50 Stunning Receptions That'll Make You Swoon

Ceremonies may have all the tender moments, but receptions have all the fun — and amazing décor. While nuptials provide a hint at what's to come in regards to wedding style, the reception is really where your vision comes to life. From industrial venues and Tuscan-inspired settings to botanical beauty and vibrant details, we've rounded up some of the most breathtaking reception areas to get you inspired. Trust us — we could spend all day looking at them, and you will, too.

By: Hillary Hoffower

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Enchanted Barn -173881

A rustic forest-inspired look in a stone barn has an utterly enchanting effect.

Photo Credit: Kikitography
Vibrant Whimsy
Colorful and whimsical, this campside barnyard wedding is full of charm, complete with fairy lights, an Edison bulb chandelier, and pop of turquoise.
Photo Credit: Jamie Mercurio Photography
Natural Minimalism
A clear tent helps bring the outdoors indoors with a light and airy feel. Crystal chandeliers and gauzy fabric cascading across the ceiling infuse a bit of elegance.
Photo Credit: Brittany Mahood
Botanical Goodness
Floor-to-ceiling plants are enough to fulfill any bride's botanical dreams. A venue overflowing with greenery makes a subtly beautiful statement.
Photo Credit: Free the Bird
European Luxe
An intimate al fresco reception in a picturesque setting takes on European luxe, with foliage inspired by the country’s taste for terraces and gardens. Dripping greenery with hanging pendants makes for a dreamy overhang.
Photo Credit: Jessica Claire Photography
Warm and Cozy
Copper accents, glowing candles, and an eccentric chandelier bring some cozy warmth to this industrial reception space.
Photo Credit: Danfredo Photos + Films
Fit For a Queen
Grand, lavish, opulent — this gold space is fit for a princess bride. Ornate details channel romance and Marie Antoinette vibes.
Photo Credit: Ashley Ludaescher / Wedding Planner: A Very Beloved Wedding
Simple Beauty
A minimalist reception area with white linens and simple centerpieces magnifies the decadence of the surrounding outdoors.
Photo Credit: Lauren Peele Photography
Just Beachy
It doesn't take much to enhance the natural beauty of the beach — mix-and-match wooden chairs and tables and string lighting are all you need.
Photo Credit: Tec Petaja Photography
Island Dreams
Seriously, what's dreamier than a Bali cliffside reception? Geometric lanterns, lush greenery, and soft florals are the perfect complement to such a stunning setting.
Photo Credit: Samm Blake Weddings
Castle Magic
This magically glam reception area is full of bewitching details, taking some non-cliché inspiration from the Harry Potter series. Stone castle walls and overgrown botanicals are a dream backdrop to the moody romance laid out before it.
Photo Credit: Nirav Patel / Event Planning + Design: Crosby + Jon / Venue: Hollywood Castle / Rentals: Archive Rentals
Desert Inspired
Exposed stones, succulent plants, and cactus accents combine against a white stucco venue for some desert feels.
Photo Credit: Raquel Benito
Charming Garden
A ceiling of thick foliage and twinkle lights has an alluring effect over neutral reception tables for some garden glam.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Futuristic Fairytale
This surreal wedding reception of grays, pinks, and metallics transports one to another world, with modern, almost futuristic décor and one dramatic ceiling chandelier.
Photo Credit: Konstantin Semenikhin
Boho Barn
Wooden rafters and a macramé backdrop have a bohemian rustic feel for a low-key reception. We love a U-shaped table layout, which makes this barn feel more open.
Photo Credit: Rivkah Fine Art
Bright and Colorful
Vivid jewel tones and surrounding lush greenery make for a reception that is bright, bold, and beautiful.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Lindbergh Photography
Modern Minimalism
Modern minimalism looks beautiful in the stark contrast of white details and dark wood, creating an intimate environment with a dinner-party style.
Photo Credit: Karra Leigh Photography
Elegant Barn
Gauzy linens and sparkling chandeliers bring a dash of glamour to a classic rustic barn setting with wooden details and baby's breath.
Photo Credit: Meredith Sledge Photography
Ranch Style
Spanish-style décor adds complementary beauty to an outdoor ranch reception. Rich colors of cobalt, fuchsia, sapphire, and gold bring dramatic details and luxe romance.
Photo Credit: RebeccaMarie Photography
Industrial Vibes
An industrial factory setting gives this reception space a unique spin with brick walls and pillars. Its raw, weathered feel is cleverly juxtaposed with white tables and bold accents.
Photo Credit: Carla Penoncelli
Rustic Glam
A mesmerizing canopy of twinkling lights makes a statement in this rustic glam reception, setting a romantic ambiance while allowing the stars to shine through.
Photo Credit: Diktat Photography
Neutral and Natural
Whites, creams, and greens create a neutral color palette inspired by nature for a stunning reception that looks out at the bliss of the sea.
Photo Credit: Elias Kordelakos / Wedding Planner: The12Events
Eclectic Feel
Mismatched chairs add a punch of color and personality for an eclectic vibe.
Photo Credit: EPlove Photography
Earthy Ambiance
