Top 20 Must-Have Wedding Photos & How to Get Them with Ease

a guide to creating a shotlist with your wedding photographer

As a long-time wedding photographer and recent bride myself, I know the importance of documenting all those special moments throughout your wedding day. 

I also know that the last thing you want to do is be in your head, managing details and worrying if she got the shot. You want to be fully immersed in the experience, at ease, knowing that your photographer has 100% got you: You’re both on the same page, and you don’t have to worry about a thing. 

So, what’s the secret to this?

It’s all in the planning and communication. By reflecting on what matters to you as a couple, you, your planner and photographer can collaborate to ensure it’s captured artfully. 

To get you started—Here’s a guide to the top photos you may want in your wedding album—and what goes into getting them. 

Be sure to read all the way to the end for insight into how you can plan with your wedding photographer to get all the special moments captured beautifully.

Top Moments You’ll Want to Capture on Your Wedding Day

1 - Getting Ready

Some of the most intimate and emotional moments happen as you prepare for the day. The nerves, the joy, the quiet moments with those closest to you—all are worthy of a place in your album. If you love candid shots, let your photographer know. They can capture the details, like the sparkle of your dress, a note from your partner, or a special piece of jewelry passed down through generations.

2 - Portraits of the Bride

After you’re finished getting ready, this is the perfect time to take portraits. This is your moment—radiant, elegant, and glowing with excitement. Your makeup is flawless, your hair perfectly styled, and your dress is untouched by the day’s adventures. In this dreamy, anticipatory state, you’re full of love and eagerness to see your soon-to-be husband. These portraits freeze your ethereal beauty and emotion in time, creating portraits that are as breathtaking as you are.

3 - The First Look

The first look is one of the most emotionally charged moments of the day, especially for the groom. It’s the instant he turns to see his bride for the very first time—her beauty, her smile, her love for him shining brighter than ever. It’s a private, intimate moment where raw emotions take over—joy, awe, and sometimes even tears. This is the memory he’ll carry with him forever, and capturing this moment on camera tells a story words could never express.

4 - Him & Her Portraits

For many couples, the moments after the first look are wonderful for taking a quiet moment together before the whirlwind begins. Whether or not you choose to do this, be sure to talk to your photographer. They’ll help you decide on the best time and place to capture romantic portraits. And if you’re after a specific style—like a dramatic, wide-angle shot against your venue’s landscape—your photographer can plan it perfectly.

5 - The Groomsmen

Groomsmen photos should highlight their camaraderie, sharp style, and the groom’s personality. Start with classic, posed shots and shoot in meaningful locations that resonate with the group or complement the wedding’s vibe. Keeping the atmosphere relaxed ensures natural, confident images that stand out.

6 - The Bridesmaids

Bridal party photos should highlight the bond between the bride and her closest friends while showcasing their elegance and style. Begin with classic, well-composed group shots to capture everyone’s outfits and the overall aesthetic. Then, get them engaging with one another to bring out natural smiles and interactions. Incorporate a mix of wide group shots and smaller pairings for variety and balance in your album.

7 - The Full Bridal Party

Full bridal party photos bring together both sides of the wedding party, showcasing the fun and unity of the group. Start with well-posed, symmetrical shots to highlight the balance and coordination of their attire. Shooting in front of a compelling background that compliments the attire can make these shots incredible.

8 - Laughter & Play

These engaging shots reveal the joy, love, and connection shared between wedding guests. Whether it’s a dramatic act for fun portraits, a playful moment during the reception, or a candid laugh between posed portraits, these images bring vibrancy to your wedding album.

9 - The Ceremony

This is where a photographer’s planning really shines. From walking down the aisle to the first kiss, and even the glances exchanged during vows, these are moments you’ll want to relive. Each ceremony has its unique rhythm, and your photographer will stay one step ahead to capture it all. If you hire a photographer who is not only skilled but also intuitive and aware—they’ll be sure to catch your mom tearing up, or the look on your partner’s face when you say “I do.”

Pro Tip: Incorporate Dramatic Backdrops
Setting up the ceremony altar and aisle in front of dramatic backgrounds, such as stunning natural landscapes or architectural features, adds visual depth and grandeur to the ceremony photos. These striking settings create a memorable focal point that elevates the overall aesthetic of the event. Whether it’s a breathtaking view, an elegant arch, or a beautifully decorated space, a dramatic backdrop enhances the atmosphere and ensures your wedding photos have a truly captivating, cinematic quality.

10 - At the Altar

The moments at the altar are some of the most meaningful and emotional of the entire wedding day. Capturing the exchange of vows, the ring ceremony, and the heartfelt “I do” creates timeless images that reflect the couple’s love and commitment. These photos document the sincerity and emotion of the ceremony, from the tearful smiles while reading vows to the way time slows down as the rings are exchanged. These intimate moments are the heart of the wedding day.

11 - First Kiss

The first kiss as a married couple is a powerful, emotional moment that marks the culmination of the ceremony and the beginning of a new life together. This is a truly iconic moment as a couple.

12 - Confetti Toss

The confetti toss is one of the most vibrant and celebratory moments of a wedding, symbolizing joy and new beginnings. It’s a burst of excitement that makes for stunning photos, but it’s crucial for the photographer to be prepared in advance. By setting up their shot ahead of time and anticipating the timing of the toss, the photographer can capture the perfect moment—when the confetti fills the air, the couple is immersed in celebration, and everyone is caught in a joyous, candid expression.

