45 Cozy + Romantic Fall Wedding Ideas
'Tis the season to fall in love.
Harvest Festive
The coziest season of the year, fall is packed with warmth and vibrant color. Incorporate the romantic moodiness of autumn into your bridal bouquet with a harvest-toned mix of rust-orange, white and mauve dahlias, pumpkin spice ranunculus, crimson astilbe and flowing seasonal greenery in various shades of red and green. Photo: Tec Petaja
GET INSPIRED: 75 Ultra-Lush Wedding Bouquet Ideas
Gorgeous in Gilt
We are head over heels for this sultry, gold-and-watercolor combo. Jazz up any wedding accent such as place cards or invitations with gold leaf for a high-end look. Want to go all-out glam? Try edible gold leaf for cakes and desserts. Photo: Opal & Onyx Photography
Beauty in a Barn
Say hello to the new rustic-chic: Mismatched metallic vessels paired with vintage cross-back chairs and moody blue table runners. Photo: Lindsay Nickel Photography
Woodsy + Whimsical
Avoid the unpredictable weather by bringing the outdoors in for your big day. Say "I do" beneath a woodsy, whimsical backdrop adorned with seasonal hanging branches and greenery vines. Photo: Kate Touzel
MAKE IT: DIY Wedding Backdrop
Full of Romance
'Tis the season for a romantic reception that’s full of color and earthy elements. Slate blue plates mimic the cool-toned hue of the succulent centerpieces while dark glassware and silverware stand out against the wooden table.
Dare to Be Different
Who says bridesmaids have to carry a traditional bouquet? Not us! Dare to be different by opting for an alternative bouquet like these chic, flower-filled lanterns. Photo: Finding Eden Photo Floral Design: Swank Floral
Crazy for Copper
Brighten up your venue by replacing standard, boring chairs with sultry copper. This season's most desirable wedding metallic, copper complements any fall tablescape perfectly, adding just a hint of glitz without going total glam. Photo: Sarah Street Photography
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones, especially emerald green, are a must for a fall celebration. Combined with trendy watercolor and soft gold inserts, these invitations are all of our seasonal dreams come true. Photo: Alexandria Monette
Sweet Succulents
Succulents have quickly become a must-have for weddings of all seasons, especially fall. A cluster of different varieties of the hardy plant is a colorful and trendy accent on this semi-naked cake.
Color the Way
Think outside the standard fall color palette. We’re loving the teal candlesticks and goblets mixed with hints of peach, ivory and dark plum in this gorgeous tablescape. Photo: Kate Touzel
Beautiful Backdrop
Ditch the traditional hotel ballroom for your ceremony and opt for a unique or creative venue to tie the knot, like the gristmill at The Museum of Appalachia seen here.
MORE IDEAS: 15 Unique Places to Tie the Knot
The Color of Love
Rich tones of red complement the flowing ribbons on this stunning bouquet of roses, peonies, ranunculus, wildflowers and poppy pods.
MORE IDEAS: 75 Ultra-Lush Wedding Bouquet Ideas
Fur-tastic Accents
Romance at its finest, faux fur throws are a great choice for cozying up hard surfaces, like this long wooden bench.
COPY THE LOOK: Rustic + Refined: Set a Stunning Fall or Winter Table Setting
Autumn Harvest Sangria
Brimming with fall's most iconic flavors, this sangria is sure to warm guests up no matter the temperature outside.
MORE IDEAS: 50 Signature Wedding Cocktails
Dapper Suits
Have your men looking dapper (and trendy!) with suits in hues that match the season’s warmth — like navy blue. Bonus: Your new hubby can even double as your ‘something blue.’
Cozy Up
Having an outdoor ceremony? Provide guests with a blanket to keep warm and cozy. The plush goodies can also double as wedding favors when the night is over. Calligraphy: Outside the Bloom Photo: Lovers of Love Photography
Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake
Wow your guests with a delicious dessert fit for the season. Crunchy amaretti cookies and rich mascarpone cream make up the delightful filling in this moist pumpkin spice layered cake. For extra sweetness, syrup is drizzled on the cookies. Yum!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu Layer Cake Recipe
Play on Plaid
A non-traditional suit deserves a non-traditional adornment. We love the way this red Safari Sunset leucadendron (also known as conebush) pops against black and blue tartan.
MORE FROM: 8 Eye-Catching Wedding Color Palettes
Agate Accents
Naturally colorful, agate accents are all the rage right now. Incorporate this trendy stone into your wedding decor as DIY table numbers or as a background for detail photos of the ring, invitations and more. Also, how can we not mention the burgundy and plum centerpiece here? Fall flower goals! Photo: Alexandria Monette
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Incorporate "something blue" into your wedding reception with moody linens, plates, candlesticks and florals in varying shades of slate. Photo: Sawyer Baird
Indulgent Favors
Send your guests home with petite pies to indulge in. Instead of spending money on boxes, wrap the desserts in vintage handkerchiefs they can keep after the sweets are gone.
MORE IDEAS: 88 DIY Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Love
Tent Goals
Rain or shine, renting a tent is always a good idea for an outdoor wedding. Consider mixing both round and rectangle tables to maximize space throughout. Here, gorgeous greenery vines and illuminating bistro lights hang from the tent ceiling to bring maximum chicness to an otherwise plain space.
A Fresh Twist
Rather than serving a traditional, old school wedding meal like chicken and steak, consider unique and interactive food options that express your personal tastes. Hire a food truck that serves tacos or host a more casual pig roast or shrimp boil rather than opting for a fancy plated dinner.
