San Francisco-Based wedding and elopement photographer Torez Marguerite gives us the ultimate ceremony photo shot list in this guest feature article

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding is choosing a wedding photographer. Ultimately, you’ll want someone who you trust will capture the day as you imagine it.

When I photograph a wedding, I view the entire day as a story that is captured through my lens. For example, photos of the venue set the scene. Pictures of a couple getting ready become the rising action shots before the climax of the story: the wedding ceremony. It’s the main event and a moment you’ll want to look back on forever.

Here are 13 must-have ceremony photos that is sure to capture your wedding as a story and leave you with a diverse wedding gallery.

Wide angle ceremony set-up shots.

When providing your photographer with a shot list, don’t forget to request wide angle ceremony set-up photos. These serve as establishing shots and the perfect opening to your wedding gallery.

Your photographer should capture the entire venue, including altar, guest seating and decor after the finishing touches are complete and before guests arrive. You’ll love looking at these photos because it’s a view you likely didn’t get to see before walking up the aisle.

Wide shots of the moments before the wedding ceremony.

Just as important as the empty shot of the ceremony venue is the view when it’s filled with guests as they wait for the wedding to begin. These photos can be both meaningful and joyful to look back on as it gives you the opportunity to see how the day began for your guests and the results of all your hard work behind each detail of the ceremony.

The processional.

The flower girl, beer boy, flower grandma, ring bearer, etc.
The tradition of having a flower girl or ring bearer is now being replaced with more fun and playful roles for your younger (or older) processional members, like a beer boy or even flower grandma. Your photographer will want to take snapshots as they do their job, but don’t forget to look at your guests’ reactions as well!

The reaction of each partner while walking down the aisle.

Typically, wedding photographers capture the groom’s reaction as the bride makes her entrance. The happiness, tears and excitement never gets old for me. However, an expert photographer who wants to fully document this once-in-a-lifetime moment will capture the emotions of both the person walking up the aisle and their soon-to-be spouse waiting at the altar.

The special moment between you and your parent/parents/parental figure.

More traditionally, these photos are thought to be the moment a father “gives away” his daughter to her fiance(e). There is often a kiss or hug between daughter and father at the altar before the hand-off. In more recent trends, brides (and grooms) have chosen to have both parents or other close relatives/parental figures escort them up the aisle where they exchange hugs at the top. It’s such a sweet moment when you see their parents' eyes fill with tears.

Your wedding guests.

Your POV.

Taking photos of your partner as you read your vows or look into their eyes are some of my favorite perspectives as a photographer. More often than not, these candid snapshots will instantly transport you back to that moment in time as it reminds you of their emotions and body language at that very second.

Close-ups during the ceremony.

Close-up pictures of you and your fiance(e) are a must during your ceremony. But there are obstacles that photographers traverse to get these shots.

If possible, ask your officiant to step aside during key moments of your ceremony, including custom vows, your first kiss and when you are officially announced as spouse and spouse.

An experienced officiant will know to walk out of frame so that photographers can capture the couple by themselves. It’s a nice touch that goes a long way.

Pictures of the exchanging of rings.

There are multiple ways and angles that should be photographed during the exchanging of rings, including tight and wide shots of you and your partner, close-ups of your hands and the actual ring exchange as well as your guest’s perspective.

PRO TIP: Slowly slide your partner’s ring on their finger to give your photographer time to switch cameras and focal lengths. This will allow them to capture more images and angles.

The first kiss.

The mid-aisle recessional kiss.

Another must-have photo opportunity is one more kiss — this time, mid-aisle — just before you walk away to end the ceremony.

Ask your photographer to position themselves where they can capture you both pausing to kiss. Consider maybe even doing a dip and kiss! Your guests will likely be standing and clapping and/or cheering around you, which makes for a beautiful backdrop.

As a wedding photographer, this is one of my top photos to capture as I love seeing the happiness on everyone’s faces!

PRO TIP: During your rehearsal practice, rehearse your mid-aisle kiss. Choose where you’ll stop and don’t forget to practice the dip-kiss (or just kiss!) for that perfect photo opp.

The recessional photos.
Your photographer should take photos of the recessional or the final walk up the aisle as the ceremony comes to a close. Typically, the wedding party will follow you and your now spouse, which will mark the conclusion of this special chapter of your wedding. Double-check with your photographer that they plan to take snapshots of your wedding party as they make their exit.

While you should choose a photographer who is experienced and makes you feel comfortable in front of their lens, it’s important to work with them to ensure you get a wide variety of images so you feel that you never missed out on any moment of your wedding, including seeing your wedding from the eyes of your partner and wedding guests.

While this list may already be on your photographer’s own shot list, don’t forget to provide them with your must-haves and discuss ways that will easily allow them to capture your wedding story from beginning to end.

About Torez Marguerite Photography  

I'm Torez, a die-hard romantic and San Francisco-based wedding and elopement photographer with years of experience capturing love stories. From intimate City Hall ceremonies to epic coastal elopements, I've seen and photographed it all. I know the ins and outs of navigating wedding planning like the back of my hand - from selecting the perfect location that aligns with your love story to creating the dreamiest wedding timeline that lets you enjoy your day to the fullest. If you want to learn more about me and my services you can find me here.                

Vows & Forever specializes in custom wedding ceremonies and offers officiating services to couples on the West Coast, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County and Pacific Northwest. V&F also offers ghostwritten wedding vows