Chapter 15: Church Wedding Photography Shot List
This shot list ensures you cover all important moments during a church wedding, from the ceremony to group portraits and detail shots. Make sure to communicate with the couple in advance about any religious restrictions or specific shots they want, as some churches have rules regarding flash or movement during the ceremony. Having a well organised shot list helps you deliver a full and comprehensive narrative of the day.
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Pre-Ceremony Shots
- Exterior of the Church – Wide-angle shot of the church, signage, and entrance.
- Interior of the Church – Wide shot of the empty sanctuary, altar, pews, and stained-glass windows.
- Altar & Religious Symbols – Focus on significant religious symbols such as crosses, statues, or artwork.
- The Wedding Programs – Close-up of any wedding programs or hymn books provided to guests.
- Flowers and Decorations – Detailed shots of the flowers, aisle runners, candles, or any special decorations inside the church.
- Wedding Rings on a Bible or Hymn Book – A creative close-up of the rings placed on a meaningful object such as a Bible or hymn book.
Getting Ready Shots
- Bride Getting Ready – Capturing the bride with her bridal party, putting on the veil, dress, or jewellery.
- Groom Getting Ready – Groom with groomsmen adjusting ties, buttoning jackets, or putting on cufflinks.
- Close-ups of Accessories – Wedding rings, shoes, bouquet, and the groom’s boutonnière.
- First Look (Optional) – If the couple chooses to do a first look before the ceremony.
Ceremony Shots
- Guests Arriving – Candid shots of guests greeting each other and entering the church.
- Bride and Groom with Family or Bridal Party – Shots of pre-ceremony moments, interactions, and conversations.
- Processional Setup – The bridal party getting into position.
Processional
- Groom at the Altar – The groom waiting at the altar, capturing his expression.
- Bridal Party Walking Down the Aisle – Bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer walking down the aisle.
- Bride Entering the Church – The bride at the entrance of the church, framed by the doorway or arch.
- Father of the Bride Giving Her Away – Capturing the emotion of the moment as the father of the bride gives her away.
- Guests Watching the Procession – Candid reactions from the guests as they witness the bride’s entrance.
During the Ceremony
- Vows Exchange – Close-up shots of the couple exchanging vows and holding hands.
- Ring Exchange – A tight shot of the hands during the exchange of rings.
- Wide Shot of the Ceremony – A view of the entire congregation from the back of the church.
- Candid Reactions of Parents and Guests – Emotional reactions from parents, family members, and guests during key moments.
- The Kiss – Capture the first kiss from different angles, including a wide shot and a close-up.
- Lighting of the Unity Candle (Optional) – If the couple includes this tradition.
- Communion or Religious Rituals – If the ceremony includes special religious practices such as communion, blessings, or prayers.
- The Couple Praying – If the couple kneels or prays together at the altar.
Recessional
- Bride and Groom Walking Back Up the Aisle – Capture the joy on their faces as they walk back up the aisle as a married couple.
- Guests Applauding and Throwing Confetti or Flower Petals – If allowed inside the church, capture these celebratory moments.
- The Couple at the Church Doors – A shot of the couple at the doors or exiting the church.
Post-Ceremony Shots
- Bride and Groom at the Altar – Portrait of the couple in front of the altar.
- Bride and Groom with Immediate Family – Formal shots with parents, siblings, and grandparents.
- Bride and Groom with Bridal Party – Group portraits of the bridesmaids and groomsmen at the front of the church or outside.
- Bride with Bridesmaids – Fun and formal shots of the bride with her bridesmaids.
- Groom with Groomsmen – Fun and formal shots of the groom with his groomsmen.
- Entire Wedding Party – A group shot of the entire wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearer).
- Bride and Groom with Extended Family – Portraits with aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends.
Creative Couple Portraits
- Bride and Groom in Front of Stained-Glass Windows – Use the vibrant colours and light from the stained-glass as a backdrop.
- The Couple in Prayer at the Altar – Capture a reflective, intimate moment of the couple kneeling or holding hands at the altar.
- Candid Moments – Capture the couple sharing private moments, such as whispering or laughing together, without posing.
- Wide Shot of the Couple in the Church – The couple standing in the centre aisle with the grandeur of the church around them.
- Silhouette Shot in Front of the Church Door – Frame the couple as they stand in the doorway, creating a silhouette.
- Close-Up of the Couple’s Hands – The couple holding hands with their wedding rings visible.
Candids and Special Moments
- Candid Shots of Guests – Guests mingling after the ceremony, greeting the couple, or sharing a moment.
- The Couple Leaving the Church – Capture the couple walking out of the church after the ceremony, ideally with smiling guests behind them.
- The Send-Off – If the couple plans a send-off, such as releasing doves or ringing church bells, be sure to capture it.
Reception Prep (if at the church)
- Reception Décor (if held at the church) – Photos of table settings, the cake, and other reception décor if it is set up within the church or nearby.
- Bride and Groom’s First Dance (if applicable) – If the church allows, capture the couple’s first dance, either inside or on church grounds.
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