The 26 Best

Church Wedding Decorations

These church wedding decoration ideas will turn your wedding from dull to dazzling!

Shannon Capri // Writer & Editor

We earn a commission through carefully selected links on this site, however, this never influences our evaluations or writing.

Simple Church Wedding Decorations That Look Amazing

There are many cheap ways to decorate a small church for your wedding and transform dull to glam without spending big bucks. Church wedding decoration ideas on a budget shouldn’t mean you need to skimp on quality, it only means you’re shopping smarter and that’s where we come in.

From small church wedding ideas to Vatican-style megachurches, wedding decorations for a church really depend on your personal style and persona.

Quite often brides and grooms ask themselves and others ‘How should I decorate for a church wedding?’. We’ve got all the unique ideas you could ever want when it comes to your front of church wedding decorations, wedding aisle runner decorations, and everything in between.

To help you find inspiration on decorating your church for the wedding ceremony, we’ve put together some simple decorations perfect for any church venue and answer your most frequently asked questions about church weddings!

01

Oriental Trading

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Best For Themes & Matching Items

Oriental Trading has tons of amazing wedding decorations (1,938 as of writing) including garlands, centerpieces, hanging decorations, signs, balloons, and even arches & columns. With over 1,000 wedding decorations under $20 you are sure to find something amazing to glam up your church decor without spending a ton of cash.

02

Amazon Wedding Decorations

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Best For Affordable Church Decorations

If you are looking to save money or need to find decorations for a church wedding quickly, Amazon has a selection of over 2,000 items to choose from with great ratings and reviews. Whether you need pew bows, aisle runners, candle holders, or anything else you can think of, Amazon will have it and ship it to you quickly.

03

Michaels

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Perfect For DIY Church Wedding Decorations

Did you know Michaels has much more than just art supplies? If you are looking to save even more money and dabble with DIY church wedding decorations, Michaels is the best place to shop to get everything you need to make your own amazing decorations. Take advantage of their same-day delivery or in-store pick-up once you order, and browse their 400+ wedding decorations.

What limitations are there when choosing church wedding decorations?

You’re not going to be able to alter the actual church itself, so you’ll want to carefully consider how to blend your decorations before choosing them. A great way to do this is to head to Pinterest or simply Google your church name.

This can give simple church wedding ideas that are often DIY to help save money. You might even ask the church if they have a lookbook as some churches that host a lot of weddings will keep photos of past weddings.

Do you have to confirm wedding decorations with your church?

It’s crucial to also speak to the event manager at your church venue to ensure any wedding decorations you plan on purchasing are allowed by the church. For example, some churches may not want potted plants in their venue to avoid spills and stains, while others may not want balloons due to their tendency to get detached and float to the top of the ceiling.

Do you have to confirm wedding decorations with your church?

It’s crucial to also speak to the event manager at your church venue to ensure any wedding decorations you plan on purchasing are allowed by the church. For example, some churches may not want potted plants in their venue to avoid spills and stains, while others may not want balloons due to their tendency to get detached and float to the top of the ceiling.

How much does it cost to have a wedding at a church?

If you’re having a simple church wedding ceremony, your costs will be significantly lower. Where you’re getting married and your own personal style will really drive the church wedding decorations that you end up buying and how much they cost.

The church you choose to get married at probably has a special significance to you or your partner as well, which will also influence the decoration style and how much you’re willing to spend on the experience.

If you have a good relationship with members of the church, let them know what your plans are for the church decor in advance, and see if there are volunteers available to help set up and tear down the decorations.

Is it important to get married in a church?

To many religious beliefs, marriage is a sacred unity that can only be recognized under God. It often coincides with the ability to first have sex and children, and become a true “adult”. This is often why many religions place such importance on the marriage itself and the location.

Can you get married in a church without being confirmed or baptised?

This will vary from church to church, but some do require proof of baptism or communion. There are also limitations by some churches on marrying couples who have been divorced in the past, so make sure you check with your church to go over all the details!

