Wedding photo shot list

Getting ready

Put every small thing you want photographed in one bag the night before: rings, invitation, shoes, jewelry, perfume, letters. Your photographer can shoot the details in ten minutes instead of hunting for them while you get dressed.

• Shoes, jewelry and accessories laid out15/1515 of 15 lists include it
• Hair and makeup in progress14/1514 of 15 lists include it
• Reading letters or opening gifts from each other12/1512 of 15 lists include it
• The invitation suite11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• Bouquets close up11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• Boutonnieres pinned on11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• Getting ready with your wedding party11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• The veil going on10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• Tie, cufflinks and jacket9/159 of 15 lists include it
• Buttoning or zipping the dress8/158 of 15 lists include it
• A last look in the mirror6/156 of 15 lists include it
• The dress or suit hanging up5/155 of 15 lists include it
• A flat lay of rings and stationery4/154 of 15 lists include it

First look

Optional, and 14 of the 15 lists still include it. If you skip it, move these frames to the aisle: the reaction as you walk in is the same moment, seen from the other end.

• The first look (and the reaction)14/1514 of 15 lists include it

How to set it up, step by step: the first look pose.

Ceremony

Ask your officiant before the day where your photographer may stand and whether flash is allowed. Some venues and religious spaces restrict both, and it changes which of these shots are possible.

• Exchanging vows15/1515 of 15 lists include it
• The first kiss15/1515 of 15 lists include it
• The ceremony space before guests arrive13/1513 of 15 lists include it
• The processional13/1513 of 15 lists include it
• Exchanging rings12/1512 of 15 lists include it
• Signing the marriage license11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• Guests arriving and taking their seats10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• Your partner’s face as you come down the aisle10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• Cultural or religious traditions10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• The recessional, back up the aisle together10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• Your officiant mid-ceremony7/157 of 15 lists include it
• Confetti or petals on the way out7/157 of 15 lists include it
• Being walked down the aisle5/155 of 15 lists include it

Couple portraits

The lists name couple portraits but rarely say when. Twenty minutes is enough if you know the spot in advance; book them for the softest light your timeline allows, and keep a second, shorter slot near sunset if you can.

• Portraits of the two of you11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• Solo portraits of each of you8/158 of 15 lists include it
• Golden hour or sunset portraits5/155 of 15 lists include it
• Night portraits3/153 of 15 lists include it

Reception

Tell your photographer the order of events and who is giving toasts, so they are in front of the speaker before the first word. Toast photos are mostly reaction photos: the couple listening, the room laughing.

• The first dance15/1515 of 15 lists include it
• The room set up: tables, centerpieces, place cards15/1515 of 15 lists include it
• Toasts and speeches, with your reactions14/1514 of 15 lists include it
• Guests on the dance floor14/1514 of 15 lists include it
• Cutting the cake13/1513 of 15 lists include it
• Candids of guests11/1511 of 15 lists include it
• Your grand entrance10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• The band or DJ8/158 of 15 lists include it
• The guest book8/158 of 15 lists include it
• Parent dances7/157 of 15 lists include it
• The bouquet or garter toss7/157 of 15 lists include it

Send-off

If your photographer’s coverage ends before the last song, stage the exit earlier: guests line up, light the sparklers, you run through, then everyone goes back to the dance floor.

• Your grand exit10/1510 of 15 lists include it
• Driving away in the getaway car7/157 of 15 lists include it
• A sparkler tunnel5/155 of 15 lists include it