Altar ideas for Outdoor Wedding by the river

MichelleUT04

I am getting married by a tree-lined river bank which is very picturesque. I am having trouble thinking of an altar idea that would not block out the beauty of the background but still establish some sort of "space"  where we get married. I love the idea of hanging things between trees but the trees are 10 to 15 ft  back from the spot we're getting married at and as they are thick tree trunks with high branches it makes it a little difficult to do that.

Originally, I wasn't going to have anything but when I look at other pics of brides that have done that the space looks a little empty. The metal altars that you can rent can look a bit cheesy and honestly I'm just looking for something different. Does anyone have any ideas or seen any pictures or sites that have different ideas. Pinterest has been my friend but so far I'm seeing a lot of the same thing over and over. Thanks in advance for your help!

lyndausvi

I wouldn't do anything.

bunni727

Maybe a couple of potted plants. like hydrangeas or topiaries, could define your space. If you are having a unity candle/sand/wine ceremony, the table for it would help define the space. A music stand or podium could work, too.


We picked a tree to get married under, hung some mason jar lanterns from it, added a table for our unity candle and called it a day. It won't look as empty when everyone is up there.

winelover123

We're putting up a thin arch and hanging sparkly, gold ornaments from it for behind us to help define the space. Other than that and possibly some potted plants, that's it. Maybe that's something that will work with your space.

AddieCake

I vote for an arch or the potted plants like Bunni suggested. One of my bridesmaids got married beside the river and used an arch. It looked really nice. 

NOLAbridealmost

I like the ideas other PP's suggested.  You could also sprinkle rose petals in the area where you plan to have the ceremony just in front of the chairs.

But I would assume that a bunch of chairs with an aisle down the middle will be pretty good at "designating" the space.

Gotta have chairs, btw, just in case you weren't planning to have any.

LAM524

I have the same thoughts. Our ceremony is at a resort and the ceremony will take place in the courtyard with the "alter" being in front of a fountain. The fountain isnt very high. So just today I was looking at randon wedding photos and found a beautiful idea. They had a simple wooden arch..actually it was a "box"...4 posts and ran wood on top from post to post (I know Im killing it with my description) and then they hung organza down the front posts..so officiant was standing within this "box" where they also had their unity candle on a small table and bride n groom stood between the from posts and flowing organza! They also hung "inside" the box...some crystals. Hope this helps. It looked beautiful and didnt take away from their background...it actually enhanced it. Good luck and congrats!