Wedding Photos You Absolutely Have to Take with Your Mom

When planning the "shot list" for your wedding album, your photographer will be sure to include the details, special moments – like the first kiss you'll have as husband and wife and, of course, your first dance – as well as all of the joyous parts of the day in between that you'll want to remember forever. In the spirit of Mother's Day, we're sharing one element of the wedding album that we absolutely love: the moments shared between mothers and their children getting married.

If you have a good relationship with your mom, we encourage you to make sure you get a number of photos with her before and during the wedding day. After all, she's been looking forward to this day for a long time too! From sweet, candid moments in the bridal suite while getting into your gown, to fun-loving and touching portraits or glamorous shots of her in her wonderful dress, hair, and makeup, to walking you down the aisle and the mother-son dance (if you'll be taking part in these new customs), you'll want to look back on these images for years to come. Your mom likely played a very important role in the planning process and while fathers of the bride often get more attention on the big day, it's important to make sure mothers also feel special!

For inspiration, take a look at 23 photos of mothers and their daughters (and sons!) on the wedding day, below. Click each photo to see more from these real weddings!

Getting-Ready Photos

One of the easiest ways to make sure you get a photo of your mother during the wedding day is to have your photographer take either formal or informal portraits before the ceremony. Capture all of the sweet, fun, and joyous moments before the day even officially starts!

Photo by Lauren Ross & Nancy Cohn; Planning & Design by Posh Parties Palm Beach;Venue: The Breakers; From Real Wedding: Sophisticated Breakers Wedding with Pink Florals

Photo by Jodee Debes Photography; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Ceremony + Reception with Bright Color Palette at LA Ranch

Photo by Kaylie Plummer Photography; From Real Wedding: Chic, Alfresco Hotel Wedding with Elements of Modern Greenery

Photo by Abigail Lewis Photography; From Real Wedding: Hometown Wedding with Green + Gold Color Palette in Nashville

Photo by The Hickenloopers; From Real Wedding: Former Miss America Savvy Shields' Artsy Industrial-Chic Wedding

Photo by Collin Pierson Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Winter Wedding with Vibrant Lighting in Downtown Chicago

Photo by Adam Barnes; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; From Real Wedding: Elegant Real Wedding at a Charming Resort in the Countryside

Photo by Branco Prata; From Real Wedding: LA Dodgers' Kiké Hernandez & Mariana Vicente's Puerto Rico Wedding

Helping with Your Wedding Dress & Accessories

One of the most classic images of a bride with her mom in a wedding album is the shot of a mother helping her daughter into her wedding dress (or accessories). Especially if the mother of the bride helped you pick out a gown, you'll want to include this in your album!

Photo by Mallory Dawn Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Jewish Ceremony + Luxe Reception at Vibiana in Downtown LA

Photo by Aevitas Weddings; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Rooftop Ceremony + Ballroom Reception with "English Garden" Theme

Photo by Michelle Beller Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Ceremony + Beachfront Ballroom Reception in Santa Monica

Photo by Coco Tran; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Black Tie Wedding at a Historic Property in the Bay Area

Photo by Deyla Huss Photography; From Real Wedding: Chic Wedding with Sri Lankan Traditions at a Museum in Portland

Glamour Shots

It may be obvious to make sure you get a photo of both you and your mom on your big day; however, after choosing the perfect dress and getting her hair and makeup done, she'll absolutely love having a professional photo of her – and you can frame it as a Mother's Day present the following year! 

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Fairy-Tale Wedding with Enchanted Forest Theme in Santa Barbara

Photo by Adrienne Page; From Real Wedding: Pink and White Destination Wedding in Charleston, South Carolina

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: An Earthy & Elegant Eclectic Wedding with Rustic Elements

Walking Down the Aisle

In Jewish weddings, it's customary for both the mother and father to walk their child down the aisle; however, many brides choose to have their mom (or moms!) walk them down the aisle in lieu of a father figure. If this is the case for your celebration, make sure your photographer gets a bunch of shots to choose from!

Photo by Duke Photography; Entertainment by Bob Gail Events; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Luxurious Alfresco Ceremony & Ballroom Reception in Beverly Hills

Photo by Vitor Lindo Photo + Video; Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier; Entertainment by EastCoast Entertainment; From Real Wedding: Soft + Romantic Spring Destination Wedding in South Carolina

Photo by M. Hart Photography; Floral Design by Lilla Bello; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Beach Ceremony + Ballroom Reception at a Luxury Seaside Hotel in Santa Monica

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; From Real Wedding: A Rustic, Camp-Themed Outdoor Wedding

Mother-Son Dance

While the father-daughter dance has been popular for generations, modern-day weddings now often feature a mother-son dance to honor mom during the reception.

Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; From Real Wedding: Colorful Fall Wedding with Modern Details in New York City

Photo by Fitz Carlile Photography; From Real Wedding: Luxurious Wedding with Personalized Details in Downtown Los Angeles

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Oceanfront Ceremony & Opulent Pink and Metallic Reception

For more mom-related wedding ideas, see song ideas for your special dances with mom and dad at the reception, view more touching photos of brides with their moms, and view Mother's Day gift ideas for your mom and future mother-in-law!