Imagine a midnight sky filled with thousands of colorful paper lanterns or a river carrying wave after wave of illuminated paper boats. Think of foggy cobblestone streets with gas-lantern street lamps or Moroccan archways crowned with ornate lantern chandeliers. From times of antiquity, lanterns have lent their light and beauty to everything from religious ceremonies to imaginative works of art.
Which brings us to weddings. We love the unique, romantic vibe that lanterns add to a tablescape. Whether you imagine your dream wedding on a sandy beach or in a raw-industrial space, lanterns are a perfect complement to flowers and other candlelit décor. Check out these 13lantern centerpieces at weddings ranging in every style from rustic and romantic to glamorous and modern. It’s time to illuminate your vision with our network of top event planners, plus a whole lot of inspiration.
1. Rustic Romance
Guests loved this outdoor vineyard wedding planned by Joyce Pollakoff Events. Kehoe Designs and The Festive Frog dazzled the senses with eye-catching décor, while BBJ Linen won us over with gorgeous printed linens. We especially love these wooden lanterns with leaded glasswork that add a touch of rustic elegance to this romantic affair.
photographer: Peter Wynn Thompson Photography | planner: Joyce Pollakoff Events | décor: Kehoe Designs & The Festive Frog | venue: The Vineyard at 12 Corners | linens: BBJ Linen | entertainment: The Gold Coast All Stars | rentals: AAYS Event Rentals | caterer: CK Catering | videographer: Xpress Video Productions
2. Faraway Enchantment
We are obsessed with this tented wedding planned by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants. Everything, from glittering chandeliers to the towering tree décor, makes us want to take out our cameras. Tablescapes were particularly beautiful with Fanous-style lanterns and spring-like foliage by Marks Garden.
photographer: Braedon Photography | planner: Mindy Weiss Party Consultants | décor: Marks Garden & The Original Runner Company | venue: Hitchcock Ranch | rentals: Classic Event & Tent Rentals & Resource One Inc. | calligraphy: Cindy Cancio Lettering & Design | stationery: Lehr & Black | lighting: Images By Lighting | caterer: The Kitchen For Exploring Foods | videographer: Vidicam Productions | entertainment: West Coast Music | cake & dessert: Joanie & Leigh’s Cakes
3. Dreamy Illumination
This stunning wedding at The Geraghty began with a gorgeous ceremonial aisle lined with candlelit lanterns. The romantic lighting carried over to the reception where guests enjoyed beautiful tablescapes by Kehoe Designs. In addition to the unique centerpieces featuring bare branches and suspended candlelight, we love these leaded-glass lanterns that cast a soft glow.
photographer: Elizabeth Nord Photography | planner: CHI Chic Weddings & Events | décor: Kehoe Designs | venue: The Geraghty | entertainment: The Chicago Players | caterer: Calihan Catering | transportation: M&M Limousine Service
4. Unique Beauty
Event planner Clementine Custom Events and designer Revel Decor transformed this industrial space into a wonderland of geometric chandeliers, dramatic lighting, and romantic candlelight. We especially adore how wooden lanterns became unique terrariums housing colorful autumnal blooms.
photographer: Studio This Is | planner: Clementine Custom Events | décor: Revel Decor | venue: Morgan Manufacturing | caterer: Paramount Events | entertainment: Stitely Entertainment & Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press | cake: Elysia Root Cakes
5. Pastel Perfection
With romantic pink linens by La Tavola Fine Linen and luxe furnishings by Glamour and Woods, this wedding was a sight for sore eyes. We adore how soft-toned flowers and tapered lanterns add depth and texture to each tablescape. Stemmed-candle holders and glittering votives complete this romantic look.
