Chapter 21: Private Home Wedding Photography Shot List
A private home wedding offers a wide variety of beautiful and intimate photography locations, from the front porch and garden to the staircase and living room. By using these spaces creatively, you can capture meaningful moments that reflect the couple’s personal story and the unique charm of their home
A comprehensive shot list ensures that all key locations and events are documented, creating a timeless and personalised wedding album for the couple. We have listed below several locations and a suggested shot list for each:
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The Front Porch or Entrance
- Front Door or Porch: Use the home’s entrance, especially if it has character (such as a vintage door or columns), for couple portraits or shots of the bridal party. Decorate with flowers or lanterns for added charm.
- Staircases Leading to the Entrance: Take photos of the couple walking up or down the stairs, creating a sense of movement and anticipation.
Backyard Garden or Patio
- Flower Beds or Garden Areas: Capture romantic portraits of the couple surrounded by flowers or greenery, especially if the garden is well-maintained or features seasonal blooms.
- Patio or Deck: Use the outdoor deck or patio as a spot for candid moments, especially during cocktail hour or the reception.
Living Room or Formal Sitting Area
Cozy Interior Shots: The living room or sitting area, especially if it has unique decor or a fireplace, can be used for intimate, candid moments between the couple and their families.
Window Light Portraits: Utilize natural light from windows for soft, classic indoor portraits of the bride and groom. This location is ideal for getting ready shots as well.
The Staircase
- Elegant Staircase Photos: If the home has a grand staircase, it is an excellent location for capturing dramatic photos of the bride descending or the couple standing together.
- Candid Bridal Party Shots: Use the staircase to stage fun or elegant group photos with the bridal party.
Master Bedroom or Bridal Suite
- Getting Ready Shots: The master bedroom or a dedicated bridal suite offers a private and comfortable space for capturing getting ready moments with the bride, bridesmaids, or family members.
- Intimate Couple Portraits: After the ceremony, capture intimate moments of the couple in a private, cozy setting.
Dining Room or Reception Area
- Table Setup: If the reception is held in the dining room or another indoor space, take detail shots of the table settings, centrepieces, and decor.
- Toasts and Speeches: Use the reception area to capture candid photos of guests giving speeches, laughing, and interacting with the couple.
Outdoor Lawn or Open Space
- Ceremony Location: The outdoor lawn is a perfect space for wide-angle shots of the ceremony, capturing the setup, guests, and landscape.
- Sunset or Golden Hour Photos: Utilize the open space for sunset photos, taking advantage of the soft, warm light for romantic couple portraits.
Poolside or Water Feature
- Poolside Photos: If the home has a pool, use it as a backdrop for creative reflections or fun, candid shots of the couple and guests.
- Water Fountain: A fountain can add elegance to the couple’s portraits, especially if decorated with flowers or lights.
Driveway or Front Lawn
If the couple arrives in a classic car or special vehicle, capture their arrival at the driveway. The front lawn also provides a wide, open space for group shots with the family and bridal party.
Getting Ready
- Bride and bridesmaids getting ready in the master bedroom or a dedicated bridal suite.
- Groom and groomsmen preparing in a study, den, or other private space in the home.
- Detail shots of wedding attire (dress, shoes, jewellery) placed on the bed or hung from a window.
Ceremony
- Wide shot of the ceremony setup on the lawn or backyard, showcasing the house and natural surroundings.
- The couple exchanging vows with the house or garden as a backdrop.
- Close-ups of the couple during vows and ring exchange, capturing their expressions and emotions.
- The first kiss framed by floral arrangements or garden elements.
- Reactions of guests seated in the backyard or lawn area.
Couple Portraits
- Romantic portraits on the front porch or entrance, with the couple standing in front of the door or porch columns.
- The couple walking through the garden or backyard, surrounded by flowers and greenery.
- Intimate shots of the couple on the staircase or in the living room, using natural window light for a classic look.
- Sunset portraits in the open lawn or backyard.
- Poolside reflections or artistic shots near a water feature or fountain.
Bridal Party and Family Portraits
- Bridal party standing on the staircase or porch, with the house as the backdrop.
- Group shots on the lawn, surrounded by garden elements or trees.
- Family portraits in front of the entrance or under a gazebo (if available).
- Candid shots of the bridal party interacting or walking through the garden.
Reception
- Detail shots of the dining room or outdoor reception area setup, including table settings and centrepieces.
- The couple’s entrance into the reception space, with guests cheering.
- Toasts and speeches given by guests, with the home’s interior or garden in the background.
- Candid moments of guests enjoying food and drinks in the reception area or garden.
Details and Décor
- Close-ups of wedding décor, such as flower arrangements, table settings, and personalised signs.
- Rings placed on a floral arrangement or displayed with other sentimental items in the house.
- Cake display on the patio or in the dining room, with house elements incorporated.
- Unique home elements, such as vintage furniture or family heirlooms, featured in detail shots.
Sunset and Night Shots
- The couple silhouetted against the sunset on the lawn or driveway.
- Night shots under fairy lights or lanterns strung across the patio or garden.
- Romantic portrait of the couple by a lit pool or water feature, capturing the reflection and lights.
- A final exit shot of the couple leaving the house, with guests holding sparklers or candles.
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