A wedding arch is one of the quintessential details that can really elevate your ceremony aesthetic.
Placed at the end of the aisle where you’ll say your “I dos,” the wedding arch frames the couple and adds a romantic focal point.
But with so many options—from dramatic florals to modern geometric structures—how do you choose the right wedding archway for your style, wedding theme, and venue?
We're breaking down everything you need to know about archways for weddings, from popular wedding arch types to creative wedding arch decoration ideas and style tips.
What Is a Wedding Arch?
A wedding arch is a freestanding or mounted structure that sits at the end of the aisle, framing where the couple gets married.
Arches come in different shapes and sizes, from circular arbors to triangular structures. The most classic is probably the gabled arch shape—wider at the bottom and more narrow at the top, mimicking a house roofline.
Some couples go all out with wedding arch decorations, including bright flowers and greenery, ribbons, candles, and other accessories. Some brides and grooms opt for modern wedding arches made of wood, metal, or other materials. The sky's the limit when accessorizing your wedding arch to match your wedding vision.
Why Have a Wedding Arch?
Beyond looking absolutely gorgeous in photos, a wedding arch serves both practical and symbolic purposes:
Focal Point of the Ceremony
A stunning wedding arch draws eyes to the spot you’ll say your vows, creating visual interest and emphasizing the most important part of the day.
Defines the Ceremony Space
A wedding arch architecturally distinguishes the wedding ceremony zone from the rest of the event. This helps orient and focus guests.
Photo Backdrop
One of the most iconic wedding shots is the big kiss under the arch. An eye-catching wedding arch makes a perfect ceremonial photo backdrop.
Represents New Beginning
In many cultures, the couple passes through the wedding arch together to represent the symbolic start of their new shared life.
Wedding Arch Styles and Trends
From eucalyptus and garden roses to bold neon signs, a wedding arch showcases personal style.
Here are some popular bridal arches ideas and options:
Floral Arches
Intricately woven flowers and greenery are a perennial favorite for a wedding arch. A floral wedding arch looks gorgeous and natural at outdoor weddings but also brings the garden inside. Popular blooms include garden roses, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, and flowering vines.
Wooden Wedding Arch
For a touch of natural simplicity with versatility, the wooden wedding arch is hugely popular.
Often left unfinished to showcase the wood's natural grain and colors, this arch can be decorated minimally or ornately. Common woods used are oak, birch, poplar, and bamboo.
Strands of café lights or paper lanterns help wooden arches truly shine.
Geometric Arch
Minimalist contemporary brides embrace sleek geometric wedding arches, like hexagons and triangles.
Often made from wood or metal, these modern arches feature clean lines and loads of design potential for accessorizing.
Wedding Arch Signage
In lieu of flowers, unique signs take center stage on these alternative arches.
Couples can display their names, wedding date, custom graphics, or really anything that represents their personal brand.
Decorative lights often accent signage for an eye-catching glow.
Macramé Wedding Arch
Boho brides lean into textural macramé and woven details on their wedding arches. Jute, twine, ribbon, and dried botanicals add free-spirited vibes.
Macramé arches pair perfectly with loose natural flowers and laidback settings.
Birch Arch
Rustic wood arbors get a modern refresh with stark white birch. Often arranged in clustered columns, birch branches create an organically sculptural look.
Twinkle lights and delicate blooms enhance the natural vibe.
Gazebo Arch
A wedding gazebo provides function as well as form.
Gazebo arbors give the same framing and focal emphasis but feature a roof. This offers shade and shelter for guests and the wedding party during outdoor ceremonies.
Tipi Arch
Take the bohemian vibe to the next level with a tipi wedding arch. Literally structuring poles and draped fabric like a miniature tent, tipi arches provide coverage and a seriously whimsical style.
Gable-Styled Wedding Arch
Adding a touch of timeless elegance to wedding ceremonies, the gable-styled wedding arch is a classic choice that blends sophistication with simplicity. This arch design features a triangular shape reminiscent of traditional house gables, providing a symmetrical and visually appealing frame for the couple. Constructed from materials like wood, metal, or a combination of both, gable arches can be adorned with various decorative elements.
To enhance the gable-styled wedding arch, consider draping lush florals, such as cascading ivy or roses, along the edges. The clean lines of this arch make it versatile, allowing couples to tailor the decorations to match their wedding theme seamlessly. Additionally, incorporating soft, romantic lighting elements like fairy lights or candles can add a magical touch to the gable-styled arch, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Teepee Wedding Arch
For couples seeking a whimsical and bohemian-inspired wedding arch, the teepee arch is a fantastic choice. Emulating the shape of a teepee or a tent, this arch design brings an enchanting and free-spirited vibe to the ceremony setting. Typically crafted from wooden poles and draped fabric, teepee arches provide a unique focal point that stands out in both indoor and outdoor wedding venues.
