Must-Have Wedding Photos: A Shot List for Every Moment

Must-Have Wedding Photos: The Ultimate Shot List for Every Moment 
Your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime moments, and the right photography ensures those memories last forever. To help capture every beautiful detail, here’s a must-have wedding photo shoot list covering everything from getting ready to the grand exit. ​

Bala Pham Photography

1. Getting Ready Moments 
Before the ceremony, emotions are running high, and anticipation builds. Capture these intimate prep moments: 

• Bride and bridesmaids in matching robes 

• Groom and groomsmen adjusting ties/cufflinks 

• Dress hanging in the window or on a decorative hanger 

• Bride getting makeup and hair touched up 

• Groom reading a letter from the bride (or vice versa) 

• Wedding rings, shoes, and accessories laid out beautifully 

• Candid shots of laughter, toasts, and happy tears 

2. First Looks & Emotional Reactions 
Whether you’re doing a first look with your partner or saving it for the aisle, capturing these raw emotions is a must. 

• First look between bride and groom 

• Father/mother seeing the bride for the first time 

• Bridesmaids reacting to the final look 

3. Ceremony Moments 
This is the heart of your wedding day—make sure to get every special shot. 

• Guests arriving and mingling 

• Ceremony space before guests enter (decor, floral  arch, aisle details) 
• Wedding party walking down the aisle 
• Bride’s entrance and groom’s reaction 
• Exchange of vows and rings 

• Close-up of hands holding each other 

• First kiss as newlyweds 
• Recessional walk and guests cheering ​​​ ​​

Hayley Pethel Photography

​4. Stunning Portraits & Group Shots 
After the ceremony, it’s time to document the people who made the day extra special. 

• Couple portraits in a beautiful location 

• Family portraits (parents, grandparents, siblings) 

• Wedding party group photos (traditional and fun poses) 

• Candid shots of guests laughing and celebrating 

5. Reception Highlights 
Your reception is a mix of elegance, fun, and unforgettable moments--don’t miss these shots: 

• Reception entrance with guests cheering 

• Decor details (centerpieces, table settings, cake, guest book) 

• First dance under romantic lighting 

• Toasts and speeches 

• Cutting the cake and feeding each other 

• Dance floor energy—guests laughing, twirling, celebrating 

• Couple’s final dance or private last moment together 

6. The Grand Exit & Send-Off 
End the night with an epic farewell moment: 

• Sparkler exit or glow stick send-off 

• Vintage car or getaway vehicle departure 

• The couple sharing one last kiss before leaving 

Final Thoughts 
A wedding day passes in the blink of an eye, but the right photography ensures every heartfelt, joyful, and emotional moment is preserved forever. By following this essential shot list, you’ll have a collection of stunning photos that tell the full story of your special day