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Wedding Photography & Video Checklist

Photos and video are how you’ll revisit the day. These tasks cover choosing and booking your photographer, planning the shots that matter and making sure you receive everything you paid for.

Create my planSee all 8 tasks

By The ReadyToWeddy Team · Updated

Quick answer

What should be on a wedding photography checklist?

Book your photographer 9–12 months ahead, or up to 18 months for peak dates, and decide early on video and an engagement shoot. About 4–8 weeks before, share a must-have list of family groupings and key people. Afterwards, back up every file in two places, follow up on deliverables and choose photos for prints.

Photography & Video checklist: 8 tasks in order

  1. 12+ Months Before

    Decide on a videographer

    Decide if you want film, then match style and deliverables

    7–18 months beforeOptional

  2. 9–12 Months Before

    Book your getting-ready space and wedding-night stay

    Good light and space for hair, makeup and photos

    5–11 months before

    Book an engagement photo session

    Get to know your photographer and images for save-the-dates

    7–12 months beforeOptional

  3. 1–3 Months Before

    Share a must-have photo list

    Focus on family groups and people they won’t recognize

    Up to 3 months before

  4. First 48 Hours After

    Back up your photos and videos

    Keep at least two copies, like cloud and an external drive

    Up to 2 weeks after

  5. First Month After

    Follow up on photos, video and other deliverables

    Track contract delivery dates and follow up kindly

    Up to 6 months after

    Choose photos for prints or an album

    Shortlist favorites and check any album selection deadline

    Up to 12 months afterOptional

Photography & Video guides

Step-by-step help for the biggest photography & video decisions.

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Frequently asked questions

Which photography tasks happen after the wedding?

Back up every photo and video in at least two places within the first few days, follow up if deliverables are later than your contract states, and choose photos for albums or prints whenever you’re ready.

Is an engagement photo shoot worth it?

It’s optional. Some couples enjoy the practice in front of the camera and use the photos on save-the-dates; others skip it. If you’d like one, book it with your wedding photographer 9–12 months ahead.

Do you need a wedding videographer?

Only if video matters to you. Some couples love hearing voices and vows again; others are happy with photos. If budget is tight, a short highlight film or a friend recording the ceremony are possible alternatives.

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