The Essential Wedding Photography Checklist

Engagement photos are a beautiful way to capture the joy, love, and anticipation leading up to your big day. They also give you a chance to connect with your photographer and get used to being in front of the camera, which can make your wedding day portraits feel so much more natural.

Here are some lovely photo ideas to include in your engagement shoot:

• The proposal itself (if captured!)
• Walking hand in hand or hugging
• A close-up of the engagement ring
• Natural, candid shots of you simply being yourselves
• Posed portraits to frame or use on your save-the-dates
• Location-inspired moments, consider meaningful places or scenic backdrops

There’s something truly magical about the quiet (and sometimes delightfully chaotic!) moments before the ceremony begins. The nerves, laughter, bonding, and all the beauty preparations deserve to be beautifully captured as part of your wedding story.

Here are some meaningful moments your photographer should catch on the morning of your wedding:

• The bride’s hair and makeup in progress, full of anticipation
• Bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done, sharing smiles and stories
• The bride and bridesmaids in matching robes, toasting with champagne or sharing a heartfelt moment
• The mother of the bride or maid of honor helping the bride into her dress
• The bride putting on her shoes, jewelry, and perfume
• Loved ones assisting with last-minute details and final touches
• The bride fully dressed and holding her bouquet, ready to shine
• First look moments between the bridal party and parents, filled with emotion
• Emotional reactions from siblings and parents, the quiet support behind the scenes
• The bride with her bridesmaids, sharing joy and excitement
• The groom tying his tie, fastening cufflinks, or buttoning up his shirt
• The mother of the groom attaching the boutonnière with care
• The groom getting ready, supported by the best man and groomsmen
• The groom dressed to impress in his full wedding attire
• The groom sharing moments with his groomsmen, family, and parents

All of these behind-the-scenes memories capture the love and anticipation that set the tone for your special day.

It’s the little things that tell your wedding story, those meaningful details that might go unnoticed but truly make your day unique. Close-up shots capture the textures, colors, and personal touches that bring your memories to life every time you look back.

Here are some beautiful details to include:

• Your engagement ring, wedding bands, and their special ring box
• Bouquets, boutonnières, and buttonholes looking fresh and vibrant
• The bride’s shoes, carefully chosen and full of character
• Your wedding dress and veil hanging gracefully before the day begins
• Save-the-dates, invitations, vow booklets, and the wedding program, all small details which form part of your story
• Bride’s jewelry and any special hair accessories
• Groom’s suit or tuxedo, plus shoes that complete the look
• Groom’s accessories like ties, cufflinks, bow ties, and watches
• Treasured heirloom pieces passed down through generations
• Perfume and cologne bottles that hold memories of your day
• Corsages, wedding favors, and welcome gifts for your guests (if you have them)

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The first look is an emotional and intimate moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. These special moments are always filled with raw emotion, making them the perfect photo opportunity!

• The bride walking toward the groom
• The groom waiting for the bride
• The actual moment of the groom turning around
• The bride’s and groom’s reaction
• The couple looking at each other, hugging or kissing
• Full-length portraits of the couple

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, the moment where all the planning, anticipation, and emotion come together. From the butterflies before walking down the aisle to that magical first kiss, these photographs will tell the story of your love in its purest form.

Must-capture moments include:

• Your venue exterior and interior before guests arrive
• Floral arrangements and altar decorations
• Guests arriving and finding their seats
• The bride arriving at the venue and waiting in the wedding car
• Groom and groomsmen waiting at the altar
• The wedding party making their entrance (bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers)
• The bride walking down the aisle
• The groom’s first reaction
• The father of the bride or chosen loved one giving her away
• The couple standing together at the altar
• Close-ups of guests’ expressions during the ceremony
• The officiant or celebrant speaking
• Any special rituals or traditions taking place
• Guests delivering readings
• Exchanging vows
• Exchanging rings
• The first kiss as a married couple
• Guests’ reactions to the kiss
• Signing the register
• Walking back down the aisle as newlyweds
• Exiting the venue together
• Guests clapping, cheering, or tossing confetti or petals
• The couple leaving in the wedding car

These shots capture not just the key moments, but the emotions, glances, and joyful energy that make your ceremony unforgettable.

