Ultimate Wedding Photo Shot List

The big day is right around the corner and you’re probably in the midst of making all of your finalizations with your planner and other vendors. As your wedding photographer, I want to ensure that we get every shot we want, so having a comprehensive wedding photography shot list is A MUST. It will ensure all of those big moments are captured to be preserved in your memories for years to come. 

I have created a downloadable PDF for your wedding photography shot list. The most important thing here is to remember that there aren’t any rules and that most of these shots are optional. You can omit or add as much as you like! Just be sure to communicate your vision with your photographer so that everyone shares the same vision on your wedding day. 

The wedding photo shot list will coincide with your wedding timeline, which I have a blog that you can read all about here!

So, what wedding photo shots do you need?

Though, yes, most, if not all of the photos on your wedding photo shot list ARE optional, I will be outlining the most coveted and tried and true wedding shots that have been kept around for good reason. These wedding photos have stood the test of time and proved to hold up the pieces that crafts your wedding storyline.

Getting ready photos

The anticipation is coming to a head and the beginning of your wedding day is HERE! You get to spend the first few hours with your girls gays and theys (and family members) all whilst you get pampered and catered to. If you can, take a breath, relax, drink some water, EAT, and let everyone else do the heavy lifting. As your photographer, I will be moving about in the background, getting gorgeous shots of you and your besties.

As for the groom and groomsmen, getting shots of the groomsmen helping with the groom’s tie, cufflinks, getting on his jacket,  etc are the classic go to’s for these getting ready shots. 

PRO TIP- Try to keep clutter to a minimum, or if you have the space, have a clutter free zone for photos. Nothing like a bunch of pizza boxes and red solo cups to kill the vibe of your getting ready photos. A little bit of clean up for photos is fine, but designating in your wedding party to do a quick tidy is really helpful in achieving those stunning getting ready photos. 

The Gown

We all know that today is the day for the gown to sing, so getting stunning shots of the gown on its own AND of the bride getting into are vital pieces to the narrative of your wedding day. I encourage you to allow your photographer to take the reins a get creative here while you’re putting the final touches on hair and make up. 

THE SHOES

If you’re a shoe girlie like me, I suggest getting a pair that is either really beautiful and classic for some chic photos, or leaning into your individuality and letting your shoes highlight your personal style. 

THE RINGS

Arguably the most precious items on your wedding day (other than your love for each other, DUH). As your photographer, I will carefully borrow your rings and lay them along a backdrop to get some close ups of the symbol of your love. This is also a great moment to highlight any other jewelry or precious family heirlooms that you are planning on wearing.

THE VENUE

Before the guests arrive and the venue has everything set and ready to go, now is the time for your photographer (me!) to sneak away and get detail shots of the venue. From landscapes with the exterior, to the reception hall with all the florals, candles, and cutlery, you better believe I’m gonna be taking photos. Some may think that these little details aren’t that important to them, but it really helps to create a cohesive narrative when threading your visual love story. 

Pre Ceremony

THE FIRST LOOK

If you know anything about me, you know that I strongly encourage you two to do a first look. Your wedding day is likely about to get a little crazy, so take this time, be present af in it, and really just soak in the two of you being alone for a few minutes. 

Option to do a first look with members of your family here as well.

Bridal Party and Family Photos

Now that everyone is show ready, it’s time to get some photos with your bridal party and family!

The CEREMONY

It’s finally here! The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The big debut for the bride in her gown for everyone to bestow upon, the tears of happiness, and all of your loved ones in one setting here to celebrate YOU. The crucial shots for the ceremony are:

• the bride walking down the isle for the first time
• The groom watching her (usually starting to cry)
• The vows and ring exchange
• The KISS
• Guest reactions
• Walking down the aisle together the first time as a married couple

COUPLE PHOTOS

This is a great opportunity to get some gorgeous shots of just the two of you for golden hour. Golden hour is highly coveted for a reason. And that reason is the light. Depending on the time of year and your timeline, I would recommend doing this either before or during the reception. When the sun is low enough to create a glow around you two but there is still enough ambient light so as to retain all those lovely highlights and shadows that create a soft depth in a photo.

THE RECEPTION

Let the fun commence! Next on the wedding photo shot list– toasts, cake, and dancing!

Toasts

This is a wonderful moment to capture all of your loved ones engaged in tributes and stories about you two as individuals and as a couple. These shots may be considered as to some as B Roll, but to me they play a vital part in the narrative of your wedding day.

Cake Cutting

Did you know that there is symbolism behind the cutting of the cake? It is essentially the first act by you two as a couple and your commitment to providing for and supporting each other, resulting in your shared first bite. Side note: the smashing of the cake in the bride’s face is a hard pass. Grooms, please take note. Your wife spent hours and lots and lots of money getting her hair and make up done. Do not do this. Trust me.

First Dances

Now is the time for the couple to kick off the first dances together! This can be a rehearsed dance of your choosing, or just a sweet slow moment for you two to forget about everyone watching and savor the quiet few minutes together. After the couples dance, option for father-daughter, mother-son, or anyone you would like to dance with in order to display how important their role in your life has been.

Dance Party!

Everyone head to the dance floor! Time to party!

Grand Exit

After the DJ does last call and the wedding begins to wind down, theres an option here to do a grand exit! Where everyone sends you off together to begin your lives as a married couple.

As I finish laying out the wedding photo shot list, I want to remind you as I said at the start of this: everything is optional! This list can be as modular or as standardized as you want. It’s your day and you get to choose this adventure, and I will be there with you helping you every step of the way! Don’t forget to download my Wedding Photography Shot List and contact me for any questions or to book!