The Ultimate Wedding Shot List: Capturing Every Moment

A wedding photography shot list is a great way to ensure you don't miss out on any important photos on your big day. It's a collaborative process between the couple and the photographer, with the couple mapping out the pictures they want and sharing them with the photographer, who can then provide input on what is feasible. This enables the couple to get the specific pictures they've imagined and also makes the photographer's job easier as they have pre-planned instructions to work with.

Pre-wedding photo list

A pre-wedding photoshoot is a great way for couples to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a rapport with their wedding photographer. This shoot typically takes place days, weeks, or months before the wedding and is also known as an engagement photoshoot. Here is a detailed and direct pre-wedding photo list to help you capture all the special moments leading up to the big day:

Choose a Meaningful Location:

Select a location that holds a special memory for the couple, such as where they first met, had their first date, or got engaged. Alternatively, choose a place that reflects their interests, like a park for nature lovers or a city street for those who love nightlife.

Pick the Right Time:

Consider the lighting and atmosphere you want for your photos. Early mornings, late evenings, or weekdays may offer less crowded and more romantic lighting conditions, especially in urban settings or popular landmarks.

Coordinate Outfits:

Suggest that the couple wear outfits that complement each other in style and colour. This will make their photos visually appealing. Advise them to avoid prominent brand logos or large text and choose attire that contrasts with the chosen background.

Consider the End Goal:

Discuss with the couple how they plan to use the photos. For instance, if they intend to print and frame the images, they may want to consider a specific colour scheme or style to match their home decor.

Leave Baggage Behind:

Encourage the couple to leave their phones and bags behind to fully focus on the session and avoid distractions in the photos. Assure them that you or an assistant can help carry any necessary items during the shoot.

Bring a Furry Friend:

If the couple has a pet, suggest including them in the photos. This adds a fun and personal touch to the shoot, especially if the pet can't attend the wedding. Coordinate with the couple to have a family member or friend take care of the pet after their portion of the session.

Make it a Practice Honeymoon:

Propose that the couple turns the photoshoot into a mini-vacation by booking a hotel, visiting a spa, or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking. This will help them relax and embrace the experience, resulting in more natural and joyful photos.

Capture the Details:

Don't forget to capture close-up shots of the engagement ring and any other special items, like wedding bands, jewellery, or family heirlooms. These details will add sentimentality and richness to the final collection of images.

Candid Moments:

While posing is essential, remind the couple to be themselves and interact naturally with each other. Some of the most romantic and authentic photos may come from spontaneous moments during the shoot.

Solo Shots:

Although the focus is on the couple, include a few individual portraits of each person. This allows them to have their moment and appreciate the small details of their attire and emotions.

Remember to meet with the couple before the shoot to understand their expectations and discuss any specific requests or ideas they may have. This will ensure that you capture their unique love story and create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Wedding ceremony shot list

A wedding ceremony shot list is a great way to ensure you capture all the precious moments of your big day. Here is a detailed wedding ceremony shot list to help you create your own:

Before the Ceremony

• The ceremony space before guests arrive.
• A close-up shot of the altar or any unique floral arrangements or decorations.
• The wedding party getting ready, including hair and makeup, and putting on their outfits and accessories.
• Emotional and touching shots of the couple with parents, siblings, and wedding party members.
• Full-length shots of the couple in their wedding outfits.
• The couple reading letters from each other.
• The couple's first look (if applicable). Capture the grand reveal, their reactions, embrace, and the moment they walk towards each other.

During the Ceremony

• Guests entering the site and being escorted to their seats.
• The wedding party, including flower girls, ring bearers, and grandparents, walking down the aisle.
• The couple's parents walking down the aisle.
• The groom/partner waiting for their loved one and their reaction as they approach.
• The bride/partner walking down the aisle, with their parent/escort giving them away.
• The couple standing at the altar with the officiant.
• Wide shots of the audience during the ceremony.
• The couple exchanging vows and rings.
• The first kiss as a married couple and the moment after.
• Audience reactions to ceremony moments.

After the Ceremony

• The couple leaving the ceremony site, including their recessional and exit.
• Congratulatory shots of the couple hugging, laughing, and celebrating with friends and family.
• The couple's exit in the limo or vehicle.

