There’s no black and white way to document a love this grand. Some couples take to the trail just the two of them, some throw a party under the stars, and others jet set to somewhere far and foreign to fall in love all over again. No matter how you envision your devotion unfolding into a union (& who you plan to bring along with you); this story, this adventure, is yours to tell.  

That said… when it comes to capturing it all, it helps to have a shot list for you and your photographer to source inspiration from. & that’s where this guide comes in!

I put this Wedding Photographer Checklist together not only to provide you and your planning team with a roadmap; but to help ensure that you preserve what matters most to you on your wedding day.

Whether you’re eloping in Jackson Hole or backroad-tripping through Iceland, these are the snapshots that transcend into heirlooms. The ones that feel unhurried, lived-in, and wildly worth remembering.

Take what resonates. Skip the rest. I’ll be there to capture what matters most – the way it felt. Let’s fly:

Your Wedding Photographer Checklist: Every Shot Worth Taking (And Remembering)

Getting Ready

Those first, fleeting moments of waking up slow, stirring in the presence of the morning, and embracing every emotion before “I do!”:

Location

• Landscape shots that captures what wildly surrounds you on your wedding day
• Wildlife photos of what roams around us 
• Venue details (shots of the cabin, hotel, Airbnb, or basecamp)
• Light as it filters through the space
• Shots of the lived-in space/ scenery (to always bring you and yours back to that memory)

Bride(s)

• Bride’s Accessories Styled Flatlay (jewelry, perfume, shoes, ring, veil, etc.)
• Dress hanging
• Candid moments of your group getting ready and spending time together
• H&MU behind-the-scenes
• Writing vows
• Getting ready looks (party in robes, etc.)
• Bride putting on accessories (earrings, perfume, bracelet, shoes, etc.)
• Bride helping sister/ mother/ MOH with accessories
• Someone special helping bride into dress/ putting on veil
• Bride Reveal to party
• Popping champagne & clinking glasses
• Bridal portraits
• Bridal detail shots
• Bridal accessories on bride 
• Bride in mirror
• Bride first look w/ Dad
• Last moment together before heading out

Groom(s)

• Groom’s Accessories Styled Flatlay (watch, matchbook, cigar, ring, shoes, etc.)
• Suit hanging
• Candid moments of group getting ready and spending time together – whether casting a line, pouring whiskey or just in good company
• Groom putting on accessories (cufflinks, tie, shoes, watch, etc.)
• Someone special helping groom w/ accessories (cufflinks, watch, jacket, etc.)
• Groom portraits
• Groom accessories on groom
• Writing vows &/or opening gifts 
• Last moment together before heading out

Details

• Ring details
• Heirlooms
• Paper Details Flatlay (invitation suite, illustrated map, custom wax seals, loose florals, etc.)
• Morning-of weddings gifts or love letters

Ceremony

The moment that signifies your eternal promise to one another – the one you’ve been waiting your whole life for. When it comes to the ceremony, I always recommend working in a few extra minutes in your timeline before and after if possible. Not only to give your photographers and videographers the opportunity to capture the scene and details before guests spill into their seats; but so that we make room for those small, intimate moments that show up. Of course all eyes will be on the two of you as you walk the line to forever; but we don’t want you to miss a single reaction, hand grasp, or moose sighting in the distance (if we’re lucky) when you look back on your gallery and remember your ceremony:

Setting, Space & Ceremony Details

• Wide shots of ceremony scene and landscape (before guests)
• Ceremony floral details 
• Ceremony decor details (rugs, alter, signage, etc.)
• Natural elements roaming in rhythm with nature (sun peeking through the clouds, wind in the trees, wildlife roaming in the distance, etc.)
• Guests/ witnesses arriving & settling in (we try to capture ceremony details before guests arrive)

Entrance (Processional)

• One or both partners walking in – solo, together, or with someone meaningful
• Reactions of guests, parents, or each other seeing the moment unfold
• Candid emotion and moments (embraces, locked eyes, hand squeezes, tear dries)
• Reactions from the partner waiting up front
• Movement details: dress sweeping the earth, boots kicking dust, hands clenching flowers or vow books
• That deep breath and nod right before it all begins

The Ceremony

• Shared vows – wide shots and close ups of fingertips intertwined, vow books open, and promises shared
• Officiant (if present) guiding ceremony
• Reactions from loved ones (especially parents or close friends)
• Ring exchange
• Cultural, spiritual, or religious traditions if any
• The kiss (obviously)

