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Dreaming of a desert wedding? You’re not alone. Each year, tons of brides choose to tie the knot in this stunning setting.
Of course, it’s not like we’re surprised—there’s just something so magical about the desert, from the dramatic scenery to the eternal sunshine. Rain is also a rarity in the desert, so if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, you’re pretty much guaranteed it’ll go off without a hitch.
And we’d be remiss not to mention the assortment of plant species available—think cacti, succulents, and bright blooms. But just as diverse as the verdure itself are the several ways in which to utilize them in your wedding decor.
Scroll on for 12 ideas to infuse arid allure into your special day.
Custom Ceremony Arch
This couple exchanged vows underneath a foliage-clad arch at Le San Michele (a sought-after wedding venue). An homage to the West Texas landscape, this textural but purposeful design from Rosehip Flora relies heavily on king protea, rattlesnake ginger, strawflower, ginger foliage, desert yearning amaranthus, lisianthus, and bittersweet.
Photography: Sophie Epton Photography Venue: Le San Michele Planning And Design: Bird Dog Wedding Florals: Rosehip Flora Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals Hair And Makeup: Method Hair and Nisa Nicole Dress: Rue De Seine
Cactus Cake Topper
Desert Mountain in the Sonoran Desert served as the beautiful backdrop for this wedding, but the real showstopper—other than the bride, of course—was this two-tiered treat by Addiecakes, adorned with prickly pear cactus pads, desert paintbrush, and desert marigold.
Photography: Tamara Gruner Photography Venue: Desert Mountain Planning And Design: Metta Events Day Of Coordination: Sip And Twirl Cake: Addiecakes
Sunny Bridal Bouquet
Inspired by the hues of the “Grand Canyon State”—think sunny yellows, soft peaches, and muted greens—this beautiful bouquet designed by Table Tops Etc is brimming with fragrant gardenias, succulents, and roses.
Photography: Love And Light Photographs Venue: Royal Palms Resort And Spa Florals: Table Tops Etc. Invitations: Whitney Hermes
Nopales Escort Cards
Looking for a creative alternative to traditional escort cards? Consider prickly pear cactus pads—like these from RO & CO Events—displayed with dusty rose candles and scattered desert blooms.
Photography: Birds Of A Feather Photos Venue: The Inn At The Ruin Planning And Design: RO & CO Events Florals: Lavenders Flowers Rentals: Circa Rentals
Boutonniere
Get the groom in on the festive fun with a succulent boutonniere—like this one from Rosehip Flora, starring succulent rosettes and strawflower.
Photography: Sophie Epton Photography Venue: Le San Michele Planning And Design: Bird Dog Wedding Florals: Rosehip Flora
Drink Displays
Rather than having servers pass the libations, display them on a chic table—accented with a potted spider plant, bright ranunculus, and pincushion blooms. Position this near the entrance to cocktail hour, so that when guests walk by after the ceremony, they can grab a refreshing drink.
Photography: Tamara Gruner Photography Venue: Desert Mountain Planning And Design: Metta Events Day Of Coordination: Sip And Twirl Florals: Fiori Floral Design Cake: Addiecakes
Southwestern Tablescape
Long wooden tables and a garland-esque centerpiece—composed of king protea, bunny ears cacti, lisianthus, French marigolds, and potted succulents—give this tablescape a rustic (yet refined!) feel that complements the setting.
Photography: Jillian Rose Photography Venue: Korakia Palm Springs Planning And Design: Three Bunch Palms Productions Florals: Three Bunch Palms Productions
Wildflower Bridesmaid Bouquet
This vibrant, highly textural bouquet of orange pincushion protea, mokara orchids, and agonis looks gorgeous when set against the midnight blue Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dress.
Photography: Tamara Gruner Photography Venue: Desert Mountain Planning And Design: Metta Events Day Of Coordination: Sip And Twirl Florals: Fiori Floral Design
Succulent Aisle Decor
Looking to spruce up your ceremony? For this wedding at the Royal Palms Resort And Spa in Phoenix, Table Tops Etc. lined the aisles with tall urns filled with succulents and yellow roses.
Photography: Love And Light Photographs Venue: Royal Palms Resort And Spa Florals: Table Tops Etc.
Cacti-Clad Cocktail Tables
Give cocktail hour some Southwestern flair by decorating high top tables with an assortment of glass containers and pots displaying sand, blooms, and cacti.
Photography: Sophie Epton Photography Venue: Le San Michele Planning And Design: Bird Dog Wedding Florals: Rosehip Flora Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals
Clover Ceremony Seat-Savers
Saving seats for your closest of kin? Take a cue from this Ghost Ranch ceremony—Bows + Arrows created dwarf prairie clover and wildflower displays wrapped with emerald ribbon, and the name cards were by Blue Eye Brown Eye.
Photography: Heather Hawkins Venue: Ghost Ranch Planning And Design: Bows And Arrows Florals: Bows and Arrows Calligraphy And Signage: Blue Eye Brown Eye
Cacti Cupcakes
Technically, this dessert display doesn’t utilize actual stems—but these cute cacti cupcakes from Sweet Treets Bakery draw major inspiration from the desert’s most famous flora.
Photography: Feather And Twine Venue: The Greenhouse At Driftwood Planning And Design: Modern Whimsy Events Florals: Color Theory Collective Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery