A wedding photography shot list serves as a guideline for photographers to ensure they capture the essential moments of your special day. Here’s an example of key moments typically included in a wedding photography shot list. Get your free wedding photography checklist here.
“Getting Ready” Photos
- Wedding dress, hanging or draped: To capture the beauty and details of the bride’s wedding dress, photographers can photograph it hanging from a tree or a window, or draped over a chair. This shot can also include a close-up of the dress details, such as lace, beading, or embroidery.
- Bride’s shoes, jewelry, and accessories: Photographing the bride’s shoes, jewelry, and other accessories can include close-up shots of the details such as the glitter, the color, or the embellishments. For example, capturing the sparkle of diamond earrings or the intricate design of a necklace can add depth and personality to the overall wedding album.
- Bouquets and boutonnieres: Capturing the floral arrangements and boutonnieres is an important detail that adds to the overall theme and colors of the wedding. Photographers can shoot them from different angles, including an overhead shot, a close-up of the flowers, or a detail shot of the ribbons or pins.
- Wedding invitations and stationery: Photographing the wedding invitations and other stationery can include a flat lay image of the invitation suite, which can be styled with the wedding rings, the flowers, or other wedding-related items to create a cohesive theme. Additionally, close-up shots of the font or design elements can also be included.
- Bride and bridesmaids getting ready: Capturing the moments of the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready can include candid shots of them laughing, hugging, or sharing a toast. These moments can be documented in a photojournalistic style, creating a story of the day from start to finish.
- Groom and groomsmen getting ready: Photographing the groom and his groomsmen getting ready can include shots of them tying their ties, putting on their cufflinks, or sharing a drink. These moments can also be captured in a candid, photojournalistic style, showcasing their personalities and relationships.
- Candid shots of family members and friends preparing for the day: Capturing candid shots of family members and friends preparing for the wedding can include them fixing their hair, putting on their makeup, or helping the bride or groom with their accessories. These moments can add a personal touch to the wedding album, showcasing the love and support of those closest to the couple.
“First Look” Photos - Bride and groom seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony: If the couple decides to do a First Look before the ceremony, the photographer can capture this intimate moment of the couple seeing each other for the first time in a secluded area. This can create an emotional and special moment that is not seen by the guests during the ceremony.
- Reaction of the bride and groom: Capturing the reaction of the bride and groom during the First Look can showcase their emotions and excitement for the day. This moment can include a close-up shot of their expressions, including smiles, tears, or a gasp of surprise.
- A few posed portraits of the couple: Following the First Look, the photographer can take a few posed portraits of the couple. This can include capturing the natural chemistry between them, or incorporating scenic backdrops, such as a nearby garden or a cityscape, to create stunning and memorable images. The photographer can also incorporate creative techniques, such as framing the couple through a nearby object, such as a tree or a doorway, to add depth and interest to the shot.
Ceremony Photos - Exterior and interior shots of the ceremony venue: Photographing the exterior and interior of the ceremony venue can add context and atmosphere to the wedding album. This can include capturing the grand entrance of the venue, as well as shots of the ceremony setup, such as the altar, aisle, and floral arrangements.
- Guests arriving and being seated: Photographing the guests arriving and being seated can create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the ceremony. These shots can include candid shots of guests hugging, chatting, or smiling as they take their seats.
- Wedding party entrance: Capturing the entrance of the wedding party, including the bridesmaids and groomsmen, can add a sense of drama and excitement to the ceremony. These shots can include capturing the wedding party walking down the aisle, showcasing their personalities and style.
- Bride’s entrance: The moment the bride walks down the aisle is one of the most memorable moments of the wedding. Photographers can capture this special moment from different angles, including a close-up of the bride’s expression or a wide shot of the aisle.
- Groom’s reaction to the bride’s entrance: Capturing the groom’s reaction to the bride’s entrance can be a touching moment, showcasing the emotions of the day. This can include a close-up shot of the groom’s expression or a wider shot that includes the bride and groom.
- Exchange of vows: Capturing the exchange of vows can be one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony. Photographers can focus on capturing the expressions and emotions of the couple as they speak their vows to each other.
- Ring exchange: The moment when the couple exchanges rings is an important detail to capture. Photographers can focus on capturing the hands of the couple or a close-up of the rings themselves.
- The first kiss as a married couple: The first kiss as a married couple is a special moment to capture. Photographers can focus on capturing the expression and emotions of the couple, as well as the reaction of the guests.
- Signing of the marriage certificate: Photographing the signing of the marriage certificate can add a sense of authenticity to the wedding album. This can include a close-up shot of the couple’s hands as they sign the certificate or a wider shot that includes the officiant and witnesses.
- Recessional – the couple walking down the aisle together: The recessional is the moment when the couple walks down the aisle together for the first time as a married couple. Photographers can capture this moment from different angles, including a shot of the guests cheering or throwing confetti.