MORE FROM: 15 Easy Ways to Cut Down on Wedding Costs
Picture-Perfect
Embrace autumn’s rich hues by opting to take your pictures outdoors. Fall’s color-packed scenery is on full display for these in-love newlyweds.
Rose Gold Royale
Dress up a traditional white wedding cake by incorporating color and texture. Rose gold paint, sprinkles and fondant combine to create an art deco-inspired cake fit for a celebration. And the best part? You can make it yourself. Get the step-by-step instructions below.
MAKE IT: 3 Trendy + Easy Ways to Dress Up a Plain White Wedding Cake
Pumpkin, Spice & Everything Nice
Warm guests up at the reception with a coffee bar stocked with all the essentials. Pumpkin spice latte, anyone? Photo: Lauren Rae Photography
Fall Leaves
Think outside the box (and save $$) by putting nature to work. A magnolia leaf serves as a place card and pops against a black place setting on this romantic, moody tablescape. Photo: Lindsay Nickel Photography
A Nod to Neutrals
Color not your thing? Walk down the aisle carrying a timeless, white and green bridal bouquet. Adorn with flowy, copper ribbon to tie in the seasonal hues while still staying neutral. Photo: BRZ Photography Floral Design: Flowers by Willows Hair & Makeup: Sparrow Beaute Gown: Novelle Bridal
Pops of Yellow + Plum
We’re totally here for the mustard color trend for fall. The beautiful hue is highlighted here in the vintage salad plates and carried on in the gorgeous, fresh sunflowers in the centerpiece.
Extend the Olive Branch
Don’t forget about the guys! An olive branch, celosia and wax flower boutonniere pops against a herringbone suit on this dapper groom.
MORE IDEAS: 38 Fresh-Cut Wedding Boutonniere Ideas
Crowd-Favorite Popcorn Bar
Entertain your wedding guests for cheap with an interactive, fun-filled popcorn bar. Allow them to create their own snack mix from gourmet toppings and add-ins while having a blast doing so.
Get the How-To: Treat Guests to a Self-Serve Popcorn Bar
Chair Decor
Bring a little rustic flair to your ceremony with rows of wooden ceremony chairs. Decorate the aisle seats with a bountiful bunch of silver dollar eucalyptus and hanging ribbon for a free-flowing, chic vibe.
Seasonal Signature Sips
Swap the pumpkin spice for this delectable, caramel apple cocktail, a signature drink that’ll have all your guests (21 and up of course) savoring the season, one sip at a time.
GET THE RECIPE: Seasonal Sip: Caramel Apple Cocktail
Moody Invites
Invitations act as a first look into your big day. Design yours to reflect the theme and overall feel you want for your wedding. Here, warm navy blue envelopes encase a delicate, serene invite that’s perfect for a moody-hued affair.
Lush Fall Tones
Shades of orange for a fall bouquet? Yes, please. Dahlias, zinnias, garden roses and mixed eucalyptus make for a stunning combination.
S'more, Please
Autumn weather brings bonfires, which of course means s'mores. No fire pit allowed at your venue? Premade s'mores on a stick will provide the same bonfire taste, no flame required.
MORE IDEAS: We Heart S'mores: 15 Delicious Recipes + Easy DIYs
Rich + Warmth
Warm up your reception tablescapes or cocktail hour with rich wooden tables, chairs or accessories. Here, the deep-hued table adds one-of-a-kind character while providing a backdrop for the centerpiece colors to really shine.
MORE FROM: A Glamorous Bohemian-Luxe Wedding
Fun for All
If your venue has outdoor space, provide entertainment and create an all-around good time for your guests with an assortment of outdoor games and activities. Pro tip: Add your initials to a classic corn hole set for a personalized touch.
MORE IDEAS: 28 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages
Dinner by Candlelight
Set a cozy, romantic mood with pillar candles, tall candlesticks and votives. Combined with soothing accents like a slate-blue table runner, blue and white china and loose eucalyptus stems, your guests won’t want to leave their tables. Photo: Michael Boekestyn, Ballad Photography
Rustic Meets Refined
One rule that designers always follow: Contrast is key. Mixing inexpensive (AKA free!), earthy elements, like this wood slice charger, with delicate, vintage china makes the woodsy element feel more organic. By contrast, the hand-etched details and gilt edges of the heirloom dishes take on a new level of sophistication.
GET THE LOOK: Rustic + Refined: Set a Stunning Fall or Winter Table Setting
Guest Book Alternative
Traditional guest books are a thing of the past. Greet your guests with a signable faux pumpkin — a unique way for family and friends to send well-wishes that will double as a special piece of fall decor for years to come.
MORE IDEAS: 20 Creative DIY Wedding Guest Books
Adorned With Acorns
A sprig of white hypericum berries, orange spray roses, blush ranunculus and a single acorn combine to create one fine fall boutonniere.
Walking Tacos
Banish bowls and keep waste to a minimum with all-in-one, walking taco pouches at your reception. These bags are brimming with all the taco must-haves and are a fun alternative to classic (and boring) wedding food.
Make It: Walking Tacos
Mossy Surprise
Add a natural element to your tables with mounds of moss. It comes in lots of different varieties and colors to match your theme, like the green mood moss on this fall-inspired tablescape.
LEARN MORE: Moss Varieties and Uses
Outdoor Escape
If you’re considering a fall ceremony, we’re encouraging you to go outdoors. The beautiful harvest colors, falling leaves and breezy temps outweigh any risk of rain. Remember to have a backup plan just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, though.
