A wedding moves fast. Having a shot list does not make you less creative - it makes sure you capture every moment that matters while still having room to improvise. Use this as a starting point and adapt it to each couple.
Before the ceremony
Getting ready
- Dress hanging / laid out
- Shoes, jewellery, perfume, invitation suite flat lay
- Bride getting hair and makeup done
- Bride stepping into the dress
- Mother or bridesmaid helping with buttons/zip
- Bride's full-length portrait in natural light
- Groom getting dressed - cufflinks, tie, jacket
- Groom with groomsmen
- Detail shots: rings, bouquet, boutonniere, cufflinks
Venue and setup
- Empty ceremony space before guests arrive
- Floral arrangements and decor
- Signage, guest book, welcome table
- Weather / sky shot for context
The ceremony
- Guests arriving and finding seats
- Groom waiting at the altar
- Processional - flower girl, bridesmaids, parents
- Bride walking down the aisle (front and reaction shot of groom)
- Readings and music performers
- Vow exchange - close-up and wide
- Ring exchange
- First kiss
- Recessional - couple walking back up the aisle
- Guest reactions and candid emotions
After the ceremony
Family and group portraits
- Couple with bride's immediate family
- Couple with groom's immediate family
- Couple with full wedding party
- Couple with grandparents
- Any specific group combos the couple requested
Couple portraits
- Classic posed portraits in 2-3 locations
- Walking shots, candid laughter
- Creative shots: golden hour, architecture, landscape
- Close-ups: hands with rings, foreheads touching
Reception
- Table settings and centerpieces before guests sit
- Cake and dessert table
- Couple's entrance
- First dance (wide, close, guest reactions)
- Parent dances
- Toasts and speeches (speaker and couple's reaction)
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet / garter toss
- Dance floor candids
- Late-night exit (sparklers, confetti, car)
Timeline template
| Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Getting ready | Arrive 1 hr before bride is dressed |
| 13:00 | First look (optional) | 30 min, private location |
| 14:00 | Ceremony | Position scouted the day before |
| 15:00 | Family portraits | Have a list of combos printed |
| 15:30 | Couple portraits | Golden hour or shaded spot |
| 17:00 | Reception starts | Detail shots during cocktail hour |
| 18:00 | Speeches & dinner | Dual position with second shooter |
| 20:00 | First dance & party | Fast lens, higher ISO |
| 22:00 | Exit shot | Coordinate with planner |
Tips
- Meet the couple beforehand
- walk through the timeline, ask about family dynamics and must-have shots
- Scout the venue
- visit at the same time of day to check light
- Print the shot list
- tape it inside your camera bag so you can glance at it quickly
- Assign second shooter roles
- one on the couple, one on reactions
- Deliver in a Folder
- share the final gallery in a password-protected online Folder so clients can favourite, comment and download
Use this list as a foundation and customize it for every wedding. The couples who see their full day laid out in advance will trust you more - and you will shoot with more confidence.