Fall is an absolutely beautiful time of year to tie the knot, especially here in the South. All of the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and pictures, less bugs for outdoor ceremonies and receptions (yes, please!) and cooler temperatures mean more comfortable guests – you really can’t beat it!

From leaf-covered aisle decor to rustic fall wedding centerpieces, there are tons of amazing ways to incorporate the fall scenery into your wedding, no matter your budget. We’ve included gorgeous options for big budgets, and equally stunning ideas for those who want to DIY it or just want a more affordable option!

So if you are planning a beautiful fall wedding for your Southern nuptials, it’s time to get inspired! We have rounded up our absolute favorite Southern wedding ideas for the fall season to help you dream up your perfect day.

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Jump To:

Fall Wedding Ceremony Ideas
Fall Wedding Receptions
DIY Decor
Fall Wedding Color Palettes
Wedding Photography Ideas
Fall Honeymoon Destinations

Fall Wedding Ceremony Ideas

From the fall foliage-covered arches, to glimmering lights that set an autumn mood, there are so many ways to bring the beauty of fall into your wedding ceremony. Put together a lush, fall wedding arch as your ceremony backdrop, or spruce up your wedding ceremony aisle with pumpkins and lanterns for a fun fall look!

Arches & Backdrops

Cover your fall wedding arch in the most beautiful fall florals and foliage, and pepper baby’s breath & feathers throughout for an over-the-top boho feel at your ceremony.

Octagon arches are all the rage these days, and make it fall festive with maroon, cream, and burnt orange flowers – or whatever your colors are!

Feathery foliage mixed in with greens and pops of colorful roses make for a gorgeous and rustic arch for outdoor fall ceremonies.

Fall Aisle Decor

Love all of the pumpkin & gourds you see during fall? Line your aisle with multiple colored ones & candles for a romantic and fall-feeling ceremony space.

Fill your ceremony space with candlelit romance with gorgeous lanterns and subtle fall foliage.

Pair an elegant aisle runner with colorful fall leaves sprinkled along the sides. Tie satin ribbons that match your wedding colors, with more leaves in bouquets on the ends of chairs in each row.

Other Cute Ideas

Marry rustic barrels with extravagant fall-colored floral arrangements for a chic ceremony entrance. And don’t forget the custom signage!

Make your autumn wedding boho-fabulous with an aisle of antique or moroccan-vibe rugs. It’s an easy way to make your ceremony space feel intimate and cozy, even if you’re outside!

Decorate the last row of your ceremony space with wooden boxes, antique vases, and florals that match your bouquets for a rustic yet elegant look.

Fall Wedding Receptions

After the “I do’s” have been said, it’s time to celebrate with delicious fall inspired dishes and stunning table decor. With colder fall temperatures, it’s likely your reception will be inside. Make it feel extra cozy and celebratory with string lights and chandeliers, and warm tablescapes featuring fall squash and candles.

Centerpieces & Dining Table Decor

Keep it simple with elegant napkins that match your color scheme, and earthy greens with pops of candlelight in the center.

Does your reception have long family-style tables instead of rounds? This long runner filled with gourds, colorful fall leaves, tea lights and large candles, is so rustic and warm, while still being elegant. Your guests will love it!

Blend the warmth of fall colors with trendy, contemporary 3D octagon pieces for an unbelievably unique and gorgeous centerpiece idea.

Gift & Dessert Table Ideas

Elegant white desserts with maroon pops of color, greenery, and metallic accents make for a gorgeous and sophisticated dessert table.

Turn your dessert and/or snacking area into a fabulous feast! Decadent food options paired with the rustic warmth of a wooden table, greenery, and tall stick candles is elegant and makes all that food look extra delicious.

Accent your gift table with an antique photo frame, and greenery with florals that match your centerpieces to create a cohesive and trendy look.

Other Unique Fall Wedding Ideas

Make your head table stand out with rich colors, antique candleholders, and of course, stately velvet chairs for you & the groom.

Lead your guests to their table with cute pine cones dusted in gold with individual cards. This is also a great idea for winter weddings!

