Laurel Hall Wedding Photographer | Lindsay & Justin’s Winter Wonderland Celebration
- Cody Bailey
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Photographing a winter wedding at Laurel Hall is always something special. From my experience photographing multiple weddings at this iconic Indianapolis venue, I know how magical the mansion feels once winter sets in — especially when snow becomes part of the story.
As an Indianapolis wedding photographer, I approach winter wedding days with a documentary mindset, focusing on genuine moments while quietly guiding couples through the day. Laurel Hall’s historic interiors and warm light create an intimate, timeless atmosphere that photographs beautifully, even on the coldest days.
Photographed by Cody Bailey, owner of Rogue Image Photo — an Indianapolis wedding photographer with over 450 weddings photographed across Indiana, specializing in clean, crisp, documentary-style storytelling.
As an Indianapolis wedding photographer who has photographed many celebrations at Laurel Hall, this venue is one of my favorites. Its timeless architecture, clean natural light, and flexible indoor portrait locations make it a perfect choice for couples planning a December or winter wedding.
Their Story: A Modern Swipe Right to “I Do”
Like many great modern love stories, this one started with a swipe.
“As any good modern day love story starts, we met on Tinder. I never imagined swiping right would lead to our wedding nearly 7 years later. Justin is a quiet homebody, and I’m loud and adventurous. Truly together we are each other's yin and yang.”
Their connection made the day effortless, emotional, and fun — the perfect recipe for a winter wedding filled with personal meaning.
Winter Wedding Decor at Laurel Hall
Laurel Hall shines during the holidays. For this wedding, the venue transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with:
A towering Christmas tree beside the grand staircase
Evergreen garland wrapped along the railings
A decorated tree inside the bridal suite
Soft lighting and candlelit accents that created a warm, cozy winter ambiance
Snow outside completed the picture, adding that quintessential winter glow to their portraits — without making the day feel frigid or uncomfortable.
For couples searching for indoor photo locations Indianapolis, Laurel Hall is easily one of the top choices, especially in colder months.
Winter weddings require a thoughtful approach, and having photographed Laurel Hall in every season allows me to anticipate how the day will unfold. Knowing when to stay indoors, when to step outside briefly, and how to move efficiently between spaces ensures couples stay comfortable while still capturing the magic of the season.
Private Vows & Emotional Highlights
When asked about their favorite moment, Lindsay didn’t hesitate:
“Personal vows. Hands down it was the most heartfelt thing I have ever experienced. A close second would be me absolutely obliterating the cake.”
Their private vows were powerful — intimate, emotional, and deeply personal. Documenting these unscripted moments is why I love being a Laurel Hall wedding photographer. The architecture gives you space, while the quiet corners allow you to capture raw emotion without distraction.
Lindsay also shared:
“All of the nerves went out the window the second I saw Justin. All I felt the rest of the night was love.”
These are the moments where documentary-style photography shines — honest reactions, authentic emotion, and the story unfolding naturally.
Why You Should Hire a Laurel Hall Wedding Photographer
During portrait time, my priority was creating images that felt romantic and intentional without keeping the couple out in the cold for long. Having photographed winter weddings at Laurel Hall before, I knew exactly which interior spaces offered soft light and elegant backdrops, allowing portraits to feel effortless and relaxed.
Laurel Hall is stunning, but it’s also a venue with unique lighting, layout, and flow. Working with a photographer familiar with the space is a massive advantage — especially for winter weddings, where time and daylight are limited.
Here’s why venue experience matters:
1. Mastery of Indoor Lighting
Laurel Hall alternates between bright sun-filled rooms and warm, moody spaces. Knowing exactly where the best natural light falls (and at what time) makes portraits faster and smoother.
2. Fast Transitions Between Locations
When the temperature outside is freezing, efficient movement matters.We know:
Which rooms photograph best mid-day
Which corners work for first looks
How to maximize the staircase
Where the Solarium light peaks
3. Maximizing Tight Winter Timelines
December weddings in Indianapolis mean:
Early sunset
Limited outdoor time
More indoor transitions
A photographer experienced at Laurel Hall can build a timeline that avoids stress and maximizes portrait opportunities.
4. Creative Use of Holiday Decor
We leaned into the greenery, lights, garland, and trees — even shooting through the décor to add depth and warmth to images.
