(Shot list for wedding videos that actually mean something)

There’s something a little surreal about seeing your wedding day on film. It’s like time folds in on itself—and suddenly, there you are again. Laughing in the desert light, saying “I do” with the wind gently tugging your veil, twirling under a sky turning peach and gold. The right video doesn’t just replay moments. It reminds you what it all felt like.

That’s the magic of an intentional video wedding shot list.

If you’re planning your Arizona wedding and wondering what shots can we do for our wedding venue, you’re not alone. This state is full of epic landscapes—from red rock cathedrals to cactus-lined trails—and your video should feel just as expansive, emotional, and unforgettable as the place itself.

So, let’s talk about the must-have shots for your wedding venue and what actually belongs on a meaningful, well-curated shot list for wedding videos. These five aren’t just pretty—they're powerful.

1. The Venue Reveal (aka: the moment it all comes to life)

Before the guests arrive. Before you step into your dress. When everything is still and quiet—your venue is holding its breath.

Capturing a wide establishing shot of your venue is a must. It sets the stage and anchors your story. Whether you’re getting married in Sedona, the Superstition Mountains, or at a tucked-away desert hacienda, the backdrop becomes part of your narrative.

Ask your videographer to capture it in golden hour light before everything kicks off. Arizona’s glow does not mess around, and those soft desert tones? Perfection!

2. The First Look (or First Touch)

I’ll be honest—this one gets me every time. Whether you do a full reveal or just hold hands around a corner, the intimacy here is unmatched. It’s quiet. Honest. A bubble of calm before the chaos.

What makes this shot essential isn’t just the emotion (though, yes, your partner tearing up is iconic). It’s you being fully present with each other, even for just a few minutes. That’s rare on a wedding day.

And hey—if you’re skipping the first look altogether? Totally okay! The first moment you see each other down the aisle can carry just as much emotional weight, and it absolutely belongs on your video wedding shot list.

3. The Vows (with real, crisp audio)

If your vows don’t make it into the final film, what are we even doing here?

Whether you’re exchanging personal promises or traditional ones, your vows are the emotional heartbeat of the day. That means clear audio is non-negotiable. Lapel mics may not be glamorous, but they’re the unsung heroes of wedding videography.

Also: if you’re writing your own vows, and you’re worried about crying, stumbling, or forgetting what you meant to say… good. That means they matter. That means they’ll make your film unforgettable.

4. Golden Hour Portraits (because Arizona does drama well)

There’s a reason Arizona photographers and videographers beg for golden hour—it's that fleeting pocket of time when the light turns liquid and everything feels like a movie.

This is when we sneak away for 10–15 minutes. No crowd. No stress. Just the two of you kissing in front of giant saguaros, or dancing under a wide-open sky that’s turning lavender.

Not only does this create the most visually stunning part of your film, it also gives you time to slow down and just be together.

5. That One Unspeakably “You” Moment

Okay, this one’s not a classic. You won’t find it on any Pinterest list. But it’s the one I look for most!

Maybe it’s you belly-laughing during speeches because your maid of honor told the “vacuum cleaner” story. Maybe it’s your dad’s reaction when you adjusted his boutonnière. Maybe it’s when your new spouse grabbed your hand during the reception and whispered, “We did it.”

Those are the shots that feel like you. And they’re what turn a highlight reel into an heirloom.

So while we’ve covered the technical “must-haves,” don’t forget to leave space for the unexpected. For the unscripted. For the shots that can’t be planned—but absolutely deserve a spot in your shot list for wedding videos.

Bonus: 3 Quick Tips to Help Your Videographer Nail the Shot List

• Talk it out early: The more your videographer knows about your priorities, the more intentional your film will be. I love doing these calls with my couples so that I can truly understand their vision for what they 1000% want included in their wedding film.

  
  

• List special moments + people: Want a shot of grandma holding your hand during the ceremony? Flag it.

  
  

• Trust the process: The best moments often happen between the planned ones. Give your team room to capture those, too. I pinky promise you won’t be disappointed.

  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  

So, What Shots Can We Do for Our Wedding Venue?

I'm so glad you asked. Arizona venues are practically begging to be filmed well. From mountain overlooks to desert gardens to twinkle-lit courtyards, the location itself plays a major role in your film. Your videographer should be scouting the space, understanding the light, and crafting a video wedding shot list that honors the space and your story. (Need an AZ wedding videographer? I know a girl!)

Want help building a shot list that actually fits your vision (and doesn’t just check boxes)? I’m here for it.

Let’s make something you’ll love watching 25 years from now.

Because this isn’t just a video. It’s a legacy.

Check out this blog to see one of my favorite wedding videos

Arizona Wedding Videographer | Emily Faye Films

Whether you're dreaming of a wedding day that feels effortless to you, filled with real, unscripted moments, or you want a film that transports you back to the way it felt, you deserve more than a standard wedding video. You deserve a wedding videography experience that’s as authentic and timeless as your love story. That’s exactly what I’m here to create. Let’s capture the moments that matter most, without the awkward posing or forced emotions. Ready to relive your day, exactly as it happened? Let’s make it happen! Get in touch, here! 

Want to see more of my Arizona Wedding Videography? Head to my Pinterest to save ideas for your wedding planning boards!