15 Wedding Tent Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Special Day
Lighting really sets the mood inside a wedding tent. It makes the whole space feel warmer, more inviting, and just a bit more magical for you and your guests.
Choosing the right lights helps you create the vibe you want for your big day. Whether you’re after something romantic and soft or bright and lively, your lighting does a lot of the heavy lifting.
The best wedding tent lighting ideas balance function and ambiance to really make your celebration shine. The right lights can totally transform your tent, helping it match your vision perfectly.
1) String Lights Draped Across the Ceiling
Drape string lights across the ceiling for a cozy, inviting feel.
Arrange them in a canopy or crisscross pattern for a soft, magical glow that isn’t too harsh.
It’s a simple way to brighten your tent and make it feel extra special. Want more? Check out string light options for wedding tents.
2) Chandeliers Hanging from Tent Peaks
Hang chandeliers from the tent’s peak for a charming, dramatic touch.
This draws light down from the center and creates a natural focal point.
Pick a style that matches your theme—classic crystal, rustic, or something in between.
Chandeliers bring warmth and elegance, instantly making your tent feel more inviting.
You can browse chandelier setups for tents to spark some inspiration.
3) Fairy Lights Twinkling Around Poles
Wrap fairy lights around tent poles for a soft, twinkling glow.
It’s a quick way to brighten the space without going overboard.
The gentle lights help guests relax and add a bit of charm—no extra décor needed.
Wrap them tight for a crisp look or let them hang loose for a little sparkle that moves with the breeze.
For more, see wedding tent fairy lights.
4) Bistro Lights Creating a Canopy Effect
Go for bistro lights to create a glowing canopy overhead.
String them in rows for a soft, even light that feels festive but not too intense.
Bistro lights add easy charm and make the whole tent feel more welcoming.
Check out setups that use bistro lights for a canopy effect at your venue.
5) Edison Bulb Strings for a Vintage Look
Add some vintage vibes with Edison bulb string lights.
They give off a soft, amber glow that feels cozy and a bit nostalgic.
Hang them across your tent or over dining areas for a simple, elegant touch.
They work for both day and night—super versatile. Want more ideas? Try this wedding tent lighting guide.
6) Spotlights Highlighting the Head Table
Use spotlights to make your head table stand out.
Place them carefully so they highlight your bridal party and special moments without blinding anyone.
Soft, focused beams work best to keep things warm and inviting.
Spotlights also show off your table decorations and flowers, making the area feel extra special.
Check out more lighting ideas with spotlights for tents.
7) Lanterns Lining the Tent Entrance
Line the tent entrance with lanterns for a warm, welcoming path.
Lanterns give a gentle glow that sets the mood as guests arrive.
Pick paper or metal lanterns in colors and shapes that fit your theme.
Set them on the ground or hang them up—either way, it looks charming.
Explore lantern options for your wedding tent if you’re curious.
8) Candles in Glass Holders on Tables
Candles in glass holders make your tables glow softly.
The glass keeps things safe and adds a pretty touch.
Mix up the shapes and sizes for a more interesting look.
Pair candles with greenery or flowers for a style that works with almost any wedding.
Check out crystal candle holders and votives for more inspiration.
9) Glowing Orb Lights Suspended Above
Hang glowing orb lights from the ceiling for a calm, dreamy vibe.
They add a soft, even glow that doesn’t overpower the space.
Space them out for balance or group them for extra impact.
Orbs work with lots of styles and are pretty easy to set up.
If you want more ideas, check out glowing orb inspiration here.
10) Paper Lanterns for a Soft Glow
Paper lanterns give your tent a warm, gentle glow.
Hang them from the ceiling to brighten things up without being too harsh.
LED lights inside keep it safe and steady.
The soft light makes the whole space feel calm and inviting.
You can find more paper lantern ideas for wedding tents here.
11) USB-Powered LED Fairy Lights
Brighten your wedding tent with USB-powered LED fairy lights.
They’re easy to set up and don’t need a wall outlet.
Many come with remotes, so you can change colors or modes to fit your style.
They add a cozy, charming glow that’s perfect for your day.
Browse more USB fairy light options here.
12) Rustic Mason Jar Pendant Lights
Rustic mason jar pendant lights bring a cozy, homemade feel to your wedding tent.
Hang them at different heights for a relaxed, natural look.
You can buy them or make your own—either way, they work great for outdoor or indoor spaces.
Mason jars give a down-to-earth vibe that fits right in with rustic themes.
Get more ideas from mason jar hanging lights.
13) Uplighting on Tent Walls and Drapes
Put lights at the base of your tent walls and aim them up.
This highlights the fabric and adds a gentle, welcoming glow.
Uplighting behind drapes can make the space feel extra cozy.
Soft colors work best for a relaxed atmosphere.
For more, check out wedding tent lighting tips that focus on uplighting.
14) Color-Changing LED Strips
Try color-changing LED strips for a fun, flexible lighting option.
Switch up the colors to match your theme or change the mood as the night goes on.
They’re easy to install along tent edges or around important spots.
Change the colors for a lively party or keep things soft and romantic—it’s up to you.
Browse more color-changing LED ideas for your tent here.
15) Hanging Globe Lights in Rows
Want to make things feel simple and cozy? Try hanging globe lights in straight rows across your tent.
Space the lights evenly along the beams or use ceiling hooks for a balanced look. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just eyeball it until it feels right.
This setup gives off soft, warm lighting that makes the space feel inviting. If you’re feeling a little extra, weave some greenery between the lights for extra charm.
Need help figuring out how to hang globe lights? Take a peek at this guide.
