Budget-Friendly Ways to Light Your Wedding for a Magical Ambiance

June 06, 2025
Weddings

There’s no denying—modern weddings can get pretty pricey. But here's the thing we tell all couples: you absolutely don't need to break the bank to create that dreamy, romantic atmosphere you've been Pinterest-ing for months.

In this blog, we’re going to walk you through some of our favorite lighting tricks that'll give you that magical ambiance without the scary price tag.

1. Café/Bistro String Lights (Market Lights)

At Spruce Mountain Ranch, we love our market lights!

A little bulkier than your typical strands of string lights, café or bistro are often used to create a “ceiling of lights” effect. Imagine a romantic first dance under a canopy of warm, twinkling lights. Gets us every time!

Here's some great news if you're considering Spruce Mountain Ranch—we've already installed beautiful market lights throughout our courtyards and several indoor spaces because, honestly, we love them as much as you do. Of course, you can always add more if you want to go full fairy tale mode (and we’re totally here for it).

2. Fairy Lights/Micro LED Lights

Slightly more delicate and subtle, fairy lights are those dainty firefly-like string lights couples use for more whimsical touches. These tiny, twinkling beauties are absolutely magical, and here's why I recommend them to almost every couple:

They are incredibly budget-friendly.
They run on batteries (which opens up a LOT of possibilities).

Here are some of the popular ways we’ve seen couples use fairy lights:

Woven through floral arrangements and centerpieces
Wrapped around pillars or trees
Layered with flowing white drapery
Tucked into vintage bottles, vases, lanterns, or mason jars
Lining aisles and pathways
Dangling from the ceiling like a curtain of stars

3. Candles

Some of the most breathtaking weddings we’ve seen here at Spruce Mountain Ranch have been candlelit ceremonies. There's just something about that soft, flickering glow that makes everything feel more intimate and timeless.

I mean…a candle-lined fireplace backdrop? How surreal!

We always tell couples to mix it up with different candle styles—votives, floating tea lights, pillar candles in glass vases, and yes, even those realistic LED flameless ones (they're perfect aisle markers).

Just a quick note about our venue policies at Spruce Mountain Ranch:

We absolutely love candles, but we do need flames contained in glass holders and placed on secure surfaces. Safety first, but romance always!

4. Lanterns

Love a good thrift find? This may be the perfect excuse to head to your favorite thrift store or antique shop. You'd be amazed at what you can find for just a few dollars each.

Repurpose old oil-burning lanterns or purchase decorative lanterns on sale at Hobby Lobby. Fill them with candles or fairy lights, and suddenly you have these incredible statement pieces that work as centerpieces, aisle markers, or hanging features.

Having trouble locating lanterns?

Ask your family and friends if they have any lanterns you could borrow. You'll be surprised how many people have them tucked away in their garages!

5. Fireplaces

There's nothing quite like a crackling fireplace as your ceremony backdrop. The way it casts that warm, amber glow over everything? Absolutely stunning. If you're lucky enough to choose a venue with a built-in fireplace, definitely take advantage of it. It’ll create instant ambiance without any effort on your part

6. Uplighting

Now, if you want to get a little more dramatic with your lighting (and we mean that in the best way), let's talk about uplighting.

Think of uplighting as your venue's personal makeup artist—it highlights all the best architectural features (like columns, walls, and fireplaces). You can completely transform the mood of a space with strategic uplighting. Want to turn a cozy, intimate venue into a glamorous ballroom? Uplighting is your answer.

7. Paper Lanterns (LED or Solar)

We have to mention paper lanterns because they're such an underrated gem! Classic white hanging paper lanterns are incredibly affordable and they play so beautifully with other lighting elements like market lights.

You can string them up at different heights for a whimsical, layered look. And here's something cool—they even make solar-powered ones now, which is perfect for eco-conscious couples having outdoor celebrations.

8. Built-In Venue Lighting

Here's our number one money-saving tip: choose a venue that already has gorgeous ambient lighting built right in. This way, you can focus your budget on other elements like those stunning florals you've been dreaming about or that amazing caterer you've had your eye on.

Final Thoughts

As you’re deciding on your wedding lighting design, there are a few things to keep in mind:

What is your power outlet situation?
Does your venue have specific lighting requirements or limitations?
Do your vendors (wedding planners, decorators, photographers, etc.) have a strong understanding of your lighting plans?

Your Enchanting Mountain Wedding Awaits at Spruce Mountain Ranch!

We have to brag about our venue for just a moment—we've really got the lighting thing figured out. When evening befalls Spruce Mountain Ranch, the property transforms into something out of a storybook with:

Those gorgeous stone fireplaces I mentioned
Rustic hanging chandeliers that add such character
Warm, inviting ceiling and wall lights throughout
Our famous market light installations
During winter, our towering evergreens wrapped in twinkling white lights (it's honestly magical)

Ready to see how incredible your wedding could look at Spruce Mountain Ranch? Contact us to schedule a tour and start planning your perfectly lit celebration!

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