Your wedding day will be a blur of emotions, laughter, and love. In the midst of it all, how do you ensure that every precious moment is captured? The answer lies in a well-crafted wedding photography shot list (and a great wedding photographer, of course). This powerful tool is your secret weapon for creating a visual time capsule of your special day, ensuring that no important detail or heartfelt moment slips through the cracks.
But here’s the thing: everyone’s idea of the perfect wedding album is different, and that’s ok. That’s why creating a personalized shot list is crucial to your wedding planning journey. It’s your chance to ensure that every moment that matters to you is captured, from the show-stopping centrepieces to the tearful smiles of your grandparents.
Ready to craft a wedding photography shot list that’s as one-of-a-kind as your love story? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
Wedding photography shot list: The complete checklist
The getting-ready moments
These intimate shots are some of the most memorable and endearing because they’re taken when the nerves and emotions are at their highest. Unfortunately, because so much will happen afterwards, these memories can easily be forgotten. But preserving them on film can transport you back in time to relive them, so having some getting-ready moments on your photography shot list is essential.
- Bride and bridesmaids in matching robes
- Popping champagne bottles with your bridal party
- Groom and groomsmen suiting up
- Close-ups of hair and makeup application
- Details of the wedding dress, shoes, and accessories
- Candid laughter and excitement
- First look with bridesmaids or parents
- Reading intimate letters from your soon-to-be spouse
The ceremony showstoppers
Of course, hundreds of photographs will be taken during your ceremony, but there are a few essential ones you want to make sure your wedding photographer doesn’t miss.
- Guests arriving and being seated
- Wedding party walking down the aisle
- Bride’s grand entrance
- The groom’s reaction to seeing the bride
- Exchange of vows and rings
- The first kiss as a married couple
- Recessional and post-ceremony joy
- Decor and location
- Signing the marriage licence
Timeless portraits
These formal shots will grace your walls and albums for years to come, so it’s crucial to get them right. And while your wedding photographer will have ideas on which photos to take, it’s important to provide them with your own “wants” via your wedding photography shot list. From intimate couple portraits to grand family gatherings, these images form the backbone of your wedding photo album.
- Bride and groom portraits (together and individual, indoor and outdoor)
- Full wedding party group shot
- Individual shots with each member of the wedding party
- Family portraits (immediate family, children, extended family, grandparents)
- Generational photos (e.g., the bride with mother and grandmother)
Reception revelry
The reception is where your celebration truly comes alive, full of energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From your grand entrance to the last dance, these shots capture the joy and excitement of your wedding.
- Wedding party entrance
- The first dance
- Parent dances
- Toasts and speeches
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Dance floor action (and DJ or band)
- Guest candids
- Bouquet/garter toss
Wedding details
It’s often said that the devil is in the details, but in wedding photography, the magic is in the details. These close-up shots capture the tiny touches that make your wedding uniquely yours, from your carefully chosen accessories to thoughtful decor elements.
- Invitation suite and rings
- Table settings and centrepieces
- Wedding favours
- Guest book
- Wedding cake and dessert table
- Bar setup and signature cocktails
- Wedding signs and personal touches
- Photos of the entire reception space before guests (and with guests)
The venue
Your wedding venue sets the stage for your love story, providing a stunning backdrop for your special day, so it’s only natural to have it on the wedding photography shot list. These shots showcase the beauty of your surroundings, from sweeping landscapes to intimate corners, capturing the atmosphere and ambiance of your celebration.
- Wide-angle view of the ceremony space
- Exterior shots of the venue
- Scenic landscapes or cityscapes (depending on your location)
- Unique architectural features
- Night shots with lighting
Additional wedding photos
- Aerial drone shots (if permitted)
- Silhouette photos against a sunset
- Reflection shots in mirrors or water
- Through-the-window compositions
- Candid moments between formal shots
- “Action” shots (e.g., tossing confetti, popping champagne)
- Sparkler or balloon send-off
- Couple’s exit to their getaway car
- Last dance with an empty dance floor
- Night sky or starlight portraits
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