Family Photo Shot List for Ontario Weddings
At weddings I photograph across Hamilton, Norfolk County, Cambridge, Guelph, and the surrounding areas, I’ve become incredibly quick and efficient at family photos.
I’ve lost count of how many times parents have told me they’re shocked at how smoothly it goes. Honestly? It’s just experience. I’ve done this a lot.
Family photos aren’t the most creative part of the day, but they matter. And if I can make them fast, organized, and completely stress-free, that’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Here’s exactly how I do it and the list you need.
Why these family photos matter
The thing is, after doing this for so many years and from my own personal experience, these photos can feel a bit like a formality. There’s a reason people call them “formals.”
But they’re also part of your family history.
Kids grow up. Grandparents won’t always be here. Even parents won’t.
I lost my dad, and the photos of us together on my wedding day mean more to me now than they did in the moment - standing on the grass, trying to organize everyone after the ceremony.
At the time, it felt like just another thing to get through. But now they are a treasure.
My dad and I on my wedding day
Here is the list you need!
Whether you want just immediate family or are going to for the whole clan including crazy great aunt Dorothy this template will help!
This couple had their dog come just for the photo!
Immediate Family
bride+parents
bride+mom
bride+dad
bride+siblings
bride+parents+siblings
bride+grandparents
bride+groom +grandparents
bride+groom+bride's family
groom+parents
groom+dad
groom+mom
groom+siblings
groom+parents+siblings
groom+grandparents
groom+bride+grandparents
groom+bride+grooms's family
bride+groom+all parents
both families together
bride+groom+dog?
groom+godparents
groom+maternal aunts
groom+maternal uncles
groom+maternal cousins
groom+maternal cousins/grandparents
groom+bride+all groom maternal family
groom+paternal aunts
groom+paternal uncles
groom+paternal cousins
groom+paternal cousins/grandparents
groom+bride+all groom paternal family
Extended Family
bride+godparents
bride+maternal aunts
bride+maternal uncles
bride+maternal cousins
bride+maternal cousins/grandparents
bride+groom+all bride maternal family
bride+paternal aunts
bride+paternal uncles
bride+paternal cousins
bride+paternal cousins/grandparents
bride+groom+all bride paternal family
Usually, couples get all aunts, cousins, grandparents from one side in a shot all together. Then you don’t need to do this lengthy extended family list.
On an occasion, I have done something called “ballroom blitz”. The DJ literally plays that song and the couple runs around to every table and gets a photo with them. A bit cookoo, a bit fun and super effective to get photos with everyone that came to celebrate you. Just warn me in advance!
If you want a photographer who keeps family photos organized, quick, and actually enjoyable, you can reach out here:
For more tips on planning stress-free family photos, read this → WEDDING FAMILY PHOTOS + HOW TO MAKE THEM FAST AND EASY