120 Must-Have Wedding Photos

Your wedding day is one of most anticipated moments of your life! It’s the moment you can honor the love that you share with your significant other and celebrate with all of your friends and family. That’s why wedding photos have become such an important part of your wedding planning.

Working with your wedding photographer to come up with some great wedding photo ideas is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. But not to worry, we’ve put together an amazing collection of photos to help get it covered. From intimate shots of your wedding dress and wedding rings, to the dance party at your reception, we’ve pulled together a variety of wedding photo ideas for you. After the wedding, you can slip your favorite shot into your thank you cards so everyone can remember your big day.

Use the filters to sort the collection below and find the right fit for your wedding photos. And remember to smile!

Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by location, subject and type. Click any photo for a larger view.

Put your ceremony location into perspective! This photographer captured a photo of the couple reading their vows from the aisle to display their stunning set up atop a high rise.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Steve Cowell Photo

Capture your bridal party in action. Prepare props to have fun with like confetti, rice or bubbles during the photoshoot!

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Danielle Poff

If you tie the knot in a city that’s representative of your family’s roots, capture moments in front of the skyline! When you gather the whole wedding party, make sure to get classic, candid and funny shots.

Source: Kristina Does the Internets

Photo credit: Cristina G Photography

Let the scenery do the talking on your wedding day. Whether you’re in the woods, on the beach or in the city, make sure you show the beauty of your venue with a wide angle shot of your wedding party.

Photo credit: Emilie May Photography

Capture a shot of the happy bride and groom sharing a kiss! Make sure to get options of the whole wedding party as well as just the two sharing the moment together.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Photo credit: Sally Pinera

Take the pictures you want with the flower girl and ring bearer towards the beginning of the photoshoot! That way you won’t have to worry about them getting too impatient during the shoot.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Shawna Hinkel Photography

Get a wide angle shot of the full wedding party cheering on the bride and groom! Make sure to capture the candid shots between the poses—sometimes those can be the most special.

Source: Jess Loves this Life

Photo credit: TM Inspired Photography

Don’t be afraid to get close! Embrace your bridal party to show how close you all really are.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: With Love and Embers

Don’t forget to plan pictures with your extended family even if they aren’t in your bridal party! Add extra time after the ceremony to fit in professional shots before heading to the reception.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Justine Bursoni

Prepare a shot list with your photographer before the big day. You’ll want to have fun action shots with all of your friends and family similar to this bride tossing the bouquet.

Source: MunaLuchi Bride

Photo credit: Courtney Dellafiora

You’ll want your wedding photos to tell the story of your wedding day. Remind your photographer that you want photos of the band, food and decor.

Source: Bella Naija

Photo credit: Jide Akinyemi Photography

Sometimes the photos at the end of the night can be the most memorable. Invite your photographer on the dance floor to capture you and your guests celebrating!

Photo credit: Steve Koo Photography

Prepare props so you and your bridal party can have fun with the photo shoot! Party blowouts, confetti poppers and sparklers will do the trick.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Ashley Rose Photography

Capture moments of the happy couple while others are giving a speech. Sometimes these can the be the most sincere moments!

Source: Sweet Ambs

Photo credit: Guy Chan Photography

The first moments as bride and groom are the sweetest. Get a shot of the happy couple walking down the aisle after tying the knot!

Photo credit: James Tracey

Capture the innocent hand-off of bride from father to groom! This momentous moment will be cherished forever.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Tyler Branch Photo

Invite your photographer into the bridal suite. You’ll want photos of your bridal party helping you get ready for the big day!

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Delbarr Moradi

Take a few moments to get individual shots of the bride and groom. This is the perfect chance to capture detail on the dress, makeup and hair.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Clay Austin Photography

Play with the angle and light! Take indoor shots with natural lighting or pictures under the moonlight as a happy couple.

Photo credit: Dave Donovan Photo

Focus in on the stunning bride and her incredible hair and makeup! Portrait shots will capture the beauty of either the bride or groom.

Photo credit: Vision By Bailey

Use the ceremony location to your advantage. Take shots on a path to the beach, by the waterfront or on the cobblestone street.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Jessica Kettle

Sometimes the sweetest moments are captured candidly. Invite your photographer into the bridal suite as you get ready!

Source: Bella Naija

Photo credit: Jide Akinyemi Photography

Use your location to your advantage. If your ceremony and reception are close to a beach, stop by for a quick photo op with your bridal party.

Photo credit: Kenzie Gossling

Ask your photographer for their suggestions on poses. You don’t have to be a professional model to look like one on your wedding day!

