How to Create Your Post Ceremony Shot List

The moments immediately following your wedding ceremony are perfect for capturing beautiful portraits with your wedding party and family. 

However, time is often of the essence! We need to make sure this segment of your wedding day is succinct and well organized. Don’t let your crazy aunt or your free spirited bridesmaid sneak off to cocktail hour too soon. Missing just one person at this point in your wedding day can completely derail your post ceremony timeline

Never fear! I’ve got you covered. Let’s make sure you design your post ceremony portraits to be the most organized part of your wedding day!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect post-ceremony shot list:

1. Identify Key Groups

Begin by listing all the groups you’ll want portraits of. Common groups include:

• Immediate Family: Parents, siblings, grandparents
• Extended Family: Aunts, uncles, cousins
• Wedding Party:  Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers

Couple Only: For intimate couple portraits (We usually reserve these shots for your sunset photo session – often in a different location than the other portraits.)

2. Prioritize Your Shots

Decide which photos are most important and should be prioritized. This is especially useful if you’re pressed for time. Start with larger family groups to let those not needed for other shots enjoy the celebration sooner.

3. Communicate with Key Participants

Inform family members and your wedding party about where and when these portraits will take place. I suggest doing this before the wedding day. Don’t rely on a comment from the officiant after the ceremony asking family and wedding party to stick around the ceremony area. While this is helpful as a secondary guidance measure – do NOT make that request be the first either of these groups have heard of this direction. Clear communication helps everyone be on time and prepared, easing the process.

4. Collaborate with Your Photographer

Share your shot list with your photographer well in advance. They can provide advice on timing, location, and flow, ensuring the list is both comprehensive and practical.

5. Plan Logistics and Location

Choose a location for your portraits, considering lighting and space. Decide on a background that complements your wedding theme. Ensure the location is easily accessible from the ceremony site to save time.

6. Assign a Coordinator

Appoint a trusted friend or family member to help organize and gather people for each shot. This person should have a copy of the shot list and be familiar with both sides of family members and wedding party to efficiently guide the process. It is also a plus if this person is able to project their voice and isn’t afraid to “take charge” a little bit. 🙂

7. Structure Your Shot List

Create a detailed list in the order you plan to take each shot. A typical sequence might look like this:

1. Couple with Wedding Party:

• Bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Groom with groomsmen

2. Immediate Family:

• Couple with both sets of parents
• Couple with bride’s parents
• Couple with groom’s parents
• Couple with siblings
• Couple with grandparents

3. Extended Family:

• Couple with bride’s family
• Couple with groom’s family
• Individual shots with important family members as desired

4. Special Combinations:

• Any unique family arrangements or close friend group shots

Still feeling a little overwhelmed? Download my sample shot list to help you get started.

8. Prepare for Flexibility

Be prepared for adjustments on the day. This is one of the most unpredictable segments of your wedding day. Factors such as weather, lighting, time constraints, rogue family members might require flexibility. Trust your photographer to make necessary changes that will still deliver great results.

Final Thoughts

With thoughtful preparation and a structured approach, your post-ceremony portraits will be a seamless and enjoyable part of your day. AND – most importantly – you will be able to pat yourself on the back for avoiding one of the most common wedding faux pas: having a long and disorganized wedding portrait photo session following your ceremony. Trust me. This extra work and coordination will pay off. Your wedding party and family will thank you as they peacefully enjoy your signature cocktail at your cocktail hour.

I hope this guide helps you orchestrate your post-ceremony photography smoothly and effectively!

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326