Natural textures and earthy vibes combine for a rustically bohemian setting with a hint of glam. Dark woods, gilded accents, foliage, and an amber glow are completely swoonworthy.
Photo Credit: B. Matthews Creative / Wedding Planner: Ninth and Everett / Venue: Meadow Hill Farm
Tuscan Style
Beautiful long tables decorated in simplicity with green and gold, set against a villa backdrop, fulfills every Tuscan dream.
Photo Credit: Nastja Kovacec
Chic and Sophisticated
Gold accents and towering centerpieces of lush greenery set the tone for a chic, modern, and sophisticated wedding.
Photo Credit: Lara Hotz
Charming Al Fresco
Full of hillside charm, this reception is rich in simplicity. Centerpieces of fresh florals are all these round tables need to perk up.
Photo Credit: Jesse Leake Photography
Vintage Flair
A tented reception has a backyard garden feel coupled with vintage vibes, thanks to a blend of greenery, trunk suitcases, and old-fashioned photobooth.
Photo Credit: All Grown Up Weddings
Summer Solstice
This whimsical outdoor reception is summertime fine, with bistro and icicle-like lighting interspersed with dangling dreamcatchers.
Photo Credit: Braedon Photography
Modern Elegance
A white barn brings modern elegance to a typically rustic venue, evoking a light and spacious feel. And we can’t get enough of this amazing ceiling installation of hanging cherry blossom branches and glass bulbs.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Fairytale Dreams
Blush linens and a dreamy ceiling of cascading fabric and greenery combine with stone walls for a fairytale effect.
Photo Credit: Julia Kaptelova
Modern Meets Old World
Acrylic chairs and geometric pendant chandeliers bring a contemporary twist to an outdoor setting that screams old world romance. And just look at that picturesque mountain view!
Photo Credit: Brian Saculles
Jewel Tone Madness
Multi-toned wood paneling boasting shelves of organics have a modern look that pops in rich decadence.
Photo Credit: Rima Brindamour
Desert Setting
Barren has never looked as beautiful as this reception set smack in the middle of the desert. Who needs décor when you have a rocky landscape around you as the perfect backdrop? Miniature succulent centerpieces add just the right touch.
Photo Credit: Rad and in Love
Natural Beauty
A neutral and natural palette of white and lush foliage is all this stunning outdoor space needs.
Photo Credit: Anna Kim Photography
Courtyard Romance
Dark with romantic lighting, this gorgeous courtyard is set up for a family dinner party feel, complete with luscious greenery, a cozy faux fur blanket over the sweetheart chair, and charming cobblestones.
Photo Credit: Cassidy Parker Smith
Chic Outdoors
Jewel tones of raspberry and navy, coupled with gilded accents, lend this reception a chic, moody touch.
Photo Credit: Ashley Keleman
French Country
A ladder adorned with greenery and suspended glass globes make for a charming overhang in a French country-style wedding.
Photo Credit: Hunter Ryan Photo
Mediterranean Twist
A ceiling that twinkles like stars overlooks hanging florals in an industrial rustic table setting that comes alive with unexpected lime green and turquoise hues inspired by the Mediterranean.
Photo Credit: Ali & Paul Photography
Café Style
Set on a balcony framed with leafy pillars and a canopy, a naked table, runner, and bistro chairs come together for a café-like feel.
Photo Credit: Sandra Åberg Photography / Wedding Planner: A Very Beloved Wedding
Casual Elegance
An open tent holds a gorgeous reception of casual elegance, mimicking the class and style of a Tuscan-inspired wedding.
Photo Credit: Brumley & Wells
Timeless Touches
Powder blue linens, garden florals, and a white tented canopy combine for a romantic outdoor reception that will stand the test of time.
Photo Credit: Julia Kaptelova
Palm Springs Affair
Citrus details complement the surrounding desert landscape, combining for a Palm Springs-inspired look.
Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather
Nighttime Ambiance
Warm lighting and draped foliage set the mood for ethereal elegance. Coupled with a translucent tent that mirrors the night sky, this space is like a midsummer night's dream.
Photo Credit: Dan O'Day
Bold Details
Cobalt blue bursts against a white and oak setting for a bold statement.
Photo Credit: Redfield Photography
Feminine Feel
Sweet and feminine, this cheerful reception rife with delicate pastel details is just breathtaking.
Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan
Preppy and Whimsical
Preppy meets whimsy with a striped runner and classic palette of white, gold, and navy combined with a unique reception set-up and eccentric chandeliers.
Photo Credit: Cassie Lopez Photographer
Campside Fun
Wooden tables and ceiling garlands of ribbon in this tented reception are playfully rustic, creating a bohemian campside atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Mark Pacura
Plantation Setting
A backdrop of soft Spanish moss is all this reception needs for some good old-fashioned Southern charm.
Photo Credit: Jose & Teresa Photography
Moody Romance
Moody industrial romance is written all over this autumn set-up, marked by gorgeous blooms in shades of burgundy and deep orange and indigo hued crystal glasses to suspended Edison lightbulbs and marsala tapers.
Photo Credit: Figtree Pictures

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