Shooting your first wedding is a mix of excitement and pure adrenaline.

You've got one chance to capture the most important day in a couple's life ... hey, no pressure, right?

…Let's be honest, the fear of missing a critical moment is so real. That's where a wedding shot list becomes your absolute best friend.

Think of it not as a rigid set of rules, but as your roadmap for the day. It ensures you capture the "must-haves" so you have the creative freedom to hunt for those magical, unplanned moments.

We’ve made a streamlined little checklist to guide you from the first application of mascara to the final dance party end - feel free to chop and change it as you need!

PRO TIP: Screenshot this and use it as your wallpaper - or print a little card for the inside of your camera screen when flipped out!

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Part 1: Getting Ready (The Calm Before the Celebration)

This is where the story begins.

Tip: Focus on those little details and the quiet, intimate moments of anticipation.

• The Detail Shots:
  • [ ] The wedding dress hanging by a window or somewhere scenic.
  • [ ] The shoes, jewellery, and perfume.
  • [ ] The rings (both engagement ring and wedding bands).
  • [ ] The invitations and any other stationery.
  • [ ] The bouquets and boutonnieres.
• The People Shots:
  • [ ] Bride and bridesmaids in their robes, sharing a toast.
  • [ ] The final touches of hair and makeup.
  • [ ] Mother of the bride helping the bride into her dress.
  • [ ] The "first look" with the bride's father or bridesmaids.
  • [ ] Groom and groomsmen straightening ties, sharing a laugh.
  • [ ] A quiet, solo portrait of the bride and the groom before they leave.

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Part 2: The Ceremony (The "I Do" Moments)

This part moves fast, so be prepared. Know the sequence of events and where you need to be.

• Setting the Scene:
  • [ ] Wide shots of the empty ceremony space, decorated.
  • [ ] Guests arriving and finding their seats.
  • [ ] The groom and groomsmen waiting at the altar.
• The Main Event:
  • [ ] The procession: wedding party, flower girls, and ring bearers walking down the aisle.
  • [ ] The Bride's Entrance: This is a huge moment. Capture the groom's reaction!
  • [ ] The exchange of vows.
  • [ ] The exchange of rings (get a close-up if you can).
  • [ ] The First Kiss: Be ready for it, and take several shots.
  • [ ] The Recessional: The happy couple walking back down the aisle as newlyweds. Capture the joy and any confetti or bubbles!

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Part 3: Portraits (The Posed Perfection)

This is your time to take control. Work efficiently to keep everyone engaged and happy.

• Family Formals:
  • Pro-Tip: Get a specific list of family combinations from the couple before the wedding day. This is the single most important thing you can do to save time and stress.
  • [ ] Couple with Bride's parents & siblings.
  • [ ] Couple with Groom's parents & siblings.
  • [ ] Couple with both sets of parents.
  • [ ] Couple with grandparents.
• The Wedding Party:
  • [ ] Couple with the full wedding party (one formal, one fun!).
  • [ ] Bride with bridesmaids.
  • [ ] Groom with groomsmen.
• The Newlyweds:
  • [ ] Romantic, classic portraits (one looking at the camera, one at each other).
  • [ ] A shot of them walking, holding hands.
  • [ ] Close-ups and wide shots showing off the venue.
  • [ ] Candid, laughing moments.

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Part 4: The Reception (The Party)

Capture the energy and all the planned events that make the celebration unique.

• The Details:
  • [ ] The reception space, empty and decorated.
  • [ ] Table settings, centrepieces, and place cards.
  • [ ] The Wedding Cake before it’s cut.
• The Key Moments:
  • [ ] The grand entrance of the wedding party and the couple.
  • [ ] The speeches and toasts (capture the speaker and the couple's reactions).
  • [ ] The cake cutting.
  • [ ] The First Dance.
  • [ ] The parent dances (Father/Daughter, Mother/Son).
• The Celebration:
  • [ ] Guests dancing and having fun.
  • [ ] The bouquet and/or garter toss.
  • [ ] The grand exit (sparklers, bubbles, etc.).

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Your Most Important Tip

This list is a guide, not a gospel.

The best wedding photos often come from the unscripted moments in between: a stolen glance, a tearful hug, or a burst of laughter.

Use this checklist to build your confidence and ensure you don't miss the essentials. Once you have them in the bag, you’re free to hunt for the magic.

You’ve got this!

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