There’s something about candlelight that instantly makes a wedding feel more intimate and more luxurious. Whether you’re planning a black-tie ballroom celebration or a backyard micro-wedding, candles have the power to transform even the simplest tables into something unforgettable.

From glowing tapers to floating candles to versatile votives, candlelit wedding table decor has become one of the most searched-for wedding styling trends — and for good reason. It’s romantic, endlessly customizable and accessible, and works beautifully across every wedding aesthetic.

Below, we're sharing some of the most beautiful ways our featured real wedding couples have used candles to style their wedding tables, plus practical tips for pulling off the look with confidence and answering the inevitable question: 'What do I do with the candles after the wedding!?' We've got you covered!


Photo: Chantel Cruz Photography // see more from this Virginia winery wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Why Candlelit Wedding Tables Are So Popular

Couples today aren't just decorating — they're curating a mood. Accessible for all budgets and perfect for all wedding styles, candlelit wedding table decor creates:

• A warm, flattering glow for guests and photos
• A sense of intimacy, even in large rooms
• A high-end, editorial look without needing an abundance of florals (unless you want them!)

And because candles pair so naturally with paper goods, signage, and place settings, they're a dream for couples who want to layer in thoughtful details without overwhelming the table, especially when table space might be limited.


Photo: Sarah D'Ambra Photography // see more from this boho tropical wedding inspo on Tidewater and Tulle

Can I Use Real Candles at My Wedding?

Before you fall in love with a candle-heavy design, it's important to check your venue's rules for any real flame candles. Real flame definitely is more affordable in bulk than LED, but open flames may or may not be allowed at your venue due to their insurance policies or safety regulations.

If your venue doesn't allow open flame, LED candles are a beautiful alternative. And in photos, they're nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. You might even be able to rent them from your wedding planner or your florist! Look for LEDs that have a flickering, soft yellow glow for the most realistic faux flame.

If open flame is an option, venues tend to allow:
• Enclosed floating candles
• Tapers and pillars in hurricane glass
• Tealight and votive candles in decorative holders

For tight spaces or larger weddings where elbows can be bumped or glasses spilled, the idea is that the real flame candles are safely protected for not just the venue, but also for you and your guests.


Photo: Marshall Arts Photography // see more from this dusty blue coastal wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Taper Candle Wedding Table Decor

Tall and elegant, taper candles are the most versatile choice for romantic wedding tables. They take up less space, come in a range of colors, and are easy to purchase or rent in bulk. Whether styled in modern brass holders, vintage glass, or mixed metallics, they add height, rhythm, and visual movement to a tablescape.

Taper candles work especially well:
✦ Down long banquet tables
✦ In clusters of varying heights
✦ Mixed with low floral arrangements


Photo: J St. Clair Photography // see more from this colorful pearl inspired wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Floating Candle Centerpieces

Floating candles are a favorite for couples who want maximum glow with minimal fuss. When grouped in clear cylinders or glass bowls, they create a clean, modern look that feels both elegant and airy. They especially are gorgeous when creating height diversity on your table.

We see these types of candles used a lot in:
• Modern and minimalist weddings
• Ballroom and hotel receptions
• Tables where guests need unobstructed sightlines
• Tall centerpieces that need a visual anchor to the table


Photo: Alex C Tenser // see more from this fall winery wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Votive Candle Table Details

Votive candles are the secret weapon of candlelit wedding tables. Small but mighty, they add layers of warm glow that make everything around them — florals, place cards, menus, even glassware — look softer and more romantic.

Because they’re compact, votives are perfect for:
✦ Filling in gaps between floral arrangements
✦ Highlighting place settings and table numbers
✦ Creating that twinkling, "lit-from-within" look across long tables in photos

They also give you tons of flexibility and are available in bulk most anywhere online or in-store. Clear or frosted glass feels timeless, mercury or etched holders add vintage charm, and modern ribbed or colored votives bring a fresh, contemporary edge. Scattered generously across each table, votive candles can create depth and sparkle without blocking guests’ views or overwhelming the the total tablescape design.


