40 Wedding Photos You Must Have
We are biased, but wedding photos are one of the most important parts of the wedding day. These are the memories that you’ll have forever, share with your children and look fondly back on when life gets busy. That's why you want to make sure your professional photographer nails these shots, starting with the getting ready photos all the way through to your grand finale.
The good news is you are hiring just that—a professional—who will have an idea of the must-have wedding photos, as well as anticipate the unexpected. Even so, it's nice to have some general knowledge of wedding photography yourself, so we put together a wedding photo list of the must-have moments to capture—from the pretty detailed shot of your wedding day jewels to the candid raw moments throughout the day.
Of course, you don't have to get all of these shots in order to create the perfect album, but it's nice to think about them. (Either way, they'll put you in the detail mindset at least as you buy those special bridal shoes and design your custom invitations).
The Dress
Inviting your photographer to the bridal suite allows us time to capture your details before you don them. We love showcasing the dress in pretty ways before you put it on.
2. The DETAILS
You spend time handpicking your wedding day accessories and making sure they're special, so be sure to capture that. Whether you have a few details or many, we’ll style them for a beautiful photo op.
3. FUN MOMENTS WITH YOUR MAIDS
We love the trend of bridal party group shots during prep, especially if you are getting ready in matching outfits.
4. The zip up
The moment of putting on the dress is a big one — usually a mom or MOH is helping to do so, so be sure your photographer snags this memory.
5. Beautiful bridal portraits
Once you’re in the dress, it’s time to show it off — make sure you get some alone time in front of the camera before you see your partner.
6. The bouquet
Unless you have it preserved, your bouquet won’t be around long after wedding day, so make sure your photographer captures its beauty.
7. GUY HANG TIME
Guys take a lot less time to get ready, and usually get extended chill time with their groomsmen. It’s makes for fun, relaxed photos.
8. groom getting dressed
When it IS time for him to get ready, you won’t want your photographer to miss those moments.
9. Groom’s Details
Maybe there aren’t as many frills as the bride, but it’s still nice to remember the details on what is likely the best dressed day of his life!
10. groom portraits
Once he’s dressed, don’t forget to have his handsome self captured on the best day ever!
11. gift or card exchange
Some couples choose to send a sweet note or treat before seeing each other —definitely get this moment on camera.
12. first look with dad (or mom!)
Before you see each other, a private parent moment after you are ready makes for amazing emotional images.
13. The FIRST LOOK
Some couples are 100 percent sure they want to see each other pre-ceremony, while others would rather wait for the aisle moment, it's all up to you! If you do decide sneak a peek before the ceremony, document it. You’ll cherish his reaction forever—we promise.
14. Tears of joy
Wedding day is highly emotional, so don’t hold back. Tearful photos make for images that people love to remember — as it was the real way you felt!
15. epic portraits
We work with every couple to understand their vision for their portraits and pick unique locations to capture them. Don’t skip these or forget to allot enough time to do so —these are ones that go on the wall!
16. laughter
You’re getting married! Have fun, relax and laugh at all the corny dad jokes.
17. venue or church portrait
If you can wait for your guests to leave after you’ve said I do or you sneak in early, leverage the beauty of your venue for a powerful image.
18. veil shot
If you are draping a big veil, let’s have some fun with it!
19. The romantic shot
Need we say more?
20. badass groomsmen portrait
Allow a few minutes to grab an artistic shot with your boys.
21. laughing with your ladies
As the saying goes…girls just wanna have fun!
22. artistic wedding party portrait
Not every group photo has to be straightforward. Let’s capture the coordination of 12 matching outfits in a fun way, shall we?
23. The grand entrance
Here comes the bride…or groom! Either way, it’s a moment not to be missed!
24. The over-the-shoulder aisle moment
Easily one of our fave pics to take—the minute he sees you walking the down aisle, all bets are off.
25. The ceremony space
You will want to remember what it looked like with all your friends and family gathered in one spot.
26. The vows
Heartfelt and personal — the moment you profess your forever love.
27. emotional parents
Yes, all eyes on are on the couple getting married, but we love when photographers also capture the crowd’s reaction.
28. ring exchange
Now here’s the important stuff! Make sure your photographer takes photos of the ceremony in action.
29. first kiss
If you can, have your officiant step out of the shot for this major moment.
30. the exit
You did it!! Celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
31. sunset
If you are lucky to have an epic sunset that day, step away for great portrait against a unique sky.
32. wedding rings
Creatively styling wedding rings is a trend we love for wedding images.
33. the cake
Yes, you can have a photo of it, then eat it, too.
34. Reception entrance
Your first debut as Mr. and Mrs., Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs.!
35. first dance
This is one of the big photo-op moments, but don’t worry about your dance moves while you’re at it. Your photographer will capture all the fun you’re having. (You did pick a favorite song, right?!)
36. speeches
Will sweet moments or embarrassing ones be revealed? Either way, it’s a good memory to have.
37. dance floor shenanigans
When the lights go down and the drinks flow, anything can happen.
38. cake cutting
Will you share it — or wear it?
39. surprise performance
We’ve seen a lot of fun stuff at wedding receptions—surprise dances, bands, songs, mascots—you name it. Just give us a head’s up so we are ready!
40. night portrait or send off
We are at your wedding til the bitter end, and always recommend a night portrait. If you’re doing a sparkler exit, we’ll coordinate the timing for a perfect photo.
