Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, filled with moments big and small that you’ll want to remember forever. As a wedding photographer, I know how essential it is to capture every special moment that tells the story of your day, from the quiet anticipation before the ceremony to the joy of your first dance as newlyweds.
With so many magical moments happening throughout the day, it can be hard to know which ones you’ll cherish most in the years to come. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top 10 must-have wedding photos that every couple should make sure to capture—moments that you’ll look back on and treasure forever.
1. Getting Ready: The Calm Before the Ceremony
The hours before your wedding are filled with excitement, nerves, and anticipation. Whether it’s slipping into your wedding dress or having a quiet moment with your bridal party, the getting-ready photos capture the behind-the-scenes moments before the big “I do.” These candid shots show the details of your preparation and the joy of your loved ones by your side.
2. The First Look
If you’re planning a first look, it’s one of the most emotional moments of the day. This private, intimate moment allows you to see each other for the first time before the ceremony without the eyes of all your guests. It’s a chance to connect, take a breath, and share your excitement. The raw emotions during this moment—whether it’s tears, laughter, or both—make for truly stunning photos.
3. The Walk Down the Aisle
Whether you’re walking down the aisle alone, with a parent, or hand-in-hand with a loved one, this is one of the most significant moments of your wedding day. Capturing both your expression and your partner’s reaction at this pivotal moment tells a story of anticipation, joy, and love. These are the moments that make hearts race and eyes water.
4. The Vow Exchange
Your vows are the heart of your wedding ceremony—the promises you make to each other in front of your family and friends. Photos of this moment capture the emotions in your faces as you exchange these heartfelt words. These images will serve as a beautiful reminder of the commitment you’ve made to one another.
5. The First Kiss as Newlyweds
The first kiss marks the official start of your life together as a married couple. This is one of the most iconic moments of any wedding, and it’s one that everyone eagerly waits for. Whether it’s a quick peck or a sweeping, romantic kiss, capturing this moment in all its joy and excitement is a must.
6. Candid Moments of Laughter and Tears
While the posed shots are important, some of the most memorable photos are the candid ones—the spontaneous laughter, happy tears, and shared glances between you and your loved ones. Whether it’s a tearful hug with your mom or a hilarious inside joke shared between friends, these unscripted moments are the ones that will make you smile every time you look at your photos.
7. Couple’s Portraits: Timeless and Romantic
After the ceremony, it’s time for some romantic, intimate portraits of just the two of you. This is a chance to slow down and take in the moment together, away from the hustle and bustle of the day. These portraits are not just about creating beautiful images—they’re about capturing your unique connection as a couple. Whether it’s under the soft glow of golden hour or amidst the natural beauty of your venue, these photos will be some of your favorites.
8. The First Dance
Your first dance is another one of those classic wedding moments that you’ll want to relive over and over again. Whether it’s a sweet, slow dance or a choreographed routine, this moment is all about you two. The way you hold each other, the look in your eyes, and the smiles on your faces as you sway to your song—it’s a moment you’ll treasure forever, and the photos will reflect that.
9. Parent Dances and Special Family Moments
The parent dances—whether it’s the father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, or another special moment—are often emotional highlights of the reception. These photos capture the bond between you and your parents and show the love and pride they feel as you start this new chapter in your life.
10. The Grand Exit: A Magical Send-Off
Whether you’re leaving your reception in a shower of sparklers, flower petals, or bubbles, your grand exit is the perfect way to end the night on a high note. These photos are always fun and full of energy, capturing the joy of your send-off as newlyweds. It’s the perfect way to close the book on your wedding day story, with a burst of celebration.
Honorable Mentions: The Details
While these 10 moments focus on the people and emotions of your day, don’t forget the details that make your wedding unique. Photos of your rings, bouquet, shoes, and venue décor may not seem as emotional, but they help tell the full story of your wedding day. You’ve put so much thought into these details, and they deserve to be remembered too!
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and these 10 must-have photos will help you remember every special moment. As your photographer, it’s my job to make sure that no moment goes uncaptured—from the big, emotional moments to the small, personal details that make your day unique.
When you look back on your wedding album years from now, these images will remind you not only of what your day looked like, but how it felt. Let’s make sure we capture every moment that matters most to you.