01. Stairway and aisle lining

Chances are, the church you’re getting married in has a stairway or ramp. It’s also likely the steps are worn down and made of brick, and haven’t been cleaned for a while. Fear not!

There is an easy way to spruce up your church steps and improve the overall ambiance of the event.

Purchase green brush flowers to cover the steps around the railing, and place roses or your favorite flowers throughout. Finish it all off with candles places along the steps to help illuminate the path at night time, and help bring a beautiful glow to the staircase.

Line any stairways and beams with flowers if your wedding is during the daytime or lights if it will be starting in the evening.

02. Wedding aisle runners

Don’t trip – make sure your aisle runner is secured to the floor with either double-sided tape or weights. Many brides and bridesmaids experience problems with their heels getting caught on their fabric or tarp aisle runners.

03. Proper lighting for photos

Make sure you visit the venue ahead of time to ensure pictures develop properly and are not too dark. We recommend touring the venue with your photographer beforehand if possible to make sure any lighting issues can be addressed right away.

04. Natural or electric candles

Let there be light! Regardless of whether your church venue has natural sunlight or not, candles are a beautiful addition to any wedding that offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Candles are super cheap and can be ordered in bulk. Because they are usually not very exciting on their own, pair them with a glass jar or glass to help reflect the light and provide a more romantic mood at night.

05. Aisle pew bows

Aisle decorations for church weddings can be tough due to some churches having restrictions. Pew bows are the most traditional choice, although flowers or lights can create a unique experience as well if they are allowed.

06. Flowers and floral arrangements

Flower power – this cheap church wedding decoration is not only cost effective but simple. Purchase or collect your favorite flowers, and incorporate them into your pew bows along the aisle for a super affordable yet fun look.

07. Ask your church about included decorations

Some churches offer low-cost decoration packages that are simple, yet elegant. Also try to incorporate the natural beauty of the church itself, and simply accentuate major features of the church that are already “built-in”.

Lastly, churches often already have candelabras and flowers as decorations which can be borrowed during your wedding.

08. Use flower petals as an aisle runner alternative

Instead of using cut flowers, you can use real or fake flower petals for your church wedding aisle runner decoration. A perfect small church wedding idea, it’s more fresh and will catch the attention of your guests.

Since flowers are perfect for lining the aisle, ask your friends and family to “donate” they favorite flowers for your wedding day for a truly unique wedding aisle.

This can be a great idea for your church wedding decoration, because it’s simple, chic, colorful and utterly romantic.

09. Collect driftwood and shells on the beach

Go down to your favorite beach if there is one nearby and pick up seashells and drift wood. Drift wood can be used to hang pictures from string, or table decorations.

Larger pieces of driftwood can be hollowed out and planted with succulents inside for a cute touch.

10. Use your church outdoor space

If your church has an outdoor area or garden available, ask if you can use it! Getting married outside of the church is not as traditional as most would expect, giving the wedding an additional unique touch.

By moving the event outdoors, you can also save money on decorations and instead string lights all around and place some candles and flowers around the aisle and chairs.

11. Let there be light

Break out your old Christmas decorations and unpack the string lights. By re-using these lights you’re saving money and adding a beautiful touch of class to your surroundings.

This will also serve a double purpose to provide light as most churches do not have great, bright lighting installed, especially if they are older buildings.

12. Focus on the altar

Keep everything else inside and outside of the church as-is, and use the altar as a focal point. Decorate with lots of flowers, or an understated combo of your favorite flower, and your partners favorite flower.

You can also add pictures, and large potted plants or trees, so you can create one main area perfect for pictures while saving tons of cash.

13. Baby’s breath adds a magic touch

Baby’s Breath is a cheap and beautiful flower that takes up a lot of space. They are often used to fill up small jars or even buckets for more rustic weddings.

Perfect for adorning tables, aisles, and stairways, Baby’s Breath is a great way to save money and add all-natural elegance to your church wedding.

