Wedding Photography Checklist: The Complete Wedding Photo Shot List
Although your photographer will have vast experience capturing important wedding moments, no two couples are identical. You might want to document a particular family heirloom you’ll be wearing, surprise your spouse with a gift, or showcase the DIY centerpieces you worked tirelessly to create!
Creating a wedding photography checklist is an excellent idea to guarantee that your priorities are met and that you and your photographer share the same vision.
Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled the ultimate wedding photography checklist, which includes bridal portraits, centerpieces, and even the dance floor!
Getting Ready
- Bride getting ready alone
- Bride getting ready with bridesmaids
- Groom getting ready alone
- Groom getting ready with groomsmen
- Bride putting on makeup
- Bride putting on dress
- Bridesmaids helping bride with dress
- Mother of the bride putting on her makeup
- Father of the bride helping with boutonniere
- Groom putting on boutonniere
- Close-up of rings
- Close-up of shoes
- Close-up of wedding invitations
- Bride and bridesmaids toasting with champagne
Portraits
- Bride and groom together
- Bride with bridesmaids
- Groom with groomsmen
- Bride with maid of honor
- Groom with best man
- Bride with her parents
- Groom with his parents
- Bride and groom with both sets of parents
- Bride and groom with siblings
- Bride and groom with grandparents
- Bride with flower girl
- Groom with ring bearer
- Candid shots of the wedding party
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Printable Photo Shot List
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Wedding Ceremony Shot List
- Exterior and interior shots of the ceremony venue
- Guests arriving
- Ushers escorting guests to seats
- Processional
- Bride walking down the aisle
- Groom’s reaction to seeing the bride
- Vows
- Ring exchange
- First kiss as a married couple
- Signing the marriage license
- Recessional
Reception
- Exterior and interior shots of the reception venue
- Reception decor and details
- Table settings and centerpieces
- Bride and groom’s entrance
- First dance
- Father-daughter dance
- Mother-son dance
- Wedding toasts and speeches
- Cutting the cake
- Bouquet toss
- Garter toss
- Dancing and party shots
- Candid shots of guests enjoying themselves
Miscellaneous
- Ring exchange
- Bridal party walking down the aisle
- Parents walking down the aisle
- Grandparents walking down the aisle
- Flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
- Bride and groom’s first look
- Bride and groom’s parents’ reactions during the ceremony
- Bride and groom’s first dance
- Close-up of the bride’s shoes
- Table settings and centerpieces at the reception
- The bride and groom’s wedding favors
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Bride and groom taking shots at the bar
- Bride and groom sharing a private moment
Quick Tips & Notes
- Communicate your photo shot list with your photographer well in advance to ensure that they have enough time to plan and capture all the shots you want.
- Consider the lighting and location when planning your photo shots. Make sure to choose locations with good lighting and beautiful backgrounds.
- Be open to your photographer’s suggestions and ideas for unique and creative shots.
- Consider including a photo booth or selfie station for guests to take their own pictures and capture fun memories.
- Above all, remember to enjoy your special day with your partner and loved ones. Don’t let the photography process take away from your celebration.
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