The Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist
Your wedding day is coming up, and let's be honest – there's a lot to think about. But when it comes to capturing those special moments, a wedding photography checklist can be your best friend.
Whether you're a bride or groom making sure nothing slips through the cracks, or a photographer prepping for the big day, having a solid plan means you won’t miss a thing.
From the pre-ceremony jitters to the dance floor fun, this ultimate checklist has got you covered.
Wedding Photography Checklist – What Photos Do You Need?
When it comes to wedding photography, having a clear plan for each part of the day is key. Here, is a compiled list of important photos for a wedding day. They are designed to help capture every moment of your big day.
Getting Ready Photos
The morning of your wedding will be full of nerves and excitement. It's the ideal time to capture candid shots of you and your bridal party, as well as the little details of your wedding day style. Make sure these unforgettable moments aren’t overlooked:
Bride and bridal party getting hair and makeup done
Bride’s details and accessories (perfume, shoes, stationery suite, jewellery, wedding rings, family heirlooms)
Wedding dress (hanging)
Wedding dress (close-up)
Bridal bouquet
Bride putting on dress (helped by mother of bride)
Bride putting on shoes and jewellery
Bridesmaids reacting to bride in her dress
Bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid getting ready
Bridesmaid bouquets
Bride alone
Bride and parents
Bridesmaids together
Bride and bridesmaids together
Bridal party leaving the house
Bride in wedding car
Grooms’ suit
Groom’s wedding details (shoes, cologne, cufflinks, tie)
Groomsmen suits
Groom and groomsmen getting ready
Groom alone
Groom with parents
Groomsmen together
Groom and groomsmen together
The Gown
The dress is the star of the show – before the bride even puts it on, it’s already a moment! Hanging there in all its glory, it’s a must-have shot to capture that “wow” factor before it turns heads down the aisle.
Getting Ready
The pre-wedding buzz is where all the fun begins! Hair, makeup, a few giggles (maybe some champagne) – these moments are full of emotion and excitement. Catching these candid shots is like capturing the calm before the fabulous storm.
Bridesmaid Getting Ready
The bridesmaids getting ready? Pure gold! This is where the girl squad gets their glam on, sharing laughs, excitement, and a bit of chaos. These photos are all about friendship, fun, and the last-minute touches before walking down the aisle.
The Rings
These little bands pack a whole lot of meaning! Before they go on your fingers, they deserve their own spotlight. A creative shot of the rings adds that extra touch of magic, reminding you of the commitment you’re about to make.
Ceremony photos
Now, the show has started. It’s time to take photos of some of your most treasured memories and emotions shared. The list below highlights important moments you should have documented during the ceremony:
Ceremony venue (exterior, interior before the arrival of the guests, flower arrangements, signage, arbour and furniture)
Guests arriving
Groom and groomsmen arriving
Parents seated
Groom and groomsmen waiting at the altar
Bride and her party arriving at the venue
Bride steps out of the car
Bride walking down the aisle
Couples standing at the altar (close-up and wide shots)
Couples exchanging vows
Couples exchanging rings
First kiss
Guest reactions
Signing of register
Shots of other participants of the ceremony (musician, flower girls/page boys)
Recessional/walking back down the aisle
Wedding Venue and Ceremony Details
Your venue is like the stage for your love story! From the beautiful floral arrangements to the dreamy décor, capturing these little details helps tell the full story of your day.
Plus, when you’re too busy getting married, you’ll want to remember how stunning it all looked!
Walking Down the Aisle
The aisle walk is the ultimate moment! Whether you’re gliding, tearing up, or holding on to your dad for dear life, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime shots.
All eyes are on you, but don’t worry – the photographer will be sure to catch every step of this epic journey.
At the Altar with the Priest
Up at the altar is where all the magic happens. Whether it’s exchanging vows, sharing a few laughs, or getting that blessing, these are the moments you’ll cherish forever.
It’s where love and a little bit of nervous excitement come together for the perfect picture!
Wedding Photography Checklist: After the Ceremony Photos
Once the “I dos” are done, it’s time to dive into those all-important family and portrait shots. Right after the ceremony is the perfect moment to capture everyone while emotions are still high and the excitement is in full swing.
Your photographer will likely rely on a shot list, so having one tailored to your family and friends is key to getting those must-have snaps.
