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Must-Have Wedding Photos You Won’t Want to Miss

Must-Have Wedding Photos You Won’t Want to Miss:
A Guide to Capturing the Best Moments (Without a 60-Page Shot List)

Your wedding day will fly by in a beautiful, joy-filled blur, but your wedding photos? They last forever.

That’s why it’s so important to have a photographer who can capture not just the big moments—the first kiss, the first dance, the “I do’s”—but also the little in-between moments that make your wedding truly yours.

But here’s the thing: an experienced wedding photographer already knows what shots to get. They don’t need a laminated ring of 60 “must-have” photos (yes, this has happened). In fact, giving them an exhaustive shot list can actually hurt your wedding coverage because they’ll be so focused on checking off your list that they might miss the organic, spontaneous moments that make your wedding magical.

What Should You Do Instead?

Pick a few specific, personal must-have shots. (Think: a special moment with Grandma, a detail that has deep meaning, or a unique first look.)
Tell your photographer about them in advance.
Then trust them to do what they do best.

If you love their portfolio, you’ll love your wedding photos. Let them capture the day naturally, without being handcuffed to a checklist.

That said, here are some must-have wedding photos that you’ll definitely want to make sure are captured—without overwhelming your photographer with a wedding-day scavenger hunt.

Must Have Wedding Photos


1. The Emotional Moments: Reactions You’ll Treasure Forever

Weddings are packed with raw, emotional moments. Some of the most powerful photos aren’t of the couple at all—they’re of the people who love you the most reacting to your big day.

Key Emotional Shots to Consider:

  • Your partner’s face when they see you for the first time (whether during a first look or walking down the aisle).
  • Parents’ reactions during the ceremony.
  • Grandparents watching with teary eyes.
  • The joyful, belly-laughing moments between you and your wedding party.
  • A quiet, emotional moment alone before walking down the aisle.

Pro Tip: If there’s someone whose reaction is extra important to you—like a grandparent, best friend, or sibling—let your photographer know in advance so they can keep an eye out for those moments.


2. The Candid, Unscripted Magic

Some of the best wedding photos happen when no one is looking at the camera. These are the photos that make you feel like you’re right back in the moment.

Candid Shots to Capture:

  • The deep breath before walking down the aisle.
  • Your best friend hyping you up before the ceremony.
  • That moment when you and your partner finally get to be alone and take it all in.
  • The flower girl sneaking extra cake.
  • The crazy dance moves at the reception.

Pro Tip: The best way to get amazing candids is to forget the camera exists. The more relaxed you are, the more natural and meaningful your photos will be.

must have wedding photos


3. The ‘This Is So Us’ Shots

Your wedding photos should feel like you—not a Pinterest board. Think about what makes your relationship unique and let your photographer capture that essence.

Personalized Shots to Consider:

  • If you always grab coffee together, a shot of you sipping lattes in your wedding attire.
  • If you have a dog, a moment with them in the photos.
  • If you’re a couple that loves adventure, a mountaintop first look or a barefoot beach kiss.
  • If you’re homebodies, an intimate photo of just the two of you away from the crowd.

Pro Tip: This is where destination weddings, micro weddings, and elopements really shine! They allow for more personal, meaningful photography without the time constraints of a big traditional wedding.

Must have wedding photos


4. The Details That Tell Your Story

You put so much thought into the little details—your wedding photos should reflect that!

Detail Shots to Capture:

  • Your rings, displayed beautifully.
  • A close-up of your bouquet.
  • The lace or beading on your dress.
  • Your invitation suite, styled with flowers or decor.
  • The reception decor before guests arrive.

Pro Tip: If there’s one or two details that are deeply personal, make sure your photographer knows. Maybe it’s a locket with your late grandfather’s photo or a custom embroidery inside your suit.


5. The Once-in-a-Lifetime Portraits

Yes, candid moments are amazing, but you also want at least a few epic, frame-worthy portraits that capture the grandeur and romance of the day.

Must-Have Couple’s Portraits:

  • A soft, romantic forehead touch or kiss.
  • A twirl or dip for dynamic movement.
  • A wide-angle shot showcasing your stunning venue or destination.
  • A sunset silhouette.

Pro Tip: If you want dramatic golden hour or night shots, plan a short portrait session right before sunset or after dark!

must have wedding photos


6. The Big Exit & Final Moments

The last moments of your wedding deserve to be just as magical as the first.

Final Must-Have Shots:

  • A sparkler exit, petal toss, or glow stick send-off.
  • A private last dance when the venue is empty.
  • A joyful, candid shot of you leaving as newlyweds.

Pro Tip: If your venue doesn’t allow sparklers, LED wands, confetti, or even bubbles can create a fun, photogenic exit!


Trust Your Photographer
& Let the Moments Happen

Yes, your wedding photos are important. Yes, you should communicate the key moments that matter most to you.

But also—trust your photographer.

The best wedding photographers already know how to capture the moments that matter. If you’ve done your research, love their portfolio, and vibe with their style, you don’t need to hand them a 60-photo checklist (seriously, please don’t).

What You Should Do Instead:
✔️ Pick 2-3 meaningful shots that are deeply personal to you.
✔️ Let your photographer know about them before the wedding.
✔️ Then let them do their job—capturing the raw, real, and magical moments you didn’t even think to ask for.

That’s how you get wedding photos that aren’t just “pretty”—they’re deeply personal, emotional, and unforgettable.

Looking for a wedding photographer who knows how to capture all the must-have shots—without a laminated checklist? Let’s chat!


More Wedding Photography Tips:

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Why Destination Weddings & Elopements Create the Best Photos
Wedding Photography vs. Videography: Do You Need Both?

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