top of page

A Complete Wedding Photography Shot List

At Nestledown, we're storytellers. We believe in capturing the magic of your wedding day and creating memories that will last a lifetime.  Share this list with your photographer to make sure you capture every special moment.

Getting Ready

  • Bride's gown hanging up

  • ​Bride's shoes, veil, and accessories (jewelry, perfume, etc.)

  • Close-up shots of bride's and bridesmaid's bouquets

  • Bride getting makeup and hair done

  • Bridesmaids helping bride with dress, veil, shoes

  • Candid moments of bride with bridesmaids/family

  • Bridal portrait (posed solo shots)

  • Groom's suit, shoes, and accessories (cufflinks, tie, etc.)

  • Groom getting ready with groomsmen

  • Candid moments of groom with groomsmen/family

  • Groom adjusting tie, watch, cufflinks

  • Close-up of wedding bands and engagement ring

First Look

  • Bride approaching the groom​

  • Groom's reaction to seeing the bride

  •  Bride and groom's first look together

  • Candid moments between bride and groom after first look

Ceremony Details

  • Wide shot of ceremony space (decor, seating, archway, etc.)

  • Close-ups of ceremony decor (flowers, aisle, altar, signage)

  • Wedding programs

  • Close-up of aisle decorations

  • Guests arriving and being seated

  • Groom walking down the aisle (if applicable)

  • Wedding party walking down the aisle (bridesmaids, groomsmen)

  • Flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) walking down the aisle

  • Bride walking down the aisle (with/without escort)

  • Groom's reaction to seeing the bride

  • Father/mother giving the bride away

  • Wide shots of the entire ceremony scene

  • Bride and groom exchanging vows

  • Close-up of bride and groom's hands during vow exchange

  • Ring exchange (close-up of hands)

  • First kiss as a married couple

  • Bride and groom walking back down the aisle together (recessional)

  • Guests throwing confetti or flower petals during the exit

Family/Group Photos

  • Bride and groom with bride's immediate family​

  • Bride and groom with groom's immediate family

  • Bride with her parents

  • Groom with his parents 

  • Bride with her siblings

  • Groom with his siblings

  • Bride and groom with both sets of parents

  • Bride and groom with grandparents 

  • Bride and groom with entire wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen)

  • Bride and groom with flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s)

  • Bride with bridesmaids

  • Groom with groomsmen

Couple Portraits

  • Bride and groom together (posed close-up, wide shots)

  • Candid moments of bride and groom interacting (laughing, walking, etc.)​

  • Bride and groom kissing

  • Bride and groom embracing or holding hands

  • Bride and groom looking at each other in front of key wedding scenery (venue, landscape, etc.)

  • Detail shots of bride and groom's hands, rings, and attire

  • Dramatic sunset or evening shots

  • Any special or unique backdrops (historical buildings, natural landscapes)

Wedding Party Portraits

  • Full wedding party group shots (formal and fun/candid)​

  • Bride and groom with all bridesmaids and groomsmen

  • Bride with bridesmaids (variety of poses: fun, candid, formal)

  • Groom with groomsmen (variety of poses: fun, candid, formal)

  • Flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) interacting with bride and groom

Reception Details

  • Wide shots of the reception space before guests arrive

  • Close-up shots of reception decor (tables, centerpieces, name cards, etc.)

  • Cake table and details of the wedding cake

  • Close-ups of the bride and groom's seating arrangements

  • Reception entrance signage

  • Guestbook or alternative guest interaction elements (signing board, polaroid station, etc.)

  • Detail shots of the dinnerware and table settings

  • Candid shots of guests finding their seats or mingling

Reception Moments

  • Bride and groom's grand entrance​

  • First Dance as a married couple

  • Father-daughter dance

  • Mother-son dance

  • Candid shots of guests reacting to the dances

  • Wedding party speeches and toasts

  • Close-ups of guests' reactions during speeches

  • Bride and groom laughing or crying during speeches

  • Bride and groom cutting the cake

  • Close-ups of bride and groom feeding each other cake

  • Candid shots of guests dancing and having fun

  • Bouquet toss and reactions from the bridesmaids

  • Garter toss (if applicable)

  • Candid shots of the couple interacting with guests

  • Bride and groom's last dance

  • Bride and groom's reception exit (sparklers, confetti, etc.)

Evening Details

  • Nighttime shots of the venue lit up

  • Bride and groom sharing quiet moments after the festivities

  • Any special evening lighting, lanterns, or fireworks (if applicable)

  • Farewell shots of bride and groom as they leave the reception venue

bottom of page