The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Family Photo Groupings (with a Free Checklist!)
Planning your wedding timeline? Let me guess—you’ve thought about the venue, the ceremony, your dress… but have you thought about how family photos will go?
Here’s the truth: family photos can either be a smooth, joyful part of the day—or a stressful scramble that eats up time and energy.
As a wedding photographer who’s helped dozens of couples navigate this exact moment, I’m here to walk you through how to keep it stress-free, organized, and efficient. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which groupings to plan for, how long it takes, and how to set yourself up for success. PLUS—you’ll get a free printable checklist to make the process even easier.
Why Family Photos Matter
These are the photos that often hang in frames, get shared with grandparents, and become heirlooms. But they can quickly turn into chaos if there isn’t a plan in place. I’ve seen it all: missing uncles, wandering toddlers, confused grandparents…
Let’s make sure that’s not your experience.
How to Organize Family Photos Smoothly
Here’s the system I use for every wedding I photograph:
- Make a Shot List – Providing your photographer with a pre-planned list of family photo combinations helps keep everything on schedule. This is especially helpful when there are certain photos you want captured! Use first names on your shot list—not just titles like “bride’s aunt.”
- Assign a Family Photo Helper – Designate a bridesmaid or family member to help gather people for photos.
- Schedule Ample Time – Family portraits take time, so add buffer space to your wedding timeline. I always suggest to plan for 30 minutes after the ceremony for family photos.
- Inform Family Members in Advance – Let relatives know when and where they’re needed for portraits. This is especially important if you are planning to take some family pictures before the ceremony!
- Choose a Beautiful & Well-Lit Location – I usually use your ceremony location to take family photos since everyone is already there. However, if you have an alternate location in mind, great! Let me know! Outdoor or naturally lit spaces enhance your wedding photos and create a timeless, elegant feel.
The Must-Have Wedding Family Photo List
Alright, here we go! Remember, everyone’s family is unique! Here’s a great starting point for traditional wedding family photo combinations. These can be tailored to fit your situation:
Immediate Family
- Bride & Groom + Bride’s Parents
- Bride & Groom with Bride’s Parents and Siblings
- Bride & Groom with Bride’s Siblings
- Bride with Parents (Together + Individual)
- Bride with Siblings
- Bride & Groom + Groom’s Parents
- Bride & Groom with Groom’s Parents and Siblings
- Bride & Groom with Groom’s Siblings
- Groom with Parents (Together + Individual)
- Groom with Siblings
- Bride & Groom + Both Sets of Parents
- Couple + All Parents + All Siblings
- Bride & Groom with Both Sets of Parents
Extended Family
- Couple + Bride’s Grandparents
- Couple + Groom’s Grandparents
- Couple + Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins (Bride’s Side)
- Couple + Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins (Groom’s Side)
- Large Group Photo of Both Families Together
Special Wedding Photo Requests
- Generational Family Photo (Bride, Mother, Grandmother)
- Groom with Father & Grandfather
- Special Cultural or Religious Family Photos
- Blended Family Portraits (Stepparents, Stepsiblings)
- Fun & Candid Family Moments
Keep scrolling down to get the printable!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Family Photos Take?
It depends on how many groupings you have! They can be as quick as 15 minutes or as long as 45 minutes.
What if someone’s running late?
No problem! We can usually adjust the order and come back to that photo later.
Can we include pets?
Absolutely! Bringing your pets into your photos help make your family photos reflect you! Just make sure someone is assigned to help wrangle them.
What about wedding party photos?
We will take wedding party photos at a different time!
Can I customize the list?
Yes—this is YOUR day. Use the list as a guide, but build a custom list that reflects what photos you want!
Get the Free Printable Shot List
Want to be 100% confident and organized? Grab the free Wedding Family Photo Checklist below. Print it, share it, and bring it with you!
Let's Make It Easy
Family photos don’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right photographer (hi, that’s me!), they can be one of the most meaningful and joyful parts of your day.
Need help building your own shot list or customizing the flow of your wedding timeline?