Wedding Shot List: Must-Haves and Creative Ideas

While experienced wedding photographers are pros at capturing key moments, having a shot list helps:

• Ensure you don’t forget anything or anyone

• Reflect specific family dynamics or traditions

• Communicate your priorities to your photographer

• Save time during group shots and formal portraits

Tip: Your shot list doesn’t have to be long or rigid—just intentional and personal.

💍 1. Pre-Ceremony (Getting Ready)

• Dress, shoes, rings, bouquet, and accessories flat lay

• Bride/groom getting hair and makeup done

• Candid moments with entourage (laughing, toasting, praying)

• Close-up of details: vows, perfume, invitation suite, cufflinks

• Parent or guardian helping with gown or suit

• Individual portraits of the bride and groom

• First look with parents or bridesmaids

💑 2. First Look (Optional but Emotional)

• Groom’s reaction as he sees the bride for the first time

• Couple’s candid reactions (hug, cry, laugh)

• Intimate portraits before the ceremony begins

🏛️ 3. Ceremony

• Wide shot of ceremony setup and venue

• Groom waiting at the altar

• Processional (bride walking down the aisle, entourage entrance)

• Reactions from family and guests

• Exchange of vows and rings

• The first kiss

• Recessional (couple walking back down the aisle together)

• Candid moments of guests after the ceremony

👨‍👩‍👧 4. Group & Family Portraits

• Couple with each side of the family

• Couple with immediate family members

• Couple with full entourage (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls)

• Bride with parents; groom with parents

• Godparents, grandparents, close friends

Tip: Assign a coordinator to help organize these efficiently.

🌇 5. Couple Portraits

• Romantic, posed, and candid moments

• Veil shots, forehead kisses, hand-holding closeups

• Walking shots, backlit by golden hour light

• Silhouettes, landscape + couple frames

• Location-specific or themed poses (e.g., beach, urban, rustic)
  
  

🎉 6. Reception

• Decor and table details (centerpieces, cake, signage)

• Grand entrance

• First dance and parent dances

• Toasts and speeches

• Cake cutting and feeding each other

• Bouquet and garter toss

• Dancing and fun guest candids

• Exit (sparkler, confetti, or car send-off)

Want something unique for your album? Try incorporating these creative and modern shots:

• Motion Blur Portraits – a dreamy, editorial vibe

• Reflections & Mirrors – for dramatic and artistic frames

• Drone Shots – perfect for beach or garden weddings

• Veil Over the Lens – soft, romantic tones

• Shoes-in-the-Air Jump Shot – fun with your entourage

• Details with Texture – lace dress, wood invites, raw florals

• "Alone Time" Portraits – a quiet moment just for the couple

• Unexpected Moments – tears, laughs, glances, or dancing kids

• Keep it realistic – Focus on meaningful shots, not hundreds of poses

• Be flexible – Let your photographer adapt to lighting, mood, and timing

• Discuss any sensitive dynamics – Divorced parents, missing loved ones, etc.

• Consider a Pinterest board or mood board to visually guide your style