Photo credit: Photo House Films

Get close up shots of the details on your wedding gown. Shots like this will be passed down for generations.

Photo credit: Landon Hendrick

Scout your ceremony location for unique props and background ideas beforehand. You never know when you’ll find the perfect setting like this bride posing in a vintage bus.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Once Like A Spark

Capture the beauty of your wonderful bridesmaids! Don’t forget to get a shot of their hair on the big day.

Source: The Knot

Photo credit: Libelle Photography

Be one with nature! Grab your maid of honor and show your passion for the outdoors with some shots in a field of wildflowers.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Photo credit: Maria Lamb Photography

Candid photos of you and your bridesmaids laughing together are sometimes even better than posed shots. Share a funny memory or joke during the photoshoot to capture a moment like this one.

Source: She Thrives Blog

Photo credit: Amanda K

Use your surroundings to your advantage! This bridal party used stairs in a local park to capture a unique wedding photo.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Nicole DeJoseph Photography

Focus on the beautiful blooms you chose for your wedding party. Capture a shot of all your bridesmaids holding their bouquets.

Photo credit: Paige Jones

Capture moments in-between posed shots! These candid pictures can be some of your favorites from the big day.

Photo credit: Taken by Andre

Get all moments on the bride! Make sure to get a photo of all of the beautiful bridesmaids admiring the bride on her special day.

Source: Jassamine Elaine

Photo credit: The Carrs Photography

Put the bride at center stage! Capture the moment of all of the bridesmaids admiring their beautiful friend.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Danelle Bohane

Prepare your shot list with the photographer in advance! Make sure to have plenty of photo ideas with you and your bridesmaids.

Source: Entirely Erica

Photo credit: I Romanticize

Show that your bridal party isn’t messing around. Have your photographer take a photo looking up at your girls to see how tough they really are!

Photo credit: Sheldon Isaac

Be playful during your photoshoot! One of the most important things is to enjoy making memories with your significant other, friends and family.

Photo credit: Lilli Waters

Get a picture of you and your loved one dancing under the lights! It will be the perfect reminder of an incredible wedding night.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Shannen Natasha

Incorporate sparklers in your wedding reception entrance! Not only will your guests love to light them up, but you’ll also get an incredible photo of you two together.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Bette Walker Photography

Make sure your photographer is ready to snap endless pictures after the nuptials! You’ll want plenty of photos of your first moments as a married couple.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Erin H Photography

Capture the moment you adorn each other’s ring fingers! This classic moment will be cherished forever through stunning photos.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Photo credit: Maria Lamb Photography

Capture a photo of the entire ceremony crowd from the entrance of the church! You’ll want photos of all of your friends and family showing their support for years to come.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Justine Bursoni

Put the happy couple at center stage! Show the support of your family and friends by picturing them out of focus.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Cassie Loree Photography

Capture the first kiss as a married couple! This is the first day of the rest of your lives.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Lauren Fair Photography

If you’re getting married in a scenic location, position your ceremony location in front of an impressive backdrop.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Samm Blake Weddings

Get plenty of shots of the happy couple sharing a kiss! Change up the angle and lighting until you capture the perfect shot.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Bette Walker Photography

Natural lighting can make all the difference in your wedding photo. Use the sun to your advantage in your wedding photoshoot.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Bright Bird Photography

Add color to your photoshoot by posing in front of natural elements during your wedding photoshoot! These fuchsia-colored flowers make the perfect background to a classic photo of the couple.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Heather Curiel

Succulents and air plants are trendy for weddings! Incorporate them in your decor, place settings and wedding favors—and, don’t forget to capture photos of them.

Photo credit: Kristin Moore Photo

The happy couple won’t have trouble stopping traffic. Take your photos in front of a sentimental location such as this couple did in front of the state house.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Shandro Photo

Change up the poses for the married couple! Get some shots of them standing, sitting and even dancing.

Photo credit: Stellar Year

Who knew that wind could be a good thing on your wedding day! To mimic this photo, have one of your bridesmaids hold the veil in the background and let go on the photographer’s count.

Photo credit: Birds of a Feather Photography

Capture the sweet moments of the first dance! Let your photographer know if you’re planning any special moves so they can prepare in advance.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Emily Wren Photography

Use depth of field to your advantage! Take a photo of the husband and wife in focus.

Source: The Knot

Photo credit: James Christianson

Work with the lighting! If you capture a moment of the married couple in front of a spotlight, it will create a stunning backlight effect on the two.

Source: Huffington Post

Photo credit: Megan Kuethen

You can’t forget about capturing the moment the cake is cut! Be prepared to snap a photo of the bride and groom smashing the cake into each others face.

