The Art Of Capturing Moments: A Guide To Creating A Wedding Shot List

A wedding is one of the most important days in a person's life, and creating a shot list is a crucial part of the planning process. A shot list ensures that you capture all the important moments and details of the day, from the pre-wedding preparations to the first dance. It's a great way to communicate your wishes to your photographer and ensure that you get the specific pictures you've imagined. While most photographers have a standard list of shots they plan to take, creating a custom shot list ensures that no detail is missed.

Getting ready photos

Capturing the excitement of the morning of the wedding is a must. The day the bride has been waiting for has finally arrived, so be ready to photograph her as she takes it all in. These photos will be a reminder of how she felt during these moments.

The wedding dress is one of the most important elements of the wedding, especially for the bride. She spends a lot of time choosing the perfect dress, and everyone is waiting to get a glimpse. Whether you hang it in a unique location, place it against a beautiful backdrop, or lay it on the bed, be sure to get some photographs of the dress by itself.

Incorporating the bridal party into getting-ready photos can be fun for everyone. Laughing out loud, a classic cheers photograph, the bride and groom getting goofy with their bridesmaids and groomsmen are all moments you can consider for your checklist. If the bride and groom decide to give something special to their bridesmaids and groomsmen, try to take pictures of the gifts and the bridal party member’s reactions as they open them.

Take pictures while the bride is getting her hair and makeup done. Don’t forget to take those close-up shots and detailed photos of her look.

One of the best ways to get all the important getting-ready photos is to keep an eye on the bride as she gets into her wedding dress. You could get some pictures of her bridesmaids or mom helping her or zipping her up from the back.

If the couple is exchanging love letters on the day, try to get some photos as they read their letters. It’s a sweet moment they share right before the ceremony, so try to get their reactions as best as you can.

Pre-ceremony shots

Capturing the pre-ceremony excitement and the build-up to the main event is an important part of the wedding photography shot list. Here are some ideas for pre-ceremony shots to include on your list:

The Bridal Prep

• The bride getting her hair and makeup done, either solo or with the bridesmaids.
• The bride and bridesmaids in their getting-ready attire, enjoying a glass of champagne or simply having fun.
• The bride getting dressed, with the mother of the bride, maid of honour, or another wedding party member assisting.
• Full-length shots of the bride in her wedding dress, capturing the beauty of the dress and the excitement of the moment.
• Emotional shots of the bride with her mother, siblings, or friends, capturing the love and support of those closest to her.
• The bride with her wedding party, including the bridesmaids and maid of honour.
• The bride with her parents and siblings, capturing the family bond and their role in her special day.

The Groom's Prep

• The groom adding the finishing touches to his outfit, such as putting on his tie, cufflinks, or buttoning his shirt.
• The groom's mother attaching a boutonnière, a heartfelt moment between mother and son.
• The groom getting ready with his groomsmen, capturing the fun and camaraderie of the groomsmen as they prepare for the wedding.
• Full-length shots of the groom in his wedding attire, showcasing his style and the elegance of the moment.
• Touching moments between the groom and his parents, capturing the love and support of his family.
• The groom with his best man, capturing the friendship and the honour of having him by his side.

The First Look (optional)

The first look is when the couple chooses to see each other before the ceremony for a private moment.

• The groom waiting for the bride, anticipation building as he prepares to see his bride for the first time.
• The bride walking towards the groom, creating a sense of anticipation and emotion.
• The grand reveal, capturing the couple's reactions and emotions as they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
• The couple hugging or kissing after the first look, a tender moment of intimacy before the ceremony.
• The couple looking into each other's eyes, capturing the depth of their connection.
• The couple holding hands and walking side by side, a symbol of their unity and shared journey.

Ceremony photos

The ceremony is one of the most important parts of a wedding day, so you'll want to make sure you capture it from every angle. Here is a comprehensive shot list to ensure you don't miss a single moment.

Before the Ceremony

A great way to build anticipation is to capture the ceremony space before guests arrive. You can also get photos of the smaller details, like the invites, save-the-dates, flowers, and boutonnieres.

Guests Arriving

Get shots of guests entering the site, ushers escorting guests to their seats, and close-ups of the guests waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Wedding Party

Capture the wedding party coming down the aisle, including the flower girl, ring bearer, and honour attendants. You can also get photos of the wedding party waiting at the altar for a different perspective.

The Bride's Entrance

A key moment in any wedding is the bride's entrance. Get photos of the bride with her father/escort/parents walking down the aisle, as well as close-ups of the bride just before she makes her entrance.

The Ceremony

Capture the couple at the front, including the officiant, as well as a wide shot of the audience from the couple's point of view. Get photos of the couple exchanging vows, close-ups of their hands as they exchange rings, and their faces as they share their first kiss as a married couple.

After the Ceremony

Get photos of the couple's recessional, hugging and laughing with friends and family, and the signed marriage certificate. You can also capture the couple outside the ceremony site, in the limo, and leaving the ceremony site.

Cocktail hour photos

Venue and Decor

• Capture the reception space before guests enter. This could include photos of the place settings, centrepieces, decorations, and any other special touches you've added.
• If the ceremony space is being flipped into the reception area during cocktail hour, you can get creative with this transition. Perhaps the couple can have a "first look" at the fully set-up reception venue.
• Get a shot of the cake and dessert table, beautifully presented and untouched.
• A photo of the bartender serving drinks to guests can be a fun addition to your album.

Group Photos

• Cocktail hour is a great time for group photos, whether that's with your wedding party, family, or a combination of both.
• If you have a large family, consider taking photos with your immediate family and grandparents during cocktail hour, and then including extended family and guests during the reception.
• If you want to include your wedding party in some fun group shots, consider photos of the full bridal party cheering, creating a tunnel for the couple, or even individual shots with the bride and her bridesmaids, and the groom and his groomsmen.

Couple Portraits

• During cocktail hour, the couple can sneak away for some intimate portraits, capturing their love and emotion.
• The "golden hour" is a popular time for couple portraits, creating a warm and romantic feel to the photos.

Remember, every wedding is unique, so feel free to get creative and adapt these ideas to suit your special day.

Reception photos

Capturing the reception is all about the details that are most important to you, whether that's the food, the decor, or the dance party. Here are some ideas for your reception shot list:

Arrival at the Reception

• Capture the couple arriving at the reception, perhaps in their wedding car.
• Get a shot of the receiving line moments.

The Happy Couple

• Get a photo of the couple at the head table.
• A close-up of the couple sipping champagne.
• The couple's first dance.
• The couple dancing with each other.
• The couple exiting the reception and waving from their vehicle.

Family Members

• The couple with both sets of parents.
• The couple with immediate family members from both sides.
• The couple with any children.
• The couple with siblings.
• The couple with close family members.

Food and Decor

• A shot from outside the reception venue.
• Reception details such as place cards, guest books, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, and champagne glasses.
• Close-up shots of decorations on the tables, such as table numbers and centerpieces.
• The wedding cake (or dessert) table.
• The couple feeding each other cake.

Dancing

• The to-be-wed #1 and their parent dancing (e.g. a father-daughter dance).
• The to-be-wed #2 and their parent dancing (e.g. a mother-son dance).
• Wedding party dancing.
• Grandparents dancing.
• Kids playing or dancing (if applicable).
• Musicians or DJs performing.
• Guests going wild on the dance floor.
• The couple laughing with guests on the dance floor.

Frequently asked questions