From saying “I do” to dancing the night away with your loved ones, your wedding is full of unforgettable moments. When the day is over, flipping through your photos will bring all those memories rushing back. That’s why putting together a shot list—highlighting the moments and details you want captured—is a key part of wedding planning.
Need help making yours? We’ve put together a complete checklist of must-have photos for your album. But before you dive in, remember: this is just a guide, not a strict rulebook. Wedding photographers are pros at catching meaningful moments, so trust them to get amazing shots—even ones you didn’t think to list. “If the photographer has to keep checking a detailed shot list all day, they might miss real, spontaneous moments, and the photos could end up looking stiff,” says photographer Caroline Lima.
Before the big day, talk to your photographer about which shots matter most to you. Add personal touches too, like a hidden message in your dress or a special family member officiating. “Sharing these details helps your photographer be ready to capture all the emotions—planned or unexpected—that make your day unique,” says Minh Cao of Du Soleil Photographie.
Below is the ultimate wedding photo checklist. Go through it with your partner, then discuss it with your photographer as a starting point. Do this, and you’ll end up with an album you adore.
The 30 Wedding Photos You Need to Take
Detail Shots
The little things tell your story, so don’t let them go uncaptured. Here’s what to include:
- Engagement ring
- Wedding rings
- Ring box
- Invitation suite flat lay (save-the-dates, invites, envelopes)
- Wedding vow booklets
- Programs
- Welcome bags (if you have them)
- Venue shots
- Getting-ready room
- Bride’s dress hanging up
- Jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces)
- Bride’s shoes
- Bride’s perfume
- Hair accessories (if any)
- Bridal bouquet
- Groom’s suit/tux
- Pocket square
- Tie or bow tie
- Boutonnière
- Cufflinks
- Groom’s shoes
- Groom’s cologne
- Flower girl baskets
- Corsages
- Sentimental items (heirlooms, bouquet charms, etc.)
Getting-Ready Photos
Pre-ceremony excitement and the people who helped you get there:
- Bride getting hair/makeup done
- Bridesmaids getting hair/makeup done
- Bride and bridesmaids hanging out in robes (maybe with champagne!)
- Bride getting dressed (with help from mom, maid of honor, etc.)
- Full-length shot of bride in her dress
- Bridal party/parent first looks
- Emotional shots with siblings, friends, or parents
- Bride with wedding party
- Groom’s prep (tying his tie, buttoning his shirt, etc.)
- Groom’s mom pinning his boutonnière
- Groom getting ready with groomsmen’s help
- Full-length shot of groom in his attire
- Groom and groomsmen group shot
- Sweet moments with his parents, siblings, or best man
First Look Photos
Not mandatory, but if you do one, capture these reactions:
- Groom waiting for the bride
- Bride walking toward him
- The big reveal moment
- Their expressions
- Hugging/kissing after
- Gazing at each other
- Holding hands
- Walking together
Ceremony Shots
The heart of the day—don’t miss these:
- Empty ceremony space (before guests arrive)
- Close-up of the altar
- Aisle arrangements/decor
- Guests entering/being seated
- Parents walking down the aisle
- Groom walking down
- Wedding party processional
- Flower girl/ring bearer
- Bride walking down the aisle
- Groom’s reaction to seeing her
- Father “giving away” the bride
- Couple at the altar (wide and close shots)
- Audience during the ceremony
- Special readings by loved ones
- Vows and ring exchange
- The first married kiss!
- Reactions right after the kiss
- Recessional
- Guests’ emotional reactions
- Couple leaving the ceremony
Portraits & Group Photos
Post-“I do” snaps with your VIPs:
- Couple portraits (posing, hugging, kissing)
- Walking hand in hand
- Gazing at the sunset/view
- Bride with her parents/immediate family
- Groom with his parents/immediate family
- Couple with both sets of parents
- Couple with all immediate family
- Bride with bridesmaids/maid of honor
- Groom with groomsmen/best man
- Full wedding party shot
Reception Shots
Time to celebrate! Capture the fun and decor:
- Reception venue exterior
- Seating chart/escort cards
- Guest book
- Bar/lounge area
- Wide shot of the reception space
- Head table/sweetheart table
- Guest tables/decor (centerpieces, place settings)
- Cake/desserts
- Grand entrance
- First dance
- Couple at the head table
- Food close-ups
- Dinner candid shots
- Toasts/speeches (and reactions)
- Chatting with guests
- Father-daughter/mother-son dances
- Cake cutting
- Outfit changes (if any)
- Band/DJ in action
- Dance floor madness
- Couple dancing together/exiting
After-Party Shots
For the late-night crew:
- Outfit changes
- Late-night snacks
- Special décor
- Dancing (couple + guests)
- DJ spinning
- Fun games/activities
- Bar action
- Candid moments