Photographer Shot List

The best way to ensure your photographer captures the right moments for all posterity is to provide a suggested shot list

Wedding Ceremony at the

Comprehensive Shot List

The style and number of your images will depend on the photographer you've chosen and how long you've hired that pro for, but a shot list of photos you'd love to have is a great way to cover your bases.  Since you should count on at least five minutes per shot, it's unrealistic to expect all the photos below,  so pick and choose those shots that mean most to you.

Getting Ready

  • Bride having her hair styled and makeup applied

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

  • Still life shots of the bride’s shoes and jewelry

  • Detailed shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets

  • Candid shots of the bridesmaids getting dressed

  • Mother buttoning or zipping up the bride’s dress

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

  • Full‐length shot of the bride in her gown, looking at herself in a mirror

  • Bridesmaids reacting to the bride in her gown

  • Father seeing the bride in her gown

  • Bride with her parents and siblings

  • Bride with her bridesmaids

  • Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen

  • Close‐up shot of the wedding bands

  • Groom with his parents and siblings

  • Groom with the best man

  • Groom with his groomsmen

  • Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or ties

  • Bride and groom separately making their way to the ceremony

The Ceremony

  • Exterior and interior shots of the site before guests arrive

  • Groom walking down the aisle with his mother

  • Close‐up of groom’s expression while waiting for the bride

  • Bridal party walking down the aisle

  • Both sets of grandparents walking down the aisle

  • Bride and her escort waiting to walk down the aisle

  • Close‐up of bride just before she makes her entrance

  • Bride and her escort walking down the aisle

  • Groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle

  • Bride’s escort giving her away

  • Bride and groom at the altar or the chuppah

  • Both sets of parents watching the ceremony

  • Wide shot of the altar or chuppah, from the guests’ point of view

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

  • Special moments, such as the candle lighting and the readings

  • Close‐up of the bride and groom as they recite their vows

  • Close‐up of the bride and groom’s hands as they exchange rings

  • The Kiss!

  • Close‐up of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony

  • Bride and groom hugging family and friends

  • Bride showing off her wedding ring to her bridesmaids

  • Bride and groom leaving the ceremony site

Before the Reception (or Ceremony)

  • Bride and groom together

  • Bride with her mother

  • Bride with her father

  • Bride with both parents

  • Bride with her entire immediate family

  • Groom with his mother

  • Groom with his father

  • Groom with both parents

  • Groom with his entire immediate family

  • Bride and groom with bride’s family

  • Bride and groom with groom’s family

  • Bride and groom with both sets of parents

  • Bride and groom with immediate family members from both sides

  • Bride and groom with bridesmaids

  • Bride and groom with groomsmen

  • Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer

  • Bride and groom with entire wedding party

The Reception

  • Exterior and interior shots of the site before the guests arrive

  • Still‐life shots of place cards, menus, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favors, and champagne glasses

  • The cake

  • Hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks

  • Guests arriving and signing the guest book

  • Bride and groom arriving

  • Close‐ups of friends and family making toasts

  • Bride and groom sipping Champagne at their table

  • Bride and groom speaking with guests

  • Bride and groom’s first dance

  • Bride dancing with her father

  • Groom dancing with his mother

  • Parents and grandparents dancing

  • Wedding party dancing

  • Musicians, deejay, and/or entertainers performing

  • Guests dancing

  • Bride and groom dancing with the bridal party

  • Bride and groom cutting the cake

  • Bouquet toss

  • Newlyweds’ vehicle

  • Bride and groom leaving the reception