilà.

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Drape It in Gauzy Linens

Wooden wedding arch with gauzy linens and greenery in modern space — Photo by Sweetlife Photography

Give your ceremony structure a dreamy, whimsical feel by draping it in gauzy linens. For this wooden wedding arch idea, suspend sheer, flowing fabric from the top of your frame. To include some contrast, line the hem with greenery that billows at the bottom, and station black chiavari chairs in front of the altar.

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Give It an Eclectic Edge

Natural wooden arch with pampas grass and greenery with aisle lined with colorful rugs — PHOTO BY PAT FUREY PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduce your wooden wedding arch with a trail of vivacious rugs featuring geometric patterns. The makeshift aisle will add personality and color to your ceremony, especially when paired with neutral-hued arch decorations.

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Adorn Branches

wooden wedding arch with hot pink flowers overlooking a lake — Photo by Krystle Akin

An authentic wooden wedding arch idea is one that’s brimming with real branches of wood. Use the limbs to construct the frame. Then, add any decorations you seem fit, whether it’s hot pink flowers or burlap ribbon.

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