Culture and Lifestyle Weddings Wedding Decor 45 Fall Wedding Ideas for a Stunning Autumn Affair By Southern Living Editors Updated on July 25, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: JoPhoto Weddings are beautiful any time of the year, but there's just something magical and romantic about celebrating nuptials in autumn. The combination of changing leaves and cooler temperatures gives couples al fresco options and unique decor themes only fall soon-to-be weds can pull off. It's no wonder fall months have toppled summer days for the most popular dates to get married in recent years. Whether you're a bride still in the pinning phase of planning or on the hunt for a final few details to make your upcoming day extra special, we're here to help you embrace the best of the season. From mountainview ceremonies and barnside celebrations to ballroom receptions and chapel nuptuals, there's no fall celebration that couldn't benefit from a well-placed pumpkin or dramatically seasonal ceremony display. Revel in this season with these fall wedding ideas—showcasing themed motifs, jewel tones, rustic details, and vibrant foliage—that will make your Big Day an autumn best. 01 of 44 Pumpkin-Lined Aisle Graham Terhune Frame your walk down the aisle with a subtle fall aesthetic. Mix and match different pumpkin shapes and sizes for effortless, farm-like charm, and add seasonal greenery at the base to blend. 02 of 44 Open-Air Dinner and Dancing JoPhoto Embrace the season with an open-air reception. There's no better time of year for string lights, long wooden tables, and mountainside views. 03 of 44 Apple Accents Paige Reaux Use apples to accompany serving displays for a simple (and budget-friendly) way to incorporate the bounty of the harvest season. 04 of 44 Foliage-Framed Portraits JoPhoto Even if your wedding is indoors, you can't miss a chance to capture the season as bride and groom. Take a step outside for a picture you'll treasure forever. 05 of 44 Suspended Foliage Lauren Fair Photography Draw the eyes up to a display of foliage that could compete with the very best of fall trees. Complement with candles below, and you don't even need anything else on the table. 06 of 44 White Monogrammed Pumpkins Paige Reaux Some could argue there's no better time for a monogram than a wedding. One look at a white painted pumpkin with your new family initials proves that a fall wedding raises the lettering bar even higher. 07 of 44 Guest Scarfs Dear Wesleyann Photography Embrace the chilly autumn air by offering guests scarfs wrapped for the occasion. 08 of 44 Burgundy Accents JoPhoto Colorful details go a long way. Burgundy works wonders in fall color schemes and looks especially wonderful on the cutest members of the bridal party. 09 of 44 Colorful Corners and Columns Dear Wesleyann Photography While there's no need to overdue florals, sometimes it's the small spots that make the biggest impact. Frame corners and columns in high traffic areas with jewel tones to bring autumn elegance to often overlooked spaces. 10 of 44 Autumnal Ensemble Luke and Cat Photography Planning a formal fall affair? There are simple ways to infuse a classic groom's look with rich autumn color. Try a glowing cymbidium orchid boutonniere for a small but impactful upgrade. 11 of 44 Deeply Seasonal Ceremony Arch Amos Photography You can incorporate an autumnal ceremony arch in a variety of venues. From outdoor spaces to banquet halls, a focal point this dramatic will bring an air of romance no matter where it goes. 12 of 44 Local Flare with Florals Jenny DeMarco Photography Though some could argue that boots are in season all year, others might say boots look their best in the autumn sun – especially with a bushel of flowers in tow. 13 of 44 Free-Spirited Fall Blooms Luke and Cat Photography Warm colors work wonders with a blend of roses, orchids, ranunculus, blue thistle, and foraged fall greenery. 14 of 44 Garden-Fresh Fall Wreaths Dear Wesleyann Photography Everyone loves fall color, but that doesn't mean there isn't a place for a little green too. Wreaths full of fall greenery look especially spectacular against rustic white doorways. 15 of 44 Textured & Tonal Accessories Kristen Kaiser Even the most traditional of brides can't resist a bit of texture in the name of fall fashion. Add rich tones to your look through autumn accessories, like velvet shoes or shoulder wraps. 16 of 44 Seasonal Beverages Pinterest Have fun with fall flavor. Incorporate seasonal punches, ciders, and cocktails for a bar that goes above and beyond. 17 of 44 Edible Decor Rosen Crown Photo Watch out for hungry guests. A display of seasonal fruit can not only help fill corners, but it can also look good enough to eat. 18 of 44 Bourbon Bar Luke and Cat Photography As stately as it is warming, a bourbon bar not only offers a Southern beverage station for guests, but it also grants the opportunity for mixed metals, leather details, and autumn accents. 