Chapter 16: Country Style Wedding Photography Shot List
This shot list ensures you capture the full essence of a country-style wedding. From the scenic outdoor setting to the intimate and candid moments, you should capture all the special moments and details. The natural surroundings, rustic details, and relaxed atmosphere provide endless opportunities for beautiful, memorable photos. Be sure to blend classic wedding photography with these country-themed ideas to deliver a well-rounded gallery for the couple.
We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full Affiliate Disclosure.
Pre-Ceremony Shots
Wide Shot of the Venue – Capture the entire outdoor setting, such as a barn, field, or woodland area.
Decorative Signage – Photos of country-style signs, such as wooden welcome signs, seating charts, or ceremony instructions.
Ceremony Setup – Detail shots of the aisle, seating, and altar, including any rustic elements such as hay bales, wooden benches, or mason jar lanterns.
Floral Arrangements – Close-ups of wildflowers, bouquets, and floral decorations on tables, arches, or hanging from trees.
Personalized Décor – Photos of any special country-themed touches such as cowboy boots, horseshoes, barrels, or vintage furniture.
Getting Ready Shots
Bride Getting Ready – Candid moments of the bride preparing, with the bridal party helping her with the dress, makeup, and veil.
Bride’s Dress – A shot of the dress hanging in a rustic setting, such as on a barn door or from a tree branch.
Groom Getting Ready – The groom and groomsmen putting on their country-style attire, including cowboy boots, hats, or suspenders.
Bridal Details – Close-ups of the bride’s bouquet, jewellery, and country-themed accessories, such as boots or a denim jacket.
Groom’s Details – Close-ups of the groom’s boutonnière, boots, cufflinks, and any other rustic touches.
First Look (Optional)
First Look – If the couple opts for a first look, capture their emotional reactions when seeing each other for the first time. Use a natural or scenic backdrop such as a field or forest.
Candid Moments – After the first look, photograph the couple’s candid interaction, such as laughing, hugging, or sharing a private conversation.
Ceremony Shots
Guests Arriving – Capture guests arriving in their country attire, greeting each other, or walking through the venue.
Bridal Party Prep – The bridal party getting ready to walk down the aisle, adjusting dresses or ties, and laughing together.
Processional
Groom at the Altar – The groom waiting at the altar with a country backdrop, such as a barn door or natural arch.
Bridal Party Walking Down the Aisle – Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle, especially if they are wearing country-style outfits (boots, hats, etc.).
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer – If they are carrying country-inspired props, such as baskets or burlap pillows, capture these moments.
Bride’s Entrance – The bride walking down the aisle, whether escorted by her father, family member, or riding in on horseback or a rustic vehicle (e.g., a vintage truck or tractor).
Groom’s Reaction – Close-up of the groom’s emotional reaction as he sees the bride walking down the aisle.
Guests’ Reactions – Candid shots of family members and guests watching the bride’s entrance with joyful expressions.
During the Ceremony
Vows and Ring Exchange – Close-up shots of the couple exchanging vows and rings.
Wide Shot of the Ceremony – Capture the couple, officiant, and guests with the natural surroundings in the background.
Candid Reactions – Focus on family members or the bridal party during key moments such as the vows or exchanging rings.
The Kiss – A wide-angle and close-up shot of the first kiss as the couple becomes officially married.
Ceremony Rituals – If the couple includes special country traditions, such as branding a wooden plank, a unity candle, or tying a knot with rope, capture these moments.
Recessional
Bride and Groom Walking Back Up the Aisle – Capture the couple’s joyful expressions as they walk back up the aisle, surrounded by cheering guests.
Guests Cheering or Tossing Confetti – Capture guests tossing flower petals, rice, or natural confetti.
Couple at the End of the Aisle – A shot of the couple’s embrace or a kiss at the end of the aisle with the scenic backdrop behind them.
Post-Ceremony Shots
Bride and Groom at the Altar – Formal portraits of the couple at the altar, with the rustic backdrop of the country setting.
Bride and Groom with Immediate Family – Formal shots with parents, siblings, and grandparents, using the natural surroundings.
Bride and Groom with Bridal Party – Group portraits with bridesmaids and groomsmen in front of country elements, such as a barn or wooden fence.
Bride with Bridesmaids – Fun and formal shots of the bride with her bridesmaids, holding bouquets or showing off their boots.
Groom with Groomsmen – Fun and formal shots of the groom with his groomsmen, showing off cowboy hats or doing playful poses.
Entire Wedding Party – Group photo of the entire bridal party, including flower girls and ring bearers.
Couple Portraits
Walking in a Field – Candid shots of the couple walking hand-in-hand through a field, tall grass, or dirt road.
Sitting on a Fence or Log – Capture the couple sitting together on a rustic fence or wooden log, with a natural backdrop.
Leaning Against a Barn – Couple standing or leaning against a barn or wooden structure, creating a casual, country feel.
Kissing by a Vintage Truck – If a vintage truck or tractor is part of the wedding decor, pose the couple next to it or sitting in the truck bed.
Candid Laughter and Interaction – Encourage the couple to talk, laugh, or playfully interact to capture genuine moments.
Dancing in the Field – A romantic shot of the couple dancing in the open field with the sunset or golden hour lighting.
Horseback Portraits (Optional) – If the couple has access to horses, capture them riding or standing beside the horses for a true country vibe.
Silhouette at Sunset – Capture a silhouette shot of the couple during sunset with the open countryside in the background.
Reception Shots (If Outdoors)
Wide Shot of Reception Area – Capture the overall reception setting, such as a barn, tent, or open field with string lights.
Table Settings and Centrepieces – Close-up shots of rustic table settings, including wildflower centrepieces, mason jar glasses, and wood accents.
The Cake – A photo of the country-themed wedding cake, especially if it includes natural or rustic design elements such as wood or wildflowers.
Guest Book and Favors – Shots of any country-style guest book (such as a wooden sign) or wedding favours, such as homemade jams or mini succulents.
Dance Floor with String Lights – Wide-angle shots of the dance floor lit by twinkling lights or candles.
Reception Candids and Special Moments
Bride and Groom’s First Dance – Capture the first dance, whether on an outdoor dance floor or under the stars.
Toasts and Speeches – Candid moments of the bride, groom, and guests reacting during toasts.
Guest Interactions – Candid shots of guests mingling, dancing, and enjoying the celebration.
Cutting the Cake – Capture the couple cutting the cake and any playful moments afterward.
Dancing Under the Stars – Photograph the couple and guests dancing with the night sky or string lights as the backdrop.
Country-Themed Games or Activities – If the reception includes lawn games, such as cornhole or horseshoes, capture candid shots of guests playing.
Special Send-Off
Sparkler Exit – If the couple has a sparkler exit, capture the moment with the couple walking through a tunnel of guests holding sparklers.
Riding Off on a Horse or Truck (Optional) – If the couple rides off on a horse, in a vintage truck, or another unique country vehicle, capture their departure in style.
Detail Shots
Close-Ups of Rings – Artistic shots of the wedding rings placed on natural or rustic elements, such as tree bark, a horseshoe, or a wooden table.
Bouquet and Boutonnière – Close-up shots of the bridal bouquet and the groom’s boutonnière against a rustic backdrop.
Signs or Chalkboards – Capture any custom or handmade signs or chalkboards used throughout the wedding venue.
Cowboy Boots and Hats – Photos of country-style accessories such as boots and hats, especially if they are part of the couple’s attire.
You have been reading CHAPTER 16: Country Style Wedding Photography Shot List
