Top 10 Must-Have Shots on Your Wedding Day
With so much happening on your wedding day, it's easy to forget the small, beautiful moments while you're in the thick of it. That’s why having a thoughtful shot list in mind is so helpful. It ensures the moments you’ll cherish forever don’t slip through the cracks.
While you should trust your photographer and videographer to capture your day organically, here are ten must-have moments you'll be grateful to look back on.
1. The Details
Before the ceremony even begins, those little touches you spent months planning deserve their moment. Think:
Wedding dress and suit
Jewelry, shoes, perfume
Invitation suite
Special heirlooms or accessories
These detail shots set the tone and aesthetic for your full gallery or film.
2. Getting Ready Moments
There’s a quiet magic to the morning of the wedding. Whether it’s a laugh shared between siblings, or a parent helping button your outfit, these raw moments are filled with anticipation and love.
Bonus: Capturing both sides (bride and groom) tells the full story.
3. First Look (or First Touch)
Whether you choose to do a first look or share a quiet moment holding hands before the ceremony, it’s an incredibly emotional exchange. It calms nerves and gives you a moment alone before the whirlwind.
Tip: Make time in your timeline for this if it matters to you.
4. Walking Down the Aisle
This is one of the most iconic moments of the day. Capture:
Reactions of the bride/groom
Parents or guardians walking with you
Your partner seeing you for the first time
Pro tip: Ask your photographer to get both wide and tight shots.
5. The Vows
This is the heart of your ceremony. If you’re writing your own vows, this is a must-capture moment for both photo and video. The words, the tears, the reactions—they tell the deepest part of your story.
6. Family & Group Photos
These are the photos your parents and grandparents will frame forever. Make a short list of who you want included, and designate someone who knows everyone to help gather guests.
Keep it efficient, but don’t skip it.
7. Couple Portraits
These are your iconic keepsakes. You’ll want:
Romantic, candid moments
Golden hour lighting if possible
A mix of close-ups and wide shots
Try to schedule 20–30 minutes post-ceremony or during cocktail hour.
8. Reception Details
Before the guests enter the reception space, have your team capture the untouched decor:
Centerpieces
Cake and desserts
Table settings
Dance floor and lighting
These elements showcase your vision in its full glory.
9. First Dances and Toasts
These moments are emotional, funny, heartfelt, and sometimes a little wild. Whether it's your first dance or your best friend giving a toast, they deserve to be captured in full.
Request full audio coverage for speeches if you’re investing in video.
10. The Exit or Final Send-Off
Whether it's a sparkler exit, confetti blast, or vintage car getaway, your send-off is the perfect closing scene to your story. It's celebratory, emotional, and makes for stunning photos.
Final Thoughts
While these ten shots cover the essential story beats, remember that the best moments often happen between the planned ones. Let your team know what matters most, then trust them to fill in the rest. Your wedding day is a story worth telling in full—from tiny details to big emotions.
