So, the big day is on the way. The perfect outfits have been chosen, the vows are composed and, more than likely, the table plan has been written and rewritten at least 3 times already. After all that planning, it’s almost time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. But if you’ve stumbled across this blog, chances are there’s one more thing on your to-do list: making a wedding photography checklist to ensure your wedding album turns out just as special as the day itself.
Why Is It Important To Have a Well-Planned Wedding Photography Checklist?
With so much happening on your wedding day, it’s easy for little moments to slip by unnoticed. That’s where a wedding day shot list comes in. It’s not about scripting every second, but about making sure the big moments – and the small ones – are captured forever. From the nervous excitement before the ceremony to the quiet glances during the speeches, your photographer can’t be everywhere at once unless they know what truly matters to you.
A well-thought-out shot list helps you communicate your vision clearly, avoid missed memories, and gives your photographer the best chance to tell your story exactly the way you want it to be told. Most quality wedding photographers will come prepared with their own wedding photography checklist but, as with most things that really matter on your big day, it’s best not to leave it to chance. So, to help you get started, here are the must-have wedding photos that you’ll want in your wedding photo album and that you’ll be glad you planned for.
Pre-Ceremony Moments
- Brides/grooms/wedding party getting ready (hair, makeup, suit, accessories)
- The wedding dress/suit hanging before being worn
- Brides or grooms with their wedding parties
- Emotional first look with parents or bridal party
- Wedding invitation suite and rings
The pre-ceremony shots can be some of the most intimate and emotional moments of the day. From the excitement as you and your wedding party get ready to the tender moments as you slip into your wedding attire, these photos set the tone for the day. Whether it’s the final outfit touches, nervous laughter, or a quiet first look with a parent, these are the memories that tell the story of the calm before the storm.
Ceremony Highlights
- Venue setup before guests arrive
- Couple’s first look as they walk down the aisle to each other
- The exchange of vows and wedding rings
- The first kiss as a married couple
- Candid reactions of family and guests
Those little glances at each other, the affirming handhold, the cute flower girl making a dash for it when they see their parents; the ceremony photos are a must for your wedding photography checklist as they capture the real heart of your wedding day. The really important stuff. The time when everything becomes real. The moment you promise to protect each other and spend the rest of your lives together. For those few minutes, nothing else matters. Just you, your love, and the people who care about you watching you say “I do”.
Post-Ceremony & Portraits
- Couple’s first moments alone as newlyweds
- Wedding party group shots
- Family portraits with both sides
- Couple’s creative portraits in a scenic setting
So, you’re now officially married! Time to party, right? Not yet I’m afraid! It’s time to soak in the moment and take those all-important post-ceremony portraits. We recommend connecting with your wedding photographer beforehand to figure out an ideal area for your pictures to be taken. Is there somewhere close to your venue that means something to you or offers a particularly scenic spot for your couple shots? Or would you rather stay close to your guests and take those shots at your venue? Lots to think about!
Working with countless newlyweds over the years to create luxury wedding photo albums, we’ve come to realise that the ‘family and friends’ portraits are often the really valuable ones. The ones that everyone wants to look back on as the years go by. Keep in mind, it’s a dreadful feeling sitting down to collate which photos to put in your wedding album and realising that you’ve missed out someone important from your group portraits! So, make sure to have a list of all the people you want in your shots and provide it to your photographer. That way, there are no awkward “Whoops, Auntie Jean isn’t in any of our wedding photos!” moments.
Reception & Celebration
- Decor, table settings, and floral arrangements
- Grand entrance of the couple
- First dance, toasts, and cake cutting
- Candid moments of guests enjoying the celebration
- A grand exit (sparklers, confetti, or classic getaway car shot)
Now it is time to let your hair down and enjoy your first night as newlyweds! And you’ll want to capture every moment of it. From your grand entrance and first dance to heartfelt speeches, candid laughter, and dancing into the night, these shots will encapsulate the spirit of the day. It’s where personalities shine, connections are made, and the real party begins – moments you’ll love looking back on for years to come.
Though, as candid as you may want to be with your photos, sometimes brides and grooms may wish to discuss a MUST-NOT wedding photography checklist with your photographer. Maybe you don’t want to see pictures of drunken revellers changing the aesthetic of your photo collection, or maybe you’d rather the shutters take a little break during the speeches if you or your wedding party are prone to a little stage fright? These are all things to consider and discuss with your photographer beforehand. Though, of course, you will always have the final say on what shots make the cut for your wedding album…so maybe just let the photographer roam free and see what fun they capture!
One Last Thing…Don’t Be Afraid to Go Off Script
Those must-have wedding photos are, of course, essential, but don’t forget – your wedding photographer isn’t going to run out of film. So, if they spot an opportunity that isn’t on your list, don’t be afraid to let them run with it. Sometimes those “off script” moments can end up being just as precious as the ones you have planned for. Professional wedding photographers do this day in and day out and have an incredible eye for the magic you might not even notice happening. Have fun with your day. You will only live it once.
Creating a Wedding Day Story Through Photography
A luxury wedding album should do more than just document moments – it should tell the complete story of your day, unfolding like a beautifully written fairytale. The right sequence and selection of photos can transform your wedding album into a visual narrative that evokes emotions and memories with every turn of the page.
With a carefully thought-out wedding day shot list, you can rest easy that all the important bits will be covered, and you will have enough material to work with. At Booked Images we can work closely with you to help choose those special pictures to tell your own unique story.
We’ll tell the tale of your day from the whimsical beginning to the jovial end. From setting the scene shots that capture the ambience of the venue and the finer details of your décor and arrangements, to that hero shot at the end with the married couple walking off into the sunset together. Not to mention all the fun and candid moments in between that you will likely have been too swept up in the day to notice.
Bespoke wedding albums by booked images
Discover how Booked Images crafts one-of-a-kind, handmade wedding albums that preserve your memories in a truly unique way.
How a Well-Captured Wedding Becomes a Luxury Wedding Album
Your wedding photos are more than just snapshots; they are cherished memories that deserve to be showcased in a high-end wedding album. A luxury wedding album enhances:
- The storytelling aspect, with carefully selected layouts and sequences.
- The quality of prints, with premium paper and durable bindings.
- The emotional impact of reliving your wedding day with every page turn.
Planning a wedding shot list is essential for capturing the magic of your big day. Whether it’s candid smiles, intricate details, or unforgettable firsts, each image contributes to a stunning wedding album that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Ready to turn your wedding photos into a beautifully crafted album? Explore our luxury wedding photo books today!