CHECKLIST
Wedding Photography Shot List Template (Print and Give to Your Photographer)
A complete wedding shot list template covering getting ready, ceremony, family formals, wedding party, portraits, and reception with timing estimates for each section.
How to Fill Out This Shot List
Print this template and work through it with your partner 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Highlight the must-have shots, cross out anything irrelevant to your wedding, and fill in every blank in the Family Formals section with actual names. Give the completed list to your photographer at your final planning meeting, not on the wedding day.
Timing overview for planning purposes:
| Section | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Getting ready (full coverage) | 90-120 min |
| First look (if applicable) | 20-30 min |
| Ceremony | 30-60 min |
| Family formals (10 groupings) | 35-45 min |
| Wedding party photos | 20-30 min |
| Couple portraits (golden hour) | 20-30 min |
| Reception (entrance through exit) | 3-4 hours |
Getting Ready
Timing note: Start photography 90 minutes before the ceremony (earlier if wedding party is large). Details should be shot first while the space is uncluttered.
Detail Shots
- Wedding dress (hanging, lit by window if possible)
- Shoes
- Jewelry (rings, earrings, necklace)
- Bouquet(s)
- Veil (if applicable)
- Invitation suite (invitation, envelope, any enclosure cards)
- Any meaningful objects or heirlooms: ______________________________
- Rings (together on a ring dish or on the invitation)
- Perfume or cologne bottle
- Gifts given between partners: ______________________________
Getting Ready Moments
- Hair being finished (in mirror)
- Makeup being applied
- Putting on dress or suit (from behind/side angle, not a selfie angle)
- Buttoning, zipping, or lacing up dress or suit jacket
- First look at self in mirror (full length)
- Getting-ready room with wedding party (candid)
- Sharing a moment with parent or special person: ________________________
- Partner (groom/bride/partner) getting ready: ________________________
- Putting on shoes
- Reading a letter from partner (if applicable)
- Reaction shot while reading letter
- Toast with wedding party
- Any other meaningful getting-ready moments: ______________________________
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What is inside
What this template covers.
- A print-ready shot list template covering every section of a wedding day, with family formal combination examples, timing guidance for each section, and blank fields to customize for your specific people and priorities.
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