Here are some shots you won’t want to miss:
Essential Post-Ceremony Shots:
Candid photos of the newlyweds with guests
Greeting and embracing guests
Guests mingling and celebrating
Family photos
Newlyweds together
Bride with parents
Bride with immediate family
Groom with parents
Groom with immediate family
Newlyweds with bride’s family
Newlyweds with groom’s family
Newlyweds with both sets of parents
Significant groups of family and friends
A big group photo of all the guests
Once those family portraits are ticked off, you might want to head to a different location for a fun portrait session with your wedding party.
This is where you can get a mix of candid moments and posed perfection. Some more key shots for this session include:
Wedding Party Portraits:
Individual portraits of the bride and groom
Bride and groom together
Bride with her bridesmaids
Groom with his groomsmen
Bride with the groomsmen
Groom with the bridesmaids
Full wedding party together
The Reception Photos
Your reception is where all the magic comes together – laughter, dancing, and the beautiful details you’ve worked so hard to plan.
Amidst all the excitement, you might not get a chance to fully soak it all in. That’s why it’s essential to have your photographer capture every detail, from the décor to the dance floor.
Here’s a list of the must-have shots that will help you relive the party again and again:
Venue exterior and interior (before guests flood in)
Styling details that showcase your personal touch
Centrepieces and floral arrangements
Stationery, signage, and place settings
Guest favours
Wedding cake and bridal table
The grand entrance of the bridal party
Newlyweds’ entrance
Toasts, speeches, and those heartfelt moments
Plated meals and signature drinks/cocktails (because food and drink shots are always fun!)
Newlyweds mingling with guests and guests chatting amongst themselves
First dance as a married couple
Father-daughter and mother-son dances
Guests tearing up the dance floor and enjoying the entertainment
Newlyweds sharing a fun dance with friends and family
The cake cutting moment
Bouquet toss excitement
Newlyweds making their grand exit
Wedding Party
Your wedding party has been with you every step of the way, so capturing them in action is a must. Whether it’s during the reception entrance, dancing, or those hilarious moments in between, these are the people who add the extra sparkle to your day.
Sunset
A golden sunset shot? Yes, please! Sneak away from the party for a few minutes to capture the two of you bathed in that dreamy evening light.
Trust us, these photos will look straight out of a fairy tale and be some of the most breathtaking of the day.
A Family Photo
You can’t miss the family photos. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather everyone together, whether it's immediate family or the whole clan. These are the moments that will be treasured for years to come, so make sure everyone smiles!
Photo of Invited Guests
Your guests are there to celebrate your love, so capturing a shot of them mingling, laughing, and enjoying the day is essential. It’s a great way to look back at everyone who shared in the joy and helped make your day even more special.
Photo of the Cake
The cake is not just a dessert – it’s a centrepiece of your reception! Before the cutting, make sure your photographer gets a shot of this sweet masterpiece.
Whether it’s simple or extravagant, you’ll want to remember this delicious work of art!
Helpful Tips to Help You Have the Perfect Photos on Your Big Day
Now that your wedding photography checklist is sorted, it’s time to make sure you get those perfect shots on the big day.
Let’s quickly show you a few tips that will help you nail your wedding photography and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
#1: Capture the Love with an Engagement Shoot
Think of it as a fun practice run before the wedding! Not only do you get gorgeous photos of you and your partner, but you’ll also get more comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, you can use those photos for invites, your wedding website, or even your guest book!
#2: Pick the Perfect Photo Spots in Advance
Timing is everything, so plan ahead! Make sure you pick nearby spots for portraits, there is limited time between the ceremony and reception.
The last thing you want is to be running late to your own celebration because of a distant photoshoot location.
#3: Plan Your Shots Around Golden Hour
If possible, aim to take your portraits just before sunset. That “golden hour” light gives you the most stunning, natural glow and creates romantic, dreamy shots.
#4: Keep Your Ceremony Phone-Free for Better Photos
Want your photographer to capture every special moment without any phones in the way? Consider asking guests to keep their phones off during the ceremony. You can announce this through your officiant or with a cute sign at the entrance.
#5: Find a Photographer You Click With
Feeling relaxed and comfortable with your photographer is key to looking natural in your photos. Find someone you can laugh with and feel at ease around – those authentic moments will come through beautifully on camera.
Final Note
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you only get one chance to capture it perfectly. That’s why communication with your photographer is so crucial.
Being clear about your vision, preferences, and must-have shots will help ensure your wedding photography reflects the magic of your special day.
Trust your photographer to guide you, but don’t hesitate to share your ideas and expectations – this collaboration will make all the difference in creating memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re in Lancashire and looking for a reliable wedding photographer, we’d love to help you capture every unforgettable moment.
Book us at Ameer Photography for a stress-free, picture-perfect day!