You’ve hired a professional photographer and have every last detail planned to perfection. On a day as important as your wedding day, there’s a lot of different things going on at any given time. There are a lot of people involved (bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, parents, guests, vendors…) and you’ll be expected to arrive at different places at certain times. Your wedding photographer is an experienced professional who will know when and how to get the “must-have” photos and will most likely be working from his own standard shot list, whether it’s written down or stored mentally. Make sure you touch base with your photographer ahead of time regarding any special photos that you want. If possible, ask him for a copy of his shot list so you can fill in the blanks. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of wedding day photos that many couples will want. These pictures showcase fond memories and emotions on the most special day of your life, so make sure you get the ones that are most important to you.
Getting Ready
- Wedding dress on a hanger
Photo Credit: Catherine Hall Studios
- Bride applying makeup
- Bride getting her hair done
- Bridal party or mother helping bride into her dress
Photo Credit: Annie Steele
- Putting on the veil
- Candid shots of the bridal party getting ready
- Full length mirror shot of the bride in her dress
- Bridesmaids’ reactions to the bride in her dress
Photo Credit: Bridal Guide
- Groom tying his tie and putting on his shoes
- Groom pinning boutonniere onto his father
- Father pinning boutonniere on the groom
Posed Photos
- Bride by herself
- Bride with her bridesmaids
Photo Credit: True Photography Weddings
- Bride with her family
- Groom with his groomsmen
- Groom and his family
- Bride and groom with bride’s family
- Bride and groom with groom’s family
- Bride and groom with both sets of parents
- Bride and groom with bridesmaids
- Bride and groom with groomsmen
- Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer
Photo Credit: Chris Moncus Photography
- Bride and groom with the maid of honor and best man
- Bride and groom with whole wedding party
- Bride and groom in many different poses
Photo Credit: Ashfall Mixed Media
Photo Credit: Ashlee Raubach Photography
Photo Credit: Browne Photography
The Ceremony
- Shots of the exterior and interior of the venue
- Groom walking down the aisle with mother
Photo Credit: Anna & Spencer Photography
- Close-up of groom while waiting for his bride
- Bridal party walking down the aisle
- Grandparents walking down the aisle
- Ring bearer and flower girl walking down the aisle
Photo Credit: Leah Haydock Photography
- Bride and her escort waiting to walk down the aisle
- Close-up of bride waiting to make her entrance
- Bride and her escort walking down the aisle
- Bride’s escort giving her away
- Bride and groom at the altar, exchanging vows
Photo Credit: Samantha Cook Photography
- Parents watching the ceremony
- Wide shot of the couple from the guests’ point of view
- Wide shot of the guests from the couple’s point of view
- Bride and groom exiting the ceremony
Photo Credit: The Studio B Photography
Reception Pictures
Photo Credit: Peachwik
- Close-ups of friends and family making toasts
- Bride and groom visiting guests
- The first dance
Photo Credit: Jay Moore Photography
- Father-daughter dance and mother-son dance
- Guests dancing and mingling
- Bouquet toss
Photo Credit: Lena Hervey Bay Celebrant
- Garter toss
- Newlywed’s getaway vehicle
- The grand exit
Photo Credit: Southern Weddings
Detail Shots
- Wedding invitations and stationary
- Engagement ring and wedding bands
- Bride and bridesmaid bouquets
Photo Credit: Hudson Nichols Photography
- Boutonnieres
- Jewelry and accessories
- Bride’s shoes
- Bride’s something old, new, borrowed, blue
- Table settings, place cards, menus, programs, centerpieces and favors
Photo Credit: Jared Wilson Photography
- The cake or dessert table
- Champagne glasses and bar or custom alcohol menu
- Special decorations
- Hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks
Photo Credit: Kevin Barre Photography
Once in a Lifetime Moments
- Father’s first look of the bride in her gown
Photo Credit: Mikkel Paige Photography
- Groom’s first look of the bride in her gown
- Cutting the cake
- Groom’s reaction as she walks down the aisle
Photo Credit: Rowell Photography
- Close-up of hands as rings are exchanged
- The first kiss
Photo Credit: Ian Bogan Studios
There is an unlimited number of wedding day photos, both posed and candid, that can be taken. As you scroll through this list, think about which ones you absolutely must have. A bride’s must have shot list will vary, so it’s important to communicate with your photographer which photos are the most important to you. For example, you can ask your photographer to take formal and candid shots of you with your maid of honor, or ask him to document the centerpiece that you made by hand. This list is a great place to start, but it’s not a definitive list by any means. Every wedding is unique – feel free to add poses and shots that you know you’ll want. Just be sure to tell your photographer ahead of time!
For the printable version of the “Comprehensive Wedding Day Shot List”, download the PDF here.
