Wedding photos are one of the best gifts you can give yourself after your big day. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love story, and your photos should reflect that in all its glory. From the quiet moments of reflection before the ceremony to the joyous celebrations with friends and family, make sure each part of your day is beautifully captured with our wedding photo list.

Whether you’re looking for traditional wedding poses or unique candid shots, our wedding photo ideas have you covered. Let’s dive in and start planning those perfect shots!

Wedding photo ideas

Our tip for making sure you get the best wedding photos? Make your own wedding photo list using ours as inspo and pass it on to your wedding photographer. This way, they’ll have a surefire way of capturing your wedding day exactly the way you want it. Remember, every wedding is unique, so feel free to personalise this list to match your style and preferences.

Before the wedding ceremony photo checklist

The excitement before the wedding ceremony is palpable, and these photos are there to capture the anticipation and preparations. It’s all about setting the scene and documenting the details that make your day special. From the venue being set up to the final touches on the décor, these moments are full of the promise of what’s to come. These behind-the-scenes glimpses will remind you of the joy and hard work that went into creating your perfect day.

• Venue setup
• Invitations and wedding stationery
• Wedding rings
• Bride’s bouquet
• Groom’s boutonniere
• Candid shots of family and friends arriving
• Wedding dress hanging
• Groom’s suit hanging
• Bride and groom’s accessories
• Wedding day timeline details

Bride getting ready wedding photo checklist

The morning of your wedding is a mix of excitement, nerves, and lots of laughter. It’s about those candid, joyful moments with your closest friends and family as you get ready. From the giggles during hair and makeup to the sweet exchanges with your loved ones, these photos capture the real, heartfelt emotions of the day. These moments are what make the memories you’ll cherish forever.

• Arrival at the venue
• Bride’s makeup and hair being done
• Bride putting on her dress
• Candid moments with bridesmaids
• Bride’s mother helping with jewellery
• The “first look” shot of the bride
• The finished bride with bridesmaids
• Bride reading a letter from the groom
• Bride’s shoes and accessories
• Family and friend reactions to the finished look
• Final touch-ups in the mirror

Groom getting ready wedding photo checklist

It’s not just the bride’s moment: make sure to get plenty of shots of the groom’s preparations for the big day, spent with close friends and family, sharing meaningful conversations and a few laughs. These photos capture the depth of the relationships and the significance of the day, from the finishing touches on the suit to the final words of encouragement. They add a heartfelt layer to your wedding story, showcasing the groom’s journey to the altar.

• Groom’s suit hanging
• Groom adjusting his tie
• Best man helping with cufflinks
• Groom with all his groomsmen
• Groom reading a letter from the bride
• Groom’s shoes and accessories
• Groom making final checks in the mirror
• Practicing the groom’s speech
• Groom and groomsmen having a toast
• Candid shot of groom with parents
• Groom with ring bearer

Wedding ceremony photo checklist

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, filled with moments you’ll never forget. From the walk down the aisle to exchanging rings and that first kiss as a married couple, these are the highlights that tell your love story. Capturing the emotions, smiles, and key events of the ceremony will let you relive these special moments. Plus, it’s always fun to have a snapshot of that tearful relative or the nervous groom trying to keep it together!

• Guests arriving at the venue
• The groom waiting at the altar
• Father of the bride embrace
• Bride walking down the aisle
• Exchange of vows
• Ring exchange
• The first kiss
• Couple walking down the aisle as newlyweds
• Wedding party processional
• Close-up of guests’ reactions
• Parents’ reactions during the ceremony
• Wide shot of the ceremony location

Wedding transport photo checklist

Your journey to the ceremony can add a fun and unique touch to your wedding album. Whether you’re heading to the ceremony in a vintage car, a horse-drawn carriage, or something a bit more modern (or subtle!), these photos capture the excitement and anticipation of the big moment. And don’t forget the ride afterwards, when you’re officially newlyweds! It’s not just about the transportation; it’s about the shared smiles, laughter, and maybe even a few happy tears as you travel to and from saying “I do.”

• Wedding car arrival
• Bride and groom in the wedding car
• Wedding car decorations
• Departure from the ceremony
• Arrival at the reception
• Fun moments in the car
• Guests’ transport

Wedding reception photo checklist

The reception is your time to let loose and celebrate with your loved ones, and it’s packed with fantastic photo opportunities. From the stunning décor to the energetic dancing, these moments capture the joy and excitement of your big celebration. Be sure to capture the laughter, the love, and those heartwarming (and maybe slightly embarrassing) interactions that make your reception unforgettable. After all, what’s a wedding without a few dance floor mishaps and heartfelt toasts that go off-script?

• Reception venue setup
• Table settings and centrepieces
• Guests mingling and having fun
• Bride and groom’s entrance
• First dance
• Speeches and toasts
• Cutting the cake
• Dance floor fun
• Guests signing a photo guestbook
• Bouquet toss

Wedding food photo checklist

The food at your wedding is a big part of the day’s celebration! Capture these delicious details to remember the wonderful dining experience you shared with your guests. From the intricate design of the wedding cake to the beautifully arranged canapes and appetisers, these photos will remind you of the feast that made your day even more special. And don’t forget to snap a shot of the kids sneaking a bite before the reception starts – those moments are priceless!

• Canapés and drinks
• Main course
• Dessert table
• Wedding cake close-ups
• Guests enjoying their meals
• Cutting of the cake
• Bride and groom feeding each other cake
• Drinks and cocktails
• Food being served
• Guests’ reaction to food

Wedding portraits photo checklist

Portraits are a must-have, capturing you and your loved ones in beautifully composed shots. These are the timeless photos that will hang on your walls and be passed down through generations. Make sure to include a variety of groupings to capture all the important relationships in your life. From family and friends to those candid moments with your new spouse, these photos will tell the story of your special day and the people who shared it with you. And who knows, maybe even a goofy group shot or two for good measure!

• Wedding couple alone
• Couple with parents
• Wedding couple with bridal party
• Wedding couple with groom’s party
• Extended family portraits
• Candid shots of wedding couple with BFFs
• Friendship group photos
• Wedding couple candid moments
• Close-ups of the bride and groom
• Bride and groom with the kids
• Bride and groom with siblings

Unique wedding photo ideas

Adding a creative twist to your wedding photos can make your album stand out. Think outside the box and capture moments that are uniquely you. These photos will add a touch of personality and fun to your wedding album, making it truly one of a kind. Whether it’s a funny moment or a heartwarming scene, these unique shots will ensure your memories are as special as your big day.

• Fun group shots with props
• Candid guest moments
• Wedding couple with pets
• Aerial shots of the venue
• Wedding couple thank you message
• Silhouette shots
• Quirky signage or decorations
• Bride and groom with childhood photos

We hope this checklist helps you plan your wedding photos and ensures you capture all the special moments of your wedding day. Remember, the key is to relax, enjoy each moment, and trust your photographer to do the rest.

Oh and a great final tip for unique wedding shots? Ask your guests to share their own snapshots, too – those candid shots can be some of the best. Creating a photo book with both professional and guest photos will give you a fun and heartfelt collection of memories to look back on for years to come. Enjoy your wedding day and all the wonderful memories it will bring!