Wedding Photo Checklist: The Complete Shot List
Include every part of the day in your wedding photography checklist: details, getting ready, the first look, the ceremony, family formals, the wedding party, couple portraits, the reception and guest candids. Share it with your photographer and mark the shots you cannot do without.
Details
- Dress on the hanger
- Shoes and jewelry
- Bouquet and boutonnieres
- Vow books and letters
- Heirlooms and family pieces
Before the Wedding
- Invitation & rings flat lay
- Bride getting ready
- Groom getting ready
- Dress reveal
- First look (if having one)
First Look
- The approach from behind
- The turn and first reaction
- A few quiet minutes together
- First look with a parent (optional)
Ceremony
- Processional
- Vows exchange
- Ring exchange
- First kiss
- Recessional
Family Formals
- The couple with each set of parents
- The couple with grandparents
- The couple with siblings
- Immediate family
- Bridal party
- Extended family
- Friends groups
Write the names for each grouping on the list, and ask one relative who knows both families to call them.
Wedding Party
- The full wedding party with the couple
- Each side of the wedding party
- Maid of honor and best man with the couple
- A candid or fun group shot
Couple Portraits
- Full-length portraits
- Close-ups
- Walking together
- Wide shots with the venue
- Golden hour portraits
Reception
- Table details
- Grand entrance
- Toasts
- First dance
- Parent dances
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet/garter toss
- Last dance
- Send-off
Guest Candids
- Guests at each table
- The dance floor from inside the crowd
- Kids and older relatives
- Moments while the photographer is with the couple
Your photographer cannot be at every table. A QR code on each table lets guests add their phone photos to the same gallery. Here is how a QR code for wedding pictures works.
Next, fit each block of shots into your wedding photography timeline. Then bring the list to the planning call with these questions to ask your wedding photographer.
FAQs
Include details, getting ready, the first look if you have one, the ceremony, named family formals, the wedding party, couple portraits, the reception and guest candids. Share the checklist with your photographer and mark which shots are priorities for you.