Wedding Photo Shot List: Ideas for Every Moment

Short answer: Your wedding photo shot list should cover five key moments: getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and dance floor. Focus on 15-30 must-have shots so your photographer has creative freedom, and use Gather Shot to collect the candid guest photos you would otherwise miss.

• Pre-wedding prep: Dress and suit shots, detail flat lays, first look reactions
• Ceremony: Processional, vows, first kiss, recessional
• Cocktail hour: Guest candids, décor details, family groups
• Reception: Toasts, cake cutting, parent dances
• Dance floor: First dance, party moments, grand exit

Who this is for (and not for)

This guide is for you if:

• You are an engaged couple creating a shot list for your photographer
• You want to make sure key moments are documented without micromanaging
• You are looking for creative ideas beyond the standard poses

This guide is not for you if:

• You are a professional wedding photographer (you already know this)
• You want a 100+ shot checklist (we recommend keeping it focused)

Pre-wedding prep

The getting ready photos set the scene and capture nervous excitement.

Detail shots: Hanging dress or suit in window light, flat lay of rings and invitations, heirloom items like a grandmother’s handkerchief.

Candid moments: Hair and makeup finishing touches, a parent helping with buttons or veil, bridesmaids laughing together.

First look (if doing one): The shoulder tap and genuine reaction, close-ups of tears or laughter, quick portraits while emotions are high.

For timing tips, see our wedding day timeline guide .

Ceremony moments

Focus on emotion and key milestones rather than an exhaustive list.

Processional: Wide shot of the venue, wedding party walking down the aisle, your partner’s reaction as you appear.

During: Exchange of vows and rings, special rituals like unity candles or cultural traditions, guest reactions.

Big moments: The first kiss, recessional with guests cheering, immediate family hugs.

Cocktail hour

Cocktail hour is perfect for candid moments. You may be doing portraits, so this is where guest photos fill gaps.

Atmosphere: Signature cocktails, décor details, live music.

People: Grandparents and kids interacting, friend groups reconnecting, guests signing the guestbook.

Gather Shot lets guests upload cocktail hour candids via QR code. No app required.

Reception

Balance formal moments with relaxed candids.

Room and details: Empty reception room before guests enter, centerpieces, cake and dessert table.

Key moments: Grand entrance, toasts and speeches (plus your reactions), cake cutting.

Traditions: Parent dances, bouquet or garter toss, cultural dances.

Dance floor and party

These are often favorites after the wedding.

Formal dances: First dance (wide and close-up), parent dances.

Open floor: Friends going all-in, group circle moments, guests singing along.

Late-night: Sparkler send-off, food truck snacks, grand exit.

Your photographer cannot be everywhere. Collecting photos from guests fills the gaps.

Themed and creative ideas

Add prompts to encourage fun guest photos:

• “Take a photo with someone wearing the same color as you”
• “Capture the funniest dance move you see tonight”
• “Photograph your favorite detail: flowers, cake, or venue”

Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events that turns these prompts into a scavenger hunt . Guests compete to complete challenges, and everything lands in one gallery.

How Gather Shot helps

Your photographer captures must-have shots. Gather Shot collects everything else.

Before: Print your QR code on signage and table cards. Add prompts as scavenger hunt items.

During: Guests scan and upload from their phones in real time. No app required. You control what appears with built-in moderation.

After: All guest photos in one place. Download and share with family.

Learn more about sharing wedding photos without an app or explore photo booth alternatives .

Frequently asked questions

How many photos should be on our wedding shot list?

Keep it to 15-30 key moments. A focused list gives your photographer creative freedom while ensuring must-have shots are not missed.

Should we give our photographer a detailed shot list or just general priorities?

Prioritize people and moments, not specific poses. Trust your photographer for the creative execution, and use Gather Shot to collect the candid guest angles they cannot cover.

How do we make sure guests actually upload their photos?

Announce the QR code during the reception, print it on table cards, and use a scavenger hunt or team challenge to make it fun. Guests are more likely to participate when there is a game involved.

What is the best way to collect all the photos from guests after the wedding?

Use a tool like Gather Shot where guests upload via QR code without downloading an app. Everything lands in one moderated gallery you can download and share.

Do we need a photo booth if we are using Gather Shot?

Not necessarily. Gather Shot with prompts or scavenger hunts can replace or supplement a traditional booth, often at a lower cost and with more variety in the photos.

Summary and next steps

A good wedding photo shot list focuses on the moments that matter most to you. Keep it to 15-30 must-haves, communicate your priorities to your photographer, and let Gather Shot handle the guest candids.

Ready to collect every moment from your wedding? Create your free event and get your QR code in minutes.