Here is my must-have wedding photo list for couples who love that contemporary wedding photography style which blends both documentary photography and traditional photography styles. As someone who’s been working weddings for over 20 years, I thought it was time to create my comprehensive list. I have never shared this until now.
Along with the list, I’ve added some photos from other couples so you can see how to add your own creativity. I do think you should tell your photographer about the must-have shots that are unique to you. Make sure your wedding photo list is also personal.
Getting Ready Wedding Photo List
- Details of the bride’s dress (close and far away)
- Details of something borrowed, blue, old, new
- Bride’s shoes, garter, jewelry, hair accessories, veil, engagement ring
- Bride getting her makeup done
- Bridesmaids getting ready
- A mirror reflection of the Bride
- Details of the Groom’s attire
- Details of the tie, pocket square, boutonniere, shoes, watch, socks, ring
- Groom buttoning shirt or vest
- Groomsmen helping with tie or cufflinks
- Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen
- Wedding Invite
- Shot of location where the Bride and Groom are getting ready if different than the venue they are getting married at.
Couple’s Portraits List
- First look from the Bride’s perspective
- First look from the Groom’s perspective
- The couple kissing
- Candid of the couple laughing
- Photo of the couple snuggling
- The couple walking
- Photo of the landscape with the couple in it
- Close up of the Bride
- Close up of the Groom
- The couple’s feet
- The couple’s hands
- The Bride alone
- The Groom alone
Wedding Party Photo List
- All the Bridesmaids & Groomsmen with the couple
- Group shot of all Bridesmaids with Bride
- Group shot of all Groomsmen with Groom
- Each Bridesmaid individually with Bride
- Each Groomsman individually with Groom
- Ring Bearer and Flower Girl with the couple
- Parents of the Bride with the couple
- Parents of the Groom with the couple
- Immediate Family of the Bride with the couple
- Immediate Family of the Groom with the couple
- Mom with Bride
- Dad with Bride
- Mom with Groom
- Dad with Groom
- Both Immediate families together with the couple
- Grandparents with the couple
- Fur Babies
Ceremony Photo List
- Ceremony set up before guests arrive
- Bride walking down the aisle
- Father of the Bride hugging her at the top of the aisle
- Bride and groom laughing during the ceremony
- Wide shot of the whole ceremony
- Bride reading vows
- Groom reading vows
- Details of bouquets and boutonnieres
- Rings exchange
- Details of any sand ceremony or candle lighting
- Photo of singers and/or readers
- Audience
- Bride and Groom’s first kiss
- Recessional down the aisle after the ceremony
- Photo of the location of the ceremony if different from other locations
Reception Photo List
- Reception area before guests enter
- Candids during the cocktail hour of guests
- Table settings
- Place cards
- Centerpieces
- Signage
- Guestbook
- Couple entering reception
- Wedding Favors
- Toasts
- Couple’s reaction to speeches
- Any games played by the couple
- Food
- Bride and Groom chatting with guests at tables
- Cake table
- First dance for the couple
- Father/Daughter dance
- Mother/Son dance
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Couple cutting the cake
- Candids of Dancing
- Exit (if the couple plans one)
- The couple’s wedding rings
To see more of my work head over to my portfolio page or contact me to set up a consultation and learn how I can make this wedding photo list personal for you!
