Wedding Photography Checklist

Capturing the most important day of your life should be easy. That’s why I always suggest a wedding photography checklist, to make sure your photographer knows what moments are important to you. In this article, I break down the key moments of your ceremony, with creative ways to photograph them. Feel free to share this list with your photographer(s) so you can ensure the major moments of your wedding are caught on camera.

1). Establishing Shots of Your Venue

So, yes, this may be common sense, but it’s super vital you get great shots of your ceremony space that you spent countless hours designing.

Pro Tip: Ask your photographer if they offer drone photography. There is no more thrilling of an experience than flying above your ceremony and gazing down on it

2). Panoramic of Wedding Party

A panoramic shot is a great way to capture the entirety of your wedding ceremony. The full wedding party and all guests are included, showing the support of your loved ones when you say ‘I do’.

3). All The Girls

Have your photographer get an “over the shoulder” shot of your groom, highlighting you and your full bride squad behind you. It’s a great alternative to a bridesmaids group photo happening in real time, which usually yields the best blend of candid and posed photography.

4). Just Before the First Kiss

This moment has the greatest anticipation a wedding photo could ever hope to portray. The look between the bride and groom is one of pure bliss and such a privilege to be able to capture. We love to tell stories in still frames of life. This one allows you to relive those fateful seconds in a powerful way.

5). First Kiss Behind the Altar, The Modern Classic

You’ve probably seen this all over Pinterest, but we fully support it. If it’s possible for your photographer to run behind the altar, typically where the Officiant stands, and grab your first kiss from that point of view, you can capture all of your guests watching that mega moment. It’s great to put into perspective the people witnessing your marriage proclamation.

Pro Tip: If you have two photographers, have one grab the traditional first kiss shot but edit it in black & white. It can make for a great artsy print later on.

6). A Candid Procession Out

We’re a little biased toward candids, but we usually find they create the most meaningful type of wedding photography. And while we encourage you to smile your face off when walking down the aisle as husband and wife, we tend to favor the photo where you’re not looking into the camera. It’s that just married moment of realization as you walk together that takes the cake every time. Express to your wedding photographer that you want options of candids in these key moments.