Close-up view of a wedding bouquet with white flowers and delicate greenery held between hands with a wedding band.

Wedding Shot List


Customizable to fit your schedule and vision


This is the list I work from — not as a checklist I'm racing through, but as a foundation I build from. Every wedding is different, and I'll adapt this to your day. Think of it as a starting point, not a script. Add what matters to you. Remove what doesn't. Tell me about any traditions, moments, or people I absolutely cannot miss. This is your day and I want to document it that way.

Wedding Shot List


Customizable to fit your schedule and vision


This is the list I work from — not as a checklist I'm racing through, but as a foundation I build from. Every wedding is different, and I'll adapt this to your day. Think of it as a starting point, not a script. Add what matters to you. Remove what doesn't. Tell me about any traditions, moments, or people I absolutely cannot miss. This is your day and I want to document it that way.

BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Before we get to the shot list & timeline, a note on engagement sessions and why they matter for your wedding day →


Before the wedding day arrives, your engagement session is where we begin. It’s more than a save-the-date photo — it’s a chance for us to slow down, get to know each other, and create images that feel natural and deeply you. This session helps you grow comfortable in front of the camera, discover how you naturally move together, and set the tone for the way your love will be documented on your wedding day.


Engagement sessions can reflect your story in meaningful ways — whether that’s wandering through a favorite trail, visiting the coffee shop where you had your first date, dressing up for a downtown evening, or keeping it simple at home. I’ll guide you with prompts and direction, but the heart of it will always be your connection. These images become part of your wedding story, and they help ensure that when the big day comes, you feel relaxed, confident, and fully present.

Your Wedding Shotlist & Timeline Guide

DETAILS

Capturing the aesthetic that defines your day

takes 45 minutes

  • Venue: Exterior and interior highlights, natural surroundings, architectural charm
  • Flat Lays: Rings, invitations, vow books, florals, perfume, shoes, tie, jewelry
  • Bridal Attire: Dress on display, detail shots, textures and fabrics
  • Bridal Party Attire: Dresses and suits arranged or styled for detail shots
  • Tables & Decor: Centerpieces, place settings, signage, lighting, florals
  • Schedule or Signage: Any signage for the day's timeline or events


GETTING READY

Capturing the build-up, emotions, and quiet anticipation

takes up to 2-3 hours


Bride & Bridesmaids

takes 45-120 minutes

  • Shared moments: prayers, gifts, laughs, or drinks together
  • Hair & Makeup: Artistic shots during final touches
  • Accessories: Putting on shoes, earrings, veil
  • Dress Reveal: Mom helping zip, bridesmaids’ reactions

Groom & Groomsmen

takes up to 45 minutes to get ready

  • Group time: Hanging out, playing games, shared traditions
  • Getting dressed: Ties, cufflinks, cologne, jackets
  • Accessories: Watch, socks, boutonnieres


FIRST LOOK & PRIVATE MOMENTS

Intimate moments just before “I do”

takes 5-15 minutes, each

  • With Parents or Grandparents
  • With Bridesmaids or Groomsmen
  • With Each Other (if doing a first look)
  • Private vow reading (if applicable)


BRIDAL PARTY

Classic and candid moments with your closest people

up to 40 minutes pending the size of your party

Bride’s Side

  • Solo bride portraits
  • Bride with maid of honor
  • Bride with each bridesmaid
  • Full group of bridesmaids

Groom’s Side

  • Solo groom portraits
  • Groom with best man
  • Groom with each groomsman
  • Full group of groomsmen

Group Shots

  • Full bridal party posed
  • Playful “tunnel” run
  • Everyone surrounding the couple
  • Flower girl and ring bearer (if applicable)
  • Tossing groom or lift-the-bride moments (optional/fun)


FAMILY FORMALS

Organized groupings for lasting legacy shots

(Can be customized to fit your unique family structure)

up to 30 minutes, can be longer with large families

Bride’s Family

  • Bride with mom, dad, both parents
  • Bride with siblings (solo & group)
  • Extended family: Grandparents, in-laws, siblings' families

Groom’s Family

  • Groom with mom, dad, both parents
  • Groom with siblings (solo & group)
  • Extended family: Grandparents, in-laws, siblings' families

Together

  • Couple with both sets of parents
  • Couple with both extended families


COUPLE PORTRAITS

Sweet, romantic, and editorial moments of just the two of you

I ALWAYS ADVOCATE FOR THE MOST TIME FOR THESE, can take 30-45 minutes (or more if you want lots of photos of you both, break them up into different aspects of your day too)

Classic poses

Candid moments

Fun & flirty shots

Close-up details: rings, touch, smiles


CEREMONY

All the moments that matter—start to finish

unplugged, 30 minutes - traditional, 90 minutes

Guest arrival & ambiance

Wedding party walking in

Groom’s reaction

Bride walking down the aisle

Special rituals: candle lighting, communion, etc.

