If you buy one printed item, it MUST be an album; for your album you will need a few select photographs to make it magical. What are those must have photos for wedding albums?

For starters, it is important to have a solid selection of portraits. This could be a posed shot, or a candid shot of you interacting with one another during the reception. Capturing the two of you on your special day is a must have shot for your wedding album. This is why your photographer will likely prioritize portrait time in your timeline. 

Another important shot to include is a shot of each of you with your families and most important friends. Whether it’s a formal family portrait or a candid moment of them interacting with their families, this is a great way to document the families coming together to celebrate the newlyweds. I like to say that your wedding album is the prequel to your legacy, as it will tell the tale of your day to the generations to come. Having those that matter most included will only better tell your story. 

The wedding party should also be documented. You chose them to stand by you on this day, so allowing them a little documentation is a good idea.

It is also important to capture the details of the day, such as the attire, the rings, and the flowers. These details are a great way to bring back memories of your wedding day. What detail shots do is create an editorial vibe; rather than just being a documentation of what happened, the details add a little more depth to the story, and create a higher-end feel to the album. 

This is likely a given, but the ceremony is also a key part of the wedding and should be documented. Shots of the bride walking down the aisle, the couple exchanging vows, and the of course first kiss are all important moments to capture for your wedding album.

I personally don’t emphasize this as much as the previous parts, but if room allows, the reception is usually a fun part of the wedding and full of emotion, and can be a nice inclusion. These are usually high-energy and full of feels, so it can be nice to look back upon. 

Lastly, a shot of the couple leaving the reception with their newly minted marriage is a beautiful way to end your wedding album. End of the day, but yet just the beginning…

These are just a few of the must have shots for your wedding album. With careful planning and thoughtful photography, your wedding album will be filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!