Just Married (Recessional)

• Couple walking back down the aisle (locked arms, celebrating, hands up – happy as hell)
• Guests clapping, cheering, crying happy tears
• Wedding party or family members following behind
• Confetti toss / flower petals / bubbles if planned
• Final dip and kiss before exiting aisle

Family Portraits

So many of my couples stress about organizing and planning the flow of family portraits. However, there is no need to crash out here. After years of professional experience wrangling said cats, family portraits run like a well oiled machine at Ben Winckler Photography! After the ceremony, I prefer to dive right into family portraits. Not only because everyone is already together in one place; but if we’re efficient you and yours can still enjoy cocktail hour! At your rehearsal (& in your timeline), I recommend reminding all family to meet at a designated area (that we discuss beforehand) directly after the ceremony. No running for a whiskey shot, no cornhole practice. Of course, I will help you lasso in the rodeo day-of, but here is a shot list to guide you through seamlessly:

Parents Wedding Photo List

• Couple + Partner One’s Parents
• Partner One + Partner One’s Parents
• Partner One + Each Parent Separately
• Partner One + Parent + Stepparent, if applicable
• Couple + Partner Two’s Parents
• Partner Two + Partner Two’s Parents
• Partner Two + Each Parent Separately
• Partner Two + Parent + Stepparent, if applicable
• Couple + Both Sets of Parents
• Couple + Both Sets of Parents + Stepparent

Siblings Wedding Photo List

• Couple + Partner One’s Siblings
• Partner One + Partner One’s Sister(s)
• Partner One’s + Partner One’s Brother(s)
• Couple + Partner One’s Parents + Partner One’s Siblings
• Couple + Partner Two’s Siblings
• Partner Two + Partner Two’s Sister(s)
• Partner Two + Partner Two’s Brother(s)
• Couple + Partner Two’s Parents + Partner Two’s Siblings
• Couple + All Parents + Siblings

Grandparents Wedding Photo List

• Couple + Partner One’s Grandparents
• Partner One + Partner One’s Grandma(s)
• Partner One + Partner One’s Grandpa(s)
• Couple + Partner Two’s Grandparents
• Partner Two + Partner Two’s Grandma(s)
• Partner Two + Partner Two’s Grandpa(s)
• Couple + All Grandparents
• Couple + Partner One’s Parents + Partner One’s Siblings + Partner One’s Grandparents
• Couple + Partner Two’s Parents + Partner Two’s Siblings + Partner Two’s Grandparents
• Couple + All Parents, Siblings, and Grandparents

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins Wedding Photo List

• Couple + Partner One’s Parents + Partner One’s Siblings + Partner One’s Grandparents + Partner One’s Aunt(s) + Partner One’s Uncle(s) + Partner One’s Cousins
• Couple + Partner Two’s Parents + Partner Two’s Siblings + Partner Two’s Grandparents + Partner Two’s Aunt(s) + Partner Two’s Uncle(s) + Partner Two’s Cousins

Wedding Party

Because what’s getting hitched without your ride-or-dies by your side. When it comes to documenting the wedding party; timing truly depends on whether or not you and your partner decide to do a first look or not. If you do decide to see each other before walking down the aisle; right after the first look is a perfect opportunity to snap wedding party photos. Without a first look, I always like to squeeze in a few shots of your crew after family portraits and before the party gets started. Regardless, here’s a list to not miss a single person or moment:

• Couple + Entire Wedding Party
• Couple + Bridesmaids / Wedding Party A
• Couple + Groomsmen / Wedding Party B
• Bride + Bridesmaids (or Partner A + Party A)
• Groom + Groomsmen (or Partner B + Party B)
• Bride + Maid/Matron of Honor (or Partner A + Person of Honor)
• Groom + Best Man (or Partner B + Person of Honor)
• Bride + Each Bridesmaid Individually
• Groom + Each Groomsman Individually
• Couple + Flower Girls / Junior Attendants
• Couple + Ring Bearer(s)
• Couple + Any honorary attendants
• Couple + Wedding Party in candid moments 
• Wedding Party moving and walking together through landscape backdrop
• Champagne pop / toast shot with wedding party
• Couple + Wedding Party celebrating (arms up, movement, etc.)

