20 Desert-Inspired Wedding Ideas for the Boho Couple

desert inspired wedding altar
Laura Goldenberger Photography

It's no secret that contemporary couples are loving desert-inspired weddings—in fact, this big-day theme is even popular with brides and grooms located far beyond the Southwest. We can see why. Considering the relaxed and dreamy aesthetic that so often comes with this style, it's not surprising that desert-inspired design and décor details are splashed across so many duos' vision boards. The theme can also encapsulate several others, like bohemian and modern, which makes it a universal option.

When one thinks of the desert, blue skies, sandy landscapes, mountain backdrops, and unique vegetation come to mind. With so much untamed beauty, wedding inspiration abounds. When designing your space, we suggest taking advantage of muted pastels, potted cacti, and dried greenery throughout—all things you'd find in the arid setting. Unfinished wooden structures, Navajo patterns, crystals and geodes, eclectic textiles, and reflective surfaces will also help integrate this location type's natural elements into your big day.

It's important to keep in mind that less is more when paying tribute to barren terrains. Take this stunning ceremony shot, for example. The layered, diamond altar, built by the groom himself, brilliantly framed the scenic view—and the couple—without distracting guests from the moment or the environment. Cause We Can Events and Three Leaf Floral subtly enhanced the desert vibe of this service with elements like a faux fur rug and potted cacti.

Ultimately, though, you don't need to get hitched in Mojave or the Great Basin to connect with this big-day style. Click through to discover our favorite desert-inspired wedding ideas for every couple, wherever they've decided to tie the knot.

01 of 19

Cactus Pies

lara-chad-wedding-tarts-166-s112306-1115.jpg
NBarrett Photography

Cacti are native to deserts, which makes working them into your big-day décor an easy way to nod to the arid landscape. Consider sending guests home with a succulent-shaped favor, like these Cake Walk Bake Shop caramel apple pie jars.

02 of 19

Custom Save-the-Dates

ashley basil wedding save the date postcard
Paige Jones Photography

This stationery suite, made by Bash Please and Amber Moon Design, displayed notable dry landscapes like Joshua Tree.

03 of 19

Modern Mirror Table

desert wedding inspired tablescape
Tiarra Sorte

Ian Schober worked agate-stone, a rock often found in desert environments, into this ultra-modern tablescape. Lizbeth Molina of Rawfinery added to the tabletop's desert vibes by using pampas grass within the centerpieces.

04 of 19

Cactus Cake

Desert Inspired Wedding Cake
Betsy and John Photography

This two-tier, white cake by Crumbs Cake Boutique was garnished with two plants (provided by Alexis Grace Florals) that thrive in barren settings: succulents and cacti.

05 of 19

Airy Bouquet

Desert Wedding Bouquet
Koman Photography

Le Petite Gardenia created this airy wedding bouquet out of dry weather-dwelling florals and greenery.

06 of 19

Bright-Colored Boutonnière

Desert Wedding Boutonniere
Carley Jayne Photography

This boutonnière by Elite Floral Events perfectly echoed the grandeur sunsets seen in the desert.

07 of 19

Clustered Centerpiece

desert-inspired wedding centerpiece
Chelsea Scanlan

Designer Chelsea Scanlan mimicked the color of cracked, sandy terrain in this bohemian centerpiece by using antique brass hardware throughout.

08 of 19

Wooden Altar

desert inspired wedding altar
Heather Anderson Photography

This wooden altar by F & N Custom Designs was completed with a light stain to coincide with the natural finishes often displayed throughout Southwestern-inspired décor. It was adorned with pastel florals and greenery designed by My Sun & Stars for an added pop of color.

09 of 19

Pastel Cactus Invites

cactus-themed desert wedding stationary
Rachel Solomon

Warm, dry locales inspired this cactus-themed wedding stationery suite by Paperless Post.

10 of 19

Faux Animal Hide

desert inspired wedding sign
Katie Hoss Photo

A faux animal hide sign by Kaylyn Kakuska of Shop Lux and calligraphed by Brooklyn Powell reminded guests of the wild West.

11 of 19

Mini Metallic Cake

desert-inspired personal wedding cake with cactus and succulents
Koman Photography

Frost it Cakery created these single-serving cakes, which were topped with rose-gold frosting (a metallic interpretation of the desert's rust color scheme!), cacti, and greenery.

12 of 19

Floral-Printed Invites

desert wedding inspired invites
Leo Patrone Photography

Unique cut-out invites by Mood Event and Cathy of Saucy and Kitsch featured sun-dried florals illustrations, offering a Southwestern feel.

13 of 19

Untraditional Sweetheart Table

desert wedding inspired sweetheart table
Lucy Munoz Photography

This sweetheart tablescape, curated by Lucy Munoz, was an homage to the dry, sandy setting. The bohemian stools' fringe highlighted the color of nearby bushes. The tabletop's The Blooming Bud floral arrangement referenced the natural colors of the desert: warm rust, green, and brown.

14 of 19

Cactus Seating Chart

desert wedding inspired seating chart
Rachel Solomon Photography

Emily Clarke repurposed real cactus leaves—they were calligraphed by Freed Hands—as escort cards at this event. They were added to the seating chart, which featured a desert scene and crescent moon cutout.

15 of 19

Artichoke Place Card

desert inspired wedding artichoke place card
Koman Photography

These calligraphed artichoke place cards perfectly complemented the pastel aesthetic seen throughout this Southwestern-styled tablespace by Ilana Ashley Events.

16 of 19

Spicy Favors

katherine-jared-wedding-0106-ds111387.jpg
Bryce Covey Photography

At the end of the evening, this bride and groom sent guests home with muslin bags holding red-chile sauce mix from their favorite Santa Fe restaurant, The Shed.

17 of 19

Calligraphed Scripture

desert inspired wedding sign
Rachel Solomon Photography

These nature-loving newlyweds displayed a wooden sign on their big day. The signage was complete with calligraphy from Freed Hands, who emblazoned the wooden panel with a favorite Bible verse. Desert-dwelling cacti rounded out the vignette.

18 of 19

Arrow Accessory

Ring bearer with arrow
Laura Gordon Photography

This ring bearer carried three arrows—a symbol that represents the desert—as he walked down the aisle.

19 of 19

Macramé Potted Plants

lara-chad-wedding-table-179-s112306-1115.jpg
NBarrett Photography

Florist Bows and Arrows created these lush terracotta pots, which hung from macramé installations.

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