Capture Every Magical Moment with these 70+ Wedding Photography Ideas

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important steps in wedding planning, and it calls for a lot of thought and consideration. Your photographer needs to be a professional whose work you love, and who understands your style and desires for capturing the big day. Key to this is collaboration between the to-be-wed couple and photographer—your own wedding photo ideas should always be encouraged and honored.

Take some time to brainstorm wedding photography ideas, establish must-have wedding photos, and make a wedding photo checklist. Many of your wedding picture ideas will be the essential classics, such as bride/groom portraits, wedding party group shots, and dance-floor candids. Of course, you also want to capture rituals like the ring exchange, first kiss, and cutting the cake. Add to these any unique and personal wedding photo ideas, a list of group or portrait shots specific to your guest list, and the most photo-worthy settings and scenes around your venue.

It sounds like a lot! But, starting the rest of your married life with a collection of amazing wedding photos, tailored perfectly for you, is a priceless reward. It also makes the project of creating custom wedding photo books a breeze, with beautiful results guaranteed.

Need a little help creating a wedding photo checklist for bride(s) and groom(s)? Here are our top wedding picture ideas:

Getting Ready Photos

Photographs of the to-be-weds, the wedding party, and closest family members and friends all getting ready for the big day are among the first must-have wedding photos. They will take you right back to those pre-wedding moments of anticipation, setting the scene for the rest of the day.

If the to-be-weds and their bridesmaids, groomsmen, or others are all gathering in a special location to get ready, ask your photographer to be present to take some of these wedding photo ideas. For a more intimate event, you might ask friends or family members to take these kinds of photos.

• Wedding dress or suit hanging up, ready to be worn.
• Hair and makeup sessions—these can include fun lineups of bridesmaids and closeups of the bride getting pampered.
• Mirror shots with the bride or groom’s reflected face and the back of their head.
• Putting on jewelry, accessories, shoes, or a bridal veil.
• Tying a tie or bowtie—getting help from a best man or elder relative adds sweetness to these shots.
• Putting on cufflinks or a jacket, buttoning up a jacket, adding a pocket square or boutonniere.
• A bridesmaid or relative helping the bride with a zipper or buttons on her dress.
• Bridesmaids, groomsmen, or close relatives getting a first look at the bride or groom once they’re ready.

Bride and Groom Portraits

Many and varied portraits of the marrying couple both individually and together are always must-have wedding photos. Your photographer should have settings, backgrounds, and poses in mind, and it’s a great idea to look through their portfolio and other wedding portraits for inspiration. Portrait ideas can include:

• Full-length shots of the bride/groom fully dressed and accessorized, from various angles and with different backdrops.
• Close-up shots of the bride/groom from various angles, both smiling and “smizing.”
• Sitting-down shots, ideally on a photogenic bench, chair, wall, or sweeping staircase.
• Outdoor bridal portraits with a veil (and possibly gown or trail) blowing in the wind.
• A bride looking down at her bouquet.
• A groom scanning the horizon, searching for his soon-to-be spouse.
• The couple looking into each other’s eyes—get a range of expressions from laughing to gentle smiles to serene adoration.
• The couple holding hands—both one hand and two hands, from all angles.
• The couple embracing, with an optional picking-up.
• The couple kissing.
• A bride or groom tucking his bride or groom’s hair behind their ear, kissing their forehead, or touching the other’s face affectionately.
• Hugging, kissing, or holding hands with a twee leg lift (if that’s your style)
• A ballroom dance-style “dip.”

Arrivals and Departures

Photos of the couple, wedding party, and guests arriving and leaving the venue(s) should definitely be on your wedding photo checklist. They make nice transitional pictures for a wedding album, adding a dynamic feel to the storytelling about your big day. These moments of arrival and departure are great for capturing genuine expressions of excitement and happiness among guests.

Here are some ideas for arrival/departure moments to put on your photographer’s shot list:

• The bride, groom, wedding party, and guests walking into and out of the venue(s). Feature pathways, entrance ways, and doorways in the shots to set a sense of place and movement.
• The “first look” moments, including when the couple first see each other, and when the mother or father, or other close relatives, first see the bride or groom.
• The couple departing the ceremony venue, and the guests celebrating their first moments as a married pair. This typically involves the throwing of confetti or rice, or sometimes bubbles or sparklers, making for awesome photographs!
• The couple driving away and waving goodbye, especially if you’re using a special vehicle like a vintage car, convertible, or horse-drawn carriage.
• Shots of the couple walking away, taken from behind. Include some where the bride or groom looks back over their shoulder.

