50 Decadent Ceilings That'll Blow Your Guests Away
It’s easy to get lost in planning the tablescapes, seating, or dance floor, but that’s not to say the space above is any less important! The ceiling of your reception or ceremony is a blank canvas; whether adorned with lush florals, radiant lighting, billowing fabric, or piece of statement décor, a carefully styled ceiling will transform and elevate your venue. These gorgeous ceilings will show you how it’s done.
By: Hillary Hoffower
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Gobo Lighting -164865
Gobo lighting and uplighting work to create a midnight dream, complete with an inky violet sky and illuminating stars.
Photo Credit: Gruber Photographers
Ribbon Charm
Vivid ribbon in peach, pink, and sky blue hues liven up this reception pavilion. Who wouldn’t want to party under a ceiling like this?
Photo Credit: Maria Mack Photography
Flower Garlands
It’s raining gerber daisies — at least that’s what it looks like with these beautiful garland suspensions.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lloyd
Light Bulbs
This overhang of wired light bulbs resembles an art installation, emitting a contemporary vibe.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
Starry Night
Welcome to Morocco. From the floor of the opulent lounge seating and elaborate rugs to the ceiling of gold Moroccan lanterns and a projected starry night, this rich reception tent is a whole other world.
Photo Credit: Raj Tents
Streamers
Suspended crowns of fairy lights and streamers in a soft palette are pastel perfection.
Photo Credit: Anne-Claire Brun
Leaves
Strings of gold leaves add a touch of glam to any fall wedding.
Photo Credit: Brklyn View Photography
Rustic Chandeliers
Two statement chandeliers made of branches entwined with string lighting bring nature indoors for a rustic and elegant feel.
Photo Credit: ChelseaMorgan Photography
Potted Plants
Suspended pots of luscious blooms burst with hot pink and flaming orange colors for a quaint and charming look.
Photo Credit: Rebekah J. Murray Photography
Pendant Chandeliers
Man-made meets Mother Nature in this combination of silver pendant chandeliers, tufts of ferns, and vibrant blooms.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
Paper Décor
Strung pieces of paper in a blush and neutral color scheme create a modern light and airy romantic vibe.
Photo Credit: Jenn Emerling Weddings
Organic Elements
Illuminated balls of twine and a wooden chandelier pop with blue and rich berry tones, lending an organic feel with a touch of whimsy.
Photo Credit: BL Photographs
Open Roof
Translucent white draping runs from the walls to the roof of the tent in a cohesive look. Ideal for an outdoor wedding, this open style provides a beautiful ceiling while still allowing guests to enjoy the wind’s breeze.
Photo Credit: True Photography
Nature Details
Branches entwined in twinkle lights and married with crystal beans and votives mix rustic and glamour vibes.
Photo Credit: Jeff Loves Jessica
Moravian Stars
This Moravian Star light installation offers a sparkling and unique touch that’s both whimsical and a bit vintage.
Photo Credit: Lauren Fair Photography
Gold Stars
There’s nothing more romantic than dancing under the stars.
Photo Credit: Samuel Lippke Studios
Vintage Chandelier
A vintage chandelier with wrought iron fixtures dazzles against rich purple uplighting.
Photo Credit: Mark Malijan
Variety of Lights
Lanterns, bulbs, and a mason jar chandelier mix and match to create a fiesta of light in a rustic barn.
Photo Credit: Audra Wrisley Photography
Uplighting
A ceiling like this needs no décor — only a bit of lighting effects. Soft gold and purple uplighting accentuates dramatic arches.
Photo Credit: Pedro Vilela
Sheer Panels
This grandeur reception combines swooping navy blue sheer panels, a damask patterned Gobo lighting, and dazzling chandeliers to create a ceiling stunning in splendor.
Photo Credit: Kent Drake Photography
Striped Ceiling
A red and white striped roof and balloon centerpieces take inspiration from circus fun.
Photo Credit: Kat Forsyth
Pom Poms
White draped fabric mimics the classiness of the dining era, while dangling tissue paper pom-poms beckon everyone to the dance floor for some fun.
Photo Credit: Nina-Photo
Paper Lanterns
Purple lanterns in shades of lavender, lilac, and orchid add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral palette.
