10 Must-Have Photos At Every Wedding

One of the most essential parts of planning a wedding is to ensure you get the best photographs of your most special day. Your wedding photos will serve as your permanent keepsakes of the memories you’ve shared with your partner on your journey to saying I do.

That’s why when you hire a wedding photographer, like the professionals at Liam Smith Photography, you need to discuss what photos you expect them to take during the event. While giving them creative freedom is the way to go, it never hurts to let them know your expectation with what to take during your wedding day. 

To help you identify what type of photos should be in your wedding photo book, we’ve listed the ten must-have photographs at every wedding. Every photo idea listed here will bring you to the most romantic nostalgia trip ever!

1. Getting-ready moment

What better way to start your wedding album than with photos of the preparation stage before the wedding? Once you hire a photographer, make sure to let them know you want these moments captured, both with the bride’s and groom’s preparations.

From the bridal makeup stage to the groom donning his suit and rereading his vows, the bride putting on her jewelry, and lastly, her wedding dress, you’ll want to document every second of this before the anticipated ceremony. The more candid the photos, the better!

2. First look

While most couples are suckers for the wait-till-the-aisle moment, there’s something magical and exclusive in seeing your partner for the last time before you tie the knot.  

If you and your partner decide to have a first look, then you need to capture both of your reactions on camera! Nothing makes you fall in love other than remembering your overflowing love the moment you laid eyes on your future partner for life.

3. The bridal party

Don’t forget to take a moment with your girls before walking down the aisle! Get your besties in their best smiles while you pose for the camera. The shared laughter and talks of excitement also make perfect opportunities for the best and most memorable photos.

Your girlfriends will probably be with you during hair and makeup, as well. Dress your girls up in these luxurious satin robes customized with their names and take fantastic getting-ready photos with your besties. The robes can also double up as your wedding favors for the bridal party.

4. Bridal walk on the aisle

And cue the bridal march! One photo-op you shouldn’t miss is the bride’s walk down the aisle. The moment the bride steps into the venue’s entrance, to the guest’s reaction upon seeing the bride for the first time, to the parents walking down the bride, up until she walks to the groom and they share that look of pure love and excitement – all of these moments should be eternalized in photographs!

For extra mushy points, have the photographer capture the groom’s reaction as he watches his bride/groom walk down the aisle. That look of pure love while fighting back tears of joy would be priceless in photos.

5. Exchange of vows and rings

Every wedding album should have shots of the best part of the ceremony, the exchange of vows and rings. You’ll want to keep the memory of your promises to forever alive, and photos are the best way to do that.

Make sure to get the photographer to capture the reaction of the guests during the vow exchange. Those teary-eyed moments are worth the nostalgia trip when you look through them on your wedding album or photo book online.

6. First kiss

And they sealed their forever with a kiss! After that heartwarming exchange of vows comes the anticipated first kiss as a married couple! 

Make sure to have one shot where it’s only you and your partner in the frame. This is one photograph you need to share with only your partner for life, after all!

7. Couple portrait (after the ceremony)

Before heading out to the reception, ask your photographer to capture a formal portrait for you. 

If your venue happens to have a balcony, a staircase, or any spot of the same nature, those would be perfect for your portraits. Bonus romantic points if you’re taking the photos during sunset or when the stars are twinkling in the night sky.

8. Candid shots of the reception

Everyone being in a party mood makes for the best and most interesting photos. There’s shared laughter, stories, best wishes, and drunken moments with the special people in your life. The fact that everyone’s on formal attires makes it ten times better!

9. First dance

One of the best parts of the reception is your first dance with your partner. It’s that sole moment where you’re allowed to get lost in each other’s eyes and arms as you dance to your favorite song.

Let the photographer work their magic into capturing your unmatched love for each other and create one of the most magical photos of that special day.

10. Last Kiss/Look

The story of the best day of your life deserves the fairytale ending, and that means a solo portrait with your amore after one eventful day. Find a quiet and scenic spot in your venue and ask your photographer to take the last kiss or last look photo of you and your partner.