Utah Wedding Photography Shot List Guide: What to Include (and What to Leave to Your Photographer)
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When you’re planning your wedding, one of the most common questions couples ask is: “Should I give my photographer a photo list?”
The answer: yes…and no.
A thoughtful list of family formals and any must-have traditions is essential, but you don’t need to worry about micromanaging every little photo moment. You hired your wedding photographer for their artistic eye, storytelling skills, and ability to anticipate the natural flow of the day.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
1. Why a photo list matters (and where it doesn’t)
2. The wedding timeline items you don’t need to write down
3. What to include on your formal portrait list
4. How to collaborate with your photographer without stifling creativity
Why You Don’t Need a 200-Item Wedding Photography List
Pinterest makes it easy to think you need a massive checklist for your photographer: putting on shoes, adding accessories, first kiss, cake cutting, first dance, etc. But here’s the truth: your photographer already knows these are key parts of documenting your wedding day.
Professional photographers have covered countless weddings. We’re trained to anticipate the emotional beats and subtle in-between things that make your story unique. Instead of focusing on a rigid checklist, trust your photographer to:
1. Capture all the expected highlights naturally as they happen
2. Notice the unscripted, candid shots you’d never think to list
3. Translate your day into a cohesive story, not a staged catalog
Wedding Session
Starting at $750
- $250/hour, 3 hour minimum
- Average of 50-100 edited images per hour of coverage
- $250 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due one week before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
- Discounted rate available for Engagement and Bridal Session additional sessions
When a Photo List Is Helpful
Where a list becomes incredibly valuable is for family formals and cultural traditions. These moments don’t unfold organically… they require structure.
1. Formal Family Portraits
Your wedding day moves fast, and wrangling family can be chaotic. Having a list ensures no one is forgotten and portraits are efficient. For example:
- Couple with immediate families (parents, siblings, grandparents)
- Couple with extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.)
- Couple with wedding party
- Any special groupings (stepfamilies, godparents, chosen family)
I always recommend keeping this list realistic — think quality over quantity. A well-curated set of group photos saves time and keeps the energy high for your guests. You can always make a list of “must-have” groupings for family, then a back-up list of “nice-to-haves” and have your photographer check-in on how you’re doing and if you’d like to continue on getting the secondary list of photos or be done with portraits.
2. Cultural or Religious Traditions
Every wedding is unique. If your day includes a tradition or celebration that’s meaningful to you, it deserves to be on the list. Examples may include breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding, doing a money dance, or any personal family traditions that have been passed down.
These are not only important to document but also to anticipate, since some may happen quickly or in a specific order. Your photographer may not be familiar with these traditions, so it’s important to let them know details so they can be prepared to capture the moment.
3. Specific Personal Requests
Sometimes, couples have a vision for one or two unique poses like a sunset dip, a champagne spray, or recreating a family heirloom photo. Sharing these in advance ensures that we can plan out the timing, lighting, and location within your venue to make it happen.
What You Don’t Need to Tell Your Photographer
You don’t need to do a giant list of typical wedding moments that photographers are automatically documenting like:
- The ceremony processional and recessional
- Your vows, first kiss, and ring exchange
- Reception entrances, first dance, speeches, and cake cutting
- Details like the wedding outfits and accessories, florals, and décor
- Candid guest reactions and emotional in-between moments
Trying to list all of these can actually backfire because if I’m glued to a checklist, I might miss the spontaneous moments that truly define your day.
The Balance of Collaboration & Trust
Your wedding photographer isn’t just a vendor. They’re a storyteller and collaborator. By giving input where it matters and letting go elsewhere, you’ll get the best of both worlds:
- Collaboration: You provide guidance on what matters most to you (specific people, traditions, requests).
- Trust: You allow your photographer freedom to use their artistry to capture your day authentically.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t tell your caterer how to cook every dish, but you’d definitely tell them if you had an allergy or a favorite flavor you wanted included. Same idea with photography.
Tips for Creating Your Wedding Photography Shot List
Here’s how to make a list that’s helpful, not overwhelming:
Keep It Focused on Family + Traditions
Stick to the essentials. List names and relationships so portraits run smoothly (e.g., “Partner A with Parents and Sister” instead of “Family photo”).
Share It in Advance
Send your photo list at least 2 weeks before the wedding. This gives your photographer time to review, ask questions, and create a game plan.
Assign a Family Helper
Choose someone (not you!) who knows the key players to help gather people for portraits. This keeps things moving quickly.
Limit Pinterest Inspiration
It’s okay to share a few photos that capture your vibe, but try not to send 50 screenshots.
Communicate Priorities, Then Let Go
If a first look with your dad is non-negotiable, let me know. If you don’t care whether I capture cocktail hour details, that’s good to know too.
Because at the end of the day, wedding photography isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about capturing memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Ready to Find Your Utah Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning your wedding in Utah, you deserve a photographer who knows how to balance your vision with authentic storytelling. I’ll work closely with you to create a thoughtful family portrait list while giving you the freedom to enjoy your wedding day without worrying about what’s being captured.
From breathtaking Utah landscapes to intimate candid moments, my goal is to document your love story with honesty, artistry, and joy. Let’s create timeless images you’ll treasure forever.
Contact me today to book your Utah wedding photography and start planning a day that feels as effortless as it looks.
