Wedding preparations can be as stressful as they are fulfilling. Your wedding has so many key moments you will never want to forget. You also want to ensure that every last moment of your big day is captured as it happens, and you have some absolutely amazing wedding photos that transport you back to that wonderful time. New Jersey Videography takes your wedding photography seriously and focus on every detail of the bridal couple and the guests. They know your wedding is full of precious moments and capture them beautifully to create some unforgettable memories for you.

You get only one chance to capture your wedding day and preserve it, so it is important to do it right. Make sure to brief your photographer about the kind of photos you have in mind so they don’t miss on any significant moment or person and have some great memories to look back on.

Wedding photographers are experts. They know how to keep an eye out for meaningful moments and work hard to get the best shots, but ultimately, it is your event, and if you have anything in mind, let your photographer know. Being prepared is necessary, so share your list of must-have snaps if you have made any.

Checklist for your wedding photography

The checklist is a long and extensive one. You must work with your photographer before the big day to discuss things and determine your priorities. You can also have must-haves that reflect your unique way of doing things and make your celebration even more fun and memorable.

Don’t forget to review the ultimate wedding photography checklist with your partner and soon-to-be spouse. The better you focus on things, the more you will fall in love with your wedding album.

Communication is the key to getting what you are looking for and what you expect your photographer to do on the wedding day. It will prepare your photographer to capture the most special emotions and moments as they unfold.

Wedding photography checklist for photos to take

Here is a checklist of all the must-capture wedding photos to ensure your wedding album is as perfect as the big day itself.

Detail shots

At times, the little details are all that you need to present your relationship and add more character to your event. Tell your photographer to stay alert for these detailed shots that can make your wedding album diverse and unforgettable.

From the stationery suite to your wedding shoes, many things must be photographed. They include:

  • The engagement ring
  • The wedding rings
  • The ring box
  • The invitation suite flat lay, including save-the-dates, invitations, and envelopes
  • The wedding vow booklets
  • Programs
  • Welcome bags if you have them
  • Shots of the venue
  • The room where the bride and groom are dressing up
  • The bride’s wedding dress suspended from a hanger
  • Jewelry, like earrings, bracelets, or necklaces
  • The bride’s wedding shoes
  • The bride’s perfume
  • Hair accessories, if applicable
  • The bridal bouquet
  • The groom’s suit or tuxedo
  • The pocket square
  • The tie or bow tie
  • The boutonnière
  • Cufflinks
  • The groom’s shoes
  • The groom’s cologne
  • Flower girl baskets
  • Corsages
  • Sentimental items, such as an heirloom or a bouquet charm

Getting ready photos

Getting ready photos are very significant and impart a lot of meaning. These pictures capture pre-ceremony excitement and all the important people who have helped you prepare for the big time when you say ‘I do’.

Some important shots you must ask your photographer to get include:

  • The bride getting her hair and makeup done
  • The bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
  • A shot of the bride and bridesmaids in their getting-ready attire, whether they’re drinking champagne or just having fun
  • The bride getting dressed with the mother of the bride, maid of honor, or another wedding party member providing assistance
  • A full-length shot of the bride in her wedding dress
  • Any bridal party or parent first-look photos
  • Emotional shots of the bride with siblings, friends, or parents
  • The bride with her wedding party
  • The grooming getting ready process
  • The groom adding finishing touches, such as putting on his tie or cufflinks or buttoning up his shirt
  • The groom’s mother attaching a boutonniere
  • The groom getting ready while his groomsmen assist
  • A full-length shot of the groom in his wedding attire
  • A group shot of the groom and groomsmen in their wedding attire
  • Touching moments between the groom and his parents, siblings, or best man

First look photos

First-look photos are not a requirement, and everyone does not go for them, but they create some splendid memories of your upcoming special moments. If you decide to debut your outfits to each other before the ceremony, first-look photos add a great touch. They speak volumes about the couple’s love and their reactions to each other and pack intense emotions.