13 - Golden Hour Portraits

If there’s one time you don’t want to miss, it’s golden hour. Those 20 minutes just before sunset bring a warm, romantic light that makes portraits glow. This is one of my favorite times to work with couples because we can explore in nature, take a breather from the day, and create some truly timeless images. It’s the perfect moment to slow down, soak in the day, and capture photos that will forever bring you back to that feeling. These are likely to end up on the walls of your home.

14 - The Venue

Don’t overlook the venue! Capturing photos of the setting—before guests arrive and the celebration begins—helps preserve all those thoughtful details that made your day uniquely yours. It’s easy to forget in the whirlwind, but these shots will transport you back to the magic of your wedding atmosphere for years to come.

15 - Grand Entrance

The grand entrance can be a moment of pure magic as the newlyweds step into their celebration, entering into a room for the first time as a married couple. Planning a fun or meaningful entrance with the DJ and choosing a song that you love ensures this moment is just as unforgettable as the rest of your day.

Pro Tip: Incorporate Sparklers!

You can also plan striking visuals into your entrance, such as an enchanting sea of glowing sparklers. For the perfect capture, plan with your photographer in advance to catch those radiant, candid smiles and be sure to choose sparklers long enough to keep the magic alive for photos. Tip: there are smokeless sparklers out there, too!

16 - The Details

Do you have an extravagant dessert display? Did you spend hours crafting the perfect table settings, or select flowers that have special meaning? Let your photographer know what matters to you. They’ll weave these details into your album so that each photo tells a part of your love story. From a family heirloom to a custom cake topper, these little touches add depth to your album and highlight the thought you put into every part of the celebration.

17 - Cutting the Cake

The cake cutting is a sweet and timeless tradition, often inviting laughter, a touch of mischief, and heartwarming reactions from guests. To make it picture-perfect, consider the placement of the cake for the best lighting and backdrop, and take your time—those joyful smiles (and maybe a little frosting on the nose!) make for unforgettable photos.

18 - The First Dance

The first dance is a moment where time seems to stand still—a quiet, intimate exchange between the couple surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones. It’s a chance to let their story shine, whether with a romantic sway or a playful choreographed routine. To make it unforgettable, choose a song that holds special meaning, and let the emotion of the moment guide your steps—it’s all about connection, not perfection.

19 - The Bouquet Toss

The bouquet toss is a delightful and spirited tradition, brimming with anticipation. As the bride prepares to toss her flowers, there’s an electric excitement in the air. Among the eager crowd, there’s always someone hoping to catch it, dreaming it will bring her the luck to marry her special person next. This playful moment is filled with laughter, joy, and a touch of mischievous romance—making it a must-capture memory of the day’s celebration.

20 - Reception Highlights

Receptions are filled with high-energy moments and classic shots that every album needs. The first dance, the cake cutting, the toasts—each can be planned for in advance so your photographer knows where to be and when to capture them at their best. If there’s a tradition, a bouquet toss, or a surprise performance, a little advance notice helps your photographer get into position for those once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Pro Tip: Let Your Photographer Know if/when You’re Incorporating Traditions

Many couples choose to incorporate cultural traditions into their weddings, adding a meaningful and personal touch to their celebration. These rituals, whether they’re a special dance like the Hora (pictured here), blessing, or family tradition, are an important part of the day to be captured as they honor the couple’s heritage and offer a lasting connection to their cultural roots for future generations.

The Planning Process: How I Capture What Matters Most to You

For me, capturing your wedding day is much more than just showing up with a camera—it’s about understanding the people, moments, and details that are most important to you. That’s why I start with a thoughtful planning process to make sure we’re fully prepared to bring your vision to life.

It all begins with a questionnaire. Here, you and your partner get to share everything that’s important to you. Once I review it, we schedule a planning call. I’ll ask about details like the timeline, any special traditions, and must-have photos. I may make suggestions based on what’s been meaningful for other couples, so that nothing is left out. The goal of this call is to make sure you feel fully understood in your vision, desires, and expectations. 

Building a personalized shot list comes next. With your input, I create a list of all the essential photos we want to capture (like the ones above, for example). I’ll also review the timeline to make sure nothing is missing and check in with the planner to coordinate on logistics. Working with the wedding planner as a team is key; a good planner helps ensure everything goes smoothly for both you and your vendors. This way, everyone is on the same page, and we can keep things running seamlessly all day.

Finally, I create a detailed photography timeline for the shot list, mapping out where I need to be and when. This way I’m ready with ideal lighting and composition at every key moment—whether it’s your walk down the aisle, a confetti toss, or that sunset portrait you’ve been dreaming of.

We’ll be sure to map out your vision in advance, so when your special day comes, you’ll be able to relax and savor every moment.

In the End: Trust Your Photographer

Once all the planning is done, the best thing you can do is let go and trust your photographer. They’ll be there to guide you, anticipate moments, and make sure everything flows smoothly so you can be fully present.

Why work with me?

As someone who’s spent years capturing weddings—and recently experienced my own—I know just what questions to ask and what details to focus on to capture the art you’ll love. I bring a balance of professionalism and joyous warmth to every wedding. My goal is to create an album that transports you back to the love, laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that make your day uniquely yours.

If this sounds like the experience you want on your wedding day, I’d love to connect with you. Email me at tiana@tianahunterweddings.com to get started.