Make RealSimple.com My Homepage|Simply Stated|Newsletters|Real Simple Rewards|Photo Galleries|SUBSCRIBE

Must-Take Wedding Photo Checklist

A week or so before the ceremony, supply the photographer with a list of moments that are important to you. Pick and choose from these 79 photo ops, keeping in mind that each shot should take about four minutes.

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 of the bride’s shoes, jewelry, something old, something new, something borrowed, and 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

Related Content

5 Bridal Shower Games

Delight party guests with these fun and inventive ice breakers.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

View Earlier Comments