The Essential Wedding Photography Checklist
Advice from a Chicago Wedding Photographer
Here you are, planning a day that means the world to you — and if you’re anything like most brides I work with, you want every moment captured. From the big essential moments like your first kiss to the laughter, smiles, and all the little in-between moments with your loved ones.
At Anchored Wedding Photography, I get how much love, thought, and effort you’re pouring into this day. That’s exactly why I created this essential wedding photography checklist for you of must have photos — to help you feel organized, confident, and excited to know of every important detail that should be covered.
Hi! I’m Raul — founder of Anchored Wedding Photography. I’m a Chicago wedding photographer passionate about authentic storytelling and capturing heartfelt, meaningful moments that reflect your love, just as it felt on your day.
The details that tell your story
Before the ceremony even begins, we’ll capture the details that reflect your unique style and love story. My personal favorite have always been sentimental items from parents or grandparents that are generationally passed down on wedding days. As an example, the picture below shows the bride’s great grandmother’s signature imprinted and attached to her bouquet.
Wedding rings, invitations, vow books
Bridal attire, shoes, accessories
Bouquet and floral arrangements
Heirloom items or sentimental keepsakes
Pro Tip: Gather these items in one location prior to your wedding day to ensure smooth photography process.
2. Getting Ready Moments
In the morning, all the anticipation and excitement of walking down the aisle start to build. The time you spend with your bridesmaids and family becomes a collection of moments you’ll treasure forever.
Bridesmaids’ preparations and candid interactions
The moment you step into your gown
First look with your parents or bridal party
P.S. Don’t be surprised if you catch me tearing up during your first look with your dad. As a dad myself, I can’t help but imagine the day I’ll be standing in his shoes with my own daughter.
3. First Look or first touch
If you decide to have a first look or first touch - it offers an intimate moment between you and your partner before the ceremony in which you both can express yourself more authentically without crowds of people.
must haves:
The moment he’s waiting for you
His reaction that says it all
The first embrace of forever
P.S. I like to give you both space during your first look — I stay at a distance so you can soak in the moment without feeling like I’m hovering. It’s your time to just be together.
First Touch:
This is a private moment where you and your partner hold hands or stand back-to-back before the ceremony without actually seeing each other.
4. Ceremony Highlights
The Ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. Key moments that are a MUST include:
Processional: When you, your wedding party and any family member walk down the aisle at the start of the ceremony
Recessional: When you and your newly wedded spouse walk back up the aisle together at the end of the ceremony
Exchange of vows and rings
The first kiss
Candid reactions from family and friends
Details of the flower arrangements, musicians if any, wedding program pamphlets.
Bonus Tip: When it’s time for the kiss, hold it for about 3 seconds — it gives your photographer just enough time to capture it well! And if you sneak in a second kiss halfway down the aisle? Even better.
5. Family Portaits
Organized family photos ensure you have a special and efficient memories with your loved ones:
Immediate family grouping should always be first (starting with one side of the family)
Extended family combinations
Special requests or unique family dynamics
Take safe versions of family photos — both with and without significant others (optional, but helpful in case of future changes)
Tip: Providing a list of desired groupings and order ahead of time helps streamline this process. Have the loudest member of your family handle this list — not your photographer.
6. Bridal Party
This is when you’ll see me at my loudest and most energetic — and it’s all for you! My goal is to keep the energy high so you and your bridal party have the best time possible. Joy is contagious, and I’m here to spread it. I’ve seen everything from wedding with no bridal party to 16 people or more. The size of your bridal party definitely impacts your timeline — The biggest the group, the more coordination (and patience) you’ll need. But with the right energy, it’s definitely so much fun, especially when they are involved in more ways than just posing for pictures. Photos should include:
Bride and her bridesmaids/Groom and his groomsmen
Whole group shots (formal and fun ones — Pop a champagne bottle to elevate the celebration!)
Each bridesmaid individually with the bride (and same for groom + groomsmen) This will depend on time of course.
Pro Tip: Make sure your whole wedding party knows the timeline of the day. This ensures smooth transitions and way more fun!
7. Bride and Groom portrait session
This moment focuses on the love between you and your newly wedded partner — and honestly, it’s always my favorite part of the day! Whether we drive to a nearby location or stay around the venue, this time is crucial and deserves a solid place in your timeline.
Must-have portraits:
Classic smiling portrait (the one parents and grandparents always frame!)
Scenic wide shot that captures the beauty of your venue
Romantic close-up (if it’s during golden hour — just, wow)
Night shot — it’s a must! (More on this later.)
Pro Tip: Plan for at least 20 - 30 minutes for your portrait session. When you have the time to breathe and enjoy each other, it shows in the photographs — This is your moment to slow down and soak it all in :) Plus the more time we have, the more time we have to be creative and capture amazing photographs!
8. Reception Details
Before guests enter, capturing the carefully curated details of your reception is a must. Some couple even choose to enjoy a private reveal of the space — creating a special moment to soak in everything you’ve dreamed up before it’s filled with loved ones. These detail photos make beautiful album spreads, telling the full story of your day from start to finish.
Wide shot of full reception room before guests enter
Close-ups of table decor, centerpieces & floral arrangement
Cake and dessert tables
Special decor elements (guest book, favors, memory tables, or reserved spaces for loved ones who couldn’t attend
Pro Tip: Make sure someone informs your photographer to know when the reception space is fully set — it’s the best way to make sure those untouched details shots are captured before guests arrive.
P.S. Make it a reveal moment — Join your photographer and soak it up together :)
9. Reception Moments
Once the reception starts, your job is to fully enjoy it! Having someone (like a planner, coordinator, DJ, or family friend) keep the timeline flowing smoothly is vital so you're never stressed about what’s next. A clear plan allows your photographer to be quick on their feet! Some must-have shots include:
Grand entrance
Candid guest reactions (laughter, tears, cheering)
Cake cutting
Fun dance floor movement
Live bands/musicians
Any special traditions or surprises
Pro Tip: Trust someone to handle the timeline is key — the less you worry, the more real and joyful moments you’ll have to look back on.
Again, you'll most likely see me cry during the father and daughter first dance.
10. Nighttime photos- A perfect ending
A nighttime shot — whether it’s a sparkler, bubble or confetti send off, a private last dance, or a creative portrait — is such a special way to close your wedding story. Instead of ending your album with just dance floor photographs, you’ll have a beautiful, intentional final image(s) that feels like the perfect exhale to the entire day. This also tends to be one of my favorite parts of the day to be as creative as possible with your last photograph of your wedding day :)
Some ideas can include:
Silhouette shot of you two with dramatic lighting
Romantic portrait outside the venue
Send-off pictures (bubbles, sparklers, confetti, etc)
Pro Tip: Communicate with your photographer about this final night shot. Typically this moment takes anywhere between 5 - 10 minutes.
final note
While professional photographers often have their own standard checklist with big key moments, it’s beneficial to communicate specific desires:
Discuss any unique traditions your photographer may not be aware of you wish to include
Ensure your planner, day-of coordinator or DJ connects with your photographer of the timeline
P.S. Your wedding day is filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments — and clear communication helps make sure none of them are missed. We only get one chance to capture them, so don’t hesitate to share what matters most to you.
Let’s connect
Your wedding day is a once-in a lifetime event, and we’re here to capture it with authenticity and artistry. If you’re seeking a Chicago wedding photographer who values storytelling and genuine moments, we’d love to hear from you.
Hi! I’m Raul — founder of Anchored Wedding Photography. I’m a Chicago wedding photographer passionate about authentic storytelling and capturing heartfelt, meaningful moments that reflect your love, just as it felt on your day.