The Wedding Photo Checklist: Part 3 – The Ceremony

The ceremony is the one part of the wedding day where the photographer has the least control. There is no yelling for a time out or asking if the bride can please move a little to the left. During the ceremony it is the photographer’s job to capture all the right moments while being as invisible and unobtrusive as possible. This is a significant job considering just how much goes down during a wedding ceremony and there is very little time for a photographer to catch a breath between moments.

Here are a few of those must-be-captured moments:

Exterior and interior shots before the guests arrive
Detail shots of any wedding details. Guest book. Altar décor. Pew decorations
Groom exiting groom’s vehicle
Groom walking down the aisle with his mother / father
Groom standing at the altar or staring out the window waiting for the bride to arrive
Close up of groom’s expression while he waits
Shots of some of the guests arriving
Both sets of grandparents as the go down the aisle to take their seats
Guests sitting down waiting for the ceremony to start
Bride exiting bridal vehicle
Bride waiting to walk down the aisle
Bridesmaids and flower girls walking down the aisle
Wedding party at the altar
Close up of bride just before she walks down the aisle
Bride walking down the aisle
Groom’s face as he sees the bride for the first time
Groom’s reaction as she makes her way towards him
Back of the bride as she walks down the aisle
Bride’s escort giving her away
Handshake / hug between groom and escort
Bride and groom at altar or chuppah
Shot of bridesmaid bouquets lined up as they hold them at the altar
Bride and grooms interlocked hands
Back shot of bride and groom with the marriage official between them
Both sets of parents and other close family members as they watch the ceremony
Wide shot of guests as the watch the ceremony
Close up of anyone doing a special reading. Poem, scripture, etc
Any cultural or religious traditions. Lighting candles, breaking glasses etc
Close up of the bride and groom as they recite their vows
Close up of bride’s face taken over the groom’s shoulder
Close up of groom’s face taken over bride’s shoulder
Close up of each hand as rings are exchanged
The kiss! Make the kiss a nice long one so that your photographer definitely doesn’t miss it!
Happy couple walking up the aisle together
Bride and groom as friends as family hug and shake hands in congratulations
Bride and groom as they are showered with confetti / bubbles / birdseed etc
Bride and groom as they leave the ceremony hand-in-hand