50 Gorgeous Wedding Ceremony Structures
One of the most recognizable aspects of a Jewish or Hindu wedding ceremony is the four-poled canopy the couple stands beneath. Called a chuppah in Jewish culture, it symbolizes the couple's new home together. The Hindu version, a mandap, represents the four mantras and goals of a fulfilled life. But as more couples move their nuptials outdoors and to other secular locations, brides and grooms of all faiths are opting to exchange vows beneath beautiful canopies and arches. Here, get inspired by some of the most beautiful ideas we've seen.
By: Kristen Klein
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Chuppah -157012
Mirror the modern-rustic vibe of this garden wedding with a chuppah cascading with flowers.
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo Credit: John Labbe
Ceremony Arch
A chuppah represents the home; reflect its meaning with a sloped roof on your arch.
Photo Credit: Dan and Melissa Photography
Chuppah
You can't go wrong with classic white curtains. Accentuate your chuppah with pretty floral arrangements that match your color scheme.
Related: 5 Wedding Color Mistakes to Avoid
Photo Credit: Sara Purdy Photography
Chuppah
Keep it simple for a modern beach wedding; we love how this ceremony reflects the chuppah's draping on the chairs as well.
Photo Credit: Relate Studios
Chuppah
Accentuate an all-white setup with a crystal chandelier.
Photo Credit: Luxury Estate Weddings & Events
Ceremony Arch
Sometimes, the beauty is in its simplicity. This makeshift arch is so pretty, yet so easy to recreate.
Related: Stay Under Budget With These 25 Dollar Store Wedding Hacks
Photo Credit: Stephanie Cristalli Photography
Chuppah
An oversizes chuppah makes a dramatic statement in a ballroom.
Photo Credit: Harriette Rose Katz
Ceremony Arch
Consider your setting when designing your ceremony structure; we love how this one almost looks like it came from nature.
Photo Credit: Roberto Falck Photography
Ceremony Arch
Give your ceremony a cohesive look by adding floral arrangements at the beginning of your aisle that match the ceremony structure.
Related: Get Married in Wine Country, USA
Photo Credit: Roberto Falck Photography
Ceremony Arch
For a unique look, create an arch that looks like it was carved out of shrubs!
Related: 50 Wedding Ideas You Haven't Already Seen All Over Pinterest
Photo Credit: Cardin Creative Photography
Ceremony Arch
Dress up a garden arch with a garland of greenery.
Photo Credit: Monique Hessler Photography
Ceremony Arch
Adorn a metal garden arch with greenery and roses for a romantic touch.
Related: Charming Ideas for a Garden Wedding
Photo Credit: Bound By
Ceremony Arch
Perfect for a pair of bookworms: create your own ceremony arch out of books!
Related: 25+ Offbeat Wedding Themes
Photo Credit: Rubin Photography
Ceremony Arch
A simple structure covered in bold flowers is the perfect fit for a beach wedding.
Photo Credit: Colin Miller
Ceremony Arch
Perfect for a rustic wedding, this branch structure looks like it was plucked right out of the forest.
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo Credit: Sonia Tapia Photography
Chuppah
A chuppah made of driftwood and covered in sheer fabric perfectly reflects an oceanfront wedding's relaxed vibe.
Related: Gorgeous White Wedding Inspiration
Photo Credit: Chris Glenn Photography
Ceremony Arch
Overflowing greenery, opulent floral arrangements, and a delicate chandelier frame the ocean at this tranquil ceremony.
Related: 50 Ideas for a Seaside Wedding
Photo Credit: Zenobia Studios
Ceremony Arch
Paper flowers are a fun and whimsical way to add color to your ceremony.
Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen
Photo Credit: Ashley Rose Photography
Chuppah
Chrome pillars and deep purple flowers fit perfectly in this urban setting.
Related: Urban Chic Wedding Ideas
Photo Credit: Kevin Chin Photography
Chuppah
Oversized curtains will billow beautifully in the wind; a wide band of flowers and chandelier complete this romantic look.
Photo Credit: K&K Photography
Chuppah
Raise your chuppah onto a platform to give all of your guests a wonderful view of the ceremony.
