How to Plan Family Photos on Your Wedding Day & Photo List
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
partner A + parents
partner A + mom
partner A + dad
partner A + siblings
partner A + parents + siblings
partner A + grandparents
partner A + partner B + grandparents
partner A + partner B + partner A’s family
partner B + parents
partner B + dad
partner B + mom
partner B + siblings
partner B + parents + siblings
partner B + grandparents
partner B + partner A + grandparents
partner B + partner A + partner B’s family
partner A + partner B + all parents
both families together
couple + dog?
partner B + godparents
partner B + maternal aunts
partner B + maternal uncles
partner B + maternal cousins
partner B + maternal cousins / grandparents
partner B + partner A + all partner B maternal family
partner B + paternal aunts
partner B + paternal uncles
partner B + paternal cousins
partner B + paternal cousins / grandparents
partner B + partner A + all partner B paternal family
Extended Family
partner A + godparents
partner A + maternal aunts
partner A + maternal uncles
partner A + maternal cousins
partner A + maternal cousins / grandparents
partner A + partner B + all partner A maternal family
partner A + paternal aunts
partner A + paternal uncles
partner A + paternal cousins
partner A + paternal cousins / grandparents
partner A + partner B + all partner A 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