Planning a Lombardi House Wedding? Here’s How to Make the Most of It

If you’ve already booked Lombardi House for your wedding—congratulations! You’ve chosen one of the most photogenic and thoughtfully designed venues in Los Angeles. (If you are considering it, check out THIS post for why you should book!)

As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked at venues all over Southern California, and Lombardi House stands out for its clean aesthetic, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

To help you plan a day that’s not only smooth and stress-free but also results in timeless, meaningful photos, I’m sharing my top Lombardi House wedding tips to help you make the most of your venue.

Timeline Tips for a Stress-Free, Photo-Friendly Day

Your timeline shapes the entire feel of your wedding day, especially at a venue like Lombardi House where everything is in one place.

Start with a Slow Morning

Use the upstairs suites to get ready. They’re light-filled and peaceful, which is ideal for hair, makeup, and candid, emotional getting-ready photos.

Plan Time for a First Look

There are beautiful spots on the lawn or near the house’s porch that offer privacy and soft light. A first look also gives you more flexibility later on, especially if you want to enjoy cocktail hour.

Golden Hour = Must-Have Portraits

The best light hits the courtyard and lawn areas in the late afternoon. Aim to sneak away for 15–20 minutes right before sunset for glowing, romantic newlywed portraits.

Leave Space to Breathe

Buffering time between events helps you stay present, soak it all in, and avoid that rushed, whirlwind feeling. It also gives us space to capture those honest, in-between moments (like hugs with your grandparents or a quiet toast with your best friend) that you’ll never want to forget.

Not sure how to build that kind of breathing room into your day? Don’t worry. All of my couples get personalized timeline guidance based on what matters most to them. It’s not just about where to be and when, it’s about creating a day that actually feels like you.

This is the part of the experience that so many couples didn’t even know they needed, until they had it.

Ceremony Layout Options at Lombardi House

Lombardi House offers several layout options depending on your guest count and style:

• Front Lawn Ceremony: Ideal for larger guest lists, framed by the house itself for a classic and symmetrical look.

• Courtyard Ceremony: Intimate and cozy, especially when paired with string lights and soft floral design.

• Side Lawn/Alternate Angles: For couples wanting a unique angle, the house can serve as a side or backdrop depending on light and time of day.

Photographer tip: Make sure your ceremony start time aligns with the light. If your ceremony is later in the day, backlighting from the setting sun can create beautiful, cinematic shots.

Lombardi House Wedding Tips for the Best Photo Locations

If you’re looking for the best Lombardi House wedding tips when it comes to photo locations, here are my go-to spots that always deliver beautiful results.

• In Front of the House: The all-white façade is clean, timeless, and effortlessly editorial. One of my favorite moments to photograph? You two swinging open the double doors and stepping into cocktail hour, arms raised, smiles wide, and ready to celebrate with everyone you love.

• On the Porch: Great for quiet, romantic moments or bridal portraits.

• Courtyard + String Lights: Magical for reception or golden hour shots.

• Inside the Suites: Soft window light = dreamy getting-ready portraits.

• The Driveway + Gate Area: Surprisingly good for styled detail shots or a quick modern couple portrait.

First Look Ideas that Feel Natural and Meaningful

Not every couple wants a first look, but if you’re considering one, Lombardi House offers great spots to do it in a way that still feels intimate and authentic:

• Front porch steps for a walk-up reveal

• Around the side of the house for a tucked-away moment

• Inside the suites for an emotional indoor reveal with perfect window light

Doing a first look also means you can finish wedding party and family photos before the ceremony, freeing up your timeline for more celebrating afterward.

Logistics & Guest Experience Tips

This part can often be overlooked, but makes a huge difference for both flow and comfort.

• Valet Parking or Ride Share Encouraged: The venue is centrally located, but street parking can be limited. Consider hiring a valet service or suggesting guests Uber/Lyft.

• Guest Drop-Off: The entrance can get crowded. Adding signage or a designated drop-off zone helps keep things flowing.

• On-Site Lodging for You or Guests: If you’re staying on-site, it makes everything easier. Coordinate early check-in with your planner or the venue to avoid stress.

• Plan for Cooler Evenings: Even in LA, the evening chill can sneak up. Consider offering blankets or heaters if your reception is outdoors.

A Lombardi House wedding is a dream when it comes to light, layout, and atmosphere, but it’s the thoughtful planning that brings it all to life. By building in time for presence, choosing your ceremony layout with light in mind, and keeping your guest experience front of mind, you’re setting yourself up for a wedding day that feels as good as it looks.

These Lombardi House wedding tips are designed to help you plan a day that flows beautifully, photographs effortlessly, and lets you stay fully present throughout it all.

If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer who knows Lombardi House and values meaningful, editorial storytelling—I’d love to connect. Reach out here.