We often talk a lot about reception décor with our clients, like how to set up the Barn, table centerpieces, sweetheart tables, linen and napkin colors, place settings and glassware. Since the ceremony typically only lasts about 20 to 30 minutes out of the entire wedding day, we don’t spend quite as much time discussing the details of their vision for the ceremony design. The most popular wedding ceremony site at Oakland Farm is our open-air Pavilion. We’ve seen this space transformed in so many different ways for hundreds of ceremonies over the last several years. Beautiful arrangements on our wooden barrels, floral aisle markers, white draping, and vintage runners are just a few of our favorite things to see under the Pavilion. Every client wishes for perfect ceremony photos that capture the first kiss, the groom’s reaction to seeing the bride, or walking down the aisle hand in hand, so we’ve rounded up our favorite ceremony backdrops that frame those special moments.

Arbor – The most popular ceremony piece is Oakland’s wooden arbor. We love seeing fresh flowers adorning the sides in a variety of ways to frame the happy couple. It also makes for a great place for guests to snap photos after the ceremony. Sometimes florists will remove these floral installs from the arbor and repurpose them inside for your reception. More bang for your floral budget!

Photographer: Christina Chapman Photography, Florist: KatieDid Florals

Photographer: Heather Gunter Photography, Florist: KatieDid Florals

Photographer: Kate Overton Photography, Florist: KatieDid Florals

Cross – If you’re looking for something traditional, Oakland Farm also has a large wooden cross. Florists love adding a large spray of flowers to the center, or you can use it without any special additions!

Natural – We love when wedding ceremony décor compliments the views at the venue. Florists can create pieces that seem to be growing from the ground as a focal point for the bridal party. This organic style is a beautiful way to incorporate a lot of greenery and flowers for when you’re saying “I do.” Plus, these fixtures can also be moved inside or to other spaces at the venue after you’re pronounced husband and wife!

Photographer: Arika Jordan Photography, Florist: English Garden

Vintage – Going for a more antique look for your wedding day? Vintage doors or a free-standing fireplace mantle can be a unique twist to the traditional ceremony style.

Photographer: Alicia Hite Photography, Florist: Floral Designs by Eddie

Photographer: Whitney Duggins Photography, Florist: Deep River Charm

Unique – Round, hexagon, rectangles, oh my! There are so many unique ways to style your ceremony. Here are a few of our favorite backdrops that we’re hoping to see more of this year!

Photographer: J. Hagan Photography, Florist: KatieDid Florals

Any way you style it, find a way to frame you and your soul mate as you exchange vows. These pictures will last a lifetime and you want to be thoughtful about how you style your wedding ceremony. Another perk of beautiful arrangements for your outdoor ceremony is being able to repurpose them inside! Bring the arrangements from the cross or arbor and reuse them inside on the mantle or sweetheart table. Move the florals from our vintage wine barrels and use them on the floor around a head table. The options are endless when you’re working with some of our favorite florists! Check out our recommended vendors list to find the perfect floral vendor for your wedding day at Oakland Farm!

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Our 5 Favorite Ceremony Backdrop Ideas