10+ Unique Ways to Level Up Your Wedding Altar

From exchanging vows and rings to your first kiss as a married couple, the ceremony is undoubtedly the most important part of the wedding day—and, therefore, one of the most photographed. With that in mind, your ceremony marker should be carefully considered; no matter your culture, religion, or denomination, this is a site that symbolizes the unity of two people, and two families, coming together.

While religious ceremonies have specific structural or design requirements—from a Jewish chuppah to an Indian mandap, or the set up of a Persian sofreh—the center of the ceremony is one more place where you can get creative with the help of your planner, designer, and florist. Choose a look that best suits your chosen venue and ceremony space, whether your altar includes a wedding arch, is set in a church or temple, or needs barely any adornments at all, With couples now reflecting on what means the most to them as they plan weddings in a mid-pandemic world, the ceremony marker sets the tone of the type of ceremony and celebration you're hosting, and brings attention to what matters most: the milestone of your commitment to one another. From wow-worthy floral installations to simple structures, we've rounded up our favorite wedding altar ideas to inspire your upcoming ceremony.