photographer: Rachel Solomon Photography | event coordinator: Imoni Events | décor: Carte Blanche Design | venue: Desert Foothills Events & Weddings | linens: La Tavola Fine Linen | rentals: Glamour and Woods & Event Rents | draping: Quest Events | calligraphy & signage: Freed Hands | entertainment: Sapphire Sky | cake: Heartsweet Cakes | videographer: Something New Media | caterer: Cater Phoenix | transportation: Ollie The Trolley | burro: Haul N Ass Productions | mariachi: Mariachi Fiesta Valle del Sol
6. Elegant Details
HMR Designs reminds us that a beautiful event is all in the details. We love these simple-yet-elegant metal lanterns as well as the gorgeous ceiling installations boasting greenery and suspended candlelight. Lanterns in various sizes also graced the place-card table — reminding us that twinkling lights can be just as beautiful as blooms.
photographer: Cage and Aquarium | floral & event design: HMR Designs | venue: The Ivy Room | linens: BBJ Linen | lighting: Frost Chicago | farm tables: Hall’s Rental Service, Inc
7. Nautical Adventure
Kristin Banta Events captured the bride’s love for traveling and pirate ships at this nautical-themed wedding. Moroccan chandeliers and drapery, along with distressed metals and aged woods, combined to create a treasure trove of exotic décor. We are equally wowed by the myriad of Moroccan-style lanterns that illuminate everything from tablescapes to the floor-cushion lounge areas.
photographer: Miki and Sonja Photography | planner: Kristin Banta Events | venue: Korakia Pensione
8. Romantic Industrial Vibe
This wedding at The Lakewood was bright and cheerful with plenty of sunlight and a soft-toned color palette. Guests enjoyed delectable cuisine by Paramount Events in addition to the beautiful tabletop décor that included charming floral arrangements and copper-rimmed lanterns.
photographer: Amanda Megan Miller Photography | venue: The Lakewood | caterer: Paramount Events
9. Lush Foliage and Twinkling Lights
This outdoor wedding planned by Despina Craig Events was picturesque with twinkling lights and plenty of lush green foliage. We adore these centerpieces that feature metal-filigree lanterns and tree-trunk bases. Sumptuous catering and unique signage were just some of the elements that made this wedding so memorable to each and every guest.
photographer: Buena Lane Photography | planner: Despina Craig Events | décor: Ampersand | venue: Los Altos History Museum | rentals: UNICA Party Rentals | caterer: Fogcutter | bar: SF Bartenders | entertainment: DJ Jeremy
10. Lights of All Kinds
Lanterns of all shapes and sizes stole the show at this Chicago wedding planned by Clementine Custom Events. Each unique style was the perfect complement to this raw-industrial space decked in lush greenery and sparkling string lights, Gold-votive candles provided each table with additional romantic illumination.
photographer: JPP Studios | planner: Clementine Custom Events | décor: Ashland Addison Floral and Event Decor & RJP Designs | venue: Morgan Manufacturing | caterer: Blue Plate Catering | cake: Sweet Mandy B’s | entertainment: Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press
11. Suspended in Time (and Space)
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
This picturesque beachside wedding offered stunning views at every turn. We love how suspended lanterns seem to mysteriously float above the banquet tables. Fresh flowers and wooden tabletops lend additional cheerfulness to this joyful celebration.
photographer: Jasmine Lee Photography | planner & décor: ELENA DAMY | venue: Esperanza, An Auberge Resort | entertainment: Jarrell Entertainment & Smart Music | videographer: Mattock Imagery
12. Vibrant and Colorful
This South Asian wedding has us swooning from start to finish.We especially love the colorful tabletop décor boasting bright blooms and golden lanterns. Other gorgeous centerpieces included towering tree-like foliage with trunks fashioned from sleek golden pillars.
photographer: Nicodem Creative | planner: LOLA Event Productions | décor: Exquisite Designs | venue: The Morton Arboretum | mehndi art: Unnati’z Art
13. White and Green and Candle Gleam
photographer: Tracy Autem Photography
This tablescape of candle-lit lanterns, lush greenery, and white hydrangeas becomes even more beautiful with a canopy of suspended greenery. We love how gold-lit lanterns hang from the foliage and add additional light to this spacious event space with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
photographer: Tracy Autem Photography | planner: Sarabeth Events | décor: A Stylish Soiree | venue & caterer: The Ashton Depot Catering & Events | videographer: Thompson Pictures | entertainment: Downtown Fever | cake: Creme De La Creme | stationery: Paper Planet