8 gorgeous wedding photo opportunities at The Catlett Farm
After all the planning, work and anticipation; after surrounding yourself with the dearest people in your life and throwing a party to remember; after it’s all said and done and you’ve both said “I do!” - a new kind of anxiety sets in: you get to wait patiently for your wedding gallery.
These most meaningful photos are what you get to keep forever! They tell the story of your marvelous wedding day, allow you to relive the excitement in each photo, and they are stunning, unique works of art. While you are the sole focus of your wedding portraits, the background (and your photographer’s creative eye!) can make all the difference.
When the scenery around you is naturally beautiful, your photos will shine and highlight the day’s main event: you! The Catlett Farm on the Cape Fear boasts many photo spots that provide the perfect backdrop for the bridal portraits of your dreams - so you will not have to worry whether or not your photos will turn out wonderfully.
When the Catlett’s renovated their barn into a classic wedding venue back in 2017, their family couldn’t believe the change! The original barn was built in 2001, and for years was home to the family’s horses while their children were young. The horse barn became the cutest striped barn on the outside and beautiful sparkling venue inside. Throughout the next decade they would continue turning the farm into a magical place for their growing family.
A talented family friend built the covered pavilion at the pond, as well as the two cabanas that overlook the Cape Fear River. The crowning achievement of the farm was when the gorgeous Japanese footbridge was lowered into place, connecting the island gazebo to the woods and fields and giving easy access to yet another scenic photo op. This simple property on the river had turned into a show stopper and was the location of thousands of memories.
Thanks to a little more elbow grease (and Ms. Marie’s new commercial mower!) the natural beauty of The Catlett Farm blossomed - literally! It has become one of the most beautiful and affordable farm wedding venues in Fayetteville, NC and surrounding areas - as well as a photographer’s paradise for all types of photoshoots.
Brandi Bowen Photography + Design
We at The Catlett Farm are well aware that one of the most important things you look for in a wedding venue is a landscape that will provide romantic, photogenic, and natural beauty for your wedding day. You’ve already spent hours and hours trying to find inspiration for your big day (I mean, that’s why you’re here, right?) trying to find the right “look”. If outdoor weddings are what you’ve settled on, then allow us to take out the guesswork when it comes to your engagement photos and bridals.
Our spacious and scenic space delivers two important must haves for fabulous photos: natural light and depth! Since so many outdoor ceremonies are in the afternoon, couples can take advantage of that glorious and romantic golden hour that peeks over the trees and filters over the entire venue. The fields, water, and woods allow a creative space for you and your photographer to play and experiment and get those snapshots that you will cherish forever.
Read on to see all that our property offers to couples, families, and photographers - we promise, we have it all!
COME FALL IN LOVE
DISCOVER our 8 fabulous photo spots that make The Catlett Farm on the Cape Fear one of the Best Places for photoshoots and outdoor weddings in Fayetteville, NC! These EIGHT areas are ideal for Fine Art photos, family pictures, first looks, and more! Our property offers a diverse canvas for your photographer’s creative lens. We love how they all see the property just a little differently. Here's a little inspiration to get you started.
Photo: Alyssa Joyce Photography
Wide Open Fields
There is something so dreamy about you and yours in a simple rustic field. It’s as if the whole world has stopped for a moment and you are the only thing that matters. With loads of depth and no obtrusive objects, light and shade, your photographer can focus on you. Our fields will make the ideal backdrop no matter what time of year you’re getting married!
2. Tall Grass
Three acres of The Catlett Farm fields have been dedicated to the tall grasses that grow wild - it drives Mr. Catlett - who loves a manicured lawn - a little crazy! More importantly, we are crazy for it, and so will you and your photographer be! It’s become an extremely popular area for every type of photo - from bridals, engagements, family photos, and whatever you can dream up. With a little spot carved out just for you, our tall grasses make for some genuinely amazing photo spots. From the vibrant greens in the summer and spring to the neutral browns, auburns, and tans in the fall and winter, they are perfect no matter your theme.
3. The Swing
The Tree Swing is one of those classic photo ops for our couples - it’s sweet, playful, and dramatic! Hanging from a towering pecan tree near the entrance to the farm, this versatile photo spot can set you up for any kind of photograph that suits you. As an added bonus, early in the spring the ground is covered in clover! It’s a great place to play around and relax a little too - it’s your wedding day after all - go for it!
4. Cabanas
Our cabanas are a woefully underrated photo spot - tucked away behind the pond but overlooking the Cape Fear River, it provides a beautifully intimate setting for you and your partner. Commonly used as a “hang out” area for the groomsmen, they are a wonderful place to stop and take a moment, breathe, and look out at the river with the light dappling through the tall trees.
5. The pond
Our Japanese footbridge at the pond is easily our most popular photo op - and for good reason! It’s a versatile spot that never disappoints, and is the perfect romantic location for that Just-Married kiss. Fun, fabulous, visually pleasing for your whole wedding party, and we must add - it’s hard to beat for a first look! On top of it all, our large wood gazebo with brick flooring makes a strong statement. Have fun here! After all, it is all about you two today.
6. The woods
Are we out of the woods yet? No, Taylor, the woods make for awesomely moody and dramatic pictures! If embracing nature is your thing, then our woods are where you want to be…below the ridge on the river, down a path, or near the pond. Every spot is special!
7. Bridal room
You might not have immediately thought of a brides room being an ideal place for photos, but think again! Our newly renovated brides room features a gorgeous turquoise and cherry blossom wall that is just right for your bridesmaids photo. In the brides room you will also find three gold-framed mirrors: a stunning tall floor mirror, an oval mirror (removable), and a wide mirror above the makeup table. Large windows with dreamy sheer curtains let in lots of natural light and provide a soft visual background for that first photo of you in your wedding gown.
8. Barn Doors
Last but certainly not least - the barn doors. When you think of “barn wedding” you imagine the the fields, maybe some fencing, gorgeous trees… and the barn doors! Our doors play a very important part in your day - from the bridals you may take there, your grand double door entrance to the reception, and the exit at the end of the night is spectacular! We’ve seen couples do their first touch, read their vows, and take some truly breathtaking photos at our barn doors, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with. The possibilities here are endless!
“Okay, that all looks great! But I’d like to see it in person and make sure it actually meets my expectations and has everything I’m looking for.”
Please do! We offer tours where you can come visit the venue in person and see it all for yourself. Please find us here for more information, photos, and to request a tour.
You can find more inspiration on our Real Weddings page and Best Photo Locations page on our website…thecatlettfarm.com.