Let’s talk about your wedding photography shot list, friends. Your wedding day is packed with magic, laughter, happy tears, and—let’s be real—some serious dance floor moves. But you might miss those once-in-a-lifetime moments if you don’t have a solid shot list. A well-thought-out photography shot list ensures your photographer gets everything, from the grand ‘I do’ to that one uncle who refuses to leave the dance floor.
This is your cheat sheet to ensure every detail is documented within your shot list, so let’s get into it.
Pre-Wedding Photography Shot List Must-Haves
- Exterior and interior shots of the venue
- Photos of the host hotel (lobby, suites, views, and special details)
- That gorgeous wedding invitation (because, let’s be honest, it took forever to design)
- Engagement ring(s) looking shiny and fabulous
- Wedding bands ready for their close-up
- Thoughtful gifts exchanged between the bride and groom (cue the emotions!)
- Handwritten vow books for those heartfelt words
Bride Getting Ready Shot List
- The dress hanging up, looking iconic before it goes on
- Wedding party sipping Veuve Clicquot, getting glammed up
- Mom, dad, or bestie helping with final touches (zip, veil, shoes—whatever adds drama)
- That moment when you check yourself out in the mirror and think, ‘Damn, I look good!’
- All the pretty little details (shoes, jewelry, that something borrowed, something blue…)
- Sweet moment with parents and siblings (cue the happy tears)
- Group hug with the wedding party
Groom Getting Ready Shot List
- Groom and crew doing final touches (tying ties, fixing boutonnieres—making sure nobody looks like a mess)
- Emotional moment with parents or siblings (yes, guys cry too!)
- Best man giving that ‘You got this’ pep talk
- Group shot with the groomsmen looking sharp
- Close-up details (cufflinks, watch, shoes—because guys have style too)
Pre-Ceremony Moments Shot List
- Heartfelt moments with family before the ceremony
- Bride and groom separately heading to the ceremony (limo, vintage car, walking—however they’re making their entrance)
- First look (if you’re doing one—pure gold for the emotions!)
- Many brides are now opting for first looks with their fathers—such a sweet moment!
- Bridal party first looks? Honestly, not always a hit. They take up precious time and can be a challenge to organize. Sometimes, it’s better to keep the focus on the couple and immediate family.
- Groom waiting at the altar, looking a little nervous but mostly excited
Ceremony Vibes Shot List
- The venue all set up before guests arrive
- Guests arriving, mingling, and taking their seats
- Wedding party walking down the aisle
- Flower girl and ring bearer stealing the show
- Bride’s grand entrance (cue gasps and tears)
- That first look between bride and groom
- Vows, ring exchange, and allllll the emotions
- THE kiss (make it count!)
- The epic recessional—married at last!
- Big celebration outside the venue
Wedding Party & Family Portraits Shot List
- Bride and groom together, capturing the love
- Bride with parents
- Groom with parents
- Bride with siblings
- Groom with siblings
- Bride with immediate family
- Groom with immediate family
- Both families together
- Bride with bridesmaids
- Groom with groomsmen
- Entire wedding party group shot
- Fun, candid group shots that don’t feel forced
- That one wild friend making everyone laugh
- Bride and groom looking picture-perfect together
- Wedding party looking like a dream team
- Parents, siblings, and VIP family moments
- Fun, candid group shots that don’t feel forced
- That one wild friend making everyone laugh
Reception Celebrations Shot List
- Exterior and interior shots of the reception venue before guests arrive
- Bride and groom soaking up the reception space before guests arrive—the quiet before the fun!
- That killer tablescape you obsessed over for months
- The big entrance—because you deserve a proper welcome
- Toasts that make everyone laugh and cry
- First dance (romantic or choreographed masterpiece, either works!)
- Parent dances (grab the tissues)
- Dance floor moments—yes, we want to see Grandma getting down
- Epic cake-cutting moment (smash or no smash?) and champagne tower moment (because bubbly makes everything better!)
- The Hora (if applicable)—an electrifying moment of joy, energy, and tradition where the couple is hoisted into the air by their loved ones!
- Late-night party vibes
- The big send-off (sparklers, confetti, vintage car—go out with a bang!)
PRO TIP: Put the Phones Away!
Listen, we get it—everyone wants to snap their own pics. But let your photographer do their job of capturing the wedding photography throughout the event. Nothing ruins a perfect shot like Uncle Bob stepping in with his iPhone. Your wedding photos will be fire without the distraction of a thousand phone screens. Let your people be present and enjoy the day—you’ll get all the pro-level pics soon enough!
Final Thoughts
A detailed wedding photography shot list means you can enjoy your day without worrying about missed moments. Your photographer will capture the big moments, the tiny details, and the in-between magic—telling a story that will be retold through these photos for a lifetime.
Pinterest
/
Share on
facebook