These pictures can include:

  • The groom waiting for the bride
  • The bride walking toward the groom
  • The moment the grand reveal happens
  • The couple’s reactions
  • The couple hugging or kissing after the first look
  • The couple looking at each other
  • The couple holding hands
  • The couple walking next to each other

Ceremony shots

The ceremony is the most significant part of your event. It is the magical time when you and your loved one are pronounced man and wife, and you are ready to begin your new life together, full of love and joy. These moments need special attention, and your photographer should know this. Your wedding photos should reflect the intensity of your love and passion.

Your ceremony photos should include:

  • The ceremony setup without the guests on site
  • A close-up shot of the altar
  • A close-up shot of the arrangements that line the aisle
  • Any other unique floral arrangements or decorations
  • Guests entering the site
  • The guests seated
  • The couple’s parents walking down the aisle
  • The groom walking down the aisle
  • The wedding party walking down the aisle
  • The flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
  • The bride walking down the aisle
  • The groom’s reaction to the bride
  • The father of the bride giving his daughter away
  • The couple standing at the altar in front of their officiant
  • A wide shot of the audience during the ceremony
  • Loved ones sharing any special readings
  • The couple exchanging wedding vows
  • The couple exchanging rings
  • The first kiss as a married couple
  • The moment after the couple kisses
  • The recessional
  • The audience’s reactions to ceremony moments
  • The couple leaving the ceremony site

Portraits and group shots

Portraits and group shots are essential. Not only because they fill up an album nicely but because they create exciting memories of all the people who were there to celebrate with you. Photos with family, wedding party, and close friends are a must. Make sure to guide your photographer regarding this so they do not miss out on anyone important.

Some of the pictures include:

  • The couple posing together
  • The couple hugging or kissing one another
  • The couple looking at each other
  • The couple walking, holding hands
  • The couple looking out at the sunset or the view
  • The bride with her parents
  • The bride with immediate family
  • The groom with his parents
  • The groom with immediate family
  • The couple with both sets of parents
  • The couple with immediate family from both sides
  • The bride with her bridesmaids
  • The bride with her maid of honor
  • The groom with his groomsmen
  • The groom with his best man
  • The couple with their entire wedding party

Reception photos

This is the part that adds so much excitement to the overall event. Once the ceremony and the group photos are done, it is time to loosen up, celebrate, and have fun with your friends and family.

Your photographer can take a lot of pictures, some of them poses, while most of them are random clicks of the guests and the bridal couple enjoying themselves.

Ask your photographer to focus on:

  • The exterior of your reception venue
  • The seating chart/escort card display
  • The guest book
  • The bar
  • The lounge area if you are having it
  • A wide shot of the reception space
  • The head table
  • The guest tables
  • The sweetheart table if it’s there
  • Close-up shots of decorations on the tables, such as table numbers and centerpieces
  • The place settings
  • The cake or any other desserts
  • The couple as they make their reception entrance
  • The first dance
  • The couple sitting at the head table
  • A close-up shot of the food
  • The couple and their guests enjoying dinner
  • Friends and family making toasts and delivering speeches
  • The couple listening to speeches and toasts
  • The couple chatting with their guests
  • The father-daughter dance
  • The mother-son dance
  • The cake cutting
  • Outfit changes
  • The live band or DJ
  • Guests on the dance floor
  • The couple dancing with their guests
  • The bride and groom dancing with each other
  • The couple exiting the reception
  • The couple’s vehicle as it leaves

Having the ultimate wedding photography checklist will guarantee that no precious moment is missed or left. With each beautiful shot, you can look forward to creating a romantic and emotional album that transports you back to the beautiful day you took your vows.

New Jersey Videography has helped hundreds of couples make their wedding ceremony and reception most memorable by portraying the magic of their big day most uniquely. They understand that it is not always about trendy or touched-up images. It is about capturing the perfect moments that often pass unnoticed. With years of experience and expertise in wedding photography, your photographer will guide you about what they want to create. Being open to new ideas can help you come up with some perfect, unforgettable shots you will treasure forever.