All of Your Wedding Photography Shot List Questions Answered

Ensure every special moment is captured with our ultimate guide to creating the perfect wedding photography shot list for your photographer.

Photography plays a crucial role in your wedding. Your wedding photos will be the lasting mementos of your special day, capturing every smile, tear, and epic dance move. As you start interviewing potential photographers, one detail that you don't want to overlook discussing is the wedding day shot list.

What Is a Wedding Shot List?

A wedding shot list is essentially a detailed checklist of all the specific photos you want your photographer to capture on your wedding day. Think of it as a roadmap for your photographer, guiding them through the various stages of your wedding and ensuring that no important moment or detail is missed.

Do You Need a Wedding Shot List?

This is dependent on your photographer's experience. “For experienced photographers, it's not mandatory, while for beginner photographers or multi-day events, it could definitely prove to be more handy,” explains Kathryn Cooper of Kathryn Cooper Weddings. “Professional photographers who have photographed hundreds of weddings often don't have shot lists. They know what to photograph throughout the day. But that said, if there's something they MUST get, write it down for your photographer.”

Shot lists can help photographers know the Who's Who of the wedding, if you have a surprise dance happening, or any special details. “Anything that is extra-important to you,” continues Cooper. “Say, a college reunion shot, a group photo of everyone at your wedding, or a photo of your rings and your Lego cake toppers — these should be on your shot list.”

While professional photographers are adept at capturing beautiful moments, they don’t know the intricacies of your relationships and the specific memories you want to cherish. A shot list ensures that all your must-have photos are taken, leaving you free to enjoy your day without worrying about missing any key moments.

Will a Shot List Make It Feel Too Formulaic?

“Many weddings follow a general timeline, so photographers know to get ring shots, room shots, and florals. Even if it's formulaic, it's really up to the couple. And on the flip side, some couples want to make sure their photographer won't spend 30 minutes capturing a flat lay of small details, such as shoes, jewelry, and invites when they simply don't care about those things,” explains Cooper.

She suggests going through the full galleries of your potential photographers and noting if you see the same shot every time, or if you are seeing different perspectives and features. “This is an indication of what your photographer might be like. So, if you want your photos all about candid moments and not of things, that's something to bring up with photographers when you interview them.”

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Shot List

Along with providing a guide for less experienced photographers, shot lists can help you lay out what you want in your final album to ensure no detail is overlooked: important people, moments, keepsakes and perspectives.

But Cooper warns to not use up a photographer's time with Pinterest-inspired requests that often aren't what's important when you look back. “If you list 50 different shots you need, that means your photographer won't be able to get in-the-moment shots of hugs and tears. More isn't always better!”

“What about moments with your grandpa? What about friends rejoicing in your vows? What about that epic night photo that you made time for? A long shot list may mean you miss all of that,” she continues.

When Should You Provide the Shot List?

Cooper recommends giving your photographer the shot list 2-4 weeks ahead of your wedding to ensure they'll be prepared for all the lighting and scouting needs before the big day. “Still, it's always helpful to have a call the month of your wedding just to go over expectations,” she adds. “But make sure to leave time for creative freedom so you and your photographer can get those amazing memories!”

Example Wedding Day Photography Shot List

Pre-Ceremony Shots

Getting Ready

Soonlywed #1 Details: Attire, shoes, jewelry/accessories, personal florals
Soonlywed #2 Details: Attire, shoes, jewelry/accessories, personal florals
Invitation Suite: individual invite shot, full suite shot, detail shots.
Getting Ready: Candid shots of the soonlyweds with their respective parties.
Hair and Makeup (if applicable): Final touches and reactions to the finished look.
First Look with Wedding Party (if applicable): The reveal of the soonlyweds to their wedding party.
First Look with Parents (if applicable): The reveal of the soonlyweds to their parents.

First Look

First Look: The exact moment the couple sees each other for the first time.
Reactions: Close-ups of their expressions before and after.
Couple’s Portraits: Take a few intimate shots immediately after the first look.

Ceremony Shots

Venue Shots: Empty ceremony space, décor, and individual details such as altars/chuppah designs, welcome signs, unity ceremony items, etc.
Processional: Each person(s) walking down the aisle; reaction shot of soonlywed at altar when other soonlywed comes down (if applicable)
Ceremony Moments: Vows, ring exchange, first kiss, and candid reactions from guests.
Wide Shots: Full view of the ceremony, capturing the ambiance and setup.
Recessional: The newlyweds walking back down the aisle together.

Post-Ceremony Shots

Family and Group Photos (note: this can also be done pre-ceremony)

Immediate Family: Both sides, together and separately.
Extended Family: Important family members
Wedding Party: Fun and formal shots with your besties.
Couple's Portraits: Mix of romantic shots, candid moments and scenic shots.

Ring Shot Styling: Tips, Ideas and Inspiration

Reception Shots

Details and Décor

The First Look: The couple seeing the reception space for the first time.
Reception Space: Empty room shots, tables, centerpieces, and décor details.
Florals: Any floral design moments/installs.
Wedding Food
Wedding Cake and Topper

Key Reception Moments

Grand Entrance: The newlywed's big entrance.
First Dance: The newlyweds’ first dance together.
Special Dances: Special dances with important people.
Toasts: Reactions to heartfelt speeches and toasts.
Cake Cutting: The fun (and possibly messy) cake-cutting moment.
Traditional Tosses (if applicable): Tosses such as the bouquet and/or garter toss.
Dancing: Candid shots of guests letting loose on the dance floor.
The Last Dance: If you and your partner have a last dance together after guests' leave, be sure to photograph that!
Grand Exit: If you opt for a grand exit.