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.
Cactus Pies
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.
Custom Save-the-Dates
This stationery suite, made by Bash Please and Amber Moon Design, displayed notable dry landscapes like Joshua Tree.
Modern Mirror Table
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.
Cactus Cake
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.
Airy Bouquet
Le Petite Gardenia created this airy wedding bouquet out of dry weather-dwelling florals and greenery.
Bright-Colored Boutonnière
This boutonnière by Elite Floral Events perfectly echoed the grandeur sunsets seen in the desert.
Clustered Centerpiece
Designer Chelsea Scanlan mimicked the color of cracked, sandy terrain in this bohemian centerpiece by using antique brass hardware throughout.
Wooden Altar
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.
Pastel Cactus Invites
Warm, dry locales inspired this cactus-themed wedding stationery suite by Paperless Post.
Faux Animal Hide
A faux animal hide sign by Kaylyn Kakuska of Shop Lux and calligraphed by Brooklyn Powell reminded guests of the wild West.
Mini Metallic Cake
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.
Floral-Printed Invites
Unique cut-out invites by Mood Event and Cathy of Saucy and Kitsch featured sun-dried florals illustrations, offering a Southwestern feel.
Untraditional Sweetheart Table
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.
Cactus Seating Chart
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.
Artichoke Place Card
These calligraphed artichoke place cards perfectly complemented the pastel aesthetic seen throughout this Southwestern-styled tablespace by Ilana Ashley Events.
Spicy Favors
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.
Calligraphed Scripture
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.
Arrow Accessory
This ring bearer carried three arrows—a symbol that represents the desert—as he walked down the aisle.
Macramé Potted Plants
Florist Bows and Arrows created these lush terracotta pots, which hung from macramé installations.