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Must-Take Wedding Photo Checklist

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.

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Getting Ready

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

The Ceremony

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

Before the Reception (or Ceremony)

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

The Reception

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

Save this checklist ›Progress SavedYour progress has been saved**You've changed this checklist.**
Remember to save your progress.

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

View Earlier Comments

You should send out invitations three weeks before your dinner party. Mail, phone, and e-mail invites are all acceptable.

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Magazine

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

The Ceremony

Before the Reception (or Ceremony)

The Reception

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

You should send out invitations three weeks before your dinner party. Mail, phone, and e-mail invites are all acceptable.

from our sponsors

popular Weddings content

Browse RealSimple.com:

Customer Service:

On the Go:

Get our Apps:

FREE Newsletters:

Time Inc. Lifestyle Brands

Connect With Real Simple