So it’s getting closer and closer to your wedding day and your photographer reaches out and asks you for your wedding shot list. A shot list. That’s great and all, but what in the world is a shot list and what are you supposed to put on it?!? Well don’t worry, I’ve got you covered there. I can let you know everything you need to know about your wedding day shot list.
A shot list is a list of your must-have photos on your wedding day. There are some must-have shots you might have that will be standard on any wedding photographer’s list of photos they aim to capture. These photos would include the first kiss, or putting on your dress. There are other photos that might not be so obvious. Such as if you’re doing a special tradition or tribute during your reception. Here are a list of things that you might want to include on your shot list.
1. Start with the Essentials
You might want to include must-have shots like the first kiss, the vow exchange, and the ring exchange. Also other must-have shots would be the “details”: details, such as wedding attire, bouquet, table settings, or other specially curated designs and handpicked elements of your wedding day. As stated above, these kinds of photos are photos that will be standard in your photographer’s list of must-have shots.
2. Personalize Your List

Make it unique to your love story. Include special moments or details that are significant to you, such as beloved family heirlooms or keepsakes from your relationship. If you’re incorporating special items in your wedding day, be sure to let us know so that we can make sure that we photograph that. For example, if there’s a loved one’s photo that you’re attaching to your bouquet, or there’s a special perfume or cologne that your partner gifted you (and is so important to you), we will make a special effort to make sure that is captured.
3. Family and Friends:
During the time for family group photos, making a list of everyone you would like photos with is very helpful and will help this part of the day go smoothly and move expeditiously. When making a list of the people, also provide the groupings of people you would like.
For example, don’t just list the names of the members of your family–list their names and how you would like them to be grouped for photos. We would recommend making a list like this:
Bride + Groom’s Sides:
Bride + Groom + Bride’s Immediate Family + Bride’s Grandparents + Bride’s Aunts and Uncles + Bride’s Cousins + Groom’s Immediate Family + Groom’s Grandparents + Groom’s Aunts and Uncles + Groom’s Cousins
Bride’s Side:
Bride + Groom + Bride’s Mom + Bride’s Dad + Bride’s Brother + Bride’s Sister
Bride + Groom + Bride’s Mom + Bride’s Dad
Bride + Groom + Bride’s Mom
Bride + Groom + Bride’s Dad
Bride + Groom + Bride’s Brother + Bride’s Sister
Groom’s Side:
Bride + Groom + Groom’s Mom + Groom’s Dad + Groom’s Brother + Groom’s Sister
Bride + Groom + Groom’s Mom + Groom’s Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom’s Mom
Bride + Groom + Groom’s Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom’s Brother + Groom’s Sister
Make any kind of combination you desire. We would recommend not making individual groupings of extended family members that you aren’t that close to, for the sake of time. You could include them in the family photo you take with both sides of you and your spouse’s family, and take individual photos with them later, during the cocktail hour or reception.
4. Consider Lighting and Timing:
Think about the time of day your wedding takes place. If you want dreamy sunset photos for instance, make sure that is on your shot list. We would organize your wedding day timeline accordingly. Different lighting conditions can affect the mood and style of your photos.
5. Special Requests:
If you are doing a special dance during your reception, or doing anything else really unique (that wouldn’t typically be in the average wedding), make sure to notify us beforehand. This way, we can get set up and ready to capture these special events. Also, if there are any other specific shots or locations that hold sentimental value, please let us know. We’ll do our best to accommodate your requests.

6. Don’t Overwhelm:
While it’s essential to capture your day comprehensively, be mindful not to overload the shot list. A concise list ensures a smooth flow of events. By putting every single detail on your shot list, it might stall the day and prevent your day from running smoothly.
7. Trust Your Photographer:
Ultimately, we’re here to capture the moments you may not have even thought of. Trust us to use our expertise to tell your love story beautifully. We’ve got you!
Your wedding day is a unique chapter in your love story, and we would be honored to be part of it. With these tips, we’re confident your shot list will help us create a visual narrative that encapsulates the love, laughter, and joy of your special day.