Everything You Need to Know About Signature Wedding Candle Scents
When I got married, I knew I wanted every part of our day to feel deeply personal — and that included how it smelled. We were married in the summer on the beach, overlooking Minot Light (where our daughter would later be baptized), and I wanted a signature scent that captured the magic of that place and moment: breezy, beachy, romantic, and a little sultry.
The leading note for me was coconut, which always reminds me of the beach. But I didn't want anything overly sweet, so I balanced it with cedar and softened it with vetiver and amyris. The final result was something elegant and romantic — a dance of earth, wood, and sun. We named the scent “But Ever and A Day,” after a lyric from our first dance song.
Originally, I planned to keep the scent as a limited edition just for friends and family, but everyone loved it so much that it became part of MINOT’s Signature Collection with a new name: “Voyage.” (After all, life and marriage is a voyage, right?)
I love burning our signature scent on our anniversaries, and maybe someday our daughter will want it for her own wedding.
If you're thinking about using candles in your wedding to create a custom wedding scent, here’s everything you should know — from choosing the best wedding candle scents to using candles in your wedding decor and favors.
Why Create a Signature Wedding Scent?
Scent is one of the most powerful memory triggers we have. Think about the shampoo you used in high school or the perfume you wore on your first date: one whiff, and you're instantly transported back. Your wedding day deserves that same kind of lasting memory. And if you need further convincing, “scentscaping” your wedding was one of the top wedding trends of 2024, according to Brides.
Choosing a wedding candle scent isn't just about your guests (although it's a beautiful touch for them). It's about giving yourself and your partner a sensory anchor to one of the best days of your life.
How to Discover Your Custom Wedding Candle Scent
When it comes to wedding candle scents, there's no "one size fits all." Your scent should reflect your unique love story. Here are a few questions to guide you:
- Where are you getting married? The beach, mountains, city, garden?
- When are you getting married? Spring, summer, fall, winter?
- What emotions do you want to evoke? Joyful, cozy, fresh, sensual?
- What scent notes do you and your partner love? Coconut, amber, cedar, jasmine, pine?
Answering these can help you narrow down what notes to look for when picking your wedding candles or working with a candlemaker on a custom scent.
Need a little scent inspiration? Here are some ideas for the best candle scents for weddings based on different wedding types:
- Summer beach wedding: For a breezy, sun-warmed feel, Voyage (coconut, cedar, vetiver, and amyris) captures the spirit of the ocean and the romance of the coast beautifully.
- Winter mountain lodge wedding: A cozy, evergreen scent like Summit (sage, pine, cedar, and rosemary) would be perfect for creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
- Spring garden wedding: A soft, floral-forward scent like Wild Meadow (lilac, honeysuckle, and amyris) feels like a fresh bouquet in candle form — light, lush, and endlessly romantic.
- Fall vineyard wedding: Something herbal and refreshing like Aeris (sandalwood, lavender, and fresh citrus) would complement the crisp air of an autumn celebration beautifully.
- Classy black-tie wedding: A sophisticated and romantic scent like Luna (mandarin, sandalwood and jasmine) would be an ideal match for an elegant evening.
- Low-key backyard wedding: A clean, earthy scent like Terrene (agave, green floral, chrysanthemum and aloe) would be so dreamy for a relaxed celebration.
Where to Place Scented Candles at Your Wedding
Some people say you shouldn't use scented candles where guests are eating because you don't want to interfere with how your guests experience your carefully chosen menu. I mostly agree — don’t put scented candles on dining tables or where food is being served — but there are still plenty of places at your wedding reception that would benefit from your signature wedding scent.
Here are my favorite places to scent your wedding venue:
- On the bar or near drink stations
- In bathrooms (seriously, your guests will appreciate this!)
- By fireplaces, lounge areas, or seating nooks
- As part of your wedding favor table
Following the "8-10 Rule" for candles is a helpful guideline, too: Place one 8-ounce candle for every 10-foot radius of space you want to scent. It'll keep the scent beautifully balanced without being overpowering.
Wedding Candle Favors: Make Them Personal
Wedding candles make for gorgeous favors. They’re meaningful, practical, and a lovely reminder of your day.
To personalize them even more:
- Use artwork from your wedding invitations on the candle label (we used the lighthouse painting from our invitations on our labels)
- Include your names, initials, and/or wedding date
- Pull in your wedding colors for the vessel or label design
One of my favorite traditions is gifting friends their wedding scent years later, poured into a bespoke vessel that matches their style. It's a beautiful way to keep the memories burning bright.
Scent Your Wedding With Candles, Create a Lasting Memory
Your wedding day will be filled with beautiful moments, and scenting your wedding space with candles is one of the easiest (and most meaningful) ways to make those moments even more unforgettable.
Whether you create a custom signature scent, match the vibe of your venue, or simply choose something you and your partner both love, your wedding candles can become a heartwarming part of your anniversary celebrations for years to come.
Capture the Romance, Elevate the Moment / Find Your Wedding Scent With MINOT
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime story — let its scent be just as extraordinary. MINOT’s handcrafted candles are designed to bring elegance, intimacy, and lasting memories to every moment. Find the scent that will forever remind you of the day you said “I do.”
Explore MINOT’s Signature Collection and find your wedding scent.