If you want your Laurel Hall photos to feel elegant, timeless, and intentional, hiring a photographer who knows the venue makes all the difference.
Go-To Photography Locations at Laurel Hall (Especially for Winter)
These spaces made Lindsay & Justin’s gallery diverse and full of variety:
The Solarium
Their ceremony took place here — flooded with natural light even in December. The white brick, tall windows, greenery, and classic architectural lines make this one of the best photography spots in Indianapolis.
The Grand Staircase
A defining feature of Laurel Hall. Add a Christmas tree with warm lights?Perfection.
Portraits here included:
Lindsay solo on the staircase
First portraits as husband and wife
Documentary moments with family and wedding party
The Renovated Bridal Suite
Bright, elegant, and perfectly styled — one of the best bridal prep rooms in the city.
The Balcony & Back Patio
Yes, it was cold — but the snow made the images unforgettable. As a winter wedding photographer in Indianapolis, I love doing quick “bursts” outdoors so couples stay warm while still getting that magical winter glow.
Photography Approach: Clean, Classic, and True to Life
Our approach at Rogue Image Photo is simple:
Use natural light whenever possible
Keep colors clean + crisp + timeless
Capture emotional, in-between moments
Give enough direction to avoid awkwardness
Prioritize comfort and experience
Laurel Hall’s stained glass, stonework, wood tones, and seasonal décor created the perfect backdrop for a combination of editorial portraits and documentary storytelling.
How Rogue Image Photo Supports Your Wedding Day
Lindsay shared one of the biggest reasons she felt supported:
“The timeline! Having a template laid out was incredibly helpful. The constant reassurances and kind demeanor made everything feel more relaxing. I was very comfortable around Cody.”
Creating a realistic timeline is especially crucial for winter weddings due to:
Limited daylight
Indoor ceremony transitions
Colder temperatures
Faster-moving schedules
Our goal is always to keep your day moving smoothly, quietly documenting your story while giving you space to enjoy the celebration.
Wedding Planning Advice From the Couple
“DIY sounds great. Don’t do it unless it’s a passion, because painting charger plates 2 days before your wedding in freezing temperatures is about as fun as it sounds.”
File that under: Tried it so you don’t have to.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Indianapolis?
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Indianapolis?
Most professional Indianapolis wedding photographers range from $3,000–$6,000+, depending on:
Coverage hours
Experience
Albums + extras
Travel needs
Second photographer availability
Do winter weddings cost more?
Usually no — but winter weddings demand photographers who can handle:
Low light
Fast-changing schedules
Indoor ceremonies
Outdoor cold-weather portraits
Where can I see your pricing?
You can explore options on our bolded internal link → wedding-pricing
Photographer Insight: What Couples Should Know
Winter weddings at Laurel Hall offer a level of intimacy and atmosphere that’s hard to replicate any other time of year. From my experience photographing winter weddings at this venue, I’ve learned that the key is embracing the interior spaces and planning a timeline that allows couples to stay warm while still capturing the season’s charm.
Laurel Hall’s historic interiors photograph beautifully in winter, with soft light, warm tones, and architectural details that create timeless images without needing to brave the cold for long stretches. This makes it an ideal venue for couples who love the idea of a winter wedding but want flexibility and comfort built into the day.
For couples planning a winter wedding at Laurel Hall, I always recommend trusting your photographer to guide portrait timing and locations based on weather and light. That flexibility allows the day to feel relaxed and intentional — and ensures your photos reflect the beauty of the season without unnecessary stress.
Winter Wedding Vendor Team
A quick shoutout to the pros who made the magic happen:
Venue: Laurel Hall
Dress: Velvet Bridal
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: Jacquie’s
Florals: @shop_stella_designs
Officiant: IndyGetMarried
Planning a winter wedding at Laurel Hall and searching for wedding photography in Indianapolis that feels natural, emotional, and true to your story? With over 450 weddings photographed across Indiana, Rogue Image Photo specializes in documentary style photography that allows you to stay present while every meaningful moment is thoughtfully captured.
If you’re getting married at Laurel Hall or another Indianapolis wedding venue and want a photographer who brings experience, calm guidance, and a storytelling approach to your day, I’d love to connect. You can explore more real wedding stories on the Weddings page or reach out through the Contact page to start the conversation.
Comments