You’re filming a wedding. Awesome.
But what shots do you actually need to capture to create an incredible wedding film?
That’s exactly what this guide is going to show you. This is the complete wedding videography shot list that I’ve refined over 15+ years of filming weddings.
Download your free shot list PDF here:
https://get.whoismatt.com/weddingshotlist
Save it to your phone or print it out so you never miss a moment on a wedding day.
Why You Still Need a Shot List
You’ll hear people say that wedding films are art and shouldn’t be boxed into a checklist.
That sounds nice… but it’s not practical.
Every wedding has critical moments you cannot miss. You would never stop recording before the kiss, right?
This shot list is your foundation. It guarantees you capture everything essential. Then your creativity builds on top of it.
Think of this as the minimum coverage required for a great wedding film.
Download it here before we dive in:
https://get.whoismatt.com/weddingshotlist
The Core Framework: Wide, Medium, Tight
This is the most important concept in this entire guide.
For everything you film, get:
- Wide shot
- Medium shot
- Tight shot
If you follow this rule, editing becomes dramatically easier because you always have variety.
1. Establishing Shots
Start every location with establishing shots.
These shots tell your audience where they are and provide context.
- Drone wide shots of venue
- Gimbal shots walking in
- Medium shots with foreground elements
- Tight shots of details like architecture
If you’re using a gimbal for these shots, this will help you get smoother footage:
how to use a gimbal
If there are multiple locations, you need establishing shots for each one.
2. Groom Prep
Start by establishing the room using your wide, medium, tight framework.
Then capture:
- Groom interacting with groomsmen
- Laughing, talking, joking
- Putting on dress shirt (window light is best)
- Cufflinks
- Tie adjustments
- Jacket going on
Pro tip: Always get a mix of wide, medium, and tight for each action.
Moody Thoughtful Shots
This is one of the most powerful shots you can get.
Have the groom:
- Look out a window
- Look down
- Look at camera
These shots become emotional storytelling gold during editing.
If he wrote a letter or you want to do a quick interview, this is the perfect time.
3. Bride Prep
Same structure:
- Establish the room
- Show the bride early
- Capture interactions with bridesmaids
Hair & Makeup Rules
Only film the second half of the process.
Avoid:
- Hair extensions
- Fake eyelashes
- Contour application
Focus on:
- Hairspray
- Lipstick
- Final touch-ups
More Moody Shots
Before the dress goes on, get those same emotional shots of the bride.
This is also the best time for:
- Letter reading
- Interview
Dress Shots
- Zipper going up
- Mom or maid of honor helping
- Bridesmaids’ reactions to the dress
4. First Look
This is one of the most emotional parts of the day.
Capture:
- Groom waiting (moody shots)
- Bride walking up (gimbal works great)
- Reaction from both
Huge tip: You can ask the bride to pause so you can reposition. You are allowed to direct.
If possible, have:
- One camera on groom
- One camera on bride
Then let the moment breathe. Capture everything naturally.
5. Ceremony
Start with establishing shots:
- Empty ceremony space
- Guests arriving
- Hugs and greetings
Processional
- Front aisle angle
- 50mm lens works great
- Capture everyone walking in
Main Ceremony
- Two tripod cameras (both sides)
- Close-ups during vows
- Reaction shots of family
The Kiss & Exit
- Center aisle for the kiss
- Walk backward filming exit
Do not stop recording.
The celebration right after is one of the best moments of the entire day.
6. Portraits
Focus on movement, not just poses.
- Walking together
- Spinning
- Dipping
- Hands running along arms
- Kissing shoulder
You can get all of this in about 5 minutes.
7. Reception
Establishing + Details
- Wide of room
- Centerpieces
- Decor details
Grand Entrance
- Wedding party
- Couple entrance
- Wide + tight shots
Dances
- Wide for context
- Tight for emotion
Toasts
- Speaker close-up
- Guest reactions
Events
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet toss
- Garter toss
Dance Floor
Go handheld and keep moving.
- Medium and tight shots
- 20 to 30 seconds per group
- Work around the floor in a circle
Watch for:
- Important guests
- High energy moments
- Dance circles
8. Exit Shots
Could be:
- Sparklers
- Bubbles
- Glow sticks
Capture:
- Guests lined up
- Close-ups of props
- Couple walking through
- Wide shot of car leaving
Final Thoughts
If you capture everything on this list, you will have everything you need to create an incredible wedding film.
This shot list removes stress, gives you confidence, and lets you focus on being creative.
Download the full shot list here:
https://get.whoismatt.com/weddingshotlist
Save it to your phone and use it at every wedding.
If you want to go deeper into editing your footage, check out my full guide:
Edit Videos Like A Pro