Photo: Kylie Hinson Photography // see more from this modern rustic barn wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Pillar Candle Centerpieces

Pillar candles are another beautiful way to create statement centerpieces while still keeping things warm and romantic. Their thicker, taller shape makes them feel grounded and intentional — perfect for couples who want a cozy, elevated look without relying on floral arrangements to set the mood.

Styled in clusters of varying heights, pillar candles work especially well:
• On round tables where you want a strong, balanced visual anchor
• In minimalist or modern weddings
• Paired with low greenery or floral accents

Whether displayed in clear hurricanes, ceramic holders, or directly on trays or runners, pillar candles bring a soft, glowing presence that feels both dramatic and inviting. They’re also a great height option for venues that require enclosed flames, making them one of the most versatile candle styles for wedding table decor.

Pillars are available in various widths and heights, and some of the most common sizes are 3" wide and 4-6" tall. But like with all wedding details, you will find a range depending on where you get them from!


Photo: Elizabeth Cecil // see more from this charming summer wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Mixing Candles with Florals and Table Details

We're admittedly flower people around here, so we have a soft spot for beautiful candlelit wedding tables that include florals! From wooden box centerpieces to brass table candelabras, couples love to bring in candles to complement their floral centerpieces.

Taper candles and votives especially are great for low or small centerpieces where the candles aren't the spotlight – the tablescape as a whole is.


Photo: Brittany Lowe Photography // see more from this timeless neutral-colored wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

You Don’t Have to Buy It All

One of the biggest myths about candlelit wedding decor is that you have to DIY or purchase everything yourself. In reality, many wedding planners, florists, and event rental companies carry large inventories of candle holders, hurricanes, tapers, and candelabras that you can rent. This lets you get a luxe, layered look without the storage, setup stress, or post-wedding clutter.

For the candles themselves, you'll also find these sometimes come from your vendors, and other times, you may need to purchase the style and color you're envisioning from online.


Photo: Carly Romeo and Co // see more from this modern tropical wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

What to Do with Your Candles After the Wedding

One of the best parts about investing in beautiful candles for your tables is that they don't have to disappear once the last dance ends. With a little creativity, your wedding candles can become lasting keepsakes or functional decor in your home.

Here are a few ideas for upcycling wedding candles:

➤ Resell or donate: Any leftover unused (or even used) candles can easily be sold in an online marketplace or donated to a local non-profit. Engaged couples are always looking for ways to save money for a wedding so give them a second life for another celebration!

➤ Melt and Remake: Gather leftover taper or votive candles and melt them down to create a single, larger candle for your living room or dining table. You can even pour them into a decorative heat-safe glass vessel to preserve the glow and sentiment of your big day.

➤ Layered Candles: Combine leftover pieces of different colors or scents into a layered candle for a unique, custom look that reminds you of your wedding palette. We even have a DIY Caramel Latte Soy Candle recipe you might like to try!

➤ Memory Candle: Add dried flower petals, small charms, or wedding keepsakes to your melted candles to create a decorative memory candle. This can serve as a sentimental display for your first anniversary or as a cozy reminder of the day.

Even if you rented some candles for the wedding, upcycling the ones you purchased gives your home a little piece of your wedding magic and keeps those candlelit memories alive for years to come.


Photo: Kasey Powell Weddings // see more from this beachy boho wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

Looking for even more photo inspo of wedding candles? Head over to our Candlelit Wedding Table Decor Pinterest board!

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Wedding DIY Expert

A former wedding photographer, the founder of Tidewater and Tulle, and author of Cricut Weddings, Chelsea Barton has been helping couples bring their dream weddings to life through creative, approachable ideas since 2009. Her insight and work have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Living, and other top publications around the world. She combines editorial expertise and real-world insight to inspire meaningful celebrations.

Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.