20 Ways to Decorate the Aisle for an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Set the scene for a beautiful vow exchange on your big day with these oh-so-pretty outdoor wedding aisle decor ideas.

outdoor waterfront ceremony with reclaimed door at the start of the aisle decorated with flowers and vintage lanterns
Herrington on the Bay

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, chances are your wedding venue already has a good amount of natural beauty—but even the prettiest outdoor spaces can use a decorative boost sometimes. That’s where these outdoor wedding aisle decor ideas come in. Aside from your wedding arch or other ceremony backdrop, you can use aisle markers, floral arrangements, and other decorative accents to personalize your ceremony aisle and turn it into the outdoor space of your dreams. To get those creative wheels turning ahead of your wedding day, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite wedding aisle decoration ideas for a range of themes, seasons, and venue types. 

What are aisle markers? 

Whether you’re getting married indoors or outdoors, aisle markers are one of the most popular ways to enhance your ceremony space. Traditionally, aisle markers are small flower arrangements that are often accompanied by ribbons or candles. They’re placed along the entirety of the aisle at the inner end of each chair row (or pew if you’re getting married in a house of worship). Tying the aisle markers to chairs or pews with ribbons is the most common way to display aisle markers, but depending on the type of arrangement, they can also be suspended from shepherd’s hooks or placed directly on the floor. If you don’t want aisle markers running the entire length of the aisle, you can limit your ceremony decor to two aisle markers displayed at the aisle entrance. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Alternative aisle markers can include anything from paper cones filled with flower petals, to signage, fabric sashes, tree stumps, seashells, or vintage knickknacks. 

Outdoor Wedding Aisle Decor Ideas We Love

Now that you’ve brushed up on the basics, check out these ceremony decor ideas to start planning your own wedding aisle.    

outdoor wedding aisle decor with white pillar candles in glass and wooden lanterns along the aisle
Howe Farms Venue

Hurricane lanterns

This simple idea is the perfect option if you don’t want to distract from the views at your ceremony location. Use glass hurricane lanterns and candles (battery-powered ones are just as pretty if your venue doesn’t allow flames) to adorn the aisle in a chic, understated way.

rustic outdoor wedding aisle decor eucalyptus bundles and floating candles in glass vases on top of sliced tree stumps
Barnett Estates

Tree stumps

Play up a rustic wedding theme by using tree stumps to display flowers or fresh greenery, like these eucalyptus bunches. Floating candles and vintage lanterns are optional if you want to add an elegant farmhouse vibe.

outdoor wedding aisle decor pink sashes tied around chairs along the aisle
Tuscawilla Country Club

Ribbons on chairs

Sometimes, your outdoor wedding aisle decor can be as simple as tying ribbons or tulle sashes around the backs of chairs. Choose fabric in a hue that matches your color palette and contrasts with the chairs and the rest of the outdoor surroundings.

boho outdoor wedding aisle decor vintage geometric patterned rugs layered along the aisle
Christine Marie PhotoTwo Hands Floral

Vintage rugs

We’re obsessed with this idea if you’re having a boho wedding theme. Rent vintage rugs from a wedding decor vendor or source them from thrift stores, then layer them along your aisle for a truly one-of-a-kind look. Bonus: the rugs will make it easier to walk down a dirt path or grassy aisle!

romantic outdoor wedding aisle decor greenery bunch tied to folding chair with blush pink ribbon
B-Side Farm & Floral Design

Greenery bunches

For outdoor wedding aisle decor that’s quick and easy (without sacrificing style), you can tie bundles of fragrant eucalyptus to the sides of chairs using colorful ribbon.

formal outdoor wedding aisle decor custom aisle runner with hand-painted monogram and wedding crest
Custom Artistic Aisle Runners

Custom aisle runner

Looking for outdoor ceremony decor that will really wow your guests? Complete your aisle with a custom runner, like this hand-painted design featuring a monogrammed wedding crest.

rustic outdoor wedding aisle decor flower arrangements on top of wine barrels on both sides of the aisle
Kate Fióre Floral Design