Cocktail Hour

Leave it to cocktail hour to always bring the energy for the rest of the night. From poured libations and intimate mingling to guests rallying around your marriage; there is so much candid chemistry and tender connection to capture here:

• The vibe – venue, scenery, lighting
• Live music or Band/ DJ setup
• Cocktail hour details (floral, bar signage, custom napkins, etc.)
• Signature cocktails
• Bartender/ mixologist in motion (pouring, mixing, shaking & garnishing)
• Hors d’ouvres
• The people – authentic connection, chemistry, unscripted laughter and conversation 
• Signing guestbook
• Signing marriage license w/ witnesses 
• The couple greeting guests
• Candid reactions to guests
• You two sneaking away for a cheers & quiet moment together

Couple Portraits

Whether a hike to meet the sunrise or sunset photos as an excuse to sneak away together; couple portraits are non negotiable. Not only will we capture the most raw, intimate photos in golden hour lighting together (with the wild landscapes as our witness!); but this is the perfect excuse to slow down together and take it all in before returning to the party:

• Walking hand-in-hand through the wild landscapes
• Solo portraits of each partner alone
• Natural movement and motion capturing the two of you in this feeling and memory together 
• Wide-angle landscapes shots – your love story alive in the elements
• That forehead-to-forehead moment when the world goes quiet
• Looking out towards the horizon
• A “we did the damn thing” pick up and spin
• A shared kiss that feels like an exhale
• A quiet moment of stillness before heading into the reception
• Blurred motion running away into the great unknown together

Reception

Same romance. More rowdy. Champagne is flowing, guests feel at home, & your love is louder than ever. This reception shot list holds the space for a larger guest list with a dance floor and after hour moments. However, know that any party you’re throwing, is good with me. Know that there is no right or wrong when it comes to your reception. Whether you’re worming on the dance floor at midnight with a box of McDonalds fries or lost in warmth and conversation around a campfire; this night is a reflection of you:

Reception Space & Details

• Wide shots of the reception space before guests arrive
• Tablescape details (menus, florals, place cards, candles, etc)
• Head table/ sweetheart table close-ups
• Custom signage, escort cards, favors, or personalized touches
• The cake and any dessert spread/ tables
• Guestbook area / welcome table / memorial tables
• Outfit, H&MU, or look changes

Grand Entrances & Toasts

• Couple’s grand entrance
• Wedding party entrances (if planned)
• Reaction shots from the crowd
• Speeches + toasts (speaker, couple reactions, clinks & cheers

Dinner & Candid Dining

• Guests at their tables (eating, chatting, sipping wine)
• Couple sharing a quiet moment (hand on the back, whisper in the ear, indulging in a bite)
• Servers in motion (for a more documentary vibe)

Traditions (Always Optional)

• Cake cutting + reactions
• First dance
• Parent dances
• Bouquet / garter toss
• Games, blessings, or special cultural traditions

Dance Floor & After-Hours

• Couple dancing together & with guests
• Kids going wild on the dance floor
• Epic guest dance moves & dance circles
• Intimate slow-dance moments in the crowd
• Drinks clinking, laughter, and blurry movement shots
• Late-night snacks / s’mores / espresso martinis – LET’S GO!

Final Moments

• Last dance
• Exit (getaway car, exit dance line, etc.)
• Couple running away hand-in-hand – the cinematic goodbye

Wedding Weekend

More and more of my couples are extending their wedding day into a week or weekend. Not only so the experience is unhurried and immersive; but there is room for adventure and surprise beyond “I do!”. Whether you’re dreaming up day after bridals somewhere off the beaten path or mapping out an adventure session paddleboarding, hiking or on horseback before the rehearsal; I’m here to artfully follow and be your wide-open spaces wingman:

• Welcome party (rodeo, brewery, etc.)
• Rehearsal dinner
• Adventure session (fly fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, exploring the town)
• Day after serenity (hot springs, ski day, etc.)
• Sunrise or sunset couple’s session (perfect if you’re wanting to be fully present in both your time together and with your guests on your wedding day!)

Ready to draft up your own adventure & checklist? Let’s fly, folks!

Don’t let a checklist, put you in a box (or a wedding factory!). The real magic happens when we travel beyond surface level and shape your wedding photography around your people, your pace, and what wildly lies ahead in the great unknown. If you’re looking for an adventure elopement and destination wedding photographer to eternalize your love to the ends of the earth AND custom curate a timeline that embodies your values and what matters most to you; let’s fly.

Now booking 2026 weddings and elopements – reach out and let’s go there!