Wedding Photography Checklist

Choose The Right Photographer!
When choosing a wedding photographer, look for someone who has a portfolio that shows off his/her work. The best photographers have years of experience under their belts, and they should show you examples of their previous work. Ask them questions about their style and what kind of shots they prefer to take. Look for someone who specializes in weddings, because he/she knows exactly what to do to capture the most memorable moments from your big day.
Wedding photography is one of those things where you really want to get it right. You want to find a professional who understands the importance of capturing every moment of your special day, and who will be able to help you create beautiful images that you'll cherish forever. If you're looking for a photographer who's experienced, creative, and affordable, then we recommend checking out our top picks below.
Create an engagement shoot plan.
Before you start planning your engagement shoot, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your photos. Think about how you want to feel when looking back at these pictures years later. What do you want people to say about your relationship? Do you want to capture the love between you and your fiancé? Do you want to show off your favorite National Park? Whatever your vision is, write it down. Then, think about what kind of shots you want to take. Are you going to focus on candid moments? Once you have a plan, you can begin talking about locations.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to go, consider taking advantage of your photographers portfolio online. For example, if you live near a national park, check out the National Parks Service website. You can find information about parks and trails, as well as links to local guides who can help you plan your trip. Another resource is Google Maps. Type in the name of the place you want to visit, then click on the map icon. The site will provide directions and other helpful information.
Decide where you want to have your wedding photos taken.
Location is one of the most important aspects of any wedding photography session. If you’re having a destination wedding, you’ll need to decide where you want to go. It might be a city, state, country, or even an island. Make sure you choose somewhere that will give you plenty of options for different kinds of shots.
When choosing a location, think about what kind of photos you want to take. Do you want candid shots? Or formal portraits? Are there certain places you’d love to visit? Think about what kind of mood you want to create. For example, if you’re looking for a beach wedding, you might want to consider taking some pictures at sunset. On the other hand, if you’d prefer something more classic, you could opt for a church ceremony followed by a reception at a local winery. Whatever type of wedding you’re planning, you should always keep in mind that the best photos are those that capture the essence of who you are as a couple.

Wedding Photographer Preparations!
Preparations are one of the biggest parts of the big day—make sure your photographer is in the know about your preferences for wedding photography.

• Wedding Dress on a clothes hanger
• hair and makeup with the wedding party members
• Posed photos in the getting ready clothes or robes
• Documentary moments
• Parents helping get ready, pinning veil, pin boutonniere
• Best man / maid of honer involved with getting ready
• Sensitive moments
• Walking to the ceremony, classic car, document it
• Cuing up before walking down the aisle

Wedding Detail Shots

• bouquets, boutonnieres, flower girl basket
• Before the guest arrive, The ceremony and reception venue, decorated, both exterior and interior, without people 
• Ceremony decor, altar, aisle markers, signage, 
• reception room and decor, centerpieces, table settings, signage, guest book, favor table
• Wedding cake, or the desert tables
• Food and drink, including signature cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, entrees, and more. 
• The rings,
• The vows, on paper or a phone
• Accessories, veil, headpiece, shoes, jewelry, cuff links, tie, garter, etc. 
• Flat lay of stationery items, such as save-the-date, invitation, escort and place cards, ceremony programs, menu cards, and more (don't forget to bring extra copies for your photographer!)
• Any special details, such as family heirlooms or

Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony is the emotional high point of your big day—and yes, your photographer captures every meaningful moment.  

• Guests arriving to the wedding
• Close-up of bride or groom waiting at the alter for the enraged to walk down the aisle 
• Wedding ceremony processional 
• Altar with the couple and guests, without officiant if possible
• Wedding guests from the couples perspective
• VIP guest reactions to important ceremony events
• Officiant 
• Close-up of couple's faces as they 
• Close-ups of hands as wedding rings are exchanged 
• The kiss
• Recessional
• Newlyweds immediately after the ceremony, celebrating with loved ones
• Couple leaving ceremony site

Wedding Party Portraits
Your crew has been there for you throughout the wedding planning process, and it's time for their moment in the spotlight! Wedding party portraits, as well as family and couple portraits, may be taken at a few different times during the wedding day—most often, either before the wedding or during cocktail hour. Work with your wedding photographer to figure out the best time for these photo sessions to occur. 

• Newlywed with their side of the wedding party (groom with groomsmen, for example)
• Couple with each side of the wedding party separately
• Newlywed with opposite side of wedding party (groom with bridesmaids, for example)
• Newlywed with each wedding party member on their side
• Couple with the children in the wedding party (flower girls and ring bearers, if applicable)
• Couple with entire wedding party without children
• Couple with entire wedding party including children

Family Photos
Family portraits are a major part of any wedding photography checklist. There are very few events when family members are able to gather together in one place, so it's essential to capture images of your loved ones. And because there are so many different photo configurations and groupings, having a wedding photo list is important here. 

• Couple separately with their parents and/or stepparents
• Couple together with each set of parents and/or stepparents separately
• Couple together with all parents and/or stepparents
• Couple with each parent and/or stepparent separately
• Couple with siblings
• Couple with immediate family members from both sides (parents and siblings)
• Couple with grandparents
• Couple with extended family members 
• Generation photos (shots of the bride with her mother and grandmother, for instance)

Couple Portraits
Perhaps the most important part of this wedding photography checklist—the photos of you and your spouse! Whether you're going for sweet and candid shots or more artful and posed photos, your photographer will work with you to make sure you get those frame-worthy images. 

• First look (taken before the ceremony)
• Candid photos of couple together
• Posed photos of couple together
• Close up of couple's hands with rings
• Couple walking side by side
• Couple kissing

Wedding Reception
Party time! Your wedding photographer will be busy throughout your reception, focusing on the candid (and fun!) moments as you and your guests dine, dance, and celebrate your newlywed status. 

• Guests mingling at cocktail hour 
• Wedding party grand entrance
• Married couple grand entrance
• First dance
• Couple at their table
• Table photos of guests
• Couple mingling with guests
• Loved ones giving speeches and toasts
• Couples' reactions to speeches and toasts
• Parent and special dances
• Wedding party and family members dancing
• Guests dancing
• Band and/or DJ performing
• Cake cutting
• Couple and/or guests enjoying any non-dancing entertainment (photo booth, etc.)
• Bouquet and/or garter toss, if applicable
• Last dance
• Send-off 
• Couple getting into their post-wedding transportation

Adapted from, 76 Wedding Photos to Include on Your Checklist, by Kim Forrest WeddingWire, 03/30/21