Wine barrels

Wine barrels are just one of the ways you can display gorgeous floral arrangements at the entrance to the aisle. We’d suggest this idea if you’re having a fall wedding or getting married at a vineyard, naturally.

outdoor wedding aisle decor reserved seating signs with hydrangea and greenery aisle markers
Nadra PhotographyThe Inn on Peaks Island

Reserved seating signs

Designate VIP seats (for parents, grandparents, and other close relatives) at your ceremony with “reserved” signs placed on the first two rows of chairs. Complete the look with small jars of flowers and rose petals scattered along the aisle.

beach outdoor wedding aisle decor
Villa Montana Beach Resort

Playful banner

Want to keep it super simple? A playful banner stretched across the aisle is perfect for beach weddings and other ceremony locations where you may not have a lot of time to decorate.

fall outdoor wedding aisle decor pumpkins at the end of each row
The Summit Photography

Pumpkins

Bright orange pumpkins make a statement when you use them as aisle markers for a fall wedding or Halloween-themed wedding. If orange isn’t your color, you can still get seasonal with your decor by using white pumpkins instead.

classic outdoor wedding aisle idea white hydrangea flower arrangements in stone urns on top of pillars
The Bride’s Bouquet

Floral pillars

If you’re going for a classic approach with your outdoor wedding aisle decor, you can’t get more timeless than these white hydrangea arrangements showcased atop stone pillars. Display one on each side of the aisle to create a grand entrance.

romantic outdoor wedding aisle decor idea
Fairytale Floral

Planted aisle

This is one of our favorite ideas for a garden wedding theme or botanical venue. Your wedding florist will design arrangements that create a “planted” effect as they line the aisle, making it look like you’re walking through a garden of wildflowers and greenery.

boho outdoor wedding aisle decor idea greenery palm leaves along the sides of the aisle
Florist Fire

Tropical leaves

For a modern tropical aesthetic, all you need are fresh palm leaves or ferns. Cluster them at the foot of your wedding chairs to instantly spruce up a beach ceremony venue—or bring the island vibes to you no matter where you’re marrying.

romantic outdoor wedding aisle decor idea floral pomanders hanging on the sides of chairs down the aisle
World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum

Pomanders

Pomanders are floral spheres that are hung or carried with ribbons. They’ll add whimsy to your ceremony decor and can be repurposed for your wedding reception by hanging them on shepherd’s hooks or using them in your wedding centerpieces. Pomanders are also popular alternatives to flower girl bouquets, since the ribbon makes them much easier for tiny hands to carry.

glam outdoor wedding aisle decor ombre pink and red rose petals in swirled pattern down the aisle
Indian Wells Golf Resort

Ombré flower petals

This glam outdoor wedding aisle decor idea looks just as eye-catching in photos as it does in person. This ombré swirl starts out with dark red rose petals and gradually transitions to pastel pink for all the romantic vibes.

romantic outdoor wedding aisle decor idea floating candles in glass vases with ornamental cabbage flower arrangement
Laura Elizabeth Weddings

Floating candles

Having a sunset ceremony? Floating candles in glass cylinder vases will instantly set the mood.

outdoor wedding aisle decor idea wooden aisle markers with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 bible verse
Howe Farms Venue

Quote signs

Use wedding signs to decorate the aisle while also showcasing your favorite love quotes, like these bible verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

rustic outdoor wedding aisle decor barn doors at the start of the aisle with wagon wheels and barrels for display
Padgetts Farm

Barn door entryway

A set of reclaimed doors gives you the “pinch-me” moment of making a grand entrance at your ceremony venue. Plus, they’ll frame your wedding backdrop beautifully.

simple outdoor wedding aisle decor idea glass hobnail jar with white flowers and baby's breath displayed on small shepherd's hook
Double Eagle Resort and Spa

Mason jars

You can’t go wrong with glass jars of baby’s breath and white flowers for a summer wedding.

boho outdoor wedding aisle decor idea with pampas grass and greenery aisle markers
Root & Gather Events

Pampas grass

Love bohemian style? This decorative accent instantly gives your wedding flowers a laid-back, free-spirited look.