The Ultimate Wedding Detail Photo Checklist

If wedding detail photos matter to you, save this checklist.

This guide walks you through exactly what to set aside for your photographer before they arrive.
It also includes optional accessories that can elevate your wedding detail photos from simple to editorial.

You do not need everything on this list. But a few intentional extras can make a big difference.

What Wedding Detail Photos Include

When I photograph wedding details, I typically capture:

• A flat lay of the invitation suite and jewelry
• Ring photos
• Dress or outfit photos
• Bouquet photos
• Select individual detail shots if time allows

I also photograph the reception space before guests arrive. This includes tables, florals, place settings, and signage.

For the ceremony, I capture the setup before it is disturbed. That includes florals, chairs, signage, and meaningful decor.

Getting married in Roanoke? Check out my guide to the best wedding venues in Roanoke.

Still Life vs. In-Context Wedding Details

This article focuses on still life wedding detail photography. But my favorite way to photograph details is actually what I like to call “in context.”

Shoes while you are wearing them.
Your veil as it is held by your parent before being placed.
Your dress on your body, not just on a hanger.

Object shots are beautiful, but context is what makes them emotional. Whenever the timeline allows, I capture both!

In other words, know that when you work with me, I will make sure all of the pieces you put so much time and effort into gathering are documented beautifully! 

Why Work With Me for Your East Coast Wedding

Hi! I’m Kara. I’ve been photographing weddings and elopements across the East Coast for nearly a decade and I understand how real wedding days unfold, not just how they look on a timeline. I know how to work quickly without rushing, how to adapt to changing light and weather, and how to document details in a way that feels elevated but never forced. When you work with me, the pieces you spent months choosing are photographed with care, intention, and an eye for storytelling, so they feel connected to the people and moments that made your day meaningful.

Check out my wedding prices & packages.

Inquire to find out if your date is available.

Recommended Wedding Detail Accessories

If you want a more refined or editorial look for your detail photos then you are going to need a few accessories to go with your details like a ring box with a removable lid or a simple ring dish helps frame your rings without distraction.

Wax seals, ribbon, or gauze in your wedding colors can bring cohesion to a flat lay.

Perfume or cologne adds a subtle sense of luxury, especially if you have a signature scent.

Vow books and vintage stamps add texture and meaning.

Extra blooms from your florist are one of the most impactful additions. They soften images and help tie everything together visually.

The key is intention. Choose pieces that match your wedding style and tell a story.

Natural textures work beautifully for garden or outdoor weddings. Clean lines and neutral materials suit a more minimal aesthetic. Heirloom pieces add depth to sentimental or family-focused days.

Personal touches matter. That might be a custom hanger with notches, handwritten letters, or heirloom items passed down in your family.

For the ceremony, I try to grab a shot of the ceremony setup before it’s disturbed by guests, details of flowers or decor if present and any special signage. 

Whatever is there, I photograph. But if you want that “luxury flatlay” look or really want to uplevel your detail shots here are a few extra accessories that help do that. 

Optional Wedding Detail Accessory Checklist 

Think about the theme of your wedding when choosing which accessories to bring with you. Having a garden wedding? Include tiny pots and fairy garden tools. Having a travel themed wedding? Bring a map for a backdrop, a decorative compass and vintage camera. Having a forest themed wedding? Bring greenery you’ve gathered or acorns from your favorite oak tree or bring a beautiful handmade cutting board as backdrop for your flatlay. 

Optional wedding detail checklist:

• A ring box – I prefer ones like this that have a removable lid. That way the lid doesn’t get in the way of the flat lay! 
• Custom ring dishes are also beautiful. Just note that in the box linked above the rings fit facing upward and in a ring dish they will be photographed flat. You can also do both! 
• Custom wax seals and stamps are a beautiful addition to flat lays – especially if you used a seal with your invitation suite!
• Ribbon or gauze in your wedding colors can be a beautiful way to tie a flat lay together 
• Perfume or cologne – especially if you have a signature scent – is a great way to add a hint of luxury to your detail shots 
• Vow books can be a beautiful detail to include in your detail shots 
• Vintage stamps can also be a beautiful detail to include in your detail  
• Extra blooms from your florist. Make sure when you do your floral order you include extra flowers from your florist so I can use the in your detail shots 
• Personalized hanger for wedding outfit. Pro tip: Make sure the hanger you choose has notches – it can be hard to get wedding dresses or jumpsuits to stay on hangers without them
• Vintage or personal items such as a beloved book of poetry, photo of your grandparents, personal letters to one another or items you got on vacation like cigars, momentos. 

Wedding Detail Checklist for Detail Photos

This list includes all of the things you should have on hand for your photographer before they get there. 

Pro tip: Gather everything you want photographed in a plastic storage bin. That way you aren’t leaving hair and makeup trying to figure out where your shoes got to. You can just hand your photographer the bin and they can start working on your details!

• Invitation suite x 2 (just in case one gets bent)
• All rings Pro Tip: Get your rings professionally cleaned before your big day so they are nice and shiny for your photographs! 
• Cufflinks
• Tie clip
• Tie or bow tie 
• Wedding shoes Pro Tip: Even if you plan on slipping on flats or tennis shoes later in the evening, include a fancy pair of shoes for your detail photos
• All jewelry 
• Hair accessories 
• Veil
• Watch 
• Bouquet
• Boutineer 
• Handkerchief 
• Belt/suspenders  
• Socks (if custom or fun)
• Wedding outfits 

How Much Time Will Your Photographer Need for Detail Shots?

On a traditional wedding day I try to allocate an hour for details. I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s kind of like Tetris in that we show up and are handed a bunch of objects that we then need to organize in an aesthetically pleasing way. Doing this takes time and some trial and error! Ideally I usually set up 2-3 versions of a flat lay before moving on to photographing the more important details individually like the dress and shoes and bouquet. If we don’t have an hour then of course I’ll do the best I can, but like anything, I find the more time I have, the better the end result.