To enhance the bohemian charm of the teepee wedding arch, adorn it with macramé details, feathers, and dreamcatchers. Soft, flowing fabrics like lace or chiffon can add a touch of romance to the overall aesthetic. Consider incorporating earthy tones and natural elements to harmonize with the outdoor surroundings, creating a seamless connection between the teepee arch and the environment.
Whether nestled in a garden setting, on a beach, or in a rustic barn, the teepee wedding arch offers versatility in styling, making it a popular choice for couples looking to infuse their ceremony with a laidback and whimsical ambiance.
How to Choose Your Wedding Arch
Selecting your wedding arch can be one of the more enjoyable tasks you'll complete during your wedding planning. As you’re deciding which arch fits your vision, here are some helpful factors to consider:
Arch Shape and Silhouette
Do you prefer a round, square, or triangular arch? The shape makes a big difference in photos and spatial impact.
Measure out shapes with painter’s tape to help you visualize dimensions if needed.
Arch Height and Width Scale Are Key
Make sure your wedding arch is large enough to sufficiently frame the ceremony space without overwhelming it.
If in doubt, go bigger. A bold, voluminous arch makes a much more dramatic ceremony backdrop than one that’s scrawny.
Arch Decor Approach
Are you picturing a floral explosion, modern simplicity, or loads of personal touches?
Decide how much or how little decorative embellishment you want so your wedding arch style aligns with your tastes, your wedding theme, and your overall wedding vibe.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Setting
Consider your ceremony location when choosing materials—delicate flowers won’t fare well outside, for instance.
Outdoor arches also need to be secure, stake-able designs, while freestanding indoor styles give you more leeway.
DIY vs Professionals
If you’re highly crafty, creating your own wedding arch can be a fun money-saver.
But recognize it is also a major undertaking so only DIY if you have the bandwidth.
Delegating wedding arch duty to a florist or rental company ensures it’s done right without added stress.
Wedding Arch Ideas and Inspiration
Need some specific wedding arch inspo?
The varieties are endless but here are a few creative archway ideas we especially love:
Triangular Wedding Arch
Make a geometric statement with the unexpected but very cool triangular wedding arch. The dynamic shape makes for super unique photos and a modern edge.
Fill the frame with loads of greenery and blooms for an organic, yet architectural, look.
Arch of Candles
For mood-setting romance, line your wedding arch with candles in glass votives and vases.
Mix and match vessel heights, styles, and sizes for an eclectic ambiance.
If you go with this approach, we strongly encourage you to take safety precautions: Have someone on candle duty during the ceremony in case of tipping issues.
Arch of Lanterns
Similar to the candle wedding arch but multiplied, string up dozens of hanging candle lanterns for bold visual impact.
With this approach, paper, glass, and metal lanterns in multiple sizes glimmer with the flickering glow of flame. You can always opt for battery-operated lights for safety and sustainability.
Crystal Wedding Arch
Sparkle and shine under a crystal curtain wedding arch.
In this beautiful wedding arch, silver, gold, and iridescent beads or crystal strands cascade in glimmering tiers like a gemstone waterfall. LED lights enhance the refractive effect.
It’s glamorous and classically elegant.
Arch of Ribbons
The colorful ribbons wrapped around this wedding arch make a vibrant, fun statement.
Flowy ribbons in any color combo bring movement and texture when blowing in the breeze.
Woodland Wedding Arch
Capture cozy cabin vibes with a natural branch and vine arch studded with fairy lights.
Wrap birch logs and stems of greens around a basic frame, then string mini-lights throughout for a woodsy glow.
You can add faux furs or coarse linen drapes for extra hygge style.
Greenery Wedding Arch
For an organic look that won't wilt, greenery wedding arches intertwine vines, ferns, leaves, and stems without any flowers.
Popular varieties used include eucalyptus, olive branches, jasmine vines, magnolia leaves, and ivy for lush, textural appeal.
Accent greenery with wood elements, candles, or glass vases for a fresh modern edge.
Arch of Books
For bookworm brides and grooms, a wedding arch decorated with novels instead of flowers is an ideal wedding arch idea.
Use books featuring titles or covers with personal meaning for a sweet sentimental touch. Try mixing the books with greenery and ribbon for contrast and color.
