7 Must-Have Wedding Photos 


Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, laughter and unforgettable moments. The right photos will help you relive those cherished memories for years to come. While every wedding is unique, there are a few timeless shots that every couple should have in their album.


Getting Ready: The Excitement Before the Big Moment

The anticipation leading up to the ceremony is filled with nerves, laughter and moments with special family and friends. Capturing the bride and groom getting ready offers a beautiful glimpse into the pre-ceremony magic of the day.


Pro Tip: Have your photographer document small intimate moments with loved ones fastening necklaces, helping with ties and giving gifts.


The First Look: That Magical Moment of Anticipation

The moment you and your partner see each other for the first time on your wedding day is pure magic. Whether you opt for a traditional aisle reveal or a private first look before the ceremony, capturing the raw emotions—excitement, nerves, and love—is priceless.


Pro Tip: Choose a location with solid shade and lighting and minimal distractions and few onlookers so your photographer can capture this moment beautifully. Consider saying your vows early for the best audio recording.


The Exchange of Vows: A Glimpse into Your Love Story

Your vows are one of the most heartfelt moments of the ceremony, making this an essential photo. Whether you're wiping away tears, smiling at each other, or laughing at a lighthearted promise, these images will reflect the true essence of your love.


Pro Tip: Let your photographer know ahead of time if you’re planning a special moment, like a surprise note or personal vows. Also if you're planning a video consider a separate vow recoding to ensure your vows make it into the final video.


The First Kiss: The Official Start of Forever

The first kiss as a married couple is a moment of pure joy, and it deserves a perfect capture. This iconic shot symbolizes the beginning of your journey together and is one of the most emotional moments of the day.


Pro Tip: Hold the kiss for just a second longer than usual—it gives your photographer a better chance to capture the perfect shot! Also half way down the isle, do another! Why not?


The Family Formal: A Cherished Group Moment

Weddings bring families together in a rare and special way, making formal family portraits a must-have. These classic shots ensure that everyone important to you is beautifully documented.


Pro Tip: Create a list of must-have family combinations ahead of time to streamline the process and avoid missing key shots.


The Golden Hour Portraits: Soft, Romantic, Timeless:

There’s a reason photographers love golden hour—the hour before sunset provides soft, glowing light that creates breathtaking images. Sneaking away for a few intimate portraits during this time results in some of the most dreamy and romantic wedding photos.


Pro Tip: Schedule 30 minutes BEFORE sunset for these portraits. Also be sure of your location. Mountains and hills will change the time of sunset at your location, but it’s worth planning carefully to step away from the reception for these stunning shots.


The Dance Floor Magic: Celebration and Joy

Some of the best wedding photos happen on the dance floor, when everyone is relaxed and having fun. Whether it’s your first dance, a twirl with a parent, or your guests breaking it down, these candid shots capture the heart of your celebration.


Pro Tip: Ask your photographer to stay for at least part of the reception to capture these dynamic, fun-filled moments.


Final Thoughts: Capturing the Moments That Matter

Your wedding day will fly by, but with the right photographer, your most cherished moments will last forever. These seven must-have wedding photos ensure that you have a mix of emotional, artistic, and joy-filled images to treasure for a lifetime.


Looking for a wedding photographer who specializes in timeless, romantic storytelling? I’d love to capture your special day! Let’s chat about your wedding photography.


Couple in formal wedding attire sharing a romantic moment under an arched porch walkway.
Wedding scene showing bride in white dress being helped by attendants in burgundy and purple attire while getting ready.
A bride puts on her earrings while looking in a mirror, captured in elegant black and white photography.
Two people in formal vests and dress shirts stand in an indoor hallway with yellow walls and a mirror.
A couple celebrates their wedding day posing outside a pink building with white trim and architectural details.
Wedding party showered with white streamers during celebration while orchestra performs in the background.
A rustic western wedding scene with a brown horse standing beside a wooden fence at sunset.
A couple dances in a romantic embrace at a rustic barn reception with string lights glowing in the background.
A couple shares their first dance at an outdoor evening wedding reception with string lights glowing overhead.
Wedding party group standing together under large oak tree during outdoor ceremony in natural setting.
Group of six people dressed in formal attire standing together against a gray wall.
A joyful couple share a candid moment while standing against an exposed brick wall in romantic lighting.
A joyful celebration at an outdoor garden wedding with yellow flowers decorating the arch.
A couple shares a joyful moment dancing together outdoors at an elegant wedding reception in natural sunlight.
Couple dances together at outdoor reception with string lights in trees while guests watch from dinner tables.

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