10 Must-Have Wedding Photographs

In your search for a wedding photographer, you've likely narrowed down the style of photography that you love. But have you thought about the actual shots you'd like to have of your wedding day? Most photographers will have a conversation with you at some point to deduce wedding photos you want to be sure are captured on your day. There are some images from your big day that you'll want to treasure forever and any photographer worth their salt will try to absolutely nail for you. Want to know which ones we're talking about? Well, you had better read on.

1. Getting Ready

Those precious, nervous, excited pre-wedding moments are so special. If having wedding photos of both sides of the wedding party captured while getting ready is important to you, then either choose a photographer who comes with a second shooter or be sure that there is enough time for him/her to visit both parties in the morning. It would also be helpful to share your timings with your photographers so that if you want images of you having your make up done, then the photographer knows when your MUA will be there.

2. The Dress / Outfit

You've likely agonised over the choice of what to wear on your wedding day. You've also likely tried on several options before landing on the one. Why not ask your photographer to capture your final choice in all its glory? Either hanging in a beautiful location or where it looks its best, on you. Capturing embellishments and details will really remind you of how it felt to wear that piece when you're looking back on your wedding photos. 

3. Group Shots

Depending on the style of photography you've chosen (and this is particularly true for those who have chosen a candid style) you may feel that group shots can come across as too staged. You will have chosen your photographer based on their style which will give you some insight into how they typically tackle group shots. But please trust us when we tell you that you will want photos of specific sets of people together on the day. Whether that's your gaggle of Aunts, friends from uni or simply your wedding party. Have a think about what you want these shots to look like but most importantly, make sure you're clear on who you want to be in them. 

4. Family Wedding Photos

If you've listened to podcast Episode 43 you will know that Lauren from LIT Photography often finds that family shots end up being the most prized by the couple. So whatever family looks like to you, gather them in and get some wedding photos together. 

5. Arriving At Your Ceremony

The moment when all the nerves and joy seem to come together - this is an essential part of the day to document. It's also a moment your other half doesn't get to see, so capture it on camera to make sure they can see just how excited you were! After this point you could possibly break into excited tears too - so it's a good time to have a photo taken.

6. The Confetti/Exit Shot

There's nothing more joyful than an exit shot from the ceremony - you finally did it! You got married! And now the fun can begin with a massive party. Confetti shots should be over the top - more is more. And I'm talking about the smiles on your faces as well as the confetti itself. If you need confetti ideas, we have 12 listed in this article (and all biodegradable of course). 

7. The Bouquet

Sadly you'll probably only get a week or so of life from a fresh flower bouquet, so make sure you have lots of lovely images of it from all angles. There is usually a 'back' as well, so make sure you ask your florist (or assign a BM to do so) which way it should be held.

8. The Killer Venue Shot

Often most of the work in planning your wedding culminates in what your venue looks like - the tables, place settings, florals, all of you ideas end up here for guests to enjoy. Your photographer will usually sneak into your venue to capture an amazing shot of the setup before guests see it (and quite frankly mess it up by having fun) but make sure that you've communicated this with them - especially if the details are really important to you.

9. Your First Dance

When your setting is as magical as this - it's essential to capture your first dance. Now I totally appreciate that for a lot of people, having to do a first dance is hugely stressful, let alone have it photographed. But I promise you, by that point in the day, you'll be having too much fun to even care. You'll be so full of joy that you'll want to dance your socks off all night. And your first dance can always include the wedding party and your guests too! It doesn't have to be just the two of you on the dance floor.

10. Your First Kiss As A Married Couple

There will be a lot of kissing on your wedding day. So this is probably not one I need to mention, as hopefully you'll be spoilt for choice with images - but for me, the ability to capture a truly stunning couple shot is absolutely essential and it's a good way to begin your hunt for good photographers. Find a photographer who can capture these little moments of authentic love for your wedding photos. After all, that's what it's all about.

If you'd like to find photographers who come with the Rock My Wedding seal of approval, then visit our Recommended Suppliers section to begin your search. And if you want to know more about how wedding photography works and how to get the most from your wedding photographer you can listen to Episode 11 of the podcast where Charlotte and Becky chat to We Are The Clarkes.