Wedding Day Shot Checklist at Park Home Ranch Venue

Your wedding photos are more than just snapshots; they’re the lasting memories of one of the most meaningful days of your life. And when your big day takes place at a venue as naturally beautiful and effortlessly romantic as Park Home Ranch, your photo opportunities are endless.

Whether you're working with a seasoned photographer or putting together your own list of must-haves, we've gathered some of the best moments and locations around the ranch that you’ll definitely want to capture.

Getting Ready: Candid, Calm, and Full of Anticipation

Some of the most cherished wedding photos happen before the ceremony even begins. As you’re surrounded by your closest people, your photographer can capture quiet moments of excitement. Zipping up the dress, toasting with mimosas, writing vows, and slipping on those long-awaited wedding day shoes. At Park Home Ranch, the bridal suite offers a cozy and beautiful setting to capture it all.

And don’t forget about the guys! The groomsmen getting ready together is a moment all its own—full of laughter, relaxed vibes, and maybe a celebratory drink (or two). The separate space for the groom and his crew gives you the opportunity for those fun behind-the-scenes moments too, and no fear of seeing the bride before intended.

The Ceremony: Wide Views and Emotional Moments

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, and at Park Home Ranch, whether you’re saying your vows beneath open skies or surrounded by lush green lawns, you’ll be exchanging “I do’s” in front of a breathtaking natural backdrop. From the first look down the aisle to the kiss and the joyful recessional, make sure your photographer captures not just the big moments, but the quiet glances, the teary-eyed parents, and the happy guests taking it all in.

Golden Hour: That Just-Married Glow

One of the most iconic photo opportunities at Park Home Ranch happens just before sunset, when the entire property is bathed in golden light. The surrounding fields and wide-open sky create the kind of romantic backdrop photographers dream about. This is the perfect time to sneak away for a few minutes with your partner and soak it all in, just the two of you, a quiet moment in the middle of the magic. You’ll treasure these portraits forever.

Portraits with Personality: From Rustic to Refined

Whether you're posing in front of our 120-year-old barn, walking hand-in-hand down a gravel path, or gathering your wedding party for a celebratory shot in the fields, Park Home Ranch offers a mix of rustic charm and timeless elegance that makes every photo feel uniquely yours. Our historic brick building is another favorite photo stop. Its vintage texture adds something totally different to your gallery and contrasts beautifully with wedding attire.

Reception Details & Dancing Under the Lights

Once the sun sets, the celebration moves to the main attraction- our beautiful barn. Whether you’re celebrating inside or outside, the barn becomes the coziest, most romantic space for evening photos. Twinkling lights, chandelier glow, heartfelt toasts, and your first dance all deserve a spot on your shot list. If you're planning any special moments, such as a send-off, private last dance, or cake cutting, be sure to let your photographer know ahead of time so they don’t miss a thing.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Photos

While your photographer will handle the technical side, there are a few things you can do to ensure your photos turn out exactly the way you envision. Trust their guidance and remember, every photographer will meet with you before the big day to discuss all your timeline shots and must-have details. If you have a specific shot in mind (like a first touch or letter reading), make a list to share with your photographer early so they can plan accordingly.

A Word From Jeramie Lu Photography

The best thing about shooting at Park Home Ranch is that you can get a new set of shots every time. Although the ranch is beautiful, I love to focus on the amazing mountains in the back. Using the mountains as the perfect backdrop for two people who are simply in love. It sets them apart and allows us to focus on what really matters… Our couple. But, of course, my favorite shot is doing a full shoot through from one end of the barn to the couple there with both doors open. It creates a timeless shot with the focus on the couple!

I have been to Park Home Ranch so often and never gotten the same shot twice. I leave thinking about all the shots I “missed” with the time I had and makes me eager to come back. Using all 3 sections of the barn, the backdrop of the mountains and the brick of the old 1819 building… There just isn’t enough time!

Tips From Jacque O Photography

1. Getting Ready in the Barn

The bridal suite has warm wood tones and soft natural light that will photograph beautifully if done right. Brides who get ready inside the barn get timeless western-feeling photos, especially if they bring in details like lace, hats, boots, or custom florals. I always recommend keeping the space clean and storing belongings in the east-side stall. When the suite is uncluttered and the doors are open, it photographs perfectly and shows off the full barn.

2. Pre-Ceremony Photos

There are so many spots around the property that work for portraits. The haystack wall, the dirt road, the old corrals, the historic building, and the side of the barn all give different textures and looks. Each area brings out something unique, and couples who explore the property get a really diverse gallery.

3. Couple Portraits at Golden Hour

The dirt road on the north or northwest end is the highlight at sunset. The mountains glow, the wind usually picks up just enough to move the veil, and the light is incredibly flattering. The sun does dip early behind the mountains, so I always recommend scheduling golden hour photos sooner than you think.

4. Using the Barn Doorways for Editorial Shots

The large barn doors create dramatic light and shadow. Couples love these shots because they feel modern and editorial while still rustic. Leaning against the barn siding or standing in the doorway gives the photos a bold, cinematic look.

5. Reception Under the Lights

The string lights and open-air setup make nighttime photos feel like a real barn party! I recommend adding a fun photo booth or glow sticks that your guests can mess with on the dance floor. I always pull couples aside for a few flash photos on the dance floor and a quick night portrait outside the barn. The lights frame them perfectly and give a beautiful ending to the gallery!

Advice for Park Home Ranch couples:

Hire a team who understands the relaxed, rustic, western vibe you love. This venue shines when couples lean into simple, intentional details like hats, understated florals, champagne moments in the barn, sunset walks down the dirt road, and time alone together at the end of the night. The property is huge and full of possibilities, so think about what areas you love most and communicate that with your photographer. Most importantly, be present and enjoy the day. The ranch does the rest.

At Park Home Ranch, we’ve hosted weddings in every light and every kind of weather—and we can confidently say: there is no shortage of beauty here to capture. From sweeping mountain views to rustic barn moments, your wedding day story will unfold across a landscape that’s warm, natural, and unforgettable.

Want help choosing a photographer who knows the property inside and out? Some of our wonderful local pros who capture Park Home Ranch beautifully include Jeramie Lu Photography, Tori Stanton Photography, Jacque O Photography, and Keoma Zec Wedding Photography.