Few things transform an event space like string lights. Strung overhead in a crossing canopy or woven through a pergola, warm string lights turn a plain backyard or blank venue into somewhere that feels like dining under the stars. Opus rents and professionally installs string lights across greater Los Angeles for weddings, backyard parties, and corporate events.
String Light Styles We Rent
- Cafe / bistro lights – larger round bulbs on a strand for that classic “overhead cafe” glow, ideal over dining areas and dance floors.
- Twinkle lights – small, delicate points of light for wrapping trees, pergolas, and backdrops.
Warm white is the go-to for weddings – it flatters skin tones and photographs beautifully. Explore the full event lighting line for uplights and chandeliers too.
Popular Setups
- Overhead canopy – a grid of strands above guests for the “starry night” look, the most-requested setup for weddings and galas.
- Garden and tree wrap – strands wrapped up tree trunks or zigzagged overhead for a magical outdoor feel.
- Pergola and patio – lights run along the framework to define and warm the space.
- Backdrops – curtain-style vertical drops behind a head table or cake display.
Not sure how many strands you need? Our complete guide to string light rentals covers the coverage math, color temperature, and layout.
Professionally Installed
Overhead lighting involves ladders, secure mounting, proper cable tension, and correct electrical load and grounding – so our string lights are delivered and installed by our team rather than dropped off. We handle setup, testing, and takedown so the wiring is clean and hidden and nothing fails mid-event. Delivery and installation are quoted with the lighting.
Perfect for Outdoor Events
String lights are made for LA’s outdoor celebrations. Pair them with patio heaters to keep guests comfortable once the evening cools, and add uplighting to layer the look. From backyard weddings in Malibu to garden parties across the city, we design the setup to fit your space.
Where String Lights Work Best
String lights suit almost any setting. Over a backyard wedding they create a warm canopy for dinner and dancing. Strung through a pergola or along a fence line they define an outdoor lounge. Inside a blank venue or tent they soften bare ceilings and bring the scale down to something intimate. They pair naturally with our uplighting and chandeliers for a layered look after dark.
How Many String Lights You Need
The right amount depends on the area you want to cover and the effect you are after. A tight canopy over a dance floor uses far more strands than a single perimeter run along a fence. As a starting point, measure the length and width of the space you want lit and how high the lights will hang. We take those measurements and design a layout with the right number of strands and even spacing, so you get a consistent glow rather than dark gaps. When in doubt, a slightly denser canopy always photographs better than a sparse one.
Poles, Rigging, and Power
Not every venue has convenient points to hang from. For open backyards, fields, and lot events, we bring freestanding poles and bases so the lights have something to span between, with no trees or structures required. Our crew handles the rigging, tensioning, and safe routing of the strands, and we plan the power runs so cords stay hidden and managed. For venues without accessible outlets, we coordinate the power source as part of the setup.
What Affects the Cost
String light rentals are quoted to the job rather than at a flat price, because every space is different. The main factors are:
- Coverage area: the total length of strands, and whether it is a dense overhead canopy or a lighter perimeter run.
- Hanging height and structure: higher installs and open spaces that need freestanding poles take more labor and equipment.
- Installation and teardown: professional rigging, leveling, and removal are included, and larger or higher setups take more crew time.
- Delivery and location: distance and venue access play a part.
- Event timing: peak season and multi-day rentals affect availability.
The best way to get an accurate number is to tell us the venue and the look you want, and we will put together a quote.
String Light Rental FAQs
What affects the cost of string light rentals?
String light rentals are quoted per event rather than at a flat rate. The main factors are the coverage area and number of strands, the hanging height, whether the space needs freestanding poles, installation and teardown labor, delivery distance, and the time of year. Tell us your venue and the look you want and we will put together a quote.
Do you install the string lights?
Yes. Our crew handles the full installation, including rigging, tensioning, safe power routing, and teardown after your event, so everything is up and safe before your guests arrive.
What if my venue has nowhere to hang lights from?
No problem. For open backyards, fields, and lots without trees or structures, we bring freestanding poles and bases so the lights have something to span between.
Do string lights work for indoor events?
Yes. Strung across a blank ceiling or tent, string lights soften the space and bring the scale down for a warmer, more intimate feel indoors as well as outdoors.
How far in advance should I book?
Book as early as you can, especially for peak season, so we can reserve the equipment and schedule the install for your date.
Layering String Lights with Your Other Lighting
String lights do their best work as one layer in a lighting plan rather than the only source. Use them overhead for warmth and shape, add uplighting around the perimeter to wash the walls in color, and hang a chandelier over the head table or dance floor for a focal point. Dimming the room as the night moves from dinner to dancing lets each layer do its job. If you are lighting a dance floor, a canopy of string lights directly overhead frames it beautifully in photos.
Popular Los Angeles Venues for String Lights
We install string lights all over greater Los Angeles, and a few settings come up again and again. Backyard and estate weddings on the Westside and in the Valley use overhead canopies to turn a private yard into a reception space. Rooftops and warehouse venues downtown use them to soften hard industrial ceilings. Garden and vineyard events lean on twinkle lights woven through trees and pergolas. Poolside events pair a string light canopy with a pool cover to extend the usable space. Wherever the venue, we design the layout to fit the space and the look you are going for.
Planning and Timeline
The earlier you book, the better, especially through peak wedding and holiday season when both equipment and install crews fill up. Once your date is set, we schedule the installation ahead of your event so everything is tested and ready before guests arrive, and we return to take it all down afterward. For outdoor events we also talk through a weather plan, since string lights and open-air power need dry conditions to be safe. Share your venue, date, and the effect you want, and we will handle the design, the poles and power, and the setup end to end.
Rent String Lights in Los Angeles
Tell us about your venue and the look you want, and we’ll design and install it. Call (213) 373-1730 or visit our contact page to get started.