Photo credit: Rebecca Anne Photography

Edit some of your photos in black and white! It will add a timeless quality to a present photo.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Wild Whim Design and Photography

When speeches are made, make sure to position one photographer towards the speaker and the other towards the married couple. That way you can capture the adorable responses of both parties.

Photo credit: Landon Hendrick

Use lighting to your advantage. Capture the rays of light spanning behind the happy couple.

Photo credit: Amber Gress

Make it look like they’re the only two in the room. Capture a moment of the couple during their first dance from the crowd’s point of view.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Katie Pritchard

Edit your photos in black and white to create a timeless appeal. You can even replicate some shots of generations before you!

Source: A Clothes Horse

Photo credit: Epic Love Photography

Capture moments when the bride and groom least expects it. Point the camera towards them even when the focus is on someone else.

Photo credit: Andrew Keher Photography

Have your photographer take pictures of the set up before your guests arrive! You’ll want to capture the details of your wedding day to reminisce on.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Bell Studio - Esther and Gabe

Put your flowers in focus. If you have an impressive bouquet, don’t forget to have your photographer capture the arrangement on your big day.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Bright Bird Photography

Make sure that your photographer takes plenty of photos of the place settings! You might not have a chance to see them before your guests arrive.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Clay Austin Photography

While one photographer is working with the bridal party, make sure you have someone on duty to take background pictures. You’ll want to capture all parts of your wedding day, including the decor.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: CTG Photography

Make sure that your photographer arrives early! You’ll want plenty of pictures of the set up before your guests arrive.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Ellen Leroy Photography

Have your photographer capture all of the flowers on your wedding day! From the bouquets and adorned aisles, to the centerpieces, you’ll want to capture the wonderful designs your florist pulled together.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Heather Curiel

Take a solo shot of the gorgeous dress before the bride slips it on! Some brides use a special hanger with their initials for an added detail.

Source: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo credit: Heidi Ryder Photography

Capture a wide-angle shot during a toast for the bride and groom! You’ll want plenty of photos of all of your guest, beyond your bridal party.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Photo credit: Marina Koslow Photography

If you want to show off your wedding bands in a creative way, try resting them in a soft bloom.

Photo credit: Rebecca Anne Photography

Keep it cool and remind your groomsmen to bring their sunglasses to the wedding! Everyone will enjoy incorporating their shades into the poses.

Photo credit: Anna Marisol

Don’t forget to capture a shot of the entire banquet hall before the guests arrive. You’ll want to capture the details you created during all of your wedding planning!

Photo credit: Rebecca Anne Photography

Get a shot of the entire venue before the guests arrive. You’ll love to see how all of your wedding planning came together before the celebrations!

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Wild Whim Design and Photography

Don’t forget to captures photos of your wedding favors before the guests take them home! They might end up inspiring your friends or family members who are looking for wedding ideas in the future.

Source: The Knot

Photo credit: Amy Arrington

Capture a shot of your bouquet contrasting your pure white wedding dress!

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Danielle Poff

Make sure that your photographer snaps pictures of the minor details! These hanging flowers make for a stunning design element that you’ll want to remember forever.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Delbarr Moradi

Leave enough time for your photographer to capture moments of the bride and groom getting ready! This photo was captured in the groom’s suite before the boutonniere’s were secured.

Source: A Clothes Horse

Photo credit: Epic Love Photography

Play with depth of field during your photoshoot. Stagger the groomsmen or bridesmaids behind the bride or groom for a creative shot.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Christina Marie Photography

One of the most anticipated moments of the day is seeing the groom’s face as his bride walks down the aisle! Don’t forget to capture this moment on camera.

Photo credit: Steve Koo Photography

Capture the parents of both partners on the big day! Whether they’re helping you get ready, walking you down the aisle or giving a toast, you’ll want picture to reminisce on the special moments you shared with them.

Photo credit: Ann Marie Frames

If you’re photographer keeps a low profile, they’ll capture sincere and honest moments! This picture of the best man adjusting the groom’s tie is something they’ll cherish forever.

Source: The Knot

Photo credit: Christine Foehrkolb

Take individual shots of both partners before the first look! You’ll be able to see the participation on their faces.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: David & Sherry Photography

It’s not all about the wedding gown! Capture the details of the grooms tux on the big day.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Harmony Lynn Photography

Put the groom front and center! Take a shot of the lucky man moments before he sees his bride for the first time.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: This Girl Nicole

Use your ceremony location as the background to your wedding photos! This fireplace filled with white candles contrasted against the groom’s black tux contrasts each other seamlessly.

