The Ultimate List of Wedding Day Photos

Jump to the shot lists:

Bride + Groom Shot List
Bride + Bride Shot List
Groom + Groom Shot List

Other than you and your love, one of the most important people at your wedding will be your wedding photographer. Whether you choose to give a family member or friend the coveted title or you’re planning to work with a professional, this individual will receive an “all-access” pass to your wedding day. It’s a big role, especially because he or she will be the one to present you with one of the only tangible pieces you will have from your celebration after your day comes to a close – your wedding photographs.

Outside of choosing to work with a photographer whose photography style and personality you love, the best thing to do to ensure you will love your wedding photos is to pre-plan. Think about taking a close look at your photographer’s portfolio from past weddings and ask them to share can’t miss photos they always make sure to capture. Then create your own wedding day shot list of moments and people you want to be captured on film!

The Ultimate Wedding Day Shot List for Amazing Wedding Photos

Speaking of creating a list of wedding photos you won’t want to miss, we thought we would provide our own inspiration! Below, we’re sharing our own version of the ultimate wedding photography list. From our own experiences and those of couples who have already tied the knot (and been in front of the camera), here are the photos you won’t want to miss on your wedding day! Plus, we’ve included downloadable, printable shot lists that you can share with your shutterbug to ensure every special moment is captured.

Wedding Photography Shot List for Bride + Groom Couple

Below is a list of all recommended wedding photos to take for a heterosexual, male-female couple. Feel free to download and use this photo checklist whether you’re a bride, groom, or photographer!

BRIDE + GROOM:

Get a free printable version of this wedding photo checklist to take with you on the big day. Get the bride + groom wedding day shot list via email by entering your details below.

Getting Ready Details:

Wedding Stationery (save-the-date, wedding invitation)
Engagement Ring and Wedding Rings
Personal Wedding Flowers (bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres)
Wedding Dress
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Wedding Dress with Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Bridesmaids’ Gifts
Mothers of the Bride(s) and Groom(s) Gifts
Fathers of the Bride(s) and Groom(s) Gifts
Gift for the Bride
Gift for the Groom
Vow Books
Groom’s Attire
Groomsmen’s Attire
Groomsmen’s Gifts

Getting Ready Portraits:

Bride in Hair and Makeup
Bridesmaids in Hair and Makeup
Bride and Bridesmaids in Getting Ready Outfits
Bride and Bridesmaids Champagne Toast
Bride Putting on Wedding Dress
Bride Putting on Wedding Jewelry and Shoes
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Bride with Siblings
Bride with Bridesmaids
Bride Alone Fully Dressed with Bouquet
Groom Getting Dress
Groom Putting on Jacket, Tie, and Cufflinks
Parent of Groom Pinning Boutonniere
Groomsmen Putting on Jacket, Tie, and Cufflinks
Groom and Groomsmen Toast
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
Groom with Siblings
Groom with Groomsmen
Groom Alone Fully Dressed

First Look:

Bride First Look with Dad
Bride First Look with Mom
Bride First Look with Siblings
Bride First Look with Siblings
Groom First Look with Mom
Groom First Look with Dad
Groom First Look with Siblings
Bride and Groom First Look

Ceremony Details:

Exterior Location Shot
Interior Location Shot
Ceremony Signs
Ceremony Programs
Flower Girl Basket
Ring Bearer Pillow and/or Sign
Altar
Aisle Flowers

Ceremony Portraits:

Officiant
Groom Walking to Altar
Groomsmen Walking to Altar
Seating of Parents
Bridesmaids Walking Down Aisle
Flower Girl(s) and Ring Bearer(s) Walking Down Aisle
Bride and Parent(s) Walking Down Aisle
Groom Reaction to Bride Walking Down Aisle
Readings/Readers
Vows
Ring Exchange
First Kiss
Recessional
Bride and Groom Signing Marriage License with Officiant
Wedding Ceremony Exit

Couple, Wedding Party, and Family Portraits:

