A comprehensive wedding photography shot list is one of the most important tools for a successful wedding day. For couples, it ensures no precious memory is forgotten. For photographers, it's a roadmap to capturing the full story of the day. Your wedding day will fly by in a blur of excitement and emotion, and it’s easy to forget the small details you'll want to cherish forever.

While every wedding is unique, this ultimate wedding photography shot list covers over 100 essential moments. Share this with your photographer to start a conversation about what's most important to you.

Part 1: Getting Ready & Details

These are the quiet, anticipatory moments and the beautiful details you've spent months planning.

• Wedding dress hanging
• The rings (engagement ring and wedding bands)
• The full invitation suite
• Shoes, jewelry, perfume, and other accessories
• The bouquet and boutonnieres
• Bride/Groom getting hair and makeup done
• Candid moments with the wedding party
• Putting on the dress/suit jacket
• Parent's reaction to seeing the bride/groom dressed
• Reading a letter from your partner

Part 2: The First Look & Portraits

These intimate portraits are often the most cherished photos of the day.

• The approach before the first look
• The emotional reaction of the first look
• Full-length portraits of the couple
• Close-up, intimate portraits
• Couple walking hand-in-hand
• Individual portraits of the bride and groom separately
• Bride with her bouquet
• Groom showing off his boutonniere/cufflinks

Part 3: The Ceremony

The main event! These shots capture the heart of your commitment.

• The ceremony venue, empty
• Guests arriving and being seated
• Groom waiting at the altar
• Wedding party walking down the aisle
• Bride walking down the aisle
• Groom's reaction to seeing the bride
• Wide shot of the ceremony from the back
• The exchange of vows
• The exchange of rings
• The first kiss as a married couple
• The recessional (walking back up the aisle)

Part 4: Family & Wedding Party Portraits

It's crucial to organize this part of your wedding photography shot list ahead of time to make it quick and efficient. For great tips on this, see this guide from The Knot.

• Couple with the entire wedding party
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Groom with groomsmen
• Fun, candid shots of the wedding party
• Couple with both sets of parents
• Couple with each set of parents
• Couple with siblings
• Couple with grandparents

Part 5: The Reception

The celebration! Capture the details, the energy, and the joy of the party.

• The reception venue, empty and decorated
• Table settings and centerpieces
• The wedding cake
• The grand entrance of the wedding party and couple
• The first dance
• Parent dances
• The speeches and toasts
• Guests dancing and having fun
• The cake cutting
• The grand exit/send-off (sparklers, bubbles, etc.)

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