Wedding Family Photos: List + Timeline Tips to Keep Them Fast and Easy
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.
My dad and I on my wedding day
At the time, it felt like just another thing to get through. But now they are a treasure.
When Should They Happen?
After the Ceremony
This is by far the easiest option. I always recommend telling immediate family ahead of time that family photos will happen right after the ceremony and that they need to stay after it’s done. It also helps if the officiant makes a quick announcement before everyone is dismissed. It’s bingo bango immediate family photos done. If you are really wanted extended family photos done, you can do them after the ceremony as well - but it will take longer so be prepared.
Do Them After the First Look
I have occasionally done family photos after the first look and before the ceremony. This can work really well and gives couples more time later in the day, but it really only works if you have a punctual family. If your people are notorious for being late, don’t go with this option.
Doing Family Photos in the Morning
Some couples choose to do their individual family photos in the morning while they are getting ready, and then only do the photos with both sides of the family together after the ceremony. Mostly, because they don’t want a first look and are trying to get some photos done. This can work, but I personally find it can feel a bit scattered and harder to keep organized because family photos are happening at multiple times and locations throughout the day.
It also means family members need to be ready earlier and available at specific times in the morning, which doesn’t always happen on a wedding day.
Extended Family Photos During the Reception
If extended family photos are important to you, another option is to do immediate family photos right after the ceremony and then do extended family photos later during the reception, often after dinner. This can be much easier because we are not trying to gather a large group of people while everyone is heading to cocktail hour and no one is really listening or staying in one place.
During the reception, I will have the extended family photo list and we can gather people one group at a time for more casual indoor photos.
Do You Need a Family Photo List?
One thing I always tell my couples is that you usually do not need a detailed photo list for immediate family. I include a checklist in my month-before questionnaire so I already know your family dynamics and any important relationships to be aware of. After photographing many weddings, the combinations are burned into my brain and I move through them very quickly and efficiently. I will guide everyone through the photos so no one has to wonder where to stand or what comes next.
Where a photo list becomes important is if you want extended family photos like aunts, uncles, cousins, or large group combinations. This is when a list helps keep things organized and makes sure we don’t miss anyone important. I also probably haven’t met these family members yet and will need their names. It is very helpful if a bridesmaid, groomsman, or family member who knows everyone can help point people out and gather the next group.
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?
Extended Family
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
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
One Small bur Important Note
During family photos, please make sure everyone is looking at the photographer and not at phones or cameras behind us. When multiple people are taking photos at the same time, people end up looking in different directions. I will politely tell to hold off a sec and once I have got the shot, the paparazzi can have their turn.
Quick Tips for Smooth Family Photos
To make family photos quick and stress-free, here are the most important things to remember:
Immediate family photos are usually best right after the ceremony
Tell family ahead of time to stay after the ceremony
Keep the formal photo list mostly to immediate family
Extended family photos are often easier to do later during the reception
Have someone who knows both families help gather people
Make sure everyone is looking at the photographer’s camera, not phones
The shorter and more organized the list is, the faster this part of the day goes
Family photos may not be the most exciting part of the wedding day, but they are often some of the most important photos you will have years from now. These are the photos with your parents, grandparents, siblings, and the people who have been part of your life long before your wedding day.
With a little planning, a short photo list, and everyone knowing where they need to be, family photos can be quick, organized, and much less stressful than most couples expect. The more organized this part of the day is, the more time you will have to relax and actually enjoy your wedding. If you have a huge greek family and you need 150 different combinations, may the force be with you.