Photo Credit: Mark Tattersall
Mossy Chandelier
A large chandelier topped with moss and white florals takes its cue from an ethereal woodland.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
Modern Design
At a glance, this sleek and industrial light fixture resembles shooting stars, providing a design that’s minimalistic while still drawing the eye to the center of the tent.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa Photography
Stringed Lighting
A draping of stringed lights allows this tent’s roof to twinkle in a sea of light.
Photo Credit: Adam Barnes Photography
Floral Extravagance
This tent is fit for a princess, from decadent pink uplighting to lavish clusters of rose, complete with strings of crystal and chandeliers.
Photo Credit: Samuel Lippke Studios
Floral Tray
A hanging tray of overspilling wildflowers, complemented by an affectionate sign, perfectly accents any ceiling.
Photo Credit: Chaz Cruz
Floral Frame
A lush runner of flowers at the edge of a billowing white canopy, complete with two elegant crystal chandeliers, romanticizes this table setting and frames picturesque views of the sea and mountains.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
Eclectic Chandelier
Innovative and eclectic, these upside down crates teaming with greenery, white florals, and incandescent light reimagine the blank canvas of a warehouse ceiling.
Photo Credit: Viera Photographics
Draping
Classic white draping is a no fail option for achieving a timeless look, like this linen spawning from the candle chandelier to the edge of the ceilings.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Gomes Photography
Decadent Florals
Who wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle underneath a breathtaking ceiling like this? A shower of blush florals transforms this ceremony into a romantic vision.
Photo Credit: Andrew Bayda
Chic Outdoors
Cascading drapes, delicate chandeliers, and suspended bouquets of blooms and greens are nothing but chic.
Photo Credit: KT Merry Photography
Bunting
This colorful bunting’s playful mix of patterns dresses up a plain white tent roof.
Photo Credit: Benjamin and Elise
Balloons
White balloons are a beautiful and affordable way to dress up the space above; their rubbery texture adds a shimmer and their strings a whimsical touch.
Photo Credit: Beatrici Photography
Beaded Chandeliers
Single beaded chandeliers shine bright when the rest of the lights go down, resulting in a magical ambiance.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lloyd
Canopy of Lights
A glittering canopy of fairy lights meet at one stylishly copper chandelier, together creating the perfect glow for a dance floor and shining like magic against a dusky sky.
Photo Credit: Concept Photography
Earthy Elements
White spherical lanterns, evergreen and goldenrod ribbons, and string lighting crisscross across wooden rafters, rounding out the venue’s earthy elements.
Photo Credit: Taylor Roades Weddings
Edison Bulbs
Just because you don’t have a ceiling doesn’t mean you can’t create one. An awning of Edison bulbs rounds out the modern feel of this classy reception.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
Fabric
Fabric weaved in and out of rafters creates a luxuriously billowing look.
Photo Credit: First Mate Photography
Greenery
A lush greenery chandelier brings romantically woodsy vibes.
Photo Credit: Erin Jean Photography
Golden Glow
Tawny fabric sweeps extravagantly across the ceiling, combining with suspended industrial lights to bathe the reception in a golden glow.
Photo Credit: The Why We Love
Floral Wreath
An oversized floral wreath of roses creates the perfect spotlight for bride and groom to share their first dance.
Photo Credit: Ira Lippke Studios
Geometric Lanterns
Geometric-shaped lanterns are both modern and romantic, merging abstract with nature in this set-up.
Photo Credit: Samm Blake of The Wedding Artists Collective
Floral Arch
A summery floral arch creates a vibrant ceiling for this wedding brunch.
Photo Credit: Tree of Life Films & Photography
Amber Lanterns
Cylindrical lanterns cast a soft, amber glow over this reception space, illuminating the ceiling’s centerpiece of fauna and creating a romantic mood.
Photo Credit: Studio Impressions
Dangling Blooms
A festival of florals from above commands the room’s attention, adding a splash of color to an all white affair.
Photo Credit: Jasmine Jade Photography
Eccentric Fun
A monochromatic marquee, colorful streamers, and rainbow of lanterns create a quirky feast for the eyes.
Photo Credit: Blooming Photography
Macramé Chandeliers
Macramé chandeliers are a little bit southwest and little bit boho, the perfect choice for the free-spirited couple.
Photo Credit: Geoff Duncan