- Guests tossing confetti, petals, or blowing bubbles (if applicable): If the couple chooses to have the guests toss confetti, petals, or blow bubbles, this can create a fun and memorable moment to capture. Photographers can focus on capturing the joy and excitement of the guests as they celebrate the newlyweds.
Family and Group Portraits - Bride and groom with their immediate families: Photographing the bride and groom with their immediate families can include a group shot of everyone, as well as individual shots with each family member. This can be an important detail to capture, as it showcases the families coming together to celebrate the couple.
- Bride and groom with their extended families: Photographing the bride and groom with their extended families can include a group shot of everyone, as well as individual shots with each family member. This can be a larger group shot that includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives.
- Bride and groom with their wedding party: Capturing the bride and groom with their wedding party can showcase the personalities and style of the wedding party. This can include a group shot of the entire wedding party, as well as individual shots with each member.
- Bride with her bridesmaids: Photographing the bride with her bridesmaids can showcase the close bond and friendship between the bride and her closest friends. This can include candid shots of them laughing or hugging, as well as posed shots in various locations.
- Groom with his groomsmen: Photographing the groom with his groomsmen can showcase the camaraderie and friendship between the groom and his closest friends. This can include candid shots of them joking around or sharing a drink, as well as posed shots in various locations.
- Bride and groom with any special guests or relatives: If there are any special guests or relatives that the couple wants to include in their wedding album, photographers can capture these moments by photographing the couple with them. This can include close family members, such as grandparents or close friends who have traveled a long distance to attend the wedding.
Couple Portraits - Bride and groom together in various poses and locations: Photographing the bride and groom together in various poses and locations can showcase their love and connection. This can include posed shots in scenic locations, as well as candid shots that capture their natural chemistry.
- Close-up shots of the couple: Capturing close-up shots of the couple can highlight the small details, such as the bride’s makeup or the groom’s suit. This can add depth and personality to the wedding album.
- Full-length shots of the couple: Capturing full-length shots of the couple can showcase their outfits and style, as well as the scenic locations around them.
Reception Photos - Exterior and interior shots of the reception venue: Photographing the exterior and interior of the reception venue can add context and atmosphere to the wedding album. This can include capturing the grand entrance of the venue, as well as shots of the reception setup, such as the table settings and decor.
- Table settings and reception details (centerpieces, favors, etc.): Capturing the table settings and reception details can add a sense of personality and theme to the wedding album. This can include close-up shots of the centerpieces, the favors, or other decorative elements.
- The couple’s grand entrance: Photographing the couple’s grand entrance can be a memorable moment to capture, showcasing their excitement and enthusiasm for the reception.
- Toasts and speeches: Capturing the toasts and speeches can add a sense of authenticity and emotion to the wedding album. This can include candid shots of the speakers, as well as close-up shots of the couple’s reactions.
- First dance: Photographing the first dance can be a romantic moment to capture, showcasing the couple’s love and connection. This can include shots from different angles, including a close-up shot of the couple’s hands or a wider shot that includes the dance floor.
- Parent dances (father-daughter, mother-son): Capturing the parent dances can be a touching moment to capture, showcasing the love and bond between the couple and their parents. This can include close-up shots of the parents and the couple, as well as candid shots of the guests watching.
- Cake cutting: Photographing the cake cutting can be a fun moment to capture, showcasing the couple’s playful side. This can include a close-up shot of the couple cutting the cake, as well as wider shots that include the guests and the cake itself.
- Bouquet and garter toss (if applicable): If the couple chooses to have a bouquet and garter toss, this can create a fun and memorable moment to capture. Photographers can focus on capturing the joy and excitement of the guests as they participate in the toss.
- Candid shots of guests dancing and enjoying the celebration: Capturing candid shots of guests dancing and enjoying the celebration can add a sense of liveliness and energy to the wedding album. This can include shots of guests laughing, dancing, or engaging in other activities.
- Couple’s exit or send-off: Photographing the couple’s exit or send-off can be a romantic and memorable moment to capture. This can include shots of the couple leaving the reception, as well as shots of the guests waving goodbye or blowing bubbles.
This list serves as a starting point, and it’s essential to personalize it to reflect your unique wedding day and priorities. Be sure to communicate your desired shots with your photographer and discuss any additional moments or traditions you’d like to be captured.
Get your free wedding photography checklist here.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your destination wedding in Mexico?
Chas Photography has an instantly recognizable aesthetic, defined by the soft, organic, and classic qualities that film provides. As a bespoke photography service, we apply a highly personalized and hand-crafted approach to each and every wedding. Our team goes above and beyond for our clients to stay true to our mission: to provide a one-of-a-kind wedding experience! Submit an application to receive a custom quote.