14. Go green and add succulents

Decorating a wedding venue with succulents is a great idea to create a cool atmosphere on your wedding day. Different options you can opt for include gifts for the guests, adding to dining tables, or using larger succulents to make a statement.

Throwing down succulent flower petals is one of the most cost effective ways to decorate your church wedding as buying succulents in bulk is super cheap! Make it extra-fun by mixing the petals of your and your partner’s favorite succulents for an added unique touch.

Since most church weddings are inside, it is important to purchase indoor friendly succulents so that they still look great on your big day!

15. Ivory wedding pull bows with tulle tails

Kick Up Your Church Pew Wedding Decor Game

Church pew wedding decorations don’t need to be expensive or large to make a huge difference to your venue. Pew bows (often called ribbons) are one of the simplest decorations to transform your church into a beautiful wedding venue. Pew bows are easy to make yourself with the right material, and if purchased online, come in at a low cost helping save money.

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16. Elegant roman column pillars

Take Your Church Wedding Decoration Game To The Next Level

These beautiful roman columns can be adorned with flowers, lighting, ivy garlands, candles, and much much more! The creative approach you can take with them is endless.

There is some assembly required, and they come in sets of two. Made out of high quality and durable plastic, they feel much sturdier than they look and can hold some serious weight.

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17. White scroll print church wedding aisle runner

Use A Simple Indoor Wedding Aisle Runner To Make A Big Impact

Are aisle decorations for a church wedding actually important? YES! Normally guests don’t care about your aisle runner, let alone notice it! But during a church wedding some people may pay closer attention to your aisle decorations as they wait. In order to spruce up any venue, whether indoors or outdoor, make sure to purchase a simple wedding aisle runner so you can add your own custom flair.

Some churches may not have well-kept aisles, so an indoor aisle-runner will be necessary. The most common worry about setting up aisle runners are guests tripping or heels getting stuck. There are simple solutions to avoid those issues, such as taping the aisle runner to the floor, or using a heavier material like burlap.

Use fresh (or fake!) eucalyptus leaves and sprinkle them along the aisle for a simple yet unique wedding aisle decoration. Easy to set up and easy to clean up, most churches will have no problem with this idea.

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18. Hanging ivory pew flowers with drapes

These Are The Real Deal

Using fake flowers instead of real, fresh cut flowers almost seems like a no-brainer when trying to save money on your church ceremony. Well, going fake doesn’t have to look bad with Link’s Moment hanging pew flowers.

These hanging pew flowers may be fake, but each one is handmade and ready to use right out of the box. The best part about these decorations? You can use them again for a variety of future events and they will be just as beautiful.

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19. Golden vintage candle lanterns with fairy lights

Use Candles & Lights in Lanterns For A Magical Effect

Candles are super cheap and can be ordered in bulk. Because they are usually not very exciting on their own, pair them with a vintage lantern to help reflect the light and provide a more romantic mood at night.

These totally cute and vintage style candle lanterns by Evermore Light can light the way all the way down to your one true love. We can’t imagine any church would have issues with placing these along the aisle. The vintage brushed gold design is on the pricier side and comes with two lanterns, but you can also op for a set of eight that are plain white for under $25.

With those options, you can decide if you want a modestly or heavenly lighted aisle.

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20. Artificial wisteria vine

Bring Focus To The Altar

Bring the beauty of wisteria flowers to your church wedding without the heavy pricetag. This combo of silk flowers on vines makes a beautiful backdrop for a church ceremony, especially if the current backdrop is plain and simple.

If you do not have a traditional arch to hang them from, you can actually purchase a temporary arch to complete the look.

Since these are artificial flowers, once the wedding is over you can re-use it over and over again for party decorations.

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21. Large LOVE marquee letters

Let Your Love Shine Bright

This retro marquee style LOVE lettering is the perfect item to place on the wedding altar or table. It will shine bright whether it is day or night, and make for a perfect picture op.

