10 Wedding Shots Your Photographer Absolutely MUST Take

1. Your Dress Hanging

You’ll want to preserve the memory of it in it’s pristine, pre-dance floor condition. A personalized ‘Mrs’ hanger or clever backdrop (like a window or brick wall) is a plus!

2. A Close-Up Of Your Bouquet

Don’t forget this one! In 10 years time, you won’t remember whether you used English roses or David Austin roses — so capture a close-up of your flowers while you can.


3. A Shoe Shot

If you splurged on designer pumps, make sure those babies get documented for posterity. If your shoes aren’t exactly paparazzi worthy, get a pic of your hair accessories or jewelry instead.


4. A Candid Of The Wedding Party

Not everyone looks fabulous in stiff, formal portraits – make sure to capture a few moments when your BFFs are just being themselves.


5. A Location-Specific Shot

This is particularly important for destination weddings. Think about where are you getting married: Is there a notable landmark, an old barn, or a pier on the lake where you could snap a gorgeous couples portrait? Never miss a travel-themed photo opp.


6. Walking Down The Aisle

The look on a bride’s face as she walks towards her groom is priceless — and this is also a special moment for you and your dad (or whoever is walking you down the aisle). Make sure your photographer can skillfully get around the ceremony space without disturbing the vows.


7. The Decor (Before Guests Arrive)

You’ll absolutely want a shot of the decor – particularly the table settings if you’ve spent a lot of time on them – before the guests arrive at the ceremony. Your photographer and his/her assistant should time this all with cocktail hour/the ceremony. Ditto goes for the cake before it’s eaten, and the favors before they’ve all been taken.


8. A Private Moment With Your Groom

Lots of couples elect to have a special “first look” photo session before the wedding ceremony.


9. The dancefloor!

You know you want a pic of your uncle doing the roger rabbit (or the worm… or whatever his signature dance move happens to be), so make sure your photog gets right up in the action at the moment when the band/DJ is most rockin’ out (ie. the third set).

10. The Get-Away.

Be sure to give your photog plenty of warning before you dash out the door! You definitely want a pic of your sparkler-tastic getaway, and a shot of your swanky getaway vehicle!