Remember, this list can be customised to your preferences and the type of ceremony you are having. Discuss any specific requirements with your photographer, and trust them to capture the day as it unfolds.

Family and wedding party photos

Family Photos:

• The bride with her parents
• The bride with her immediate family
• The groom with his parents
• The groom with his immediate family
• The couple with both sets of parents
• The couple with their respective partner's parents
• The couple with their siblings
• The couple with their children (if applicable)
• The couple with their aunts, uncles, and any other extended family members
• The couple with their respective families
• Group photos with each individual family

Wedding Party Photos:

• The whole wedding party together
• The bride with her bridesmaids
• The bride with her maid of honour
• The groom with his groomsmen
• The groom with his best man
• The couple with their entire wedding party
• The couple with the flower girl and ring bearer
• The couple with any pets included in the wedding party
• The wedding party having fun and celebrating
• The wedding party walking towards the camera
• The wedding party jumping for joy

Couple Portraits:

• The couple posing together
• The couple hugging or kissing
• The couple looking at each other
• The couple walking, holding hands
• The couple looking out at the sunset or a beautiful view

Remember, this is your special day, and you can customise the shot list to suit your unique family dynamics and preferences. It is also a good idea to assign a member of the bridal party to help gather family members for the photos, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable process.

Wedding reception photo list

A wedding reception is a complex and intricate event, full of many different details that need to be carefully captured to create a complete record. Here is a list of photo ideas for the wedding reception to ensure you don't miss out on any important shots:

Venue and Decor

• Shot from outside the reception venue
• Reception details such as place cards, guest books, centrepieces, decorations, table settings, and champagne glasses
• Close-up of the centrepiece at the wedding reception
• Overall reception design, including scene-setting snapshots of the entire space, both with and without guests
• Fine dining set-up at the wedding
• Wedding decor details

The Happy Couple

• Couple arriving at the reception
• Receiving line moments
• Couple at the head table
• Couple sipping champagne
• Couple's first dance
• Couple feeding each other cake
• Couple leaving the reception
• Couple waving from the vehicle

Family and Friends

• Close-up of friends and family making toasts
• Couple's parents talking to each other during dinner
• Couple chatting with guests
• To-be-wed #1 and parent dancing (e.g. father-daughter dance)
• To-be-wed #2 and parent dancing (e.g. mother-son dance)
• Wedding party dancing
• Grandparents dancing
• Kids playing or dancing
• Guests going crazy on the dance floor
• Couple laughing with guests on the dance floor

Entertainment

• Musicians or DJs performing
• Wedding cake (or dessert) table

After-party photos

The Venue

Get creative with your after-party venue, and don't be afraid to switch things up. If you're looking for a more low-key celebration, a pub or bar could be the perfect spot. Alternatively, you can keep the party going at your wedding venue by setting up a small lounge area or transforming the reception space with lighting and informal seating. If you want to go all out, surprise your guests with a secret destination, like a local underground dance club, and provide transportation to get everyone there safely.

The Details

Even the smallest details can make your after-party unique and memorable. From custom neon signs to "Just Married" denim jackets, there are plenty of ways to personalise the event. You can also offer fun favours, such as monogrammed koozies, light-up heart-shaped glasses, or recovery kits for the morning after. And don't forget the food! Whether it's fast food, chips and dip, or a buffet-style nacho bar, fuel your guests for a night of dancing and fun.

The Moments

The after-party is all about capturing the joy and intimacy of spending more time with your closest loved ones. From candid shots of guests interacting and enjoying the food and drinks to posed photos with fun props, there are plenty of moments to capture. Don't forget to get photos of the happy couple, whether it's a sweet embrace or a passionate kiss. If you want to get creative, try a "look behind" photo, with the couple in focus and the bridal party out of focus in the background.

The Fun

The after-party is all about letting loose and having fun. Get everyone involved with a silent disco, where guests can dance the night away without infringing on any venue noise restrictions. Or, take the party on the road with a party bus tour of the town. For a more low-key activity, set up a polaroid station or photo booth, where guests can snap memories and add them to an album. And, of course, don't forget the classic group photo, with the happy couple in the middle and their supporting crew by their side.

Frequently asked questions