We understand the initial skepticism - "Do I truly need a wedding photo checklist?" The emphatic answer is yes, but there's no need to keep it close and continually reference it throughout the day! Instead, entrust your wedding photo checklist to your photographer. This ensures they're fully aware of your desired shots, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festivities, confident that every important moment is being captured professionally. By doing so, you sidestep the common pitfall where, months down the line, couples lament the absence of key photographs with loved ones like Aunty Mary, childhood friend Jen, or Grandad.

Every photographer has their own style and preferences, so discussing your checklist with them ensures that they can tailor their approach to meet your expectations. Whether it's capturing candid moments or setting up specific shots, communication is key to achieving the desired results.
And don't forget, while the checklist serves as a guide, it's also flexible. You may have unique ideas or special requests that aren't included in a standard list, so feel free to customise it to reflect your individuality.

We've compiled a convenient list to serve as a foundation, available for download in a user-friendly format below. However, it's beneficial to ponder any additional shots you wish to include. Perhaps you envision a group portrait with your college friends, a captivating photograph showcasing the intricate signage crafted by your bridesmaid, a spontaneous snapshot capturing the merriment within the DIY photobooth, or a snapshot of the meticulously crafted table plan you devoted hours to perfecting. These personalized touches enrich the tapestry of your wedding album, preserving cherished memories beyond the conventional shots. Certainly, not all of these shots may align with your wedding day itinerary or guest list, and some may be more relevant to you and your partner. Consider this list as a flexible template, meant to be customized and expanded based on your preferences and unique circumstances. We're providing a comprehensive foundation, but feel free to tailor it to suit your specific vision and requirements. Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of your special day is considered, offering a robust framework for capturing memories that resonate with you.

Before the Big Day Engagement Shoot/Love Shoot - this is a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and get to know your photographer.
Wedding Day: Pre-Ceremony Wedding Photo Checklist
Getting Ready
Shot of wedding invitation
Bride(s) and bridesmaids/man getting their hair and makeup done
Dress hanging, jewellery laid out, shoes etc
Bouquets and buttonholes/corsages Flatlay of flowers, stationery, accessories, ring and shoes Bride(s) putting on dress/veil with help from mother of the bride or bridesmaids
Bridal party having fun or sharing a toast
Close up of dress details
Putting on veil
Putting on jewellery
Putting on shoes
Close up of bride holding bouquet
Mother and bride portrait
Father and bride portrait
Family shots Bride(s) spending moment alone in full look
Bridal party walking down stairs/leaving the house
Bride and father in wedding car/walking to ceremony
Groom(s) and groomsmen getting ready
Groom(s) spending moment alone
Groom's party having a pint Wedding ring shots

First Look While entirely optional, the "First Look" has become a cherished tradition for many couples. It offers a precious opportunity to share intimate moments before the ceremony, easing nerves and strengthening bonds. It's no wonder why couples often enlist their wedding photographer to immortalize this tender exchange. Our post on First Look Photos offers a comprehensive exploration of this heartfelt practice.
Yet, the allure of the first look extends beyond couples. We've been moved countless times by the emotional reactions captured in first-look photos featuring the bride and her father, grandparents, or children. These snapshots encapsulate genuine emotions and tender connections, making them invaluable additions to any wedding album.

Couple alone for first look
Bridal party reaction if couple enter together
Father of the bride Grandfather/parents of the bride
Prank first look (groomsman dressed as bride)
Children of the bride first look
Mother of the groom first look
The Trip to the Ceremony/Venue
Bride(s) and father/mother Bride(s) and bridesmaids/man/flower girls/page boys
Groom(s) and groomsmen/page boys
Shot of the wedding car or other transport

Wedding Day: Wedding Ceremony Photo Checklist
Some churches prefer not to have photos during the ceremony, particularly within the mass, so check with your celebrant in advance to see what their policy is.
Shots of empty venue/church, including altar, flowers, interior and exterior details
Groom and groomsmen waiting inside venue/church
Guests outside and inside church Ushers handing out program
Bride(s) arriving in wedding car
Bride(s) stepping out of car
Bride(s) and bridesmaids at back of venue/church
Bridal party entrance Bride(s)/Groom(s) walking up the aisle
Groom's reaction
Father/mother/relative giving bride away
Exchanging of vows Lighting of unity candle
Ring bearer
Exchanging of the rings

Participants such as readers, the officiant, musicians etc.
The first kiss as a married couple, and the moment after Signing the register
View of guests from the front
The recessional/couple walking back down the aisle
The recessional/couple walking back down the aisle from balcony
Newlywed shot
Confetti throwing
Greeting guests outside venue
Couple in the back seat of wedding car

Wedding Day: Post-Ceremony Wedding Photo Checklist
After the ceremony, many couples allocate time for their wedding portraits. While it's increasingly common for couples who opt for a First Look to have their portraits taken before the ceremony, others choose to schedule them afterward. Regardless of timing, your portrait session typically lasts between 40 minutes to two hours, contingent upon the location and desired shots. Should time be of the essence, it's advisable to communicate your priorities with your photographer.
Preparing a comprehensive list of individuals and specific group combinations you wish to include in your portraits is essential. Additionally, enlisting a trusted friend outside of the bridal party to assist the photographer in organizing and gathering individuals can streamline the process and ensure no one is overlooked.

Couple Shots
Portraits of the couple alone
Portraits of bride (s)/groom (s) on their own
Bridal Party
Couple with bridesmaids/groomsmen
Couple with entire wedding party
Bride(s) with bridesmaids/maid of honour
Groom(s) and groomsmen/best man
Couple with any children in the wedding party
Couple with any pets at wedding

Family
Couple with each of each set of parents
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with siblings Couple with their children
Couple with close family members
Informal shots
Shots with friends
Shots of guests eating, drinking, and chatting
Any specific groups of friends, eg. college pals, school mates, team mates

Wedding Day: Wedding Reception Photo Checklist
On your wedding day, capturing the essence of your reception is essential. If someone has contributed to your reception's decor or amenities—whether it's a friend who baked the cake or an aunt who crafted the bunting—it's a thoughtful gesture to include these elements on your photo checklist. By doing so, you can ensure that you have photographs to commemorate their meaningful contributions and express your gratitude for their efforts.
The reception space set up, before room fills up
Details and room decor shots, including table settings, place cards, favours, centrepieces etc. Wedding cake detail shots
Couple arriving
Toasts and speeches
Entertainment (magicians, dancers etc)
Cutting the cake
Champagne tower pour
The first dance
Bride(s) dancing with father/groom(s) dancing with mother
Couple mingling with guests
Guests dancing Musicians, singers, wedding band and DJ
Throwing the bouquet
Taking off the garter
Sparkler send-off
Securing the wedding photographs of your dreams hinges on finding a wedding photographer whose work and style resonate with you. Thus, dedicating time and effort to this search is crucial. Our curated list of recommended wedding photographers serves as an excellent starting point in your quest. Additionally, we offer a plethora of valuable tips on selecting the perfect photographer for your special day in our comprehensive guide.
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