Hack Your Wedding Photography Shot List: Must-Have Moments for Your Big Day

Planning a wedding is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming process, and ensuring that your photographer captures all the essential moments can be a daunting task. Most professional photographers will naturally document many of these moments throughout the wedding day. However, having a well-organized shot list will help ensure that no meaningful moments are overlooked while keeping the process efficient and stress-free. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive wedding photography shot list, categorized for easy planning, including both common and unique shots that may serve as helpful to setting expectations for yourself and your photographer.

The Documentary Style Approach

Many of the photographers we work with have a strong documentary style approach, meaning they capture moments naturally as they unfold rather than relying on rigidly posed shots. Many of the traditional shots on this list will naturally occur throughout the day and be captured in a candid, authentic way.

However, it’s still important to highlight the less common but meaningful shots and details that you value to ensure the photographer takes special care to document them. A well-communicated shot list can help guarantee that personal, unique moments are not overlooked in the flow of the day. That’s why we recommend meeting with your photographer a month out from your wedding to talk through these things and point out both what is important to you and what they’ll naturally get from their flow.

Important Details

Time Recommendation: We recommend capturing details in 15-30 minute increments throughout the day, but your photographer should have at least an hour at the beginning of their shift to document environmental and sentimental details before the day gets busy.

Your wedding is full of small, sentimental details that tell the story of your day. Not all of these need to apply to you! Home in on your whys and that will lead to what you want. Here are some traditionally captured shots:

Attire hanging or laid out
Shoes, jewelry, and accessories
Invitation suite
Florals (bouquets, boutonnieres, floral installations)
Rings (engagement ring and wedding bands)
Ceremony and reception decor
Seating chart and place settings
Wedding favors
Cake and dessert table
Personalized signage

Less Common, but could be Meaningful Shots:

Handwritten vows or personal notes
A note or gift exchange between the couple before the ceremony
The inside of the wedding bands (if engraved)
The couple’s hands intertwined with meaningful jewelry
A wide shot capturing the entire ceremony or reception space before guests arrive
Attire laid out with a family heirloom

Pro Tip: Schedule time for your photographer to capture these details before the day gets busy, preferably while you’re getting ready.

Couple Portraits

Time Recommendation: Plan for 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes for couple portraits, depending on how many locations you’d like to visit and how much posing you desire.

These are the timeless, romantic shots that are often a classic part of the wedding photographer's playbook:

First look (if applicable)
Each partner individually before the ceremony
Traditional posed couple portraits
Candid, intimate moments between the couple
Close-ups of hands, rings, and embraces
Silhouette or golden hour shots
Fun, playful poses to show personality
Walking together and looking at each other

Less Common, but Meaningful Shots:

Reflection shots (through a window, mirror, or water surface)
A close-up of the couple’s intertwined hands showing wedding bands
A moment of quiet together
A candid shot of the couple laughing genuinely
The couple holding a sentimental object (such as a childhood photo or meaningful book)
A dramatic silhouette shot in a natural environment

Pro Tip: Plan your portraits around the best natural lighting—typically early morning or golden hour for soft, flattering light. We encourage our couples to have a moment of portraiture prior to the ceremony and another quick session during golden hour.

Wedding Party Photos

Time Recommendation: Most couples prefer to keep this section to 30 minutes or less. A good rule of thumb is to budget 2 minutes per group photo to estimate how much time your shot list will take. Don't be afraid to edit your list for efficiency.

Pro Tip: To keep things moving smoothly, assign a ringleader from the wedding party who knows everyone’s names and faces. This person can help coordinate group members and even contact them via phone if they are not present when photos begin.

Your wedding party plays a huge role in your day, so be sure to capture these essential shots:

Entire wedding party together (formal and fun poses)
Each partner with their attendants
Individual shots of each attendant with the couple
Flower children moments
Candid laughter and interactions

Less Common, but Meaningful Shots:

A behind-the-scenes moment of the wedding party helping each partner get ready
Attendants reacting emotionally to seeing the couple
A moment of prayer or well wishes with the couple
The couple embracing their wedding party in a group hug
Attendants holding custom gifts from the couple
A fun shot of the wedding party celebrating with confetti, champagne, or sparklers

Pro Tip: To keep things moving smoothly, assign a wedding coordinator or trusted friend to help gather the group for photos quickly.

For any photos involving specific individuals, list each person's first and last name, separated by commas, on a separate line. This helps the photographer quickly identify and organize group shots.

Family Photos

Time Recommendation: Family photos should generally be kept to 30 minutes or less. Use the 2-minute rule per group photo to estimate timing and adjust accordingly to keep the session smooth and efficient.

Pro Tip: Designate a ringleader from each side of the family who knows the names and faces of everyone involved. This person can help ensure that family members are present and ready for their photos, making the process efficient and stress-free.

Family portraits are some of the most meaningful images from the day. Here’s how to make them efficient and complete:

Each partner with their parents
Couple with both sets of parents
Siblings with the couple
Grandparents with the couple
Extended family (if time allows)
Special family heirloom or generational photos

Less Common, but Meaningful Shots:

A candid hug or emotional moment between the couple and their parents
A side-by-side shot of multiple generations’ wedding rings
A sentimental object (such as a locket with a late family member’s photo) being held by the couple
A quiet moment between each partner and a grandparent
A behind-the-scenes shot of a parent fixing attire or accessories
A family group shot framed with an heirloom, such as an old wedding portrait

Pro Tip: Provide your photographer with a list of must-have family photos in advance to avoid missing key shots. Assign a family member who knows everyone to help organize people quickly.

For family portraits, list each person’s first and last name, separated by commas, on a separate line. This ensures clarity and efficiency during the session.

Final Thoughts

A well-structured shot list ensures that no precious moments go undocumented while also preventing your photography timeline from becoming overwhelming. Work closely with your photographer to prioritize the most meaningful images, allowing time for both posed and candid shots. By planning ahead, you’ll get a seamless, stress-free experience and a beautiful collection of wedding memories to cherish forever.