Wedding Videography Shot List: Must-Have Moments I Capture at Every Wedding For 2026 & 2027
January 9, 2025
Reasons For A Wedding Videography Shot List
I have been a wedding photographer since 2007 and a wedding filmmaker since 2022. Adding videography to my service offering was a natural next step. I have already mastered my equipment and know how to compose photos. Over the past 3 years, I have been teaching myself various techniques to film and edit wedding videos. Below you will see my must have shot list for every wedding video I make.
Photography is my main focus, and no matter what, it takes precedence. During a wedding, I capture what I need then take the time to get video as well. Before the ceremony, I set up several cameras with different angles to capture the ceremony. Verifying that the recording has started is critical. When I first started learning video, I sometimes forgot to start the recording. Never again! During the ceremony, I have multiple cameras capturing wedding video. Meanwhile, I concentrate on taking still photographs.
Must Have Shots For Wedding Videography
At each wedding, I have a series of shots that are must-get-shots. Also, I always try to customize shots for each event. It is your day, and your wedding film should be unique to you. Below you will see some of the must-get-shots (not guaranteed) that I try to get at each wedding.
- I usually film the entire ceremony and take pieces for the video
- Wedding preparation and getting ready
- Reception dancing (fast and fun)
- First dance
- Mother/Son, Father/Daughter, Father/Son, Mother/Daughter
- I have been trying to get video of the wedding couple telling each other a special message
- Video of the features of the venue
Here Are Some Of The Other Shots That I Consider At Weddings
Before the Ceremony
- Drone establishing shot
- Exterior of venue
- Invitation suite
- Rings
- Dress
- Shoes
- Bouquet
- Groom details
- Bride details
Getting Ready
- Hair & Makeup
- Wedding party
- Parents helping
- Dress reveal
Ceremony
- Guests arriving
- Processional
- Groom reaction
- Bride entrance
- Vows
- Ring exchange
- First kiss
- Recessional
Portraits
- Couple portraits
- Wedding party
- Family
- Sunset portraits
- Drone footage
Reception
- Room details
- Grand entrance
- Toasts
- First dance
- Parent dances
- Cake cutting
- Dancing
- Sparkler exit
Check out a sample wedding film I made for a recent Cedar Springs Pavilion.
Tip: Find out why a formal photography shot list will keep your wedding day on track.
Every wedding is unique, and I approach it as such. While I have my shot list in mind, there are circumstances that cause me to rethink my video priorities. Most often, I see dozens of extra scenes I want to record. Wedding videography has really opened up a new creative world for me. I am always looking for fun and interesting angles to make your wedding films better.
Wedding Videography FAQ
- Do wedding videographers use a shot list? Many videographers “wing it” but I have an outline of what I want to film.
- What moments should every wedding video include? This depends on the wishes of the wedding couple.
- How long should a wedding highlight film be? The typical music video style is 3 minutes and the typical full length film is 5 minutes.
- Can you request specific shots? Of course! A few weeks before your wedding you’ll get the chance to submit a form for this.
- Do you film the entire ceremony? Usually, but it isn’t a guarantee.
- Do you record speeches? Sometimes. It depends on the wishes of the wedding couple.
Feel free to utilize my Guide To The Most Popular Dayton Reception & Wedding Venues For 2025.