Ceremony and Venue Shots

Your photographer should capture all the key moments of your wedding ceremony from as many angles and perspectives as possible. Here are some ideas:

• The decorated, yet empty, venue before everyone arrives.
• Closeups of the decorations, floral arrangements, and altar.
• Scenic shots around the venue such as panoramic views, interesting architectural details, and any photogenic flora and fauna.
• Guests arriving and being seated by ushers.
• Closeups of guests, the bridal party, and bride/groom waiting for their partner.
• The venue full of seated guests from various angles.
• A flower girl, ring-bearer, and bridal party walking down the aisle from various angles.
• The bride/groom walking down the aisle with their awaiting bride/groom in the same shot.
• The couple together in front of the officiant.
• Photos of the couple saying their vows, exchanging rings, and having their first kiss.
• Closeups of the couple signing the wedding certificate.
• The couple, then bridal party, then guests leaving the ceremony.

Wedding Party and Immediate Family

Every collection of wedding photos naturally features the wedding party and guests, with opportunities for portraits and candids throughout the day. Most to-be-weds plan a photo session specifically for must-have group shots. Your photographer will need a list of specific names for desired group shots, so put time and thought into the essential groupings. These will generally be taken in the most scenic spot with the best backdrop at the wedding venue.

Add the appropriate wedding photo ideas below to your checklist:

• Bride and/or groom with their own parents/step-parents
• Bride and/or groom with their siblings
• Bride and/or groom with their grandparents
• Bride and/or groom with their children
• Bride and/or groom with their bridesmaids/groomsmen
• Bride and/or groom with their maid of honor or best man
• Bride and/or groom with other extended family or close friends
• Multi-generational portraits e.g. bride with her mother, grandmother, and daughter
• The whole wedding party together

The Reception

The real fun of a wedding starts with the reception, and so do the more lighthearted wedding photography ideas. Dancing, drinking, toasts, speeches, and cake-cutting all need to be captured on camera. Consider these reception photo ideas for your checklist:

• Shots of the decorated venue, both inside and out.
• Details like place cards, the guest book, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, floral arrangements, dance floor, and DJ or band set-up.
• Wider group shots and closeups during toasts and speeches, plus champagne glasses clinking or being raised.
• The couple chatting with their guests.
• First dances of the couple, and bride/groom dancing with a parent.
• The whole dance floor scene.
• Children dancing.
• The cake before being cut, the cake-cutting ritual, and cake being served to guests.
• Guests chatting and enjoying each other’s company
• Traditions like the garter toss, throwing the bouquet, or special dances.

Cultural Traditions

If your wedding is going to involve any rituals that are special in your culture, but might not be well-known to others, be sure to chat with your photographer about these in advance. Explain any rituals and their meanings, and be clear about must-have wedding photo ideas involving those traditions. Examples include:

• Mehndi, or henna skin decorations, a wedding tradition in many South Asian cultures.
• The Jewish wedding tradition of breaking a glass.
• The African-American wedding tradition of jumping the broom.
• A Latin-American lasso ceremony.
• The Pagan or Celtic ritual of handfasting.
• The Chinese double-happiness symbol, color red, and traditional tea ceremony.
• Any unique or original ritual ideas that a couple chooses to incorporate into their wedding.

Memorabilia Wedding Photo Ideas

Photographing wedding memorabilia can be planned and shot in advance of the big day, or even afterward. Discuss this option with your photographer. Here are just a few ideas that can be used to enhance your wedding album:

• Still-life compositions of your wedding stationery and marriage certificate.
• Still-life compositions of the wedding rings.
• Still-life compositions of other jewelry and accessories e.g. the “something borrowed, something blue…” e.t.c. items.
• Closeups of the bouquet and flower arrangements.
• Hand-written vows or speeches.
• Hand-written guest lists or planning notes.
• Closeup of the bride’s veil or lace edging.
• Closeups of the couple’s hands with their wedding rings.

What are your Must-Have Wedding Photo Ideas?

Does your wedding album feature any totally unique photo ideas? Share your customer story and tell us all about it!

We hope your photographer captures a whole compendium of portraits, group shots, venue shots, candids, still-lifes, editorial shots, and action shots—plus all the unforgettable key moments from your big day. Don’t forget you can augment those with a photo booth, disposable cameras, and social media tags for guests to use for their own photos. Ours is @Mixbook

Related read: Wedding Album Ideas and Tips for Cozy, Intimate Celebrations