10 Essential Wedding Photos Must Haves: A Complete List for Your Big Day

As you prepare for this unforgettable day, it’s important to make sure your photographer captures not only the major milestones but also the small, sentimental details. These often-overlooked moments are just as important in telling the complete story of your wedding.

In this blog, we’ll explore the essential wedding photo must haves that you don’t want to forget to include when planning your wedding day photography.

At Bushel + Peck Photo, we’re committed to making sure every detail of your wedding is photographed beautifully. With four distinct editing styles—Light & Airy, Classic, Golden, or Dark & Moody—we offer tailored services that ensure your photos match the unique atmosphere of your wedding day.

List of Wedding Photos to Take: Don’t Forget These Wedding Photo Must-Haves

Here’s a look at the wedding photo must haves you should include on your list.

1. The Invitation Suite

Your wedding invitations are often the first glimpse your guests have into your big day. Whether they’re modern and minimalist or classic and elegant, be sure your photographer takes a photo of the full suite. This shot often includes the invitation, RSVP card, envelope, and any additional details like a wax seal or calligraphy.

Including this in your must-have wedding photos list ensures that the visual representation of your wedding design is documented for years to come.

2. Wedding Rings and Jewelry

Photographing the wedding rings is a classic shot, but don’t stop there! Be sure to include any other meaningful pieces of jewelry, such as a special necklace, bracelet, or earrings. Your photographer can arrange these items in a beautiful flat lay alongside other accessories like cufflinks, the groom’s tie, or the bride’s shoes to create a cohesive detail shot.

3. The Dress and Suit

Before you step into your dress or suit, make sure your photographer captures them hanging in all their glory. A photo of the bride’s dress on a decorative hanger, hanging in a window or softly lit space, creates a moment of quiet elegance. The same applies to the groom’s suit, neatly arranged and ready for the big day.

This wedding photo must-have helps capture the anticipation and beauty of the attire before it becomes part of the celebration.

4. Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Flowers play such an important role in the overall look of your wedding. Make sure your bouquet, boutonnieres, and other floral arrangements are photographed in detail. Whether it’s a close-up of the flowers or a shot of the bouquet resting on a chair, these images will add a pop of color and texture to your wedding album.

Explore more about wedding flower photography ideas.

5. Getting Ready Moments

The “getting ready” portion of your day is filled with excitement, nerves, and joy. This is the perfect time to capture candid moments of the bride and groom surrounded by their closest friends and family. Shots of bridesmaids helping with the dress, groomsmen adjusting their ties, or a quiet moment of reflection are all essential must-have wedding photos.

6. First Look Reactions

If you’re planning to do a “first look” before the ceremony, make sure it’s at the top of your must-have wedding photos list. The emotional reaction when the bride and groom see each other for the first time is one of the most intimate moments of the day. Whether it’s tears of joy or uncontrollable smiles, these photos capture the raw emotion that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Check out some beautiful first look photo inspiration.

7. Ceremony Details

While your ceremony photos will undoubtedly include the major moments like walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, and the first kiss, don’t forget about the ceremony details. This could include a close-up of the altar arrangements, a shot of the aisle décor, or even the seating arrangements for guests. These little touches are often carefully thought out, and capturing them helps tell the full story of your ceremony.

8. Reception Decor

The reception is where you and your guests will spend most of the evening, so be sure your photographer captures all the thoughtful details. Some key shots include:

• The table settings, including centerpieces, place cards, and cutlery.
• The cake and dessert table.
• The lighting elements, whether it’s twinkling string lights, candles, or chandeliers.
• The head table, sweetheart table, or guest seating arrangements.

By including these in your wedding photo must-haves, you ensure the atmosphere and mood of your reception are preserved in your photos. Get more ideas on capturing reception details.

9. Candid Guest Shots

Candid moments are the heart and soul of any wedding, so make sure your photographer has plenty of opportunities to capture natural interactions between your guests. From laughter during toasts to emotional moments on the dance floor, these candid photos often end up being some of the most cherished.

At Bushel + Peck Photo, we’re experts at blending into the crowd, allowing us to capture genuine moments without interrupting the flow of your day.

10. Golden Hour Portraits

The golden hour—the period just before sunset when the light is soft and warm—is perfect for romantic portraits. Scheduling time during golden hour ensures that you’ll get beautiful, glowing images that capture the essence of your love. Whether it’s a quiet moment away from the crowd or a spontaneous twirl in the setting sun, these photos will be stunning additions to your album.

Learn more about golden hour photography.

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Your wedding day is filled with big moments and small details, and each one deserves to be remembered. By creating a must-have wedding photos list, you’ll make sure that none of those special details are missed. From the quiet moments of getting ready to the laughter shared with loved ones, these wedding photo must-haves will help tell the full story of your day.

At Bushel + Peck Photo, we pride ourselves on capturing the details that matter most to you. With our curated process, we ensure that your wedding photos reflect the unique love story that’s unfolding in every moment. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can make your wedding photography experience stress-free and unforgettable.