10 Must-Have Wedding Photographs for Couples on Wedding Day

Your wedding day isn’t about perfect poses—it’s about the real, raw, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. The quiet inhale before you walk down the aisle. The way your partner’s eyes light up when they see you. The wild, uninhibited joy on the dance floor.

At Timeless Tales Creatives, we don’t just take photos—we document your wedding day story. The unscripted, the beautifully imperfect, the utterly you. Here are 10 must-have wedding photographs that will transport you right back to the emotions of the day, every time you look at them.

10 Must-Have Wedding Photographs for Couples on Wedding Day

The Chaos of Getting Ready

Forget stiff, posed shots—this is where the anticipation, the laughter, and the beautiful mess of emotions happen.

Key photos to Include:

• You getting ready with your closest friends and family.
• The moment your parents see you for the first time in your wedding dress
• That deep breath before stepping out for the ceremony

Pro Tip: The best photos happen in between moments—when you’re laughing with your best friend or lost in thought.

That First Look (or the First Glance at the Aisle)

Whether it’s a private first look or the moment you lock eyes down the aisle, this is raw emotion at its finest.

Key photos to Include:

• Your partner’s face the split second they see you
• The nervous excitement just before the reveal
• The way you instinctively reach for each other

Pro Tip: Forget us. Focus on each other. The best reactions happen when you’re lost in the moment

The Walk Down the Aisle

That moment when everything and everyone fades away except the person waiting for you.

Key Shots to Include:

• Your partner’s reaction—pure gold
• You looking at each other walking you down
• The energy in the room as guests witness it all
• The love and happy tears when your parents give you away to your partner.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Walk slow, breathe it in, and let us capture the magic.

The Vows—Tears, Laughter, Everything in Between

Your words. Their expression. The way your hands tremble or squeeze tighter with each promise.

Key Shots to Include:

• The subtle, unspoken gestures: a shared glance, a tear wiped away
• Your hands holding each other steady
• The moment right after you say, “I do”

Pro Tip: Let yourself feel everything. The more you feel, the more powerful the photos.

The First Kiss—But Also What Comes After

Sure, the kiss is iconic, but what about that look right after? The pure joy of “we just did that!”

Key Shots to Include:

• The exact moment your first kiss
• Your first reaction after—laughter, relief, giddy excitement
• The crowd cheering (or shedding a few tears!)

Pro Tip: Kiss longer than usual. Give yourself (and us) a moment to capture it all.

The Wild Just-Married Energy

The second the ceremony is over, the adrenaline kicks in. It’s a rush, and it’s incredible to document.

Key Shots to Include:

• That “We did it!” expression
• Guests throwing petals, confetti, or cheering wildly
• The tight, giddy hug right after

Pro Tip: Hold each other close for just a second longer. Let it sink in.

The Portraits That Aren’t Posed

Forget standing stiffly and smiling at the camera—this is your time to just be together.

Key Shots to Include:

• Wind in your hair, laughter in your eyes
• The way your hands naturally find each other
• Quiet, stolen moments away from the crowd

Pro Tip: Don’t think about posing. Move, breathe, whisper something funny, just be present.

The Wedding Party in Their Element

The people who know you best, celebrating like there’s no tomorrow.

Key Shots to Include:

• A dramatic, all-together shot
• Candid moments—tequila shots, ridiculous dance moves, tight group hugs
• The raw, in-between moments of deep friendship

Pro Tip: Let loose. The best group shots are the ones where you forget we’re even there.

The Party in Full Swing

This is where the documentary magic happens—people completely in the moment.

Key Shots to Include:

• The first dance (whether sweet or hilariously offbeat!)
• Sweaty, joy-filled dance floor chaos
• Quiet, unexpected moments between the noise

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about looking perfect. Just feel it. Move, spin, laugh—we’ll take care of the rest.

The Grand Exit (or the Last Quiet Moment Together)

Whether it’s sparklers, fireworks, or just you two taking a breath together, this is the final chapter of the day.

Key Shots to Include:

• A cinematic exit with guests cheering you on
• One last, breathtaking kiss
• The look of pure exhaustion and bliss as you step into forever

Pro Tip: If there’s no planned exit, sneak away for one last quiet moment—just the two of you.

FAQs about 10 must have wedding photographs

Your wedding isn’t about perfectly posed moments—it’s about the heartbeat of the day. Hope the 10 must-have wedding photographs helped you create a vision for your day. The big, loud moments and the tiny, quiet ones in between. That’s what we capture. That’s what lasts.

Looking for a documentary wedding photographer in Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, or Canmore? Let’s make some beautiful wedding photographs together that will include the 10 must have wedding photographs.