Bride and Groom Formal and Candid Portraits (smiling, kissing, veil tossed in the wind, talking, walking toward the camera, with and without wedding bouquet)
Bride with Bridesmaids (group shot)
Groom with Bridesmaids (group shot)
Bride and Groom with Bridesmaids
Individual Portraits of Bride with Each Bridesmaid
Groom with Groomsmen (group shot)
Bride with Groomsmen (group shot)
Groom and Bride with Groomsmen
Individual Portraits of Groom with Each Groomsmen
Bride with Flower Girl(s)
Bride and Groom with Flower Girl(s)
Groom with Ring Bearer
Bride and Groom with Ring Bearer
Bride and Groom with Entire Wedding Party
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Bride with Parents
Bride and Groom with Her Parents
Bride with Siblings
Bride and Groom with Her Siblings
Bride with Parents and Siblings
Bride and Groom with Parents and Siblings
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
Groom with Parents
Groom and Bride with His Parents
Bride and Groom with Both Sets of Parents
Bride with Grandparents (consider doing individual photos with each grandparent too!)
Bride and Groom with Her Grandparents
Groom with Grandparents (same as above, consider doing individual photos with each grandparent!)
Bride and Groom with His Grandparents
Bride with Extended Family (immediate family, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Bride and Groom with Her Extended Family
Groom with Extended Family (immediate family, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Groom and Bride with His Extended Family

Reception Details:

Escort Cards or Escort Card Sign
Signature Cocktail Sign with Signature Cocktail
Memorial Sign and Table
Guest Book and Guest Book Sign
Guests at Cocktail Hour
Room Shot of Reception Space
Reception Centerpieces
Place Settings
Menu
Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake Topper
Wedding Cake Table (wedding cake with topper, cake knife)
Band or DJ
Dance Floor
Favors

Reception Portraits:

Introduction of Groom’s Parents
Introduction of Bride’s Parents
Introduction of Wedding Party
Introduction of Bride and Groom
First Dance
Welcome Speech
Blessing
Best Man Speech
Maid of Honor Speech
Mother/Son Dance
Father/Daughter Dance
Guests on Dance Floor
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Bride and Groom Cutting Cake
Wedding Reception Exit

Having a First Look Before Your Wedding Ceremony: Pros and Cons

Wedding Photography Shot List for Bride + Bride Couple

Below is a list of all recommended photos for a same-sex female couple. Feel free to download and use this photo checklist if you’re a bride or a photographer who is shooting a wedding with two brides!

BRIDE + BRIDE:

Get a free printable version of this wedding photo checklist to take with you on the big day. Get the bride + bride wedding day shot list via email by entering your details below.

Getting Ready Details:

Wedding Stationery (save-the-date, wedding invitation)
Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings
Personal Wedding Flowers (bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres)
Wedding Dress
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Wedding Dresses with Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Bridesmaids’ Gifts
Mothers of the Brides and Gifts
Fathers of the Brides and Gifts
Gifts for the Brides
Vow Books

Getting Ready Portraits:

Brides in Hair and Makeup
Bridesmaids in Hair and Makeup
Brides and Bridesmaids in Getting Ready Outfits
Brides and Bridesmaids Champagne Toast
Brides Putting on Wedding Dresses
Brides Putting on Wedding Jewelry and Shoes
Brides with Moms
Brides with Dads
Brides with Siblings
Brides with Bridesmaids
Brides Alone Fully Dressed with Bouquets

First Look:

Brides First Looks with Dads
Brides First Looks with Moms
Brides First Look with Siblings
Brides First Look

Ceremony Details:

Exterior Location Shot
Interior Location Shot
Ceremony Signs
Ceremony Programs
Flower Girl Basket
Ring Bearer Pillow and/or Sign
Altar
Aisle Flowers

Ceremony Portraits:

Officiant
Seating of Parents
Bridesmaids Walking Down Aisle
Flower Girl(s) and Ring Bearer(s) Walking Down Aisle
Bride and Parent(s) Walking Down Aisle
Bride and Parent(s) Walking Down Aisle
Bride’s Reaction to Bride Walking Down Aisle
Readings/Readers
Vows
Ring Exchange
First Kiss
Recessional
Brides Signing Marriage License with Officiant
Wedding Ceremony Exit

Couple, Wedding Party, and Family Portraits:

Brides Formal and Candid Portraits (smiling, kissing, veil tossed in the wind, talking, walking toward the camera, with and without wedding bouquet)
Brides with Bridesmaids (group shot)
Individual Portraits of Bride with Each Bridesmaid
Brides with Flower Girl(s)
Brides with Ring Bearer
Brides with Entire Wedding Party
Bride 1 with Mom
Bride 1 with Dad
Bride 1 with Parents
Brides with Her Parents
Bride 1 with Siblings
Brides with Her Siblings
Bride 1 with Parents and Siblings
Brides with Parents and Siblings
Bride 2 with Mom
Bride 2 with Dad
Bride 2 with Parents
Brides with Her Parents
Brides with Both Sets of Parents
Bride 1 with Grandparents (consider doing individual photos with each grandparent too!)
Brides with Her Grandparents
Bride 2 with Grandparents (same as above, consider doing individual photos with each grandparent!)
Brides with His Grandparents
Bride 1 with Extended Family (immediate family, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Brides with Her Extended Family
Bride 2 with Extended Family (immediate family, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Brides with Her Extended Family