Related: 50 Unexpected Places to Tie the Knot
Photo Credit: Joy Marie Photography
Ceremony Arch
Hydrangeas and roses give you the most bang for your buck while decorating your arch; weave in some crystal beading for a glamorous touch.
Related: 50 of the Best Wedding Photos From Around the World
Photo Credit: William Innes Photography
Ceremony Arch
Adding just a few branches and flowers will transform a traditional iron arch into a rustic dream.
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo Credit: The Bird & The Bear Photography
Chuppah
Petal perfection! A flower-covered chuppah is the perfect finishing touch for this romantic look.
Photo Credit: Simone & Martin Photography
Ceremony Arch
A pretty garland and sheer fabric transform this industrial arch into a fairy tale-worthy setup.
Photo Credit: Loree Photography
Chuppah
Baby's breath is a budget-friendly way to dress up your chuppah.
Related: 25 Floral Dupes: Real, Affordable Alternatives to the Priciest Blooms
Photo Credit: Jennifer Weems Photography
Chuppah
Go sleek and streamlined for a modern wedding on the beach.
Related: 50 Ideas for Modern Weddings
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe
Chuppah
Give your beach wedding a glamorous touch by surrounding your chuppah with strands of crystals.
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe
Chuppah
Pretty tissue paper flowers add a bit of whimsy to this chuppah.
Photo Credit: Gabriel Harber Photography
Ceremony Arch
Arches aren't just for outdoor weddings. A structure covered in greenery will draw your guests eyes front and center.
Related: 50 Quotes About Love & Marriage
Photo Credit: Fairy Tale Photography
Ceremony Arch
Fluffy flowers, like hydrangea, soften up a modern geometric look.
Related: 50 Ideas for a Modern Wedding
Photo Credit: Lin & Jirsa Photography
Chuppah
Cover your chuppah with flowers from top to bottom.
Related: 125+ Ideas for Flowers by Type
Photo Credit: Fred Marcus Studio
Chuppah
A pop of color along the top of the chuppah is all you need to make it stand out.
Photo Credit: Embrace Life Photography
Ceremony Arch
A "hitching post" provides a fun, rustic place to exchange vows.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Henson Photos
Ceremony Arch
Asymmetrical floral placements and fabric draping add to the romance of this setup.
Related: Wedding Ideas That Scream "Spring is Finally Here!"
Photo Credit: Lindsay Skeans Photography
Ceremony Arch
Getting married in a gorgeous natural setting? Keep your décor simple so that you don't detract from its beauty.
Photo Credit: Tara Melissa Photographie
Ceremony Arch
Tissue paper puffs and a sweet sign turn this ceremony arch into a fun focal point.
Photo Credit: Monique Hessler Photography
Ceremony Arch
An archway set in flower beds is a wonderfully simple idea for a rustic wedding.
Photo Credit: Christina Kiffney Photography
Chuppah
Bold colors really pop against a serene natural backdrop.
Photo Credit: Trish Barker Photography
Ceremony Arch
Pretty sunflowers make this streamlined structure stand out.
Related: Which Flowers Are In Season?
Photo Credit: Town Country Studios
Ceremony Arch
Let it snow! Whether it's real or faux, a little snow is the perfect finishing touch for the winter wedding.
Related: 25 Photos That'll Have You Dreaming of a Winter Wonderland Wedding
Photo Credit: Lis Photography
Chuppah
Tie in your wedding's tropical vibe with bold flowers adorning the chuppah.
Related: 50 Ideas for Beach Weddings
Photo Credit: Life's Highlights
Ceremony Arch
Pretty bouquets and a chandelier make this arch feel ultra-romantic.
Photo Credit: Zelo Photography
Mandap
Elevate your mandap onto a stage, and seat your guests on pillows instead of chairs.
Photo Credit: SJ Images
Mandap
Opt for an ornate structure, and keep the rest of your décor simple to let the architectural beauty shine through.
Photo Credit: Casey Durgin Photography
Mandap
Pretty blue curtains beautifully contrast the couple's red attire.
Related: 30+ Examples of Wedding Vows
Photo Credit: Blue Martini Photography
Mandap
Red is commonly used in Hindu weddings to symbolize love, purity, prosperity, and strength. Adding gold gives your ceremony a regal feel.
Related: What Your Wedding Color Says About Your Personality
Photo courtesy of AMResorts
