Weddings are one of the most blissful days for the bride and groom, and their guest; they get to drink a toast for eternal love and go home drunk, full, and happy.

For the people responsible for the wedding, on the other hand, it’s very stressful, to say the least, because you’re accountable for the biggest day of someone’s life. As a photographer, you’re responsible for capturing immortal memories for the couple and their families.

If you fail to do so, you’ll have negative reviews, 200 guests who won’t hire you anytime soon, and an unhappy couple that will feel like they deserve a refund because you didn’t capture the moments they wanted.

To avoid being in that situation and nailing your weddings every single time here’s a guaranteed shot list to take with you to every wedding, so you never have to do the guesswork yourself.

Rings and invitations

One of the most signature wedding memories is rings on top of the invitation suite. They’re iconic, they capture the couple’s names, and show off the gorgeous diamond ring they chose to make their love official. The couple is guaranteed to love it, and they surely expected it when they hired you as their wedding photographer.

Must-Have Shots:

• Ring Shot (all three rings – engagement ring and both wedding bands)
• Bridal bouquet
• Bridal shoes (if they have multiple switch them out)
• A full spread of all details
• Invitation Suite (if they have one)
• Groom details too if you can (shoes, tie/bowtie, cufflinks, etc) – these are taken separately from bridal details of course.

The bride and groom getting ready

When the dressing rooms are filled with anticipation, the bride is anxiously getting her makeup done, and the groom is chugging cigars and whiskey with his close friends, these are the moments the couple is going to laugh at in 5 years. Make sure to capture these memories, especially the off-guard, spontaneous poses.

Must-Have Shots:

• Bride getting makeup done
• Bridal party in their matching outfits (robes, shirts)
• Bride getting into her wedding dress
• Bride putting on her jewelry/shoes
• Bride getting her veil put on

The couple with their parents

Considered a tradition in most weddings, mom and dad moments are essential in any wedding photo album, and it’s your responsibility as the photographer to make them incredible. You can either have the bride and the groom each with their individual parents or the entire family all together! I recommend that you do both.

Must-Have Shots:

• Bride w/ Parents
• Bride w/ each parent
• Bride w/ siblings
• Bride w/ entire intermediate family
• Bride & Groom w/ Bride’s parents
• Bride & Groom w/ Bride’s entire intermediate family
• Groom w/ Parents
• Groom w/ each parent
• Groom w/ siblings
• Bride w/ entire intermediate family
• Bride & Groom w/ Groom’s parents
• Bride & Groom w/ Groom’s entire intermediate family

Special Moments to be captured with the parents:

• Mom helping bride get into wedding dress or put on wedding jewelry
• Dad helping groom fix his tux in some way or sharing a drink together before the ceremony

The first look before the ceremony

When the groom whispers: “You look like an angel”, and the bride giggles and blushes, that’s a moment that most married couples would pay a million dollars to live over and over again. Make sure to get both reactions in the shot that highlight the couple’s emotions so that they can relive that moment for life!

Must-Have Shots:

• Groom’s expression as the bride is behind him (see image below)
• The perspective of the bride
• The anticipation shot (right before the bride taps the groom on the shoulder)
• Groom’s reaction
• Candid shots of interactions

Venue shots

The couple (Mainly the bride) spent months and months planning their dream wedding, including the flowers, the ceremony site, the interior, and exterior details. You best believe that they would LOVE to see all the details they planned in their photo album, so make sure to check every one of these details off before leaving! This also can help you long-term if you share these images with the vendors.

Must-Have Shots:

• Wide Shot of the exterior of the venue
• Ceremony Set-Up
• Reception Set-Up

Walking down the aisle and the groom’s reaction

The moment when the groom’s best man hold’s his shoulders to keep him steady, and the first tear breaks from the groom’s eyes is one of the moments that every bride wants to remember forever. Make sure you’re standing by at the right angle, and take multiple shots to capture the sentimental value behind those few seconds.

Must-Have Shots:

• Groom’s anticipation face
• Bride at the doors once they open
• Groom’s reaction
• Zoomed in on the bride’s reaction as she comes down the aisle
• Shot from the door showing the bride walking towards the groom

While these aren’t all the images you need for a wedding day all your wedding gigs will be a success if you add in the images from this shot list. For more tips and wedding photography info, comment and subscribe to our blog for the latest content by a photographer for photographers.

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