Your wedding day is filled with so many moments you wouldn't want to forget. The whole purpose of having a photographer is to capture these moments, so you never will.

While many weddings often focus on the bride, there are many important groom moments that you will insist your photographer is there for. 

Here are ten must-capture moments of the groom to insist your photographer takes on your wedding day: 

Getting ready. We've all seen the beautiful pre-wedding shots of the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready, but it's important to capture these moments for the groom as well. According to Bride.com, more and more grooms are becoming more involved in their wedding day planning and events. It's only fair to capture his joy along with the brides too. (1)

Whether it be him getting into his suit, shaking hands with his best man, or exchanging gifts with his groomsmen, all of these are worth capturing. Although maybe not as glamorous as their bridal equivalents, these moments are just as important to capture for the groom. The exchanging of gifts is a bridal party tradition, and you can find groom's gifts ideas here. 

1. With his parents/family

A beautiful moment to capture is between the groom and his parents or family. This could be giving his mother a final kiss before heading to the ceremony or a quiet moment between groom and father.

2. Waiting at the altar

The time the groom has to wait for his bride to be at the altar can be exciting and nerve-wracking and a very important moment to capture as the groom waits with his groomsmen before the big moment. 

3. The first look

While all eyes go to the bride as she walks down the aisle, a camera should be pointed at the groom to capture his loving expression as he catches a glimpse of his partner-to-be in her dress for the first time. It's a beautiful moment many people want to have a memory of after the wedding. Although only 34% of couples seeking a photographer ask for a second shooter, having two photographers can capture this moment from both perspectives. (2)

4. Ring Exchange

This is an important shot to take for both the bride and the groom, the classic exchanging of the rings. You'll want to capture that exact moment that the groom slides the ring onto the bride's finger as he reads his vows and vice versa. It's a more understated moment than the first kiss, but it's equally important. 

5. Signing the wedding certificate

Insist your photographer captures the groom as he sits down to sign the wedding certificate. It's a beautiful, important moment that you'll want to have a memento of. 

6. Groomsmen

After the ceremony, the bridal party often heads off to a beautiful location to get some traditional posed wedding shots. These are the photos most couples are paying high prices for; in fact, the average cost of a photographer in the U.S. is USD$ 3,133. Paying this much, you'll want to capture all the right portraits and group shots of the bridal party. (3)

Some classic shots you'll want to have done include the groom with all his groomsmen and one with him and his best man. 

7. Bridal toast

You can't forget the candid shots during the reception and one moment you'll want to capture is the groom giving his toast. It could also be a great idea to snap some shots of the groom listening to all the other toasts. The smiles, the laughter, or even some tears are beautiful moments and must-have shots. 

8. First dance

Another must-capture moment is when the bride and groom head onto the dance floor for their first dance. Again, this is a beautiful moment for both halves, but it's important to capture both the brides and enjoyment and the grooms. 

9. Farewells

Finally, when the bride and groom are ready to say goodbye to their family and friends, capture the groom as he does the rounds. You never know what beautiful candid moments you might capture as he shakes hands with family members and shares kind words and hugs with good friends wishing the new couple all the best. 

10. Happy snapping

Most photographers spend a lot of time capturing the bride on this special day, but it's also very important to get photos of all the wonderful moments of the groom. A lot of photo opportunities can capture beautiful candid moments, especially ones that you might not think about, such as the groomsmen exchanging gifts or capturing him waiting at the altar. Your wedding photos should feature a mix of both bride and groom to capture the essence of this very special day. 

References

1. "This Is What American Weddings Look Like Today," Source: https://www.brides.com/gallery/american-wedding-study

2. "Wedding Photography Industry Statistics and Report 2021," Source: https://www.yourperfectweddingphotographer.co.uk/wedding-photography-industry-2018/

3. "Spending and the Number of wedding-related Events Soar, According to Brides American Wedding Study 2018," Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spending-and-the-number-of-wedding-related-events-soar-according-to-brides-american-wedding-study-2018-300772495.html