Creating a wedding photographer shot list is a great way to ensure that you capture all the important moments and details of your wedding day. While every wedding is unique, here’s a general list to get you started. Make sure to customize it according to your preferences and the specific elements of the wedding.

Details

Details & Décor:

• Invitation
• Program
• Signs (welcome signage, table assignments, table signs, etc.)
• Rings
• Wedding dresses/suits
• Bridesmaid dresses/groomsmen suits
• Accessories (shoes, cufflinks, jewelry, watches, socks, etc.)
• Floral arrangements (bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres)

 Ceremony Venue Details:

• Wide shots of the venue
• Ceremony setup (chairs, altar, decor)
• Unity ceremony elements
• Flowers

 Reception Venue Setup:

• Reception hall
• Table settings
• Decorations
• Gifts
• Food
• Cake (including detail shots)

Reception Details:

• Close-ups of centerpieces, place cards, and other décor
• Memory table
• Guestbook

Pre-Ceremony Shots

Bride Getting Ready:

• Putting on makeup
• Hairstyling
• Getting into the dress
• Close-ups of accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc.)
• Candid moments with bridesmaids or family

Groom Getting Ready:

• Tying tie or adjusting bowtie
• Putting on the suit
• Groomsmen’s candid moments

Ceremony Shots

Guest Arrivals:

• Guests entering the venue
• Candid shots of guests mingling

Bridal Party Procession:

• Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle
• Flower girl and ring bearer

Bride’s Entrance:

• The moment the bride walks down the aisle
• Groom’s reaction

Exchanging Vows and Rings:

• Close-ups of the couple
• Guests’ reactions

First Kiss:

• The couple’s first kiss as a married couple
• A kiss at the end of the aisle

Signing the Marriage Certificate:

• Couple and officiant signing the documents

 

Post-Ceremony Shots

Recessional:

• The newlyweds walking back up the aisle
• Guests’ reactions

Group Photos:

• Family and friends with the couple
• Bridal party
• Parents

 

Reception Shots

Entrances:

• Wedding party entering
• The couple entering the reception

Cake Cutting:

• The couple cutting the wedding cake

First Dance:

• The couple’s first dance
• Guests’ reactions

Toasts and Speeches:

• Shots of those giving speeches
• Couple’s reactions

Dinner and Dancing:

• Candid shots of guests enjoying dinner and dancing

Bouquet and Garter Toss:

• The moments when the bride tosses her bouquet and the groom tosses the garter

Guest Reactions:

• Candid shots of guests having a good time

 

Other Special Moments

Sunset or Night Shots:

• Capturing the couple during golden hour or nighttime

Creative Shots:

• Unique angles, reflections, or abstract shots

Special Requests:

• Any specific shots requested by the couple

Getting Away:

• Couple’s departure from the wedding

Basic Dos and Don’ts

• While a shot list can be important, make sure your photographer captures the special unplanned moments of the day. Be sure to check out our Current Wedding Photography Trends blog for more ideas.
• Create a timeline of the day for your photographer.
• Work with the photographer to create a list of family groupings you want to be sure to capture. Assign a member of each side of the family to help wrangle the family members when it’s time for family photos. Check out our Tips for Taking Family Photos at a Wedding guide for more information.
• Make sure your photographer knows what’s most important to you. Do you have a family pet that will be in attendance that you want to have photos of? Tell your photographer.

 

We’d love to be involved in capturing your special day. Contact us to set up a consultation.