Wedding Day Shot List & Checklist

A comprehensive checklist of shots to capture throughout the wedding day. Click items to mark them complete. Print this page for on-location reference.

Must Have - Never miss these
Should Have - Important shots
Nice to Have - If time permits

👰 Bride Getting Ready ~90 min before ceremony

  • Dress hanging shot
    Find window light, interesting doorway, or outdoor spot
  • Detail flat lay
    Rings, invitation, shoes, jewelry, perfume, vow book
  • Hair & makeup in progress
    Capture interaction with stylists, mirror reflections
  • Bride stepping into dress
    Have bridesmaids or mother help, capture emotion
  • Bride's final look in mirror
    Full length if possible, capture reaction
  • Mom helping with buttons/zipper
    Often emotional moment, stay ready
  • Putting on shoes
    Detail shot of shoes, bride's hands
  • Jewelry being put on
    Earrings, necklace, bracelet close-ups
  • Bridesmaids getting ready
    Group shots, candid laughter, helping each other
  • Room ambiance/decor
    Champagne, flowers, getting ready space

🤵 Groom Getting Ready ~60 min before ceremony

  • Groom detail flat lay
    Watch, cufflinks, tie, boutonniere, cologne
  • Groom putting on jacket
    Final suiting up moment
  • Tie/bow tie adjustment
    Best man or father helping
  • Boutonniere pinning
    Often mom or bride's family member
  • Groomsmen group candid
    Toasting, laughing, brotherhood moments
  • Groom reading letter from bride
    If applicable - emotional moment

💕 First Look / Pre-Ceremony ~45 min before ceremony

  • Groom's back as bride approaches
    Anticipation shot, shoulders visible
  • The turn/reveal moment
    Burst mode, capture the exact moment
  • Groom's reaction
    Stay on his face for emotions
  • Natural embrace after reveal
    Let the moment happen naturally
  • Bride/groom portraits immediately after
    Best light, fresh emotions

💒 Ceremony During ceremony

  • Venue/ceremony setup wide shot
    Before guests arrive if possible
  • Groom's reaction to bride walking in
    Position to see his face as she enters
  • Bride walking down aisle
    Multiple angles - with escort and approaching groom
  • Ring exchange
    Close-up of hands and rings
  • The first kiss
    Be ready - it happens fast!
  • Recessional (walking back as married)
    Joyful exit, confetti/petals if happening
  • Parents' reactions during vows
    Quick check on families during ceremony
  • Officiant and couple wide shot
    Context shot showing full scene
  • Vow exchange emotions
    Tears, smiles, squeezing hands
  • Guests during ceremony
    Reactions, watching, wiping tears

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Group Portraits ~20 min post-ceremony

  • Couple with bride's parents
    Then bride alone with parents
  • Couple with groom's parents
    Then groom alone with parents
  • Couple with both sets of parents
    Arrange by height, balance the group
  • Full wedding party
    Bridesmaids, groomsmen, couple
  • Bride with bridesmaids
    Formal and fun/candid versions
  • Groom with groomsmen
    Formal and fun/candid versions
  • Extended family groups (per list)
    Get list from couple beforehand

💑 Couple Portraits Golden hour ideal

  • Classic formal portrait
    Traditional posed, full length
  • Romantic close-up
    Forehead to forehead, intimate
  • Walking together shots
    Movement creates natural moments
  • Environmental portrait with venue
    Show off location, especially Hawaii!
  • Sunset silhouette (if timing allows)
    Position sun behind couple
  • Ring detail on hands
    Hands together showing both rings
  • Dip/dramatic pose
    Only if couple is comfortable

🎉 Reception Throughout evening

  • Reception venue/decor before guests
    Tables, centerpieces, overall setup
  • Grand entrance
    Couple introduced as married
  • First dance
    Wide and close, different angles
  • Parent dances
    Father-daughter, mother-son
  • Speeches/toasts
    Speaker AND couple's reactions
  • Cake cutting
    Setup shot, cutting, feeding
  • Bouquet/garter toss (if happening)
    Action shots and reactions
  • Dance floor party shots
    Energy, fun, guests enjoying
  • Grand exit (if planned)
    Sparklers, confetti, bubbles, etc.
  • Guest candids throughout
    Laughter, mingling, dancing
🌺 Hawaii-Specific Shots
  • Lei exchange during ceremony
  • Beach/ocean in background for portraits
  • Sunset over water (west-facing locations)
  • Palm trees framing the couple
  • Tropical flowers and greenery details
  • Toes in sand for couple portraits