The sign requires 2 AA batteries which are included, and is operated with a simple on and off switch to ensure there are no hiccups on the big day! You can also place this at the beginning or end of the aisle if the church wedding will be at night for a magical look.

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22. Clear glass wedding welcome signs

Re-Use This Awesome Wedding Welcome As An Art Piece In Your Home

This beautiful customized welcome sign will look great in any church setting. Add some flowers to really step it up and make it look even better.

The coolest part about this sign is that you can later hang it in your home after the wedding to remind you of your big day.

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23. Elegant twisted candle & flower pedestals

These Show-Stopping Pedestals Will Shine Bright On Your Big Night

Beautifully crafted and elegantly designed, this set of two pedestals can have flowers attached, or hold candles with a dramatic flair.

A perfect accent piece for tables or even a main feature at the altar, these pedestals really shine. You can also re-use them in the future for fancy dinner parties, or use them as a decorative piece around the house after the wedding

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24. Modern abstract dancing couple sculpture

Capture The Beauty of Motion With This Conversation Starter

Totally artistic and elegant, this dancing couple sculpture is sure to be a conversation started among your guests. Perfectly capturing the loving motions of dance, this romantic couple would look great on the gift table, dessert table, or any guest table!

Made from a strong and durable resin material and completely hand-made, these figures are just under a foot tall and comes in just under $30.

Check Price on Amazon

25. Handwoven boho hanging macrame

Give Your Church A Boho Makeover With This Stylish Backdrop

Most churches have boring backdrops – spice it up with this boho macrame. Approximately 59″ wide by 78″ long, this unique hand-knotted macrame makes any setting beautiful and boho.

Make a statement with this piece and we’re sure it will be the talk of the ceremony. You can use this at the altar, head table, cake table, or just about anywhere, and it’s that versatility we love!

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26. Modern LED gold coated wax candles

A Beautiful & Elegant Lighting Option For A Church Ceremony

Most churches will not allow having open flames and burning candles inside the premises. This modern yet elegant LED flameless candle is the perfect solution!

Create a hopelessly romantic reception setting with this set of 6 tall gold-coated wax candles. You’ll never have to worry about burning the place down as these feature LED lights on a timer, yet flicker just like the real thing.

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27. Rose gold decorative lanterns

Go Above And Beyond With These Cute Decorative Lanterns

Unlike any other lantern we’ve seen, these rose-gold colored lanterns with tempered glass look great with or without candles inside! Make your church wedding pretty in pink with these cute decorations that have a vintage yet modern flare due to the high, rectangular glass design.

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What decorations are needed for a church wedding?

Church wedding decorations vary greatly from wedding to wedding and there are no set rules on what you must or mustn’t include. Simple church decoration styles include small pew ends and some decoration as you enter the church as well as surrounding the area you will get married in towards the front of the church. But more elaborate Church decoration ideas include candle lights, swathes of beautiful fabric and other props to create ambience in the church surroundings. Wedding aisle runners to bring the look together seamlessly. Ultimately, the Church wedding decorations you choose should be a reflection of you as a couple and the overall feel of the day itself and you don’t have to break the bank to achieve it.

How much does it cost to decorate a church for a wedding?

The cost of church wedding decoration varies wildly depending on the look you are hoping to achieve in the church. Some brides want small and simple décor just to lift the feeling of the church or add subtle hints towards the style of the wedding, whilst some brides dream of vast floral displays throughout the entire space which will inevitably have an impact on the cost. Depending on your church decoration ideas you have, there are some great ways to decorate without blowing the budget, but still get the church wedding décor of your dreams.

Can I decorate the church for my wedding?

Most churches are more than happy for you to decorate the church to some extent for your big day, although there may be some restrictions when it comes to what type and where you can decorate. Be sure to speak with the church beforehand to find out the do’s and don’ts of your particular church and also check when you and the suppliers will be able to enter the venue before and after to put up and take down decorations. Many venues prefer you not to use balloons (as they can fly away and get caught on the ceiling) and for you not to use fixings that will leave a mark such a push pins and some types of tape.

