The 30 Wedding Photos You Need to Take

These are the moments you'll want to capture.

Portrait of Bride and Groom Holding Hands on Mountaintop Venue at Sunset

Photo by Clary Pfeiffer Photography

If there's one universal truth about weddings that every engaged couple needs to know, it's this: No matter how many events you plan for the weekend, no matter how much you pack into your day, and no matter how carefully you strive to remain present, your wedding day will inevitably be over far too soon. Here's the good news: Your wedding photographer was hired specifically to preserve all of your most important memories, and their one priority is to capture every incredible moment and each carefully chosen detail so that you can relive the big day for years to come.

Though a true professional won't need a shot list to guide them, it's important to discuss your must-have photo moments with your photographer in the months leading up to the big day. While they'll be sure to get all of the essentials, they may not know that the bracelet the bride is wearing is a family heirloom or who the groom's closest childhood friend is, and if these are photos you know you want, communicating those requests is key. Plus, familiarizing yourself with the key wedding photos professional photographers generally capture has an added benefit: Once you know what the pros see as a priority to capture, you'll know where to invest your budget to ensure you wind up with a well-rounded photo album.

Ready to get inspired? Here, 30 must-take wedding photos every couple should have on their radar.

01 of 30

The Invitation Suite

Gray and White Invitation Suite with Illustrated Vineyard Envelope Liner

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

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.

02 of 30

The Beauty Moment

Indian Bride with Low Bun Having Wedding Makeup Applied

Photo by KT Merry

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.

03 of 30

The Accessories

Bride's Wedding Accessories, Including White Boots, Earrings, Ring, and Perfume

Photo by Erich McVey

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!

04 of 30

The Getting Ready Moments

Bride Being Dresses in Ruffled Strapless Wedding Dress by Mother

Photo by KT Merry

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.

05 of 30

The Wedding Shoes

White Manolo Blahnik Wedding Shoes Under Lace-Trimmed Veil

Photo by Ryan Ray

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.

06 of 30

The Bridal Portrait

Portrait of Black Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress Holding Pink and Red Bouquet Outside

Photo by Norman & Blake

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.

07 of 30

The Veil

Woman wearing lace bridal veil

Erich McVey

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.

08 of 30

The Bridal Bouquet

Pink and White Wedding Bouquet with Roses, Ranunculus, and Greenery on White Chair

Photo by Mo Davis

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.

09 of 30

The Boutonnières

Two Loose, Organic Boutonnieres on Pewter Tray with Wedding Rings

Photo by Kurt Boomer

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.

10 of 30

The Groom's Portrait

Portrait of Groom in Black Tuxedo Leaning Against Doorframe

Photo by Chaz Cruz Photographers

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!

11 of 30

The First Look

Groom in Black Tuxedo Waiting for Bride in Pink Wedding Dress During Outdoor First Look

Photo by Bonnie Sen Photography

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.

12 of 30

The Candid Moments

Portrait of Bride and Groom Laughing While Holding Film Cameras

Photo by Leo Patrone Photography

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.

13 of 30

The Portraits

Portrait of Bride and Groom Holding Hands and Walking Outside at Sunset

Photo by KT Merry

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,

14 of 30

The Wedding Party

Bride and Groom Holding Hands Walking Through Field with Wedding Party Behind Them

Photo by Bonnie Sen Photography

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.

15 of 30

The Littlest Ones

Flower Girl in Lace Dress at During Wedding Portraits

Photo by Carmen Santorelli

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.

16 of 30

The Ceremony Site

Trio of Ombré Ceremony Arches at Outdoor Wedding Ceremony with Flower-Lined Aisle

Photo by KT Merry

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.

17 of 30

The Walk Down the Aisle

Bride walking down the aisle with mother and father

Heather Kincaid

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!

18 of 30

The Ring Exchange

Newlyweds exchanging rings

Justin Lee 

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

19 of 30

The Laughs

Bride and Groom Laughing During Beachfront Wedding Ceremony

Photo by Erich McVey

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!).

20 of 30

The First Kiss

Groom's First Kiss

Sylvie Gil Photography

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

21 of 30

The Ceremony Exit

Newlyweds exit

Edward Winter for READYLUCK

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.

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The Design Details

Matchbook Escort Card Installation with Tropical Floral Accent and "Let Us Match You to Your Seat" Signage

Photo by Shannon Moffit Photography

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.

23 of 30

The Overall Reception Design

Tented Wedding Ceremony with Greenery and Flowers, Draping, and Musicians Performing in a Pool

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

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.

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The Place Settings

Overhead of Reception Dinner Table

Tec Petaja

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.

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The Centerpieces

Low Wedding Reception Centerpiece with Peonies, Roses, and Twisted Candles

Photo by Joel Serrato

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.

26 of 30

The Cake

Three-Tiered White Wedding Cake Topped with Fresh Peonies and Roses

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

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

27 of 30

The First Dance

Groom Twirling Bride During Wedding Reception First Dance

Photo by Charla Storey

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.

28 of 30

The Cutting and Eating of the Cake

Newlyweds cutting cake and laughing

Stephania Campos; Event Planning by Daryl Wilson of D Concierge Events; Cake by CBV Cake Design

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.

29 of 30

The Dance Party

Guests Dancing at Indoor Wedding Reception

Photo by Jose Villa

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.

30 of 30

The Last Kiss

Bride and groom kissing during sparkler exit

Shannon Von Eschen

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.

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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography

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