Donut walls aren’t the newest idea when it comes to designing a trendy wedding, but punch up the fall feel with decorative foliage & seasonal flavors. Don’t forget a pumpkin spice donut!

Light up your outdoor reception or ceremony space with timber towers of candlelit light. It’s warm, unique, and dazzling.

DIY Decor

For brides looking for a more affordable option for fall elegance, or brides that just love to get crafty, this section is for you! These DIY decor ideas are simple, stunning, and just what your fall wedding needs to be both sophisticated and seasonally fitting.

Help guests stay cozy while you say “I do!” with warm & snuggly blankets and hand warmers. Ceremony guests will appreciate the extra thought you put into making sure they’re comfortable.

This card box idea is so fun for fall! Paint a pumpkin in a beautiful bridal white and use a gold pen to draw out the wording. If you struggle with penmanship, there are stickers and stencils you can find online to help you out!

Does your venue have a fire pit? This adorable S’more kit idea is so perfect for a cocktail hour or as the night winds down, or even as a party favor! Pack your own snack kits and grab a custom tag to make it even more special here.

Fall Wedding Color Palettes

Get inspired by these gorgeous fall wedding color palettes to help you plan your dream day! Figuring out the colors and general feel you want to have for your wedding will do wonders for future decisions that need to be made: decor, bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, cake design, and even venue.

This dreamy color palette incorporates the warmth of sunset orange and maroon tones. It all works together to create a natural and warm feel.

Rust, beige, and sage green combine to create a boho chic wedding straight out of a storybook. This color combination is perfect for outdoor weddings in the fall.

Dark teal, red, and wine is a gorgeous color palette for brides that are looking for a more dramatic look. It feels warm and very autumn-y, while still providing beautiful contrast.

This mauve & grey combination is straight out of a fairytale. A light pop of soft yellow keeps the palette warm and adds a little bit of visual interest. This is a less common palette but is undeniably gorgeous!

Wedding Photography Ideas

Fall also provides a ton of new ideas for those all important pictures on your wedding day! From fun leaf-covered backdrops, to dramatic misty shots, these photo ideas are sure to help you (and your photographer) get creative when it comes to your wedding day photos!

Showcase bright and colorful florals with an up close & personal kissing shot.

Let majestic woodlands create a fairytale backdrop for your couple’s portraits.

Throwing colorful fall leaves in the air adds flair to a beautiful wedding picture.

Light up your dusk wedding photos with gorgeous bistro lights wrapped around a tree branch.

Fall Honeymoon Destinations

The fall fun doesn’t have to end when your wedding does! Fall is the perfect time to travel – whether it’s to see the colorful leaf-scapes that make fall feel extra special, or to a relaxing beach destination. Here we’ve gathered some of the hottest honeymoon spots during fall, no matter your honeymoon style!

Vermont

Get cozy at a Bed & Breakfast in Vermont during the most beautiful time of year. Filled with rich, colorful forests, misty hills, and winding roads, you’ll feel like you stepped into a painting. Spend your days exploring the fall foliage and evenings cozied up to a fire with a glass of wine.

Boston

Known for its rich history, lovely leaf-peeping season, and tons of charm, Boston is an often overlooked honeymoon spot. Cobblestone streets, cozy pubs, and old-world architecture make this bustling city, feel ever-so romantic during the fall, and a great place to do a full honeymoon or even a mini-moon!

Aruba

Dreaming of a beach getaway? Then look no further than the crystal clear waters and white sandy shorelines of Aruba.

Turks & Caicos

A very popular vacation spot for Southerners, especially during the fall, Turks & Caicos is gorgeous this time of year. If swaying palm trees, steel drum music, and fruity cocktails sound like your dream honeymoon, this is a great option for you!

Cancun

Another beautiful beach destination, Cancun is always a popular honeymoon and travel spot for couples that want to get away. There are also loads of options that range from affordable to down right luxurious, making it the right move for any honeymoon budget.

Destin, Florida

This gorgeous Florida beach town is another hot spot for Southerners looking to vacation or honeymoon. And for those who want to stay stateside and live their best beach life, it’s the perfect scenario!