Hoop Wreath Wedding Arch
Pretty and pared back, a simple hoop wreath arch has vintage charm and lightweight versatility.
Wire hoops of various sizes intertwine to create the base shape. Then vines, leaves, dried florals, or paper blooms are woven in for texture and color.
Tips for an Outdoor Wedding Arch
Are you holding your ceremony outside? Make sure your wedding arch is primed for its en plein air debut with these pro pointers:
Use Durable Materials
From unpredictable weather to possible bumps from guests, an outdoor wedding arch needs to stand up to potential wear and tear.
Hearty vines and synthetic florals are safer than fresh blooms. Stained wood weathers better than raw lumber, and wrought iron outpaces plastic piping.
Secure the Structure
An outdoor wedding arch must be a truly freestanding design that is staked into the ground so it won't blow away.
If your wedding venue won’t allow staking, use sandbags, water buckets, or concrete weights to keep that arch grounded.
Add Shelter as Needed
For hot, uncomfortably bright, or the threat of rain, consider a wedding gazebo or tipi wedding arch shape to provide coverage.
At a minimum, decorate with sun umbrellas on either side for portable shade.
Mind Moisture and Materials
Too much rain or water can damage décor elements like paper, delicate flowers, and fabrics.
Opt for naturally weather-resistant evergreen garlands and botanicals for your outdoor wedding arch.
If you're using more fragile materials, add a waterproof sealant spray and have backups ready.
Set Up Properly
Make sure your wedding arch installation allows for straight, secure placement along with room for wedding party lining up and photographer positioning.
Scope sightlines and spatial logistics at your wedding venue ahead of time to determine the ideal arch location and angles.
Tips for a Winter Wedding Arch
A snowy backdrop may already set the seasonal scene, but a winterized wedding arch adds even more holly jolly ambiance.
Here are some chill-proof ideas:
Faux Fur Accents: Blanket your wedding arch in cozy white faux fur stoles for instant winter wonderland appeal.
Drape lengths of varying faux furs and textures over the structure. The creamy shades pop against ceremony chairs draped with darker faux fur blankets for guests.
Flocking Fantasy: For a whimsical wintry look, decorate gnarly branches and vines with white floral foam or batting to resemble snow drifts and icicles. Add sparkly snowflake ornaments throughout for some extra ice crystal shine.
Winter Greenery and Berries: While hyperlocal flowers are harder to source in winter, hardy evergreen foliage looks gorgeous when dusted with snow.
Fraser fir branches, cedar, rosemary, and rhododendrons can provide a lively green contrast to jewel-toned winterberries and holly sprigs.
Warm White Lighting: Icicle lights, candlelight, or lantern glow can add the cozy ambiance you’ll crave on a cold wedding day.
Position lighting sources close to the arch so illumination bounces onto the wedding party for photos.
Fire Features: Outdoor heating lamps positioned by your wedding arch will offer functional warmth, and the fire will also serve as fabulous ceremonial eye candy. Imagine flame cauldrons, chimeneas, and fire bowls encircling the space with a fiery glow and an irresistible warmth that you, your guests, and your photos will adore.
Budget Breakdown: What Does a Wedding Arch Cost?
Like many wedding elements, arch costs vary widely based on size, materials, and complexity.
You can spend anywhere from $50 to $5,000+ on this focal feature. Here’s a rough pricing breakdown of common options.
Simple DIY Wedding Arch: $50 to $500
Basic materials like wood, metal piping, lighting, and greenery bought in bulk make do-it-yourself wedding arches an affordable option. You supply the labor, tools, workspace and talent.
Rental Arch - $200 to $2000
Many wedding rental companies offer arches of varying sizes and styles for temporary use.
Prices depend on materials and accessories chosen but usually stay under $1,000 for classic white wood arches and floral additions.
Full-Service Florist Wedding Arch - $500 to $5,000+
Hiring floral designers to conceive and create a dramatic botanical arch using high-end blooms and extensive decorative detail is an investment starting around $1,000 on the very low end. The sky's the limit for luxury flowers and labor.
The Perfect Frame
Much more than wedding decor, your wedding arch will help set the overall aesthetic of your big day.
The right arch is a form of art: It showcases your unique story by framing the moment you begin your shared lives together.
The Bell Tower on 34th is a wedding venue committed to helping couples experience unforgettable events that no one will ever forget.
Our venue, with customizable packages, is in the Greater Houston area near Cypress, TX.
Learn more about holding a wedding here.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355