19 of 44 Pretty Leaf Hair Piece Betsy Blue Photography The glimmer of gold leaves atop a bridal updo will catch guests' eyes as you dance the night away. 20 of 44 Towering Fall Foliage Amos Photography Go full foliage in all the right ways with towering table arrangements that don't need blooms to be bright and beautiful. 21 of 44 Refined Leather Accents Luke and Cat Photography Warm up your place setting with a bit of stately texture by adding a leather accent. 22 of 44 Pampas Grass Pizazz Tess Pesicka One part avant-garde, one part boho chic, a bit of pampas grass can upgrade any arrangement, from tabletop displays and aisle ends to bouquets. 23 of 44 Soft Accessories Luke and Cat Photography Set the tone with soft, moody accessories. Light scarfs and autumn candles fit in perfectly with the airy, crisp ambiance of a fall wedding. 24 of 44 Lantern-Lined Walkway Eric Kelley Whether you're getting hitched in a historic house, your childhood home, or a swanky hotel, there's nothing like a well-styled entryway. Illuminate walkways with lanterns and seasonal foliage for a warm guest welcome. 25 of 44 Nearly Naked Cake Pinterest Let those cake layers peak through. Naked cakes fit perfectly into a celebration full of texture and rustic touches. 26 of 44 Velvet Statement Pieces Olivia Strohm Photography Cooler weather opens wardrobe doors to texture, especially toward the end of the season. Layer velvet into the bride or groom's look with statement pieces. 27 of 44 Illuminated Installation ARJ Photo Bring the outdoors in with a ceiling display that takes the trend to new heights. Add floating teacup candles to bring warmth and elegance to the falling leaves. 28 of 44 Floral-Flanked Chairs Jill Houser Photography All eyes on the bride and groom takes an even more romantic tone with fresh autumn florals on their reception chairs. 29 of 44 Feather Finishes Jill Houser Photography Layer on the texture with feather finishes. Menus adorned with a feather tuft is simple way to style guests' plates. 30 of 44 Metallic Glamour JoPhoto Elevate the season's natural drama by dressing tabletops with metallic touches and romantic candles. 31 of 44 Mixed Red and Amber Stemware sovintagega.com Mix-and-match glassware in red and amber hues makes for a warm, inviting tabletop that's anything but boring. 32 of 44 Autumnal Hair Accessories Marina Mauletkali Photography Add a touch of autumn to your updo with a floral hair piece full of warm colors. 33 of 44 Subtle Seasonal Nods Zoë Alexandra Photography Don't bypass the simplest nods to the season. A well-placed leaf can take flight when it finds just the right spot within your design. 34 of 44 Fondant Foliage Pinterest Embellish any style wedding cake with edible gold leaves for a goddess-like confection. 35 of 44 Gem Tone Tablecloths Dear Wesleyann Photography Pair purple tablecloths with deep-hued florals for a design that emphasizes moody beauty in a way only an autumn event can. 36 of 44 Golden Pumpkin Place Cards Roberto Caruso and Angus Fergusson Pre-dinner pumpkins placed on top of dark linens look especially nice in gold. 37 of 44 Copper Elements The Grovers Photography Welcome a change from more traditional metallics with cooper accents that complement candles and seasonal accessories with flair. 38 of 44 Apple Tealight Candles Pinterest/Hi Miss Puff We love candles at weddings, but turning apples into candle holders is a new way to really set the mood and light up the night. Not to mention, they smell incredible. 39 of 44 Pine Cone Boutonniere Swak Photography There's nothing better than an unexpected pine cone in an autumn design, especially when it's pinned to a well-dressed groom. 40 of 44 Rustic Natural Elements Zoë Alexandra Photography The fall season is the perfect time to take advantage of wedding textiles. Add a bit of Southwestern flare by pairing tribal table runners with rustic centerpieces. 41 of 44 Terracotta-Colored Table Linens Dawn Charles Work earthy tones and rust shades into your color palette. These hues look especially nice paired with wooden textures and string lights. 42 of 44 Mixed Florals and Metallics Sara Monika While we welcome a tablescape with scattered floral and metallic elements, it's even lovelier when the two elements get a bit more intimate. 43 of 44 Fireplace Focal Point Gaetz Photography Amp up the comfort level during cocktail hour by making the most of a venue's fireplace. Use candles, greenery, and a touch of florals for a relaxing space for guests to catch up and keep warm. 44 of 44 Rustic Ceremony Accents Pinterest Country chic was made for cool-weather celebrations. Line your ceremony space with well-placed wood and rustic vases for a natural yet elegant aisle. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit