How to Plan Your Wedding Family Photos

Family photos might not be the most exciting part of the wedding day—but trust me, they’re some of the most meaningful. These are the people who raised you, supported you, and are cheering you on as you start this new chapter together. 💛

Family Photo Guide for Your Wedding Day

Family photos might not be the most exciting part of the wedding day—but trust me, they’re some of the most meaningful. These are the people who raised you, supported you, and are cheering you on as you start this new chapter together. 💛

That said, family photos can also get a little hectic without a plan (cue the missing uncle or the cousin who went to the bar early 😅). Don’t worry—I’ve got you! With a little prep, this part of the day can be quick, smooth, and even fun.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your family wedding photos organized and stress-free—from creating your shot list to wrangling the right people at the right time.

How to Keep Wedding Family Photos Organized and Easy

Family photos are a must on your big day—but without a plan, they can take way longer than you expect! Each group photo takes about 2–3 minutes, so the more groups you add, the more time it will take.

Here’s how to keep things smooth and stress-free:

📱 Let Your Family Know Ahead of Time

Tell your family before the wedding when and where the photos will happen. If we’re doing them right after the ceremony, have your parents or someone from each side send a group text a few days before. Trust me—it’ll save time and prevent confusion!

Here’s a message you can copy and send:

“Hi [Name],
We’re so excited to see you soon!
Right after the ceremony, we’ll be taking some quick family photos. Please stay close by—we’ll do them right at the ceremony site. We want to get to cocktail hour as soon as possible, so the quicker we all show up, the quicker we can party!
Love, [Your Name]”

⏰ When Should We Take Family Photos?

The best times are:

• After the ceremony (while everyone’s still nearby)
• Before the ceremony (if you’re doing a first look)

Missed anyone? No worries! We can catch up during the reception.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Should Be in Formal Family Photos?

Usually:

• You two (the couple)
• Your parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings (plus their partners and kids)

If you want extended family (like aunts, uncles, and cousins), let’s add them too—just keep in mind it’ll take a little more time.

📍Should We Do Family Photos at the Church or Reception Venue?

If you’re getting married in a church, it’s super easy to do the family formals right after the ceremony—everyone’s already there. If we wait until the reception venue, people tend to wander off (bathroom breaks, parking, etc.), and it can slow things down.

💛 Sample Family Photo List

(Use this as a guide to help plan your groupings — you can add, remove, or tweak it to fit your family!)

👶 Children First

If you have little ones or elderly grandparents, start with these so they don’t have to wait too long.
☐ B+G → flower girls + ring bearers (can also be with the whole wedding party) 
☐ B → flower girls 
☐ B →  ring bearers 
☐ G → flower girls 
☐ G →  ring bearers

👰 Bride’s Family Photos

☐ B+G → mother + father 
☐ B+G → mother + father +  siblings 
☐ B+G → mother + father +  siblings 
☐ B+G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings 
☐ B+G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings + their children
☐ B → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings + their children
☐ B → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings 
☐ B → mother + father + grandparents + siblings 
☐ B → mother + father + grandparents 
☐ B → grandparents  (each set of grandparents,  each grandma, each grandpa)
☐ B → mother + father
☐ B → mother 
☐ B → father
☐ B+G → all groom’s siblings
☐ B → all siblings
☐ B → each of the siblings
☐ B → both moms
☐ B → mother in law
☐ B → both dads
☐ B → father in law

🤵 Groom’s Family Photos

BIG FAMILY GROUPINGS  (If there is little children or grandparents start with them first)
☐ B+G → mother + father 
☐ B+G → mother + father +  siblings 
☐ B+G → mother + father +  siblings 
☐ B+G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings 
☐ B+G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings + their children
☐ B+G → all groom’s siblings
☐ G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings + their childre
☐ G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings 
☐ G → mother + father + grandparents + siblings 
☐ G → mother + father + grandparents 
☐ G → grandparents  (each set of grandparents,  each grandma, each grandpa)
☐ G → mother + father
☐ G → mother 
☐ G → father
☐ G → all siblings
☐ G → each of the siblings
☐ G → both moms
☐ G → mother in law
☐ G → both dads
☐ G → father in law

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Both Families Together

☐ B+G → mothers + fathers 
☐ B+G → mothers + fathers +  siblings 
☐ B+G → mothers + fathers +  siblings 
☐ B+G → mothers + fathers + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings 
☐ B+G → mothers + fathers + grandparents + siblings + significant others of siblings + their children
☐ B+G → all cousins

Need help building your list or printing it out? Just let me know – I’m here to help make this part of your day easy and fun!

Ready to plan your big day here? Contact me, Bozena, and let’s capture unforgettable romantic wedding photography!

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