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo credit: Danielle Poff

Take photos of the moments that their partner can’t see! Each significant other will love to see the memories you made preparing for the ceremony.

Photo credit: Once Like A Spark

Take an action shot of the groomsmen during the photoshoot! For some people, it can be more comfortable than posing for formal shots.

Photo credit: Aimee Denise Photo

Keep it casual and take a photo of the groomsmen with their hands in their pockets! They’ll enjoy changing up the poses during your wedding photoshoot.

Source: She Thrives Blog

Photo credit: Amanda K

The most fun wedding photo ideas are the action shots! Come up with a few unique ideas and be prepared to share some laughs.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Amenson Studio

Use any available staircases to your advantage. From funny to serious, these groomsmen enjoyed changing up their poses during this wedding photoshoot.

Photo credit: Bola Ososami

No matter the season, use the outdoors to your advantage! Whether you’re posing on the beach, in the snow or around the foliage, you’ll capture impressive photos that you can cherish forever.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: CTG Photography

Have the groom come up with fun wedding photo ideas on his own! You might be surprised by how creative him and his groomsmen can be.

Photo credit: D.A. Hitchman Photography

Look surprised! Wedding photoshoots aren’t all about the formal pictures. Have fun with action shots, unique poses and candid pictures.

Photo credit: Divine Cinematix

Organize the groomsmen in a straight line and walk towards the camera! To make the photo look slightly more candid, tell them to ignore the lens.

Source: Stay the Bomb

Photo credit: Perry Vaile

Keep it casual! Jump in the back of the truck to enjoy typical moments spent with the guys.

Source: DIY Weddings Mag

Photo credit: Photos By Yvonne

Raise a glass (or a beer!). The guys will have fun enjoying a cold brew together during the photoshoot.

Source: Entirely Erica

Photo credit: I Romanticize

Backless gowns are becoming more and more popular! Make sure you capture all of your dress details by taking a picture from behind.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Koman Photography

Not all pictures need to be standing! Take a picture with all of the bridesmaids sitting in the grass. To avoid stains, bring blankets to go under everyone’s dresses.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Nautical Studios

The toasts can be the most memorable part of the day! Capture the moments that the bride and groom cheers to their family and friends.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Blue Martini Photography

The veil is symbolic for a bride to wear on their wedding day! To replicate a photo like this, have the maid of honor hold the veil in her hand while capturing it take over the photo.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Will Pursell

Is the lake symbolic to your love story? Use that to your advantage and hop in a row boat for a unique wedding photo idea.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Will Pursell

Use the sun to your advantage! Natural light will help create the most elegant wedding photos.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Barnett Photography

Don’t forget to take pictures with your furry friend on your wedding day! Your dog is a big part of you and your significant other’s life together, so don’t forget to feature the little guy in your photos.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Red Balloon Photography

Provide rose petals to your guests at the ceremony! They’ll love to throw them during the recessional and it will make for an impressive action shot.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Lauren Michelle

There are so many wedding photo ideas for during the toast! Make sure to get pictures of the couple, presenter and guests throughout the speeches.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Meghan Mehan

Get plenty of photos sharing a kiss! This adorable groom and bride chair makes for a sweet prop to incorporate in the photo.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Meghan Mehan

Don’t be afraid to get close with your bridesmaids! Take a photo with a simple background to put all of the focus on your crew.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Cly By Matthew

Capture a picture of your invitations, save-the-dates and favor tags together!

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Jennings King Photography

Get a wide angle shot of the entire wedding party! Get some formal, funny and action shots to mix it up.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Rachel Blackwell Photography

Take a portrait shot of the happy couple sharing a kiss. Use a plain background to put them at center stage.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Catherine Guidry

Incorporating a photobooth at your wedding is a way for guests to have fun and for you to capture everybody! Have your photographer take candid photos of you having fun in it.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Vesic Photography

Capture the sincere moment of the father walking the bride down the aisle. These will be pictures treasured for the rest of their lives.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Daniel Hon Photography

Adorn yourself and your bridesmaids with fur shawls on your wedding day. Not only will they keep you all warm, but they will look chic in pictures.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: The Perfect Shot

There is nothing more romantic than riding on horseback. Incorporate a horse into your wedding photos.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Blue Rose Pictures

Be prepared for sunset! Have your photographer keep track of time and remind you when to head outside for a beautiful shot.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Carly Fuller

Request that your photographer bring a drone to your wedding! That way you can get special photos from all angles—perfect for those having destination weddings.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: The Youngrens

You’ll share many kisses on your wedding day! Capture a photo of you two toasting for the first time as a married couple.

Source: Wedding Paper Divas

Photo credit: Katie Parra