The following is a list of some of the more typical wedding photographs couples like to ensure are taken. This not intended to be a list of all photos that will be taken, but a guildeline for you to use to help you determine which shots are the most important to you and in planning your wedding to allow time to set up any of the specific shots before or between functions. In addition to any shots from this list, most weddings include a considerable number of candid shots of the wedding couple and the guests.
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Before the ceremony:
Wedding dress lying over a chair
Zipping up or buttoning the wedding dress
Mother of the bride fastening the bride's necklace
The bride's garter, bride putting on garter
The bride's veil and bride's mother putting on veil
A close up of the bride's shoes peeking out from under the dress, on a table by the window, or other artistic arrangements
Bride looking into a mirror
Bride looking out window
Bride and bridesmaids putting on makeup
Bride pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father
Bride hugging parents
Bride touching up
Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
Groom tying tie
Groom looking into mirror
Bride looking out window
Groom pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father
Groom hugging parents
Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
Wedding Photography Shots At the Ceremony
Outside of ceremony site
Guests walking into ceremony site and/or arriving in a vehicle
Bride and father entering ceremony site
Parents being seated
Grandparents being seated
Maid of honor walking down the aisle
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Flower girl and ring bearer walking down aisle
Groom waiting for bride
Ceremony musicians
Officiant
Altar or canopy during ceremony
Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance
Bride and father walking down aisle
Groom seeing bride for first time
The back of bride and father walking down the aisle - with the groom waiting in the distance
Bride's father and Bride hugging at end of aisle
Shot of the audience from the bride and groom's point of view
The unity ceremony
Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
Exchanging the rings
Close up of hands
The kiss
Bride & Groom walking up the aisle
Receiving line
Bride & Groom outside on steps
Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/birdseed
Bride & Groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations
Bride & Groom getting in car
Bride & Groom in back seat
* note: some churches do not allow flash photography during the ceremony.
It is helpful to know this prior to the wedding date .
Posed Wedding Photography Before the Reception (these can also be taken before the ceremony). It is recommended to take formal shots of the bride and groom both indoors and outdoors.
Bride alone, headshots, 3/4 length and full length
Bride with Maid of Honor
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with bridesmaids
Bride with parents
Bride & Groom together
Bride & Groom with parents
Bride & Groom with families
Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
Bride & Groom with flower girl and ringbearer
Groom with parents
Groom with best man
Groom with groomsmen
Bride with groomsmen
During the Reception
Outside of reception site
Bride & Groom arriving
Bride & Groom greeting guests
Table centerpieces
Table setting
Bride & Groom's table (head table)
Musicians or DJ
Guest book
Place card table
Closeup of bride and groom's place card
Wedding cake
Groom's cake
Gift table
Decorations
A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table
Bride with college alums
Groom with college alums
The buffet or, if having table service, a dinner serving
Bride & Groom's first dance
Bride & Father dancing
Groom & Mother dancing
Guests dancing
Bride & Groom cutting the cake
Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
Toasts
Bride & Groom drinking champagne
Signing the marriage license
Bride throwing bouquet
Groom retrieving garter
Groom tossing garter
Garter/Bouquet dance
The getaway car
Bride & Groom leaving party
Bride & Groom driving away
Guests the photographer shouldn't miss
Note that formal shots can be lit with professional studio lighting both indoors and outdoors where this is your preference and time permits.