Avoid Disappointing the Bride and Groom With a Wedding Shot List

When photographing a wedding, you could be obtaining the most beautiful, artistic shots, but you’ll never be forgiven if you miss something the bride really wanted – even if it’s as seemingly inconsequential as a picture of her and a distant cousin. That’s why it’s important to go over a wedding shot list with the bride and groom before the big day.

You can find examples of shot lists all over the internet. I recommend looking at other people’s lists to help create your own. Then sit down when the bride and groom to find out what is important to them!  You can see my wedding photography list of shots at the bottom of this post.

Some couples envision certain pictures of the two of them: like kissing under the veil. Remember it’s their wedding, so no matter how cliché you make think the shot is, you’re making your clients happy on the most important day of their lives.

Whatever your wedding photography shot list includes, the important thing is that you have it. A wedding is a fast-paced, no-room-for-big-mistakes event. Make your life simpler by having a shot list of what you can’t miss. With the must-haves under control, you can focus on being creative!

Remember, those who fail to plan, plan to fail.  Plan ahead so you don’t miss anyone important. If you’re still nervous, take care of your pre-wedding jitters by reading our wedding photography checklist.

Sample Wedding Photography List of Shots

Also, don’t forget when shooting the couple and wedding party photos, pose them — they’ll be mad if you “let” them look ugly. See our photography posing guide for help.

Couple Pictures

Take any specific requests and the rest is just up to your use of judgment and talent.

Ceremony

• Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
• Flower girl and ring bearer walking down aisle
• Groom waiting for bride
• Musicians
• Bride and father walking down aisle
• Exchanging the rings
• First kiss
• Bride and groom walking up the aisle

Bride’s Family

• Bride with mother
• Bride with father
• Bride with parents
• Bride and groom with parents
• Bride and groom with immediate family
• Bride and groom with extended family

Groom’s Family

• Groom with mother
• Groom with father
• Groom with parents
• Bride and groom with parents
• Bride and groom with immediate family
• Bride and groom with extended family

Wedding Party

• Bride with Maid of Honor
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Groom with bridesmaids
• Bride and groom together
• Bride and groom with entire wedding party
• Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer
• Groom with best man
• Groom with groomsmen
• Bride with groomsmen

Events

• Outside of reception site
• Bride & Groom arriving
• Bride & Groom greeting guests
• A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table
• Bride & Groom’s first dance
• Bride & Father dancing
• Groom & Mother dancing
• Bride & Groom cutting the cake
• Toasts
• Bride & Groom drinking champagne
• Signing the marriage license
• Bride throwing bouquet
• Garter toss
• Bride & Groom leaving party

Details

Pre-ceremony

• Wedding dress lying over a chair
• Zipping up or buttoning the wedding dress
• Bride looking into a mirror
• Bride and bridesmaids putting on makeup
• Groom tying tie

At event

• Table centerpieces
• Table setting
• Bride & Groom’s table (head table)
• Musicians or DJ
• Guest book
• Place card table
• Close-up of bride and groom’s place card
• Wedding cake
• Gift table
• Decorations