Use this list as a general outline rather than following it to a T!


Planning your wedding is an exciting journey filled with countless details — and capturing those moments on camera is one of the most important! Whether you’re dreaming of candid laughter, heartfelt vows, or stunning portraits, having a solid wedding shot checklist ensures nothing gets missed. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a personalized, stress-free photography plan that perfectly fits your day. From getting-ready shots to the grand exit, this checklist will help you feel confident that every special moment is beautifully preserved.

Wedding rings displayed in a personalized velvet box with the bride and groom initials

Detail Photos


  • The engagement ring
  • The wedding rings
  • The ring box
  • The invitation suite flat lay (including save-the-dates, invitations, and envelopes) *add 20-30 minutes to your timeline
  • The wedding vow booklets
  • Programs
  • Welcome bags
  • Shots of the venue
  • The wedding dress
  • Any jewelry, like earrings, bracelets, or necklaces
  • The wedding shoes
  • The bride’s perfume
  • Hair accessories
  • The bridal bouquet
  • The groom’s suit or tuxedo
  • The pocket square
  • The tie or bow tie
  • The boutonnière
  • Cufflinks
  • The groom’s shoes
  • The groom’s cologne
  • Flower girl baskets
  • Corsages
  • Any other sentimental items, such as an heirloom or a bouquet charm



Give your maid of honor (or other trusty friend) the task of gathering all your detail items in one place so they are ready for your photographer when they arrive.

black and white image of a beautiful woman under her wedding veil

Getting Ready Photos


  • The bride getting her hair and makeup done
  • The bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
  • A shot of the bride and bridesmaids in their getting-ready attire
  • The bride getting dressed
  • A full-length shot of the bride in her wedding dress
  • Any bridal party or parent first look photos
  • The bride with her wedding party
  • The grooming process
  • The groom adding finishing touches, such as putting on his tie or cufflinks or buttoning up his shirt
  • The groom’s mother attaching a boutonnière
  • The groom getting ready while his groomsmen assist
  • A full-length shot of the groom in his wedding attire
  • A group shot of the groom and groomsmen in their wedding attire
man and woman dancing at their wedding reception while smiling at each other and holding drinks

Ceremony Photos


  • The ceremony setup without the guests on site
  • Any floral arrangement or decorations
  • Guests entering the site
  • The guests seated
  • The couple’s parents walking down the aisle
  • The groom walking down the aisle
  • The wedding party walking down the aisle
  • The flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
  • The bride walking down the aisle
  • The groom’s reaction to the bride
  • The father of the bride giving his daughter away
  • The couple standing at the altar in front of their officiant
  • A wide shot of the audience during the ceremony
  • Loved ones sharing any special readings
  • The couple exchanging wedding vows
  • The couple exchanging rings
  • The first kiss as a married couple
  • The moment after the couple kisses
  • The recessional
  • The audience’s reactions to ceremony moments
  • The couple leaving the ceremony site
stunning image of a bride and her father walking down an outdoor brick wedding aisle surrounded by blue skies and green willow trees

Reception Photos


  • The seating chart/escort card display
  • The guest book
  • The bar
  • The lounge area if included
  • The head table
  • The guest tables
  • The sweetheart table
  • Close-up shots of decorations on the tables
  • The place settings
  • The cake and any other desserts
  • THE COOKIE TABLE (IYKYK)
  • The couple making their reception entrance
  • The first dance
  • The couple sitting at the head table
  • A close-up shot of the food
  • Friends and family making toasts and delivering speeches
  • The couple listening to speeches and toasts
  • The couple chatting with their guests
  • The father-daughter dance
  • The mother-son dance
  • The cake cutting
  • Outfit changes
  • The live band or DJ
  • Guests on the dance floor
  • The couple dancing with their guests
  • The bride and groom dancing with each other


framed writing sitting on table surrounded by cookies for the traditional Pittsburgh wedding cookie table
table number 11 in a gold frame sitting on table with candles and greenery
gold wedding chairs with white cushions set around round tables with black tablecloths
wedding shoes, rings, bouquet charms and flower sitting on a luxury white chair
aerial view of a wedding flatlay featuring personalized invitations, wedding bouquet, jewelry and shoes
wood flower bouquet handmade by the bride
sewing box gift from grandma to granddaughter on her wedding day with gold sewing scissors sitting on top
welcome to our beginning wedding mirror sign
interior shot of willowbrook wedding reception seating arrangement