JD PHOTOGRAPHY

The Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist

After your wedding has been and gone, your photos will become the memories you relive for a lifetime. So how can you make sure all of the important moments are captured throughout the day?

While your photographer will have a wealth of experience when it comes to essential wedding day snaps, no two couples are ever the same. Maybe you’ll be wearing a family heirloom, surprising your partner with a gift, or slaving away on DIY centrepieces that deserve to be documented!

Whatever your priorities are, creating a wedding photography checklist is a great way to ensure you and your photographer are on the same page.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve rounded up the ultimate wedding photography checklist below, from bridal portraits and centrepieces right down to the dance floor.

Wedding Photography Checklist: Emergency items

Tweezers

Tissues

Mint Gum

Toothpick

Deodorent

Advil

Allergy Medicine

Body Tape

Phone Charger

Earring Backs

Lint Roller

Hair Ties

Bobby Pins

Nail Polish

Eyelash Glue

Saftey Pins

Razor

Chapstick

Blotting Sheets

Wedding Photography Checklist: Pre-Ceremony

The morning of your wedding will be packed with nerves and excitement. This is the perfect time to document candid photos of you and your bridal party, along with the finer details of your wedding day look. Don’t miss these special moments:

Bride and bridal party getting hair and makeup done

Details and accessories

Stationery suite

Perfume

Jewellery

Shoes

Wedding rings

Family heirlooms

Wedding dress (close-up)

Wedding dress (hanging)

Bridesmaid dresses

Bridal bouquet

Bridesmaid bouquets

Bride putting on dress (helped by MOH/mother of bride)

Bride putting on shoes and jewellery

Bridesmaids reacting to bride in her dress

Father of the bride first look/reaction

Bridesmaids together

Bride and bridesmaids together

Bride and parents

Bride alone

Bridal party leaving the house

Bride in wedding car

Groom wedding details

Shoes

Tie

Boutonnieres

Cologne

Cufflinks

Groom suit

Groomsmen suits

Groom and groomsmen getting ready

Mother of the groom attaching boutonniere

Groomsmen together

Groom and groomsmen together

Groom with parents

Groom alone

First look (optional)

Wedding Photography Checklist: Ceremony

The ceremony is where some of your most treasured memories and emotions will be shared. Make sure all of the important moments are documented with these essential ceremony snaps:

Ceremony venue

Exterior

Interior (before guests arrive)

Flower arrangements

Arbour and furniture

Signage

Groom and groomsmen arriving

Guests arriving

Groom and groomsmen waiting at altar

Parents seated

Grandparents seated

Bride and bridal party arriving in wedding car

Bride stepping out of car

Bridal party entrance

Bride walking down the aisle

Groom reaction

Couple standing at altar

Wide shot

Close-ups

Exchanging of vows

Exchanging of rings

Other ceremony participants

Flower girls/page boys

Musician

Guest readings

First kiss

Guest reactions

Signing of the register

Recessional/walking back down the aisle

Confetti/rice throwing

Wedding Photography Checklist: Post-Ceremony

Immediately after your ceremony is an ideal time to capture family photos and wedding portraits. Your photographer will definitely be relying on your shot-list here, so make sure you customise one to suit your unique family situation and the specific combinations you require. Some key shots to consider include:

Candid photos of newlyweds with guests

Greeting/embracing guests after ceremony

Guests mixing and mingling

Family photos

Newlyweds together

Bride with parents

Bride with immediate family

Groom with parents

Groom with immediate family

Newlyweds with bride’s family

Newlyweds with groom’s family

Newlyweds with bride’s parents

Newlyweds with groom’s parents

Newlyweds with both sets of parents

Other significant groups of family/friends

Group photo (all guests)

After family photos have been captured at the venue, you might choose to have a portrait session with your wedding party at a seperate location. These photos are generally a mix of candid and posed shots, including:

Portraits of bride/groom individually

Portraits of bride/groom together

Bride with bridesmaids

Groom with groomsmen

Bride with groomsmen

Groom with bridesmaids

Wedding party together

Wedding Photography Checklist: Reception

Amongst the whirlwind of your wedding day, you might not have a chance to see your reception set-up before guests arrive. If you’ve poured your heart and soul into designing your wedding day, don’t forget to ask your photographer to capture the details for you with these must-have shots:

Venue exterior

Venue interior (without guests)

Styling details

Centrepieces

Floral arrangements

Stationery

Signage

Place settings

Guest favours

Wedding cake

Bridal table

Bridal party entrance

Newlyweds entrance

Toasts and speeches

Plated meals

Signature drinks/cocktails

Newlyweds sitting at bridal table

Newlyweds mingling with guests

Guests mingling with each other

First dance

Father daughter dance

Mother son dance

Musician/entertainment performing

Guests dancing

Newlyweds dancing with guests

Cake cutting

Bouquet toss

Newlyweds leaving the reception

Sparkler exit

Getaway car

Bonus Tips on Nailing Your Wedding Photos:

With your checklist now sorted, how can you nail your wedding photos on the day? Keep the following tips in mind to help you achieve the very best shots:

Book an engagement shoot. Think of it as a practice run before the real thing! Not only will you receive some beautiful shots of you and your partner to use across your wedding website, but you’ll also build your confidence in front of the camera.

Scout your photo locations in advance. With limited time between your ceremony and reception, make sure you choose a portrait location nearby – you don’t want to be late to your own party!

Consider your timeline. If possible, try to time your portraits just before sunset for the best natural light and a beautiful golden glow.

Request an unplugged ceremony. Asking guests to keep their phones off will help your photographer capture all of the important moments without distraction. Your celebrant will be able to communicate this to your guests, or you could include a custom sign at your ceremony entrance.

Choose a photographer you feel relaxed around. When you feel comfortable, you’ll look more natural on camera, too. Check out these questions to ask your wedding photographer to help you find your perfect fit.

Communication Is Key

Remember – you can’t redo your wedding photos, so don’t be afraid to communicate your must-have moments before the day.

Our final tip? Trust your photographer! These guys are seasoned professionals and will happily guide you through the process with their own knowledge and suggestions, too.