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Wedding Photography Checklist

Wedding Photography Checklist: Pre-Ceremony

The morning of your wedding will be packed with nerves and excitement. This is the perfect time to document candid photos of you and your bridal party, along with the finer details of your wedding day look.

 

Bridal party 

  • Bride and bridal party getting hair and makeup done

  • Wedding dress (close-up)

  • Wedding dress (hanging)

  • Bridesmaid dresses

  • Bridal bouquet

  • Bridesmaid bouquets

  • Bride putting on dress (helped by MOH/mother of bride)

  • Bride putting on shoes and jewelry

  • Bridesmaids reacting to bride in her dress

  • Father of the bride first look 

  • Bridesmaids together

  • Bride and bridesmaids together

  • Bride and parents

  • Bride alone

  • Groom suit

  • Groomsmen suits

  • Groom and groomsmen getting ready

  • Father of the groom attaching boutonniere

  • Groomsmen together

  • Groom and groomsmen together

  • Groom with parent

  • Groom alone

  • First look (optional)

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You’ve poured your heart and soul into designing your wedding day, so I won't forget to capture the details for you.

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Wedding details

  • Centrepieces

  • Floral arrangements

  • Signage

  • Place settings

  • Guest favors

  • Wedding cake

  • Groom's cake 

  • Bridal table

  • Ceremony venue - Exterior and Interior

  • Flower arrangements

  • Arbour and furniture

  • Signage

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I ask that you put together the following items in a bag so I can photograph the classic details collage. 

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Bridal details and accessories:

  • Perfume bottle

  • Bridal jewelry

  • Shoes

  • Wedding rings

  • Family heirlooms

  • Bouquet 

 

Groom wedding details (optional): 

  • Shoes

  • Tie

  • Boutonniere

  • Cologne

  • Cufflinks

Wedding Photography Checklist: Ceremony

The ceremony is where some of your most treasured memories and emotions will be shared. I will make sure these important moments are documented.

 

 

 

Ceremony

  • Guests arriving

  • Groomsmen walking family down the aisle

  • Parents seated

  • Grandparents seated

  • Groom walking down the aisle

  • Bridal party entrance

  • Flower girls/ring bearer

  • Bridal party waiting at the alter

  • Bride walking down the aisle

  • Groom reaction

  • Couple standing at altar

  • Wide shot

  • Close-ups

  • Exchanging of vows

  • Exchanging of rings

  • First kiss

  • Guest reactions

  • Recessional/walking back down the aisle

  • Newlyweds stop and kiss halfway down the aisle

Wedding Photography Checklist: Post-Ceremony

Immediately after your ceremony is the ideal time to capture family photos and wedding portraits. I will be relying on the following list, so make sure you read through each one to suit your unique family situation and the specific combinations you require.

 

Group photos - Family 

  • Bride with parents

  • Bride with immediate family

  • Groom with parents

  • Groom with immediate family

  • Newlyweds with bride’s family

  • Newlyweds with groom’s family

  • Newlyweds with bride’s parents

  • Newlyweds with groom’s parents

  • Newlyweds with both sets of parents

  • Newlyweds with bride's siblings 

  • Newlyweds with groom's siblings

  • Other significant groups of family/friends

 

After family photos have been captured in the ceremony space, we will transition to your wedding party. This can be at the ceremony space or venture elsewhere on location. These photos are generally a mix of candid and posed shots. Typically, I shoot the wedding party first and then we focus on the intimate moments between you and your partner.

 

Group photos - Bridal party/Newlyweds 

  • Bride with bridesmaids 

  • Groom with groomsmen 

  • Bride with groomsmen

  • Groom with bridesmaids

  • Wedding party together

  • Portraits of bride/groom individually

  • Portraits of bride/groom together

Wedding Photography Checklist: Reception

Amongst the whirlwind of your wedding day, you might not have a chance to see your reception set-up before guests arrive. 

 

Reception 

  • Bridal party entrance

  • Newlyweds entrance

  • Candid photos of newlyweds with guests

  • Greeting/embracing guests after ceremony

  • Guests mixing and mingling

  • Toasts and speeches

  • Plated meals

  • Newlyweds sitting at bridal table

  • Newlyweds mingling with guests

  • Guests mingling with each other

  • First dance

  • Father daughter dance

  • Mother son dance

  • Musician/entertainment performing

  • Guests dancing

  • Newlyweds dancing with guests

  • Cake cutting

  • Bouquet toss

  • Garter toss

  • Group photo (all guests)

  • Newlyweds leaving the reception

Bonus Tips on Nailing Your Wedding Photos

With your checklist now sorted, how can you nail your wedding photos on the day? Keep the following tips in mind to help you achieve the very best shots:

 

  • Book an engagement shoot. Think of it as a practice run before the real thing! Not only will you receive some beautiful shots of you and your partner to use across your wedding website, but you’ll also build your confidence in front of the camera. 

  • Consider your timeline. If possible, try to time your portraits just before sunset for the best natural light and a beautiful golden glow.

  • Request an unplugged ceremony. Asking guests to keep their phones off will help the photographer capture all of the important moments without distraction. Your officiant will be able to communicate this to your guests, or you could include a custom sign at your ceremony entrance.

 

My final tip? Trust your photographer! I am seasoned and will guide you through the process, but will also happily listen to your suggestions, too. Remember – you can’t redo your wedding photos, so don’t be afraid to communicate your must-have moments before the day.

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