While they may be the most structured part of your wedding day, formal portraits are pure treasures for your loved ones. These are the photographs that find their way into family albums, hang proudly on living room walls, and are cherished for generations. Typically taken right after the ceremony or during cocktail hour, they capture the joy of bringing everyone together in celebration.

Must-have groupings include:

• Bride and groom with each set of parents
• Bride and groom with both sets of parents together
• Couple with their children
• Couple with siblings
• Couple with grandparents and immediate family
• Couple with aunts, uncles, and cousins
• Couple with close friends
• Full extended family photos
• Separate extended family groups (bride’s side and groom’s side)
• Bride and groom with their full wedding party
• Couple with the maid of honor and best man
• Fun posed shots (cheering, raising bouquets, striking a celebratory pose, etc.)

These portraits might take a little coordination, but the end result is a timeless collection of images you’ll be glad you took the time to create.

Once the “I do’s” are said and the family portraits are complete, it’s time for the most romantic part of the day — your couple portraits. This is your chance to step away from the crowd, soak in the joy of the moment, and let your love take center stage. With the golden light, stunning backdrops, and a little direction from your photographer, these images will become the ones you’ll frame, share, and treasure forever.

Must-have shots include:

• Close-ups of the bride and groom holding hands, embracing, and laughing
• Full-length portraits in a variety of picturesque spots
• Candid walking shots filled with movement and joy
• Forehead kisses, hand kisses, and other tender gestures
• The groom lifting or dipping the bride in a playful moment
• Dreamy veil shots, caught in the wind or draped over both of you
• The bride and groom posing with their beloved pets

These portraits capture not just how you look, but how you feel, and that’s what makes them truly timeless.

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The reception is where the celebrations truly come to life, glasses clinking, music playing, and guests laughing until their cheeks ache. It’s a time to capture the joy, energy, and all the little moments that make your party unforgettable. From grand entrances to quiet exchanges between loved ones, these photos will preserve the atmosphere you worked so hard to create.

Must-have shots include:

• The reception venue and décor before guests arrive
• Table settings, centerpieces, and place cards
• The couple’s grand entrance
• Speeches and toasts — with candid reactions from guests
• The wedding cake cutting and those sweet (or cheeky!) moments that follow
• First dance as a married couple
• Parent dances
• Guests dancing and enjoying the celebration
• Candid shots of laughter, hugs, and happy tears
• The couple mingling with guests
• Fun or themed reception activities (e.g., photo booth, lawn games)
• Evening portraits of the couple under the stars or with venue lighting
• The couple’s send-off — whether it’s sparklers, confetti, or a vintage car getaway

Your reception is more than just the party; it’s the chapter where everyone lets loose and celebrates your new adventure together. These photos will be your time capsule of pure joy.

If the reception is the grand celebration, the after-party is where things get truly carefree and fun. It’s a chance for you and your guests to let your hair down, swap the formalwear for something more relaxed, and keep the celebrations going into the early hours (or even the next day!).

If you’re planning to include the after-party in your photography coverage, be sure to capture the atmosphere in all its unfiltered joy. Must-have shots include:

• The couple in their chic or playful after-party outfits
• Grand or cheeky entrance into the after-party scene
• The after-party décor and setup
• The live band, DJ, or entertainment in full swing
• The couple dancing together and with guests
• High-energy moments on the dance floor
• Late-night snack stations or food truck fun
• Dance-offs, karaoke battles, or any quirky planned activities

These photos will capture the night’s most uninhibited and joy-filled moments, the perfect way to remember that your wedding wasn’t just a day, but an unforgettable experience.