Wedding Photography Shots List

I always urge couples to hire a professional photographer for their wedding day. These are images that you will never be able to recreate. In the event that you are working with a super tight budget and cannot afford to hire a seasoned professional, here is a list of poses you can print and hand over to the friend, family member or newbie photographer so they have a guide of what to capture (we all have to start somewhere).

Getting Ready

1. Bride having her hair styled and makeup applied (the make up applied can be done as a mock set up if artist has to leave early)

2. Bride’s gown hanging on a padded hanger, spread on the bed, or draped over a chair

3. Still life shots of the bride’s shoes, jewelry, something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue

4. Detailed shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets

5. Candid shots of the bridesmaids getting dressed

6. Mother buttoning or zipping up the bride’s dress

7. Mother helping the bride with one last detail, such as the veil

8. Full-length shot of the bride in her gown, looking at herself in a mirror

9. Bridesmaids reacting to the bride in her gown

10. Father seeing the bride in her gown

11. Bride with her parents and siblings

12. Bride with her bridesmaids

13. Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen

14. Close-up shot of the wedding bands

15. Groom with his parents and siblings

16. Groom with the best man

17. Groom with his groomsmen

18. Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or ties

19. Bride and groom separately making their way to the ceremony

The Ceremony

1. Exterior and interior shots of the site before guests arrive

2. Groom walking down the aisle with his mother

3. Close-up of groom’s expression while waiting for the bride

4. Bridal party walking down the aisle

5. Bride and her escort waiting to walk down the aisle

6. Close-up of bride just before she makes her entrance

7. Bride and her escort walking down the aisle

8. Groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle

9. Bride’s escort giving her away

10. Bride and groom at the altar

11. Both sets of parents watching the ceremony

12. Wide shot of the altar, from the guests’ point of view

13. Wide shot of the guests, from the couple’s point of view

14. Special moments, such as the candle lighting and the readings

15. Close-up of the bride and groom as they recite their vows

16. Close-up of the bride and groom’s hands as they exchange rings

17. The kiss!

18. Close-up of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony

19. Bride and groom hugging family and friends

20. Bride showing off her wedding ring to her bridesmaids

21. Bride and groom leaving the ceremony site

Before the Reception (or Ceremony)

1. Bride and groom together

2. Bride with her mother

3. Bride with her father

4. Bride with both parents

5. Bride with her entire immediate family

6. Groom with his mother

7. Groom with his father

8. Groom with both parents

9. Groom with his entire immediate family

10. Bride and groom with bride’s family

11. Bride and groom with groom’s family

12. Bride and groom with both sets of parents

13. Bride and groom with immediate family members from both sides

14. Bride and groom with bridesmaids

15. Bride and groom with groomsmen

16. Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer

17. Bride and groom with entire wedding party

The Reception

1. Exterior and interior shots of the site before the guests arrive

2. Still-life shots of place cards, menus, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favors, and Champagne glasses

3. The cake

4. Guests arriving and signing the guest book

5. Bride and groom arriving

6. Close-ups of friends and family making toasts

7. Bride and groom sipping Champagne at their table

8. Bride and groom speaking with guests

9. Bride and groom’s first dance

10. Bride dancing with her father

11. Groom dancing with his mother

12. Parents and grandparents dancing

13. Wedding party dancing

14. Musicians, DJ, and/or entertainers performing

15. Guests dancing

16. Bride and groom dancing with the bridal party

17. Bride and groom cutting the cake

18. Bouquet Toss

19. Garter Toss

20. Send off