Your Ultimate Chicago Wedding Photo Checklist: 100 Must-Have Moments

Planning your wedding in the Windy City? As a seasoned Chicago wedding photographer, I know how important it is to capture every detail of your big day. From those intimate getting-ready moments to the all-out celebration at the reception, having a solid wedding photo checklist can help ensure no memory goes undocumented.

Here’s a list of 100 must-have moments to include in your wedding photo checklist. But remember, this list is just a guide! Your storyteller photographer will likely have their own plan, so there’s no need to hand them a copy. Instead, use this list to think about the photos that matter most to you. Let’s dive in!

Photos that you should have on your wedding photography checklist

In the category below, you will read all the memorable moments of the wedding ceremony that need to be recorded by your wedding photographer.

• Getting Ready photos
• Detail Shots
• Wedding Party Prep
• Ceremony photos
• Family Photos
• Couple Portraits
• Wedding Reception
• Chicago-Specific Shots

Getting Ready: The Excitement Begins

The morning of your wedding day is filled with anticipation and excitement. These moments are just as important as the big ceremony itself.

1. Wedding dress and suit displayed on hangers
2. Bride and groom getting hair and makeup done
3. Candid shots of the wedding party in their getting-ready attire
4. Bridesmaids toasting with champagne
5. Groomsmen sharing a celebratory drink
6. Parents helping the bride or groom get ready
7. Special moments between the couple and their closest friends
8. The first look between the bride and her parents
9. The first look between the groom and his parents
10. Final touches before heading to the ceremony

Read more: How to get amazing getting ready photos in your wedding

Detail Shots: The Little Things That Matter in Wedding Photo Checklist

Your wedding day is all about the details. Capturing these elements helps tell the full story of your day.

11. Close-ups of the bouquet, boutonniere, and corsages
12. The ceremony and reception venue, both inside and out
13. Wedding invitations and stationery flat lay
14. Ceremony decor, like altar arrangements and aisle markers
15. Reception room decor, including centerpieces and table settings
16. Wedding rings are displayed in a unique way
17. The bride’s shoes and jewelry
18. The groom’s cufflinks, tie, and boutonniere
19. A close-up of the wedding bands
20. Any sentimental items, like family heirlooms or a tribute to loved ones

Read more: Why it is important to have wedding invitation cards!

Wedding Party Prep: The Bonds of Friendship

Your wedding party has been with you through it all. These photos celebrate the bond you share with your closest friends.

21. The bride with her bridesmaids in their robes
22. The groom and his groomsmen share a laugh
23. The bridal party’s reaction to seeing the bride in her dress
24. The groom and his groomsmen adjust their ties
25. The bride’s parents see her for the first time in her dress
26. The groom’s parents see him for the first time in his suit
27. The flower girl and ring bearer are getting ready
28. The bride with her maid of honor
29. The groom with his best man
30. A candid moment between the bride and her bridesmaids

Read more: Are You Planning to Propose on Valentine’s Day?

Ceremony: The Heart of Your Wedding Day in the Checklist

This is where the magic happens! Your photographer will be there to capture every emotional moment.

31. Guests arriving and finding their seats
32. The groom waiting at the altar
33. The wedding party’s procession down the aisle
34. The flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
35. The bride’s grand entrance
36. The groom’s reaction as he sees the bride
37. The couple’s expressions during the vows
38. The exchange of rings
39. The first kiss
40. The newlyweds walking back up the aisle, officially married!
41. A wide shot of the ceremony from the back
42. The couple’s parents during the ceremony
43. The wedding party standing at the altar
44. Guests reacting to special moments during the ceremony
45. The officiant performing the ceremony
46. A close-up of the couple holding hands during the ceremony
47. The couple’s first moments as newlyweds
48. The recessional with the wedding party
49. The couple greets guests as they leave the ceremony
50. The newlyweds exiting the ceremony venue

Read more: Unique Chicago Wedding Venues

Family Photos: Cherishing Your Loved Ones

Family portraits are some of the most meaningful photos from your wedding day. Make sure to include everyone who matters most to you.

51. The couple with each set of parents
52. The couple with their siblings
53. The couple with their grandparents
54. The couple with their extended family
55. The couple with their immediate families
56. The bride with her mother
57. The groom with his father
58. The bride with her father
59. The groom with his mother
60. Generation photos (e.g., bride, her mother, and grandmother)

Read more: Tips About Family Pictures on the Wedding Day

Couple Portraits: Important part of your Wedding Photo Checklist

These are the photos you’ll frame and cherish for years to come. Whether candid or posed, they’ll capture your love perfectly.

61. The first look between the bride and groom
62. Sweet, candid moments between the couple
63. Traditional posed shots
64. Close-ups of the couple’s hands with their wedding rings
65. Romantic shots of the couple walking hand in hand
66. The couple kissing
67. The couple sharing a private moment away from the crowd
68. The couple standing in front of a beautiful backdrop
69. A wide shot of the couple with the city skyline
70. The couple is in an intimate embrace

Read more: Creative Bride & Groom Poses

Wedding Reception: The Celebration Continues

The reception is where the fun really begins. Your photographer will be on hand to capture all the joy and excitement of the evening.

71. Guests mingling during cocktail hour
72. The wedding party’s grand entrance
73. The couple’s grand entrance
74. The first dance
75. The couple at their table during the reception
76. Table photos of guests enjoying themselves
77. Guests raising their glasses during toasts
78. The couple’s reaction to toasts and speeches
79. Parent dances (father-daughter, mother-son)
80. The wedding party and family members dancing
81. Guests dancing and having a good time
82. The band or DJ performing
83. The cake cutting ceremony
84. The couple feeding each other cake
85. Guests enjoying the photo booth or other entertainment
86. The bouquet toss
87. The garter toss
88. The last dance of the evening
89. The couple’s grand exit
90. The couple in their getaway car

Read more: First dance tips for the bride and groom

Chicago-Specific Shots: Embrace the City’s Charm

If you’re tying the knot in Chicago, don’t forget to capture the city’s iconic landmarks and unique atmosphere.

91. The couple with the Chicago skyline in the background
92. Photos at the Art Institute of Chicago
93. Shots at Millennium Park, with the Bean as a backdrop
94. The couple on the Chicago Riverwalk
95. The couple on a Chicago street, with city life in the background
96. The couple in front of a historic Chicago building
97. A night shot of the couple with the city lights
98. The couple on a bridge over the Chicago River
99. The couple in a Chicago neighborhood that’s special to them
100. The couple in a park with the fall colors or spring blossoms

Read more: Different Environments for Wedding Portraits in Chicago

Trust Your Photographer for the best Wedding Photo Checklist

As a Chicago wedding photographer, my goal is to capture the essence of your day. While this checklist is a great starting point, remember that the best photos often come from those unexpected, candid moments. Trust your photographer to tell your love story through their lens, and you’ll end up with a collection of images you’ll treasure forever.

Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, having a wedding photo checklist can help you and your photographer stay on the same page. But above all, enjoy every moment—these are the memories you’ll look back on for a lifetime!