How much are flowers for a church wedding?

The cost of flowers and floral displays vary greatly between supplier and what type of flowers you are opting for and the time of year. If the flowers you have chosen are out of season, the florist will inevitably charge more to source them, so if you are on a budget, do some research into the type of flowers in season at the time of your wedding or you could also look into sourcing your own wildflowers, although be sure to check local laws on this before you take anything. Beautiful lavender bunches in jam jars or faux tea lights are a great budget friendly way to decorate your church wedding venue.

How much does it cost to decorate a church with flowers?

Flowers as decorations in church are often a more expensive option, this is because depending on the flowers chosen and the type of displays you ask for, you will also have to factor in the florist’s time and labour costs. If you are set on flowers, but don’t have the budget to match, consider the use of artificial flowers or using easily obtainable flowers such as lavender or baby’s breath to create your own DIY pew ends. You could also use pieces that are personal to you as a couple to create some really stunning décor.

How much does it cost to decorate a church for a wedding in total?

The cost of church wedding decorations varies from couple to couple and church to church. Some small handmade pew ends using flowers from your garden and recycled jams jars could costs as little as $20 for the whole set up, while a staggering floral display with candles and fabric could set you back thousands of dollars! Review your total budget, as well as how much you are preparing to spend on decoration as whole to make sure you don’t overspend and throw the whole day into turmoil!

How much do you pay a Catholic priest for a wedding?

The amount you pay your Catholic priest depends on several factors. You can expect to pay anywhere between $100-$1000+ depending on the size of the church or whether or not you are a parishioner of the church you are getting married in as well as the suggested donation from the church itself. Speak to your chosen church to find out more about the expected donations and costs involved with getting married there.

What is a good budget for church wedding decorations?

There is no such thing as a good budget for church wedding decorations, as it really is a case of individual budget constraints and personal choice. It’s good to look at the decoration budget as a whole and then drill down into the different areas that need decorating on the day then allocate the budget out accordingly. A budget of $200 should be able to get you some décor to pep up the church but this figure should be used as a guide depending on what you are looking for.

How do you plan a simple church wedding?

A simple church wedding should be just that, simple! Start by making sure that every choice you make is easy to plan and coordinate. When it comes to church decoration, maybe some simple and pretty pew ends to match your flowers and to lift the church a little is all you need for it to be in keeping with your special day. Overall, planning should centre around budget and where you are prepared to spend to make things on the day easy for you and your guests.

Can you decorate Catholic church for a wedding?

Catholic churches can be decorated, but usually under fairly strict conditions compared to other institutions. The best approach to take, is to speak to the Church you are getting married in about your church decoration ideas and they can give you a better idea of what they allow and what you might need to adapt. Nowadays, you may be pleasantly surprised at how liberal Catholic churches can be about decorating but be prepared to negotiate on what can and can’t be done to avoid embarrassment on the day.

What do you put on wedding pews?

What to put on pew ends is a personal choice for the bride and groom. We have seen some simple ideas from small lavender bunches and jam jars filled with wildflowers to vast floral displays and really unique pew ends that reflect special parts of the couples lives and interests. Stay away from real flames and always opt for flameless candles. In short, choose a nice decoration that fits your budget and helps to incorporate a little of your wedding theme into the overall feel of the church.

Do you have to decorate a church for weddings?

There is no need to decorate the church if you don’t want to. You may have chosen the venue because you liked the look of it without wedding decoration so it’s really up to you. However, that said, most guests enjoy arriving and seeing even a small amount of décor as a hint towards the rest of the wedding day.

Closing Thoughts

So now you’re all set to take care of the wedding party favors for your guests, bringing you one step closer to your big day! Here’s to wishing you much love and happiness!