Your wedding day is a whirlwind of love, joy, and truly unforgettable moments. Although it may pass quickly, the right photos will capture every cherished second for years to come. Envision a beautifully framed classic couple portrait that captures the depth of your love, or a candid group shot brimming with genuine laughter. Whether you prefer documentary-style photography or dream of elegant editorial portraits, these must-have shots will ensure that no magical moment goes uncaptured. Here are 10 expertly curated wedding shots that promise to beautifully preserve the essence of your special day.
First Look Couple Portraits
One of the most timeless shots, the classic couple portrait, will become a cherished keepsake, one you'll revisit for years to come. It’s a rare opportunity to capture your love before the whirlwind of the day begins, when you’re both at your most radiant. As photographers Susie and Harley of Barker Evans beautifully put it, “Couple portraits should truly reflect who you both are—whether your preference is for stylized editorial shots or more natural, in-the-moment captures. Pre-ceremony bride and groom portraits are especially magical—you’ll likely never look as stunning as you do at that moment.”
Merceditas Bridal, Santiago Neyra, Jack Henry
Nikki Strekowski, NousNous Photo, Jack Henry
The Relaxed Wedding Party Shot
“I love a wedding photo that gets a couple's nearest and dearest in one frame without everyone looking at the camera and smiling. It shows more personality, feels natural and relaxed, and I find these are the photos my couples return to and love the most,” shares renowned documentary and editorial photographer Kate Thompson. She emphasizes the importance of capturing authentic, joy-filled moments as your loved ones come together, creating a genuine, unposed atmosphere that feels completely in the moment."
Kate Thompson, Bring Me Somewhere Nice, Elio Rosato, Daniele Bonanni
Ceremony Exit Captures
There’s nothing quite like the raw, unscripted magic of the first few seconds after the ceremony. Wedding photographer Thanos Asfis specialises at capturing fleeting, yet unforgettable moments, urging couples not to overlook this essential shot – one that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the day, “That exhilarating moment right after the ceremony when the couple takes their first steps as newlyweds, sharing a kiss amid cheers, confetti, or a shower of petals. It’s a pure, unscripted celebration of love, capturing the joy, excitement, and energy of the beginning of their new journey together.”
Norman & Blake, Merceditas Bridal, Santiago Neyra, Thanos Asfis
Jack Henry, Alta Studio, Dias de Vino Y Rosas
Reception Space Reveals
There’s something uniquely magical about the moment a couple first connects and engages with their reception space, embracing and cherishing it in their own special way—these moments enliven the celebration and mark the official start of the reception. Based in Washington, D.C., photographer Abby Hart captures the special beauty of these authentic, dynamic interactions. She explains, "In this photo, for example, you can see how I captured a bride running through her reception space, where the tables were covered with lit candles, showcasing the bride’s interaction with the setting."
Kavian Borhani, Irina and Matej, Abby Hart, Dos Mas En La Mesa
Authentic Couple Frames
Capturing a couple's unique connection in a single shot offers a powerful glimpse into their love story. This essential photo goes beyond standard poses to spotlight the couple's chemistry and shared moments. “A must-have shot that goes beyond traditional posing, capturing the couple’s unique chemistry, personalities, and the unspoken connection they share. Whether it’s a stolen glance, a spontaneous laugh, or a cinematic embrace, this image should tell their love story in a single frame,” photographer Thanos Asfis poetically highlights the power of raw, unposed couple shots, emphasizing how they can authentically convey an entire love story in a single frame.
Stas Moiseev, Kristen Marie Parker, Pytlik & Bąk
Camilla Boniek Events, Sandra von Riekhoff, NousNous Photo, Théo de Gueltzl
The Full Group Portrait
It can be a bit of a challenge wrangling everyone into one frame, but the payoff is undeniable when every person at the wedding is captured in one unforgettable shot. Photographer Kate Thompson eloquently shares her insights on these significant, impactful moments, fully appreciating their rarity and special nature. She describes the experience, “It can be tough to organize on a busy wedding day—but I love a photo of every single person from the wedding in one frame. There’s something incredibly special about capturing the unique coming together of people who will never share the same moment and place again.”
Haute Weddings, Jack Henry, Días De Vino Y Rosas
An Aerial Reception Composition
It’s not just about documenting the event—it’s about capturing the mood, energy, and atmosphere that made the day truly unforgettable, and the reception is some of the best moments to do just that. Valerie Thompson, a seasoned photographer with roots in both Australia and America, now based in Texas, emphasizes the transformative power of a wide shot in capturing a wedding's atmosphere. She explains, “A wide shot of the reception as it’s underway—whether it’s a bird’s-eye view of guests dining by candlelight, a sweeping perspective of guests mingling under a tent canopy, or a distant view of the dance floor. A scene-setting frame adds depth to your wedding coverage, helping to preserve the feeling of what it was like to be there.
Phoebe Piper, Pavel Golubnichy, Mango, 4/4 Comunicación
Kristen Marie Parker, Pinterest, Jack Henry
The Table Kiss
Photographer Abby Hart truly understands the importance of timeless wedding moments, insightfully noting, “A kiss at the sweetheart table is a classic shot that I take at every wedding. Even though creative posing is popular right now, it’s important not to overlook the timeless photos that will stand the test of time.” Indeed, this intimate yet celebratory moment beautifully encapsulates the ethos of the couple’s love and commitment—offering a simple, yet profound, expression of their deep bond.
Yana Korn, Kavian Borhani, Irina and Matej, Heather Kincaid
A Frame of Pure Joy
“There are so many ‘must-have’ shots, and it’s important to choose a photographer whose vision resonates with you. Our must-haves are the images that make you feel exactly how you felt on the day. We love capturing moments where your family, friends, and guests participate—like a fabulous confetti throw or a cake-cutting surrounded by loved ones. These joyful moments create the most treasured memories,” as poetically shared by photographers Susie and Harley of Barker Evans. And we couldn’t agree more! Shots like these go beyond just documenting the event—they capture the genuine emotions that define the entire wedding experience, preserving the true essence of the day for years to come.
A Heartfelt & Candid Family Portrait
The family portrait, a cherished highlight among wedding day photographs, captures the heartfelt connections that matter most. Texas-based photographer Valerie Thompson beautifully emphasizes the significance of this moment, explaining, “A truly candid family portrait doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but I always try to capture one great shot of the entire group, where everyone is genuinely engaged with each other or simply relaxing between formal poses. The guests chosen to be part of a couple’s wedding day hold a special place in their lives, often sharing different narratives and life experiences with them. Capturing the spirit of this rare togetherness is something I consider incredibly important.” This type of photo transcends the ordinary snapshot; it becomes a timeless memento that beautifully encapsulates the love, bonds, and shared history among family and friends.
Valerie Thompson, Rodrigo Sack, Tom Barreto, Manuel Heslop, Norman & Blake
Kavian Borhani, Irina and Matej, Nawaphon P., Jacquemus
Australian wedding photographer Sarah Tonkin beautifully echoes Valerie's sentiment, highlighting how valuable candid family moments can be captured right after the more traditional shots, shifting the focus to a more relaxed, natural atmosphere. As she insightfully puts it, “In group shots, I always have family members look at the camera for a more traditional photo, but once I get that shot, I tell them to have a little chat together. I love these relaxed, natural moments the most, when the family is simply interacting and being themselves."
