Why Fall Weddings Hit Different
Fall weddings have this incredible warmth to them. I remember shooting my first autumn ceremony in a converted barn in Vermont – the golden light filtering through the wooden slats, illuminating deep burgundies and burnt oranges against rustic textures. It was a photographer’s dream!
The popularity of fall weddings isn’t just about pretty leaves. There are practical benefits too:
- More comfortable temperatures than summer weddings
- Less competition for venues (and often better pricing)
- Nature provides half your decoration work already
- The cozy atmosphere creates an intimate feel automatically
- Rich, saturated colors photograph beautifully
Essential Planning: Time and Budget Considerations
Photography time needed: You’ll want 2-4 hours dedicated to capturing decorations alone, depending on complexity. Trust me, you don’t want to rush this part.
Styling time: Factor in 2-3 hours minimum for arrangement and tweaking decorations before photos.
Total content creation: Between setup, photography, and editing, budget 6-10 hours.
Budget range:
- DIY decorations using natural elements: $500-1,000
- Mid-range with some professional elements: $1,500-3,000
- Full professional styling: $3,000-5,000+
Pro tip: For budget-conscious couples, nature provides free decor! I’ve seen gorgeous weddings where couples collected fallen leaves, pinecones, and branches to create stunning arrangements that didn’t cost a dime.
Defining Your Fall Wedding Style
Rustic Autumn
Think wooden elements, burlap table runners, mason jars filled with wildflowers, and pumpkins of various sizes. This style works particularly well in barn venues or outdoor settings.
Luxe Fall
This approach incorporates metallic elements (especially gold and copper), velvet textures, and jewel tones like emerald and sapphire alongside traditional autumn hues. Perfect for more formal venues.
Halloween-Inspired
For couples who love the spooky season! This can range from subtle nods with black candles and gothic elements to full-on themed decor with elegant skull motifs and dramatic dark florals.
Harvest Abundance
Celebrates the bounty of fall with fruit displays, wheat sheaves, cornucopias, and vegetable elements incorporated into floral arrangements.
Capturing the Perfect Fall Wedding Decor
Lighting is Everything
Fall’s golden hour is truly magical, but it comes earlier than summer’s. I always:
- Plan outdoor decoration shots for late afternoon when the sun is lower
- Bring portable lighting for detail shots if natural light is limited
- Use reflectors to bounce warm light onto tablescape details
- Incorporate candles and string lights into decoration setups for atmosphere
Essential Equipment
- Camera with good low-light capabilities (fall venues often have dimmer lighting)
- 50mm lens for detail shots
- Wide-angle lens for venue and overall decoration captures
- Tripod (especially important for those gorgeous twilight shots)
- Reflector to enhance natural light
- Basic editing software (Lightroom and Photoshop)
Creating Stunning Fall Tablescapes
Layering Textures
Fall is all about coziness, which comes from texture variety:
- Start with a base linen in a neutral tone
- Add a textured runner (think burlap, velvet, or even autumn leaves)
- Layer plates of different materials (wood chargers under ceramic plates)
- Include fabric napkins in complementary colors
- Add glass elements to catch and reflect candlelight
Centerpiece Ideas That Pop
Traditional floral arrangements:
- Dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers create stunning focal points
- Incorporate berries, seed pods, and foliage for texture
- Use deeper vessels in copper, brass, or wood tones
Non-floral options:
- Hollowed pumpkins filled with succulents or candles
- Artfully arranged fruit displays with figs, pears, and pomegranates
- Collections of varied-height pillar candles surrounded by fall foliage
- Lanterns with battery-operated candles for safety
Capturing Table Details
- Start with a wide establishing shot showing the entire arrangement
- Move in closer for medium shots of centerpieces
- Capture macro details of individual elements
- Shoot from multiple angles (eye level, slightly above, and occasionally from below)
- Include human elements occasionally (hands reaching for glasses, etc.)
Ceremony Spaces That Wow
Arch and Altar Decoration Ideas
- Asymmetrical floral installations with cascading fall foliage
- Wooden arches decorated with fabric draping and strategic floral clusters
- Suspended installations above the ceremony space
- Pumpkin and lantern lined aisles
- Leaf “carpets” created with preserved fall leaves
Photography tip: Capture the ceremony space before guests arrive, during the ceremony (with the couple framed by decorations), and if possible, during golden hour for that magical glow.
Creating Pinterest-Worthy Photos
Composition Rules That Work
- Use the rule of thirds for balanced, appealing images
- Include negative space to let decorations “breathe”
- Create depth by including foreground, middle ground, and background elements
- Look for natural framing opportunities (doorways, branches, etc.)
- Pay attention to leading lines that draw the eye to focal points
Editing for Fall Vibes
- Enhance the warmth without going overboard
- Slightly boost oranges and reds for that autumn feel
- Maintain skin tone accuracy if people are
