Tips on your family wedding photos

Your family is everything to you, and your wedding day is one of the most important milestones in their lives. As a photographer, capturing the joy and love shared among your family members is a top priority. But how can you ensure that your family wedding photos turn out amazing?

Family wedding photos are far more than just pictures. They are a profound testament to the love, joy, and togetherness experienced on one of the most significant days in a person’s life. Investing in quality photography ensures that these moments are preserved beautifully and meaningfully, serving as a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Importance of Family Wedding Photos

Organizing your family photo list is indeed an essential step for a seamless wedding day experience. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure that this process is efficient and stress-free:

Create Comprehensive List:

  • Immediate Family: Start with immediate family members, including parents, siblings, and grandparents. Consider different groupings, such as just the couple with parents, siblings together, etc.

  • Extended Family: Include aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives who are important to you. Plan for combinations that highlight different parts of the family.

  • Special Combinations: Think about unique groupings or significant relationships that you want to capture, such as childhood friends who are like family, or godparents.

  • Specific Requests: Detail specific requests, such as capturing a shot with family heirlooms or at a particular location within the venue.

Next, designate a family member or friend to be responsible for rounding up the necessary people when it’s time for each photo. This will help keep the process moving efficiently, allowing you to get through the list without delays. 

Finally, be sure to communicate the photo list to your photographer ahead of time. This will give them the opportunity to plan the logistics and ensure they capture every important moment. With a little upfront organization, you can enjoy your wedding day without the stress of rushed or missed family photos.

Timing and Logistics:

  • Plan Photo Sessions: Decide whether family photos will be taken before or after the ceremony. Consider the schedule to ensure there’s enough time without feeling rushed.

  • Efficient Transitions: Have the point person manage transitions between groups to keep things moving smoothly. This minimizes waiting time and keeps guests from wandering off.

Backup Plan:

  • Weather Contingencies: If the wedding is outdoors, have a backup plan for indoor locations in case of bad weather.

  • Flexible Timing: Be prepared to adjust the schedule if necessary. Communicate any changes quickly to the point person and photographer.

Organise Your Family Photo List for a Smooth Wedding Day

  • Bride and Groom

  • Bride and Groom + Celebrant

  • Bride and Groom + Parents of Bride and Groom

  • Bride and Groom + Groom’s Parents

  • Bride and Groom + Bride’s Parents

  • Bride and Groom + Bride’s immediate Family (parents and siblings)

  • Bride and Groom + Groom’s immediate Family (parents and siblings)

  • Bride + Parents and siblings

  • Groom + Parents and siblings

  • Bride + Grandparents

  • Groom + Grandparents

  • Bride + Extended Family

  • Groom + Extended Family

  • Bride and Groom + Extended Family

  • Bride and Groom + Bridesmaids

  • Bride and Groom + Groomsmen

  • Bride and Groom + Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

  • Bride and Groom + Maid of honor and Best man

  • Bride and Groom + Bridal Party

  • Bride and Groom + Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

  • Bride and Groom + With Close Friends

  • Group Photo of all Guests

By following these steps and using this checklist as a guide, you can ensure that your family wedding photos are organised and captured smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your special day with minimal stress. Feel free to adjust and customise this list to suit your specific family dynamic and preferences.


Here is a comprehensive wedding family photo list that you can consider