The Best Ways to Incorporate Horses & Western Details into Your Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a wedding with classic Western charm, Long Hollow Ranch is the perfect place to bring that vision to life. Whether it’s a grand entrance on horseback, subtle leather details, or a whiskey-and-boots kind of reception, there are so many ways to add a touch of the West to your big day.

Here are our favorite ways to infuse your wedding with horses, leather, and Western flair.

Make a Grand Entrance (or Exit!) on Horseback

Few things are as iconic and breathtaking as a bride or groom riding in on horseback. At Long Hollow Ranch, we offer the option to book a horse for photos or even incorporate one into your ceremony entrance.

✔ Bride or Groom Entrance: Ride in on a beautifully saddled horse for a one-of-a-kind moment.
✔ Exit in True Western Style: Instead of a getaway car, ride off together on horseback—romantic and unforgettable!
✔ Cowboy-Inspired Wedding Party: Have your wedding party arrive on horseback or lead horses into the ceremony space.

Pro Tip: The pastures with horses or cows make for stunning, Instagram-worthy wedding photos. Your venue manager will happily assist in getting you into the pastures for these magical shots!

Western-Inspired Wedding Attire

Bring the Western charm to your wedding through your fashion choices. A few fun ways to add cowboy-inspired details:

✔ Bridal Boots: Swap the heels for a pair of embroidered cowboy boots under your wedding dress.
✔ Western Hats: A custom cowboy hat for the bride, groom, or even the entire wedding party makes for a great photo moment.
✔ Leather Accents: Think tooled leather belts, bolo ties, or Western-style vests to bring a rustic touch to the groom’s or groomsmen’s looks.

Pro Tip: Set up a "Hat Bar" for guests to grab a cowboy hat as a fun and stylish favor!

Horses in Your Wedding Photos

Long Hollow Ranch offers the unique option to book a horse for photos before the ceremony or during family portraits.

✔ Romantic Bride & Groom Shots: Holding the reins while standing in the golden-hour glow makes for unforgettable photos.
✔ Family & Wedding Party Photos: Add a beautiful horse or two into your wedding portraits for a true ranch feel.
✔ Ceremony Background: Position a horse near the altar for a stunning rustic touch.

Pro Tip: The historic barns, pastures, ponds, and long driveway are also great spots for Western-inspired wedding shots!

Leather & Cowhide Accents

Leather details add a touch of authenticity to your Western wedding without overpowering the elegance.

✔ Custom Leather Invitations: Set the tone with tooled leather or embossed leather wedding invitations.
✔ Cowhide Rugs & Seating: Use cowhide rugs in your ceremony aisle or as lounge area décor.
✔ Leather Place Cards or Menus: Engraved leather escort cards or table numbers add a rustic-chic element to your reception.

Pro Tip: A tooled leather guestbook is a keepsake you’ll treasure forever.

Western Bar & Whiskey Station

Nothing says Western wedding like a whiskey-and-cocktail bar.

✔ Whiskey Tasting Bar: Offer local Oregon whiskeys or set up a bourbon-tasting station.
✔ Signature Cowboy Cocktails: Think Smoky Old Fashioneds, Ranch Water, or a Whiskey Mule.
✔ Saloon-Inspired Bar Setup: Use barrels, rustic signage, and leather-wrapped menus to tie it all together.

Pro Tip: Set up a "Brand Your Drink" station where guests can customize their cocktails with branded ice cubes or engraved glassware.

Western Décor That Wows

From your ceremony backdrop to table settings, small Western details can bring the theme to life.

✔ Horseshoes for Good Luck: Use horseshoes as wedding favors or display them in the décor.
✔ Rope & Lasso Accents: Incorporate ropes in your centerpieces, seating charts, or signage.
✔ Western-Inspired Tablescapes: Think wildflowers, lanterns, and tooled leather runners on farm tables.

Pro Tip: Set up a "Western Photo Booth" with vintage saddles, cowboy hats, and lassos for guests to take fun photos.

Final Thoughts: Making It Your Own

A Western-inspired wedding can be as subtle or bold as you want it to be. Whether you fully embrace the cowboy aesthetic or add small nods to the ranch lifestyle, Long Hollow Ranch is the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life.

From horseback entrances to whiskey bars and leather accents, there are so many ways to celebrate your love story—Western style.