A Backyard Wedding in Maine at a Family Home
Josh and Caroline’s backyard wedding in September in Maine was not only a celebration of their marriage, but also a celebration of the story held within the childhood home built by Caroline’s dad, along with the gardens and the woods that surrounded it.
When I first spoke with them in May, they shared that they had grown up together and started dating following college. After a decade together, they were planning to elope, but wanted to celebrate with their family and friends with a backyard reception in the fall back in Maine.
Why a Backyard Wedding at a Family Home in Maine Feels So Personal
Images of place on a wedding day at a family property are some of my favorites to make. There is something inherently warm about a couple celebrating the beginning of a marriage where years of memories have been made. From the crab apple tree planted decades ago, to the familiar way light falls across certain details, so many parts of a family home, inside and out, help tell a story.
If you’re getting married on a family property, just know I’ll be asking allll the questions so that when your day comes, I’ll be scootin’ around looking for those details, too.
Telling the Full Story of a Wedding Celebration in Maine
Many couples want more than just the ceremony and reception captured, and on more intimate wedding days, splitting coverage can be a meaningful way to document the entire weekend — from a welcome dinner, some time just the two of you, a hike, or any moments you’ll love looking back on. That’s why I include the option to split coverage, either on the wedding day or across two days, with collections of eight hours or more.
That morning, I met Josh and Caroline at a trail just down the road that they had hiked many times together. The trail is also named after Caroline’s grandmother, which added another level of meaning to the day and made it all the sweeter.
We met their family at the top, where they shared words of love and well wishes. It was an absolute joy to document. Later that afternoon, I met them again for their reception.
What Happens When It Rains at a Backyard Wedding in Maine?
Whether you’re planning a backyard wedding at a family property tucked away in rural Maine, in a city, or along the coast, it’s good to have a backup plan for rain — especially during certain seasons.
Tips to prepare for rain on your wedding day in Maine:
Work with flexible vendors who can adjust the timing of events like ceremony and portraits if the weather clears.
Have towels and umbrellas on hand – I always carry clear umbrellas just in case!
Consider tents for unpredictable weather, especially in the spring and fall.
Plan for parking on grass or uneven ground.
As is typical in Maine, the weather shifts quickly! The day started off with some misty clouds and eventually gave way to a torrential downpour that softened into a comfortably evening. To prepare, Josh & Caroline had two tents set up for guests to mingle under and lots of umbrellas!
Generations of family and friends mingled together under the two tents, and everywhere I turned, I saw smiles. The home kept others warm and the gardens were bursting with color. It made for imperfect photos that showed the sweetness of real life.
A Wedding Rooted in Home
Josh and Caroline’s wedding was in a space filled with history for both of them, surrounded by the people and the place that helped shaped them. It’s always an honor to be invited to photograph a wedding day, and one at a family home holds a special place in my heart.
If you’re planning a backyard wedding in Maine at a family home or private property, and you’re looking for photographs that tell a story beyond the wedding day itself, I’d love to chat!
Vendors:
Venue
Family property
Photography
Sienna Renee Photography
Florals
Grown on property
Catering
Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant
Rentals
Southern Maine Event Rentals
Band
Eric Andrews Jazz
Thank you for being here!
I’m Sienna, the owner and photographer behind Sienna Renee Photography. Based out of Maine, I approach wedding days and families with a documentary eye. I value genuine connection and getting to know you and your people to capture you as you are.