Below I have compiled a list of “must take” wedding photos. Review and consider discussing with your photographer the “must take” photos that you would love!

 

MUST TAKE WEDDING PHOTOS

Getting Ready

• Bride having her hair styled and makeup applied
• Bride’s gown hanging on a padded hanger, spread on the bed, or draped over a chair
• Still life shots: the bride’s shoes, jewelry, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
• Detailed shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets
• Candid shots of the bridesmaids getting dressed
• Mother buttoning or zipping up the bride’s dress
• Mother helping the bride with one last detail, such as the veil
• Full-length shot of the bride in her gown, looking at herself in a mirror
• Bridesmaids reacting to the bride in her gown
• Father seeing the bride in her gown
• Bride with her parents and siblings
• Bride with her bridesmaids
• Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen
• Close-up shot of the wedding bands
• Groom with his parents and siblings
• Groom with the best man
• Groom with his groomsmen
• Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or ties
• Bride and groom separately making their way to the ceremony

The Ceremony

• Exterior and interior shots of the site before guests arrive
• Groom walking down the aisle with his mother
• Close-up of groom’s expression while waiting for the bride
• Bridal party walking down the aisle
• Both sets of grandparents walking down the aisle
• Bride and her escort waiting to walk down the aisle
• Close-up of bride just before she makes her entrance
• Bride and her escort walking down the aisle
• Groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle
• Bride’s escort giving her away
• Bride and groom at the altar or the chuppah
• Both sets of parents watching the ceremony
• Wide shot of the altar or chuppah, from the guests’ point of view
• Wide shot of the guests, from the couple’s point of view
• Special moments, such as the candle lighting and the readings
• Close-up of the bride and groom as they recite their vows
• Close-up of the bride and groom’s hands as they exchange rings
• The kiss!
• Close-up of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony
• Bride and groom hugging family and friends
• Bride showing off her wedding ring to her bridesmaids
• Bride and groom leaving the ceremony site

       Before the Reception (or Ceremony)

• Bride and groom together
• Bride with her mother
• Bride with her father
• Bride with both parents
• Bride with her entire immediate family
• Groom with his mother
• Groom with his father
• Groom with both parents
• Groom with his entire immediate family
• Bride and groom with bride’s family
• Bride and groom with groom’s family
• Bride and groom with both sets of parents
• Bride and groom with immediate family members from both sides
• Bride and groom with bridesmaids
• Bride and groom with groomsmen
• Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer
• Bride and groom with entire wedding party

The Reception

• Exterior and interior shots of the site before the guests arrive
• Still-life shots of place cards, menus, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favors, and Champagne glasses
• The cake
• Hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks
• Guests arriving and signing the guest book
• Bride and groom arriving
• Close-ups of friends and family making toasts
• Bride and groom sipping Champagne at their table
• Bride and groom speaking with guests
• Bride and groom’s first dance
• Bride dancing with her father
• Groom dancing with his mother
• Parents and grandparents dancing
• Wedding party dancing
• Musicians, deejay, and/or entertainers performing
• Guests dancing
• Bride and groom dancing with the bridal party
• Bride and groom cutting the cake
• Bouquet toss
• Newlyweds’ vehicle
• Bride and groom leaving the reception