7 Ways to Nail the Rustic Boho Wedding Look (and Get Incredible Photos)

If you’re looking for a wedding style that feels laid-back yet intentional, budget-friendly yet stylish, a rustic boho wedding could be the perfect fit. With its focus on natural settings, this aesthetic works well in a variety of venues, including everything from countryside farms to forest clearings. In addition, we know how important it is to choose a location and style that will look amazing in your wedding photos. Rustic boho weddings offer countless opportunities for stunning, story-driven photography. The open spaces and natural textures create an ideal backdrop for wedding photos, helping your photographer capture everything from candid moments to editorial-worthy portraits. In this article, we’ve put together a handful of tips to help you decide if a rustic boho wedding is what you’re looking for.

All of the images in this article are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with permission. Featured image by Nix Weddings.

1. Choose a Nature-Filled Venue That Tells a Story

Photo by **Green Apple Weddings** near The Barn at Hamner Ridge, Indiana, USA

The rustic boho aesthetic is rooted in the outdoors. The right venue will bring that energy to life, whether it’s a wide-open field, a grove of trees, or even a barn. Sometimes, especially if there’s a barn!

Photo by **Larsen Photo Co** at the Schmid Family Ranch in Telluride, CO, USA

These spaces offer natural light, movement, and texture that make rustic boho weddings incredibly photogenic. From wide shots that showcase the scenery to intimate portraits nestled in nature, a beautiful setting ensures every frame will tell your story in a way that is and feels authentic.

2. Embrace Earthy Color Palettes With a Twist

Photo by **Gretchen Troop** at Ellis Ranch Wedding & Event Center, Loveland, Colorado, USA

Rustic boho weddings are often grounded in soft, neutral tones, but adding thoughtful color can elevate your aesthetic and infuse it with personal meaning. Warm, earthy hues like rust, olive, sand, or muted terracotta blend beautifully into natural backdrops and create subtle contrast that looks stunning on camera.

Photo by **Cindy Brown** at Koury Farms in Auburn, Georgia, USA

You can add a pop of personality through your choice of flowers, bridesmaid attire, table accents, or even your own accessories. Colors that reflect your story or cultural roots bring emotion and individuality to the visual experience. In photos, these tones offer richness and cohesion without overwhelming the frame.

3. Say Yes to Wild and Whimsical Florals

Photo by **Charles Moll** in Spokane, Washington, USA

Florals represent one of the easiest and most impactful ways to bring a rustic boho vibe to life. Instead of tightly structured bouquets or traditional blooms, this style leans into the beauty of imperfection: oversized arrangements, asymmetrical shapes, and a mix of fresh and dried elements.

Photo by **Gabe Herrera** at Country Oaks Wedding Venue in Wallis, TX (near Houston), USA

Think wild grasses, textured greens, muted roses, and delicate sprigs that feel freshly gathered from a field. These flowers move with the breeze and catch the light in a way that adds an ethereal energy to your photos. Whether wrapped around an arch or simply held in your hands, boho florals have a way of making everything feel just a bit more magical.

4. Opt for an Outdoor Ceremony with a Natural Backdrop

Photo by **Green Apple Weddings** at the Family Farm, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

One of the most appealing aspects of a rustic boho wedding is the chance to get married under a canopy of trees. You don’t need an elaborate structure to frame your vows. Many rustic boho brides opt for a simple frame with flowers wrapped around the beams.

Photo by **In Love and Adventure** at San Sophia Overlook in Telluride, Colorado, USA

Sometimes a view, a cluster of trees, or an open hillside is enough. In fact, such a view can serve the wedding better than any installation. At the end of the day, the rawness of the setting brings emotional moments into sharper focus, without distraction.

5. Capture a Timeless Vibe with Golden-Hour Magic

Photo by **Gabe Herrera** at a Private Residence in Hunt, TX (Outside of Kerrville, TX), USA

Golden hour is one of the most popular times for capturing portraits across all photography genres, and for good reason. But when it comes to rustic boho weddings, that soft, amber glow hits differently. As the sun dips low and bathes your surroundings in golden light, it brings out the textures and tones that define this style.

Photo by **Stefano Ferrier** in Ireland at Ballymagarvey, Ireland

Golden hour lighting creates a dreamy, almost vintage vibe that fits so naturally into the aesthetic you’ve curated. Take a stroll with your newly official significant other down a gravel road, and suddenly your photos start to feel cinematic. This is when your photographer gets to play with light and shadow in ways that feel both intimate and glowing, perfect for portraits, first dances, or a quiet sunset moment just for the two of you.

6. Ditch Tradition for a Free-Spirited Dress Code

Rustic boho weddings naturally lean into self-expression, and that extends to what everyone wears. Instead of strict rules or matching outfits, think freedom, comfort, and a sense of personal style. A more relaxed dress code invites creativity and lets your guests show up in ways that feel true to them. This typically makes for a more comfortable, joyful experience all around.

Photo by Francis Sylvest at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse in Leadville, Colorado, USA

It also adds beautiful variety and movement to your wedding photos, especially when outfits are layered with texture and tone. Whether you’re embracing nontraditional bridalwear, allowing your party to coordinate loosely, or inviting guests to dress in a theme that fits your vibe, a free-spirited dress code is a simple way to make your celebration feel both cohesive and uniquely you.

7. Trust Your Photographer to Capture the Magic

Photo by **The MacMeekens** at The Hills of Luella in Sherman, Texas, USA

Once your vision is set, one of the best things you can do for yourself, and for your photographer, is to live in the moment and let go. You’ll have already put in work with your planner and venue team early on to ensure all the right details are in place.

Photo by **We, The Light Photography** at the M Lazy C Ranch in Lake George, CO, USA

You will also have shared your vision with your photographer. Once the day arrives, resist the urge to direct every shot. The best images often come from genuine moments, and your best expressions will also be your most authentic. Enjoy your day and trust that your photographer knows how to find the magic in those in-between moments.

Final Thoughts

A rustic boho wedding is about more than dresses and decor. It’s about creating a feeling. One that’s relaxed, romantic, and connected to the people and place around you. And when captured by the right photographer? It becomes a story you can hold onto forever.

Here are some more rustic boho wedding photos for your inspiration.