Wedding Photography Poses & Shot List Every Couple Should Have

Your weddings photos are such an important aspect of your wedding day, and you want to be sure they are PERFECT. Open communication between you and your photographer is key to go over your must-have shots and what’s most important to you to capture throughout the day.

Giving your photographer a shot list is very common, and can also help put them at ease to make sure they won’t miss anything you’ve listed. Here are all our must-have wedding photography poses & shot list for couples getting married in 2025:

Wedding Photography Poses & Shot List for 2025 Brides 

Pre-Ceremony Shots

Before the ceremony begins your photography will likely be running between getting ready suites and capturing all those special moments. Don’t forget to add these to your shot list:

• Getting Ready – Bride and groom getting dressed, adjusting ties, putting on jewelry, and final touches.
• Flat Lay Details – Wedding rings, invitations, shoes, bouquet, and other accessories.
• First Look (Optional) – A private, emotional moment between the couple before the ceremony.
• Bride with Bridesmaids – Candid and posed shots of the bride and her bridal party.
• Groom with Groomsmen – Fun and formal photos of the groom with his best friends.

Ceremony Shots

The heart of your wedding day, these moments should be beautifully documented. Is there anything special you will be doing during you ceremony you want to ensure your photographer knows about? Do you want any photos of your parents in the front row? Make sure you communicate all these details!

• Venue & Decor – Wide shots of the ceremony setup before guests arrive.
• Walking Down the Aisle – The bride’s grand entrance and groom’s reaction.
• Exchange of Vows & Rings – Close-up shots capturing the emotions of the couple.
• The First Kiss – A must-have moment to seal the vows.
• Guests’ Reactions – Candid shots of loved ones smiling, crying, and celebrating.

Post-Ceremony & Portraits

After the ceremony, it’s time for couple portraits and group shots. Make sure you have a detail list of every family member you want a photo with. When everyone is coming and going from group shots, it’s easy for things to get confusing quickly without a list!

• Couple’s Portraits – Romantic shots in scenic locations around the venue.
• Wedding Party Group Shot – Full group shots and fun, creative poses.
• Family Portraits – Capturing moments with parents, siblings, and extended family.
• Candid Couple Moments – Natural laughter, hand-holding, and spontaneous kisses.

Reception & Candid Moments

Once at the reception, a majority of the photos are done, and now it’s time for the photographer to capture the fun! The first dances are likely the most important photos of the reception, and your photographer will have a timeline of your day to know exactly when they happen. From, there it’s dancing, fun, speeches, and your newlywed send off!

• First Dance – A dreamy shot of the couple’s first dance together.
• Toasts & Speeches – Reactions from the couple and guests.
• Cake Cutting – A sweet moment that can be playful or elegant.
• Dance Floor Fun – Guests having a great time dancing the night away.
• Send-Off / Exit – Whether it’s sparklers, bubbles, or a classic car exit, capture the farewell moment.

Communicating With Your Photographer on Your Shot List

Wedding photography is more than just pictures—it’s capturing emotions, memories, and moments that will last a lifetime. Work closely with your photographer, discuss your must-have shots, and trust them to document the magic of your big day. Make sure you create a list of must-have wedding shots and give it to your photography team before the big day, so both of you can have piece of mind. Your photos will be a dream come true!