The vows

First kiss

Celebration walk back down the aisle


DINNER/Cocktail Hour

(Usually lightly documented unless specified, a great time to do a couple extra couples photos)

up to 45-100 minutes

Special moments like toasts, first bites, or unique details


RECEPTION

The celebration in full swing

varies from 3-5 hours

Grand entrance & couples first dance (15 min)

First dances (father/daughter, mother/son) (10-15 min)

Speeches & toasts (20-30 min)

Dancing & candid moments (60-120 min)

Cake cutting (10 min)

Special surprises (games, traditions, etc.) (15-45 min)


SEND-OFF

Your grand farewell

takes 15 minutes

Exit moments: sparklers, confetti, petals, tunnel, etc.

Decorated vehicle or getaway moment

Final details: half-eaten cake, scattered florals, empty chairs—a poetic close




Something missing? A tradition, a person, a moment that matters? Send me a message — I want to know. → contact me!

A Few Things I've Learned After Photographing Dozens of Weddings:


Build in buffer time. Something will run late — hair, a missing boutonniere, a family member who can't be found. Plan for it. A 15-minute buffer between each major block can save your entire timeline.


Protect your golden hour. The 30–45 minutes before sunset are the most beautiful light of the day. Whatever you do, keep that window free for couple portraits. It's worth rearranging everything else around it.


Front-load your portraits if possible. A first look before the ceremony means you can knock out most of your wedding party and couple photos before you say "I do" — leaving cocktail hour free to actually enjoy together.


Family formals have one job: move fast. Send your photographer a shot list in advance and assign a family member to be the "caller" who rounds people up. Every minute saved here is a minute added to your portraits, down time or dancing.


Speeches always run long. Always. If you have four people toasting, plan for 30–40 minutes minimum. Brief your speakers lovingly in advance.


Don't schedule your send-off at the very end. You'll be exhausted, your guests will be thinning out, and the energy won't match the moment. Plan it 30–45 minutes before your coverage ends while everyone still has life in them. Some couples do a mid-evening send-off and then return inside to keep dancing — best of both worlds. (& lots of people start dwindling away after the first 20-30 minutes of the dancing)


Dinner can take longer than you think — and that's okay. How your meal is served matters more than most couples realize. Buffet style averages 2–3 minutes per person through the line — for 100 guests, that's nearly an hour before anyone starts eating. Plated service is faster at 30–45 minutes to serve the room, but depends on your caterer's staffing. Food stations are the most relaxed — guests move at their own pace and the energy stays social.


Regardless of style, budget 90 minutes for dinner. If you're doing a buffet, ask your caterer for two lines — it cuts wait time nearly in half. And seat your head table last so you're eating with your guests, not sitting alone while everyone queues.



Your timeline is a guide, not a contract. The best moments of your wedding day will be unplanned. Leave enough white space that you can actually feel it all happening.

Timeline Guide & Examples

TIMELINE A —

6 Hour Coverage | With First Look


Best for: Intimate weddings, elopements, or smaller celebrations


12:00 PM Photographer arrives — detail shots & flat lays

12:30 PM Bride getting ready coverage

1:15 PM Groom getting ready coverage

1:45 PM First look

2:00 PM Couple portraits

2:30 PM Wedding party photos

3:00 PM Guest arrival — photographer captures candids

3:30 PM Ceremony begins

4:00 PM Ceremony ends — family formals

4:30 PM Golden hour couple portraits

5:00 PM Cocktail hour candids

5:30 PM Grand entrance & first dance

5:45 PM Toasts

6:00 PM Photographer coverage ends


Buffer tip: Ceremony start times almost always run 10–15 minutes late. Build it in.

TIMELINE B —

8 Hour Coverage | Without First Look


Best for: Traditional ceremonies, couples who want the aisle reveal


12:00 PM Photographer arrives — detail shots & flat lays

12:30 PM Bride getting ready coverage

1:30 PM Groom getting ready coverage

2:00 PM Wedding party photos (separately — no couple together yet)

2:45 PM Guest arrival — photographer captures candids

3:00 PM Ceremony begins

3:45 PM Ceremony ends

4:00 PM Family formals

4:45 PM Couple portraits

5:15 PM Golden hour portraits (protect this window, time changes pending season)

5:45 PM Cocktail hour candids

6:15 PM Grand entrance & first dance

6:30 PM Parent dances

6:45 PM Toasts

7:00 PM Dinner

7:45 PM Cake cutting

8:00 PM Photographer coverage ends


Buffer tip: Without a first look, post-ceremony portrait time gets compressed. Keep family formals to 30 min max with a shot list.

