Your wedding day will move quickly.

There will be moments you expect to happen—and countless little moments you don’t.

A wedding photography shot list can help make sure the important photographs are on your photographer’s radar without turning your entire day into a checklist.

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Getting Ready

Consider including:

• Wedding dress
• Rings
• Shoes
• Invitations
• Jewelry
• Bouquet
• Hair and makeup
• Getting dressed
• Wedding party
• Parents and family
• Candid getting-ready moments

First Look

If you’re having a first look, don’t forget:

• The anticipation beforehand
• Partner’s reaction
• The first moment you see each other
• Hugs
• Laughter
• Couple portraits afterward

Ceremony

Important ceremony moments may include:

• Guests arriving
• Ceremony details
• Processional
• Partner’s reaction
• Walking down the aisle
• Vows
• Ring exchange
• First kiss
• Recessional
• Guest reactions

Family and Wedding Party

Create a list of the family combinations that matter most to you.

For example:

• Couple + parents
• Couple + siblings
• Couple + immediate family
• Couple + grandparents
• Full wedding party
• Individual wedding party photographs

Keep this list organized and realistic.

Couple Portraits

Make room for photographs of just the two of you.

These can include:

• Looking at each other
• Walking
• Laughing
• Quiet moments
• Close portraits
• Environmental portraits
• Golden-hour photographs

Reception

Don’t forget:

• Reception details
• Grand entrance
• First dance
• Parent dances
• Speeches
• Cake cutting
• Toasts
• Guest interactions
• Dancing
• Candid moments
• Final moments of the night

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The Photos You Can’t Put on a List

This is the most important part.

Some of your favorite photographs may never appear on a shot list.

A grandparent laughing.

Your best friend crying during the ceremony.

Your partner looking at you when you aren’t watching.

Friends dancing together.

A quiet moment between your parents.

These unscripted photographs are part of what makes your wedding gallery yours.

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Give Your Photographer the Important Information

A shot list is helpful, but your photographer also needs context.

Tell them about:

• Important family relationships
• Special traditions
• People who need extra attention
• Meaningful details
• Surprises
• Moments that are especially important to you

That allows your photographer to document the day beyond the standard checklist.

Want your wedding photographs to include both the moments you planned and the moments you never saw coming?

Explore Wedding Photography