Preparation is key. Before a wedding shoot, it is crucial to think about the “must-have” pictures.
Here is the ultimate checklist for photo ideas for wedding photographers to ensure you have the best possible wedding shoot! Feel free to add possible picture ideas.
Bride:
- Wedding dress placed over a chair
- Putting on (button up/close zipper) the dress
- Bridal veil
- Bridal band
- Bridal jewelry
- Close-up of bridal shoes sticking out from under the dress
- The bride looks in a mirror
- The bride looks out the window
- Bride putting on makeup
- Bride hugs parents
- Bride hugs maid of honor
- Bride and groom go to the wedding ceremony
Groom:
- Groom ties tie/bow tie
- Groom shaves
- Groom looks in the mirror
- Groom looks out the window
- Groom hugs his parents/siblings
- Groom and his best man
- Groom checks whether he has the wedding rings
- Groom on the way to the wedding ceremony
- Groom and the bridal bouquet
People:
Before the wedding, it is vital to ask for a list of guests who should be photographed. It is useful to take pictures of any special props such as jewelry, objects, or other special events.
- Children playing
- Pastor/priest/choir
- Group picture
- People performing/performing in church or at a celebration
- Bridal dance
- The first kiss!
- Guests
- Spectators (as a crowd, if any)
- Flower girl
- Bridal parents
- Groomsmen
- Bridesmaids
Events:
- Tossing the bridal bouquet (if it takes place)
- Bridal games
- Putting the rings on!
- Priest listens
- The bride’s father leads the bride to the church
- Groom waiting for the bride
- The kiss!
- Wedding dance
- Cutting the cake
- Fireworks
- Dressing/hairdressing the bride
- Throw bridal bouquet
- Departure of the newlyweds for their honeymoon
Registry Office:
- Contingent
- Shot from space (wide angle)
- Registrar
- Newlyweds
- Bridal bouquet
- Groomsmen
- Parents
- Signing the certificate
- Congratulations
- Champagne reception
Church:
- Exterior of the church/wedding venue
- Guests arriving
- The decorated church (if possible beforehand)
- Arrival of the groom
- Guests in front of the church
- Arrival of the bride
- Bride moves in with groomsman
- Organist/choir/soloist
- Priest/pastor etc.
- Newlyweds on the seats in front
- Row with parents of groomsmen
- Reading/sermon
- Actual wedding ceremony
- Singing
- Excerpt from the church
- Signature under the documents
- Congratulations in front of the church
- Altar
- Close-up of the bride before she enters the church
- The groom who sees the bride for the first time
- Close-up of newlyweds making wedding vows
- Ring exchange
- Close up hands
- Newlyweds outside (on the stairs)
Reception/Food:
- Bridesmaids
- Flower girl
- Groomsmen (single/together)
- Photos with the parents
- Bride and groom’s table (also in advance)
- Menu card with a laid table
- Interactions
- Performances and deposits
- Newlyweds having a toast
- Cutting the wedding cake
- Possibly a few photos of the waiters or in the kitchen
Celebration:
- DJ/band
- Entertainment
- Wedding waltz
- Snapshots
- Bride with father/father in law
- Groom with mother in law
If you have more photo ideas for wedding photographers to add to the list, please contact us! We are looking forward to your feedback.