The 30 Wedding Photos You Need to Take (2024)

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The Invitation Suite

While some photographers shoot the invitation suite on the morning of the wedding, others prefer to do it afterward in their own studio. Talk to your photographer about what you're looking for in this photo moment and be direct about whether or not you want extra details (like flowers, jewelry, and accessories) in the shot.

Either way, be sure to bring a full, unblemished invitation suite to the wedding and be prepared to hand it over. If you're concerned about having a set to keep and frame at home, considering ordering at least a few extras.

The Beauty Moment

Your photographer will generally arrive a few hours before the ceremony begins, and, depending on how many shooters will be there on the big day, they'll likely send one pro to document the preparations of each partner (in addition to taking other detail shots). For brides-to-be, the full getting-ready process—including hair and makeup—tends to be an important moment to capture. Give your photographer the full day-of timeline as early as possible so they can plan their schedule accordingly.

The Accessories

You probably spent a great deal of time selecting your wedding-day accessories, so be sure to have your photographer capture them. If you're wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, get a shot of everything together!

The Getting Ready Moments

After all that wedding dress shopping, you're going to want to document the big reveal. There's nothing sweeter than making time for a quick photo of your mom or maid of honor zipping you in.

The Wedding Shoes

Like the rest of your wedding accessories, you probably put a great deal of thought into the shoes you'll wear for your walk down the aisle, so make sure your photographer gets a great shot of them, too. If you're trying to consolidate snaps, you can ask your pro to include your heels in the photo with your other accessories.

The Bridal Portrait

Once your hair and makeup is done and you've slipped into that gorgeous wedding dress, it's time to make your official photo debut. If you're feeling nervous about posing for those solo portraits, try not to stress: Your photographer will direct you as needed, and you're going to want those stunning snaps of you looking radiant on the big day.

The Veil

If you’re wearing a veil for the ceremony, be sure to have your photographer capture some photos from every single angle. It's only on for a short time in the grand scheme of things, so prioritize getting photos of it while you can.

The Bridal Bouquet

There's nothing like the moment a bride sees her wedding bouquet: It's a gorgeous, artfully-arranged clutch of flowers designed just to suit you and your specific vision of the day. Like your veil, you'll only hold the bouquet for a small portion of the day, so be sure to take some photos holding it, then hand it over to your photographer to snap some solo shots.

The Boutonnières

A boutonnière might be smaller in scale, but it deserves just as much attention as a bouquet does. We love the idea of including it with other big-day accessories, like the couples' rings.

The Groom's Portrait

Each partner deserves their moment in front of the camera, so be sure your photographer snaps some solo shots of the groom, too. After all, his dapper look deserves to be documented!

The First Look

Some couples are entirely certain that they want a first look, while others would rather wait for the aisle moment—ultimately, there's no right or wrong option. If you do decide to see your partner before the ceremony, be sure your photographer is there to document it. You’ll cherish these memories forever.

The Candid Moments

Formal wedding photos are wonderful, but we also love a candid moment. If you're open to having those natural, unposed moments captured, make sure your photographer knows.

The Portraits

After you and your partner say "I do," sneak away with your photographer for photos—just the two of you. It’s a nice moment to spend with your partner alone and a perfect time to capture amazing memories,

The Wedding Party

Be sure to pose for a photo with the entire wedding party. These groups are made up of all the people you love most, so you'll be glad to have a special shot of everyone together to look back on for years to come.

The Littlest Ones

If you're having children in your wedding party, you'll definitely want to ensure photos are taken of them—both with the couple and alone. Little ones grow up so fast, and if they are important enough to you to be part of your wedding party, you'll definitely cherish having memories of them at this age.

The Ceremony Site

Ask your photographer to take a landscape shot of the place where it all happens. You've invested a lot of time, effort, and money into making the ceremony space beautiful, so you'll want to remember exactly what it looked like.

The Walk Down the Aisle

Whether you’re walking on the arm of your mother, father, or both, you’ll treasure this moment forever. Plus, it's the type of moment you'll otherwise never get to see without a photo!

The Ring Exchange

Now here’s the important stuff! Make sure your photographer takes photos of the ceremony in action, including that important ring exchange.

The Laughs

A wedding ceremony is serious business, but there's almost always a little levity to balance out the formalities. Make sure your photographer knows to prioritize those unexpected moments, too, like when you're laughing at your partner's vows or struggling to slide the ring over their finger (it happens to just about everyone!).

The First Kiss

There's nothing like that first kiss as newlyweds. Be sure to have your officiant step out of the shot for this major moment.

The Ceremony Exit

Whether you're asking guests to toss flower petals or confetti, wave sparklers or ribbons, blow bubbles, ring bells, or any other creative idea that comes to mind, make sure that special exit is documented on film.

The Design Details

Whether you're working with a professional wedding planner or doing it all yourselves, you've spent a great deal of time mapping out all the big-day details, so make sure your photographer knows to prioritize the ones that are most important to you. Major design details—like escort card installations, unique bars, or reception backdrops—should not be missed.

The Overall Reception Design

Seeing your reception space for the first time is something indescribably special, but it's over too soon. Ask your photographer to capture scene-setting snapshots of the entire space, both with and without guests, so you can look back on every epic detail for years to come.

The Place Settings

After all that time spent picking linens and chargers, make sure your photographer captures the details of the big day from different angles. We especially love this unexpected aerial shot.

The Centerpieces

You spent a lot of money on those gorgeous wedding flowers, so it's important to enjoy them—both on the big day and beyond! If you've selected a variety of different centerpieces, ask your photographer to detail each one.

The Cake

Make sure to get a shot of the cake before it gets cut into.

The First Dance

This is one of the big photo-op moments, but don’t worry about your moves while you’re at it. Your photographer will capture all the fun you’re having on the dance floor.

The Cutting and Eating of the Cake

Cutting the wedding cake is a rite of passage, so you'll definitely want this moment documented. We personally advise against a cake smash, but let your photographer know if you plan to do one, as they'll want to stick around for that shot.

The Dance Party

It's time to let loose on the dance floor! Let your photographer do their thing and capture the atmosphere of the party. You'll love being able to look back on all the fun you had with your family and friends.

The Last Kiss

Whether you're leaving in a flurry of bubbles or having guests wave sparklers for your departure, be sure to pause for one more kiss on your way out—it's the perfect ending to your big day.