Reception Details:

Escort Cards or Escort Card Sign
Signature Cocktail Sign with Signature Cocktail
Memorial Sign and Table
Guest Book and Guest Book Sign
Guests at Cocktail Hour
Room Shot of Reception Space
Reception Centerpieces
Place Settings
Menu
Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake Topper
Wedding Cake Table (wedding cake with topper, cake knife)
Band or DJ
Dance Floor
Favors

Reception Portraits:

Introduction of Bride 1’s Parents
Introduction of Bride 2’s Parents
Introduction of Wedding Party
Introduction of Brides
First Dance
Welcome Speech
Blessing
Maid of Honor Speech
Maid of Honor Speech
Father/Daughter Dance
Father/Daughter Dance
Guests on Dance Floor
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Brides Cutting Cake
Wedding Reception Exit

Wedding Photography Shot List for Groom + Groom Couple

Below is a list of all recommended photos for a same-sex male couple. Feel free to download and use this photo checklist if you’re a groom or a photographer who is shooting a wedding with two grooms!

GROOM + GROOM:

Get a free printable version of this wedding photo checklist to take with you on the big day. Download the bride + groom wedding day shot list by clicking the button below. Get the groom + groom wedding day shot list via email by entering your details below.

Getting Ready Details:

Wedding Stationery (save-the-date, wedding invitation)
Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings
Personal Wedding Flowers (bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres)
Grooms’ Suits
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Groom’s Suit with Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Bridesmaids’ Gifts
Groomsmen’s Gifts
Mothers of the Grooms Gifts
Fathers of the Grooms Gifts
Gifts for the Grooms
Gift for the Groom
Vow Books

Getting Ready Portraits:

Bridesmaids in Hair and Makeup
Groom and Bridesmaids Toast
Groom Getting Dress
Grooms Putting on Jacket, Tie, and Cufflinks
Parents of Grooms Pinning Boutonnieres
Groomsmen Putting on Jacket, Tie, and Cufflinks
Groom and Groomsmen Toast
Grooms with Moms
Grooms with Dads
Grooms with Siblings
Groom with Groomsmen
Grooms Alone Fully Dressed

First Look:

Grooms First Look with Moms
Grooms First Look with Dads
Grooms First Look with Siblings
Grooms First Look

Ceremony Details:

Exterior Location Shot
Interior Location Shot
Ceremony Signs
Ceremony Programs
Flower Girl Basket
Ring Bearer Pillow and/or Sign
Altar
Aisle Flowers

Ceremony Portraits:

Officiant
Groom Walking to Altar
Groomsmen Walking to Altar
Seating of Parents
Bridesmaids Walking Down Aisle
Flower Girl(s) and Ring Bearer(s) Walking Down Aisle
Groom Walking Down Aisle
Groom’s Reaction to Groom Walking Down Aisle
Readings/Readers
Vows
Ring Exchange
First Kiss
Recessional
Grooms Signing Marriage License with Officiant
Wedding Ceremony Exit

Couple, Wedding Party, and Family Portraits:

Grooms Formal and Candid Portraits (smiling, kissing, talking, walking toward the camera)
Grooms with Bridesmaids (group shot)
Individual Portraits of Grooms with Each Bridesmaid
Grooms with Groomsmen (group shot)
Individual Portraits of Grooms with Each Groomsmen
Grooms with Flower Girl(s)
Grooms with Ring Bearer
Grooms with Entire Wedding Party
Groom 1 with Mom
Groom 1 with Dad
Groom 1 with Parents
Grooms with His Parents
Groom 1 with Siblings
Grooms with His Siblings
Groom 1 with Parents and Siblings
Grooms with Parents and Siblings
Groom 2 with Mom
Groom 2 with Dad
Groom 2 with Parents
Grooms with His Parents
Grooms with Both Sets of Parents
Groom 1 with Grandparents (consider doing individual photos with each grandparent too!)
Grooms with His Grandparents
Groom 2 with Grandparents (same as above, consider doing individual photos with each grandparent!)
Grooms with His Grandparents
Groom 1 with Extended Family (immediate family, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Grooms with His Extended Family
Groom 2 with Extended Family (immediate family, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Grooms with His Extended Family