TIMELINE C —

10+ Hour Coverage | With First Look


Best for: Full wedding days, large guest counts, multiple locations


10:00 AM Photographer arrives — detail shots & flat lays

10:30 AM Bride getting ready coverage

11:30 AM Groom getting ready coverage

12:00 PM First look

12:15 PM Couple portraits

12:45 PM Wedding party photos

1:30 PM Family formals

2:15 PM Lunch break (photographer)

2:45 PM Guest arrival — photographer captures candids

3:00 PM Ceremony begins

3:45 PM Ceremony ends

4:00 PM Additional family formals if needed

4:30 PM Cocktail hour — candids & details

5:15 PM Golden hour couple portraits (non-negotiable, time changes pending season)

5:45 PM Grand entrance & first dance

6:00 PM Parent dances

6:15 PM Toasts

6:45 PM Dinner

8:00 PM Cake cutting

8:15 PM Open dancing

9:00 PM "Send-off" (while energy is still high & people are present)

9:15 PM Open dancing resumes

10:00 PM Photographer coverage ends


Buffer tip: With 10+ hours you have breathing room — use it. Don't rush transitions just because you can.

A tender black and white wedding moment captured on a staircase as a couple shares an intimate embrace.
A black and white wedding photograph showing a couple sharing their first dance on a stone patio.
Three identical church steeples with arched windows and crosses on top against a cloudy sky framed by tree branches.
Vintage ornate golden frame with bell and floral pattern sits on dark wooden surface with scattered photographs.
Rustic barn wedding venue interior with string lights, white drapes, and wooden beams creating a romantic atmosphere.
A couple in wedding attire stands together in a misty field at dusk creating a romantic black and white silhouette.
Black and white wedding photos showing romantic moments and celebrations during an outdoor garden ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and string lights under a wooden arch surrounded by trees.
Wedding celebration at night with sparklers creating a magical golden glow under string lights.
Black and white image shows bride and bridesmaids in elegant white lace dresses sitting together during a wedding event.
Wedding party in motion blur stands against rustic wooden barn wall during outdoor autumn celebration.
A couple exchanges vows during their wedding ceremony, with the bride holding a book while wearing a lace wedding gown.
A bride and groom dance together outdoors at their wedding reception, surrounded by guests in black and white.
A rustic wooden arch decorated with lush white roses and greenery against a cloudy sky for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Groomsmen in black suits and ties share an emotional moment during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A romantic wedding couple embraces near a vintage car under lush green trees in a dreamy outdoor setting.
A vintage blue classic car decorated with flowers serves as a backdrop at a rustic outdoor wedding celebration.
Newlyweds cut their elegant three-tier wedding cake decorated with turquoise mountain landscape design.
Close-up shots of a couple embracing with string lights glowing in the background, showing arm with visible tattoo.
A rustic outdoor table setting with teal and red accents features elegant floral centerpieces and place settings.
Black and white wedding photo showing delicate bridal veil with beaded trim detail and white wedding dress.
A couple stands together on a wooden dock overlooking a serene lake surrounded by forested hills on a moody day.
A panoramic view of a serene lake surrounded by evergreen forests and mountains in the distance.
Black and white wedding details including jewelry, pearls, perfume bottle and wedding stationery arranged on a surface.
A sequence of hands dialing numbers on a vintage rotary telephone in a dark setting.
Bridesmaids in black dresses react with surprise to bride in white dress during winter photoshoot in snowy setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their winter wedding photoshoot in the snow.
A romantic black and white wedding photo shows a couple sharing a kiss on rocky terrain as the bride holds a bouquet.
A romantic couple embraces outdoors during a moody photoshoot with soft natural lighting.
A romantic couple in white clothing share intimate kisses in a series of connected photos.
A romantic couple embraces by a serene lake during sunset, surrounded by lush trees and golden sunlight.
A romantic black and white photo series showing tender moments between a couple during an outdoor wedding celebration.
Black and white wedding photographs showing intimate embraces and candid moments between newlyweds in a natural setting.
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Wedding Planning Resources:

How to Choose?

here is some vendor help.

How to Savour Your Moments.

Slowing down on your full day!

Photographer vs Observer

Why do you need someone who notices all the details?