How to Build a Family Photo List for Your Wedding

As the months and weeks start inching closer to your upcoming wedding day, one of the tasks that does require a little attention is a family photo list for your photographer. Making sure you take the time to sit down and think through the shot list of pairings and groups you’ll want those formal photos with ensures they don’t get missed! Family photos can sometimes feel like the most 'stressful’ part of the day. This is usually because there are a lot of emotions (excitement, anticipation, happiness) and there are a lot of people and usually lack of communication with people beyond the immediate family. Fear not, I’m here to help you prep and plan family photos to make your day EASY and STRESS FREE!

Why Your Family Photo List Matters More Than You Think

Family photos are some of the most cherished images from your wedding day—but they can also be one of the most stressful parts if not thoughtfully planned. That’s why I work closely with my couples to create a streamlined family shot list ahead of time. It keeps things moving, avoids chaos, and ensures no one important is accidentally left out.

But more than just a checklist of names, your family photo list should reflect your relationships, your priorities, and the flow of your day. This guide will walk you through how to create a list that’s thoughtful, efficient, and perfectly you.

Step 1: Think About How You’ll Use These Photos Later

Before you list out every combination possible, ask yourself:

• Who are the people I know I’ll want framed in my home?

• Which family photos might go in my album or on our thank you cards?

• Are there any family dynamics I should be sensitive to?

Prioritizing meaningful images over every possible combo leads to photos you’ll actually treasure—not just ones that check a box.

Step 2: Build Your Core List of Must-Have Groupings

To start, here’s a basic template that works well for most couples:

Partner A's Side

• Partner A + Partner A's parents (individually + together if applicable)

• Couple + Partner A's parents

• Partner A + + Partner A’s siblings (individually + together if applicable)

• Couple + Partner A’s siblings

• Couple + Partner A’s immediate family

• Couple + Partner A’s grandparents

Partner B's Side

• Repeat same combos for Partner B

Optional Add-Ons

• Godparents

• Aunts & uncles

• Cousins

• Step-parents or blended families (with sensitive planning)

Step 3: Timing Is Everything—Here’s What to Consider

This is where a lot of couples get caught off guard. Family photos can take 20–45 minutes, depending on how many groupings you have.

Some questions to think through:

• Are your family members punctual and easy to gather?

• Are any key people elderly or have limited mobility (which may affect where we take photos)?

• Are you doing a first look? If so, we can take family photos before the ceremony, which keeps cocktail hour stress-free.

• Do you want to enjoy cocktail hour or take more portraits after the ceremony?

I’ll always help you build a photo timeline that fits your day—but knowing what to expect helps everything feel more relaxed and intentional. I usually ballpark 4 minutes per grouping, this gives buffer time for transitions between groups and any rogue family members we need to track down.

Step 4: Don’t Stress If We Don’t Get Everyone Before the Reception

Let’s be real: unless your guest list is under 30 people, it’s tough (and often unnecessary) to get photos with every single guest during the formal photo time.

Here are some fun and easy ways to make sure you’re photographed with the people who matter most at your reception:

Reception Photo Ideas:

• Go table-to-table: Take 10 minutes during dinner to stop at each table for a quick photo.

• Dance floor photos: Grab a few fun shots with friends while dancing

• Photo booth moments: These are great for playful group shots that don’t need to be formal.

• Lounge or open space: Create a cozy area near the bar or dance floor with good lighting—perfect for casual, candid guest photos.

Step 5: Give Your Photographer a Heads-Up on VIPs

Are there special friends or chosen family who aren’t technically immediate family but are important to you? Tell me! I’ll keep an eye out for those moments naturally or we can plan a quick photo with them during the reception. College roomates all reuniting? Highschool basketball team back together for the first time since graduation? Are your co-workers all together outside of the office for once?! The magical thing about weddings is how they bring these groups of people TOGETHER, and I want to capture that for you. You just tell me who your VIPs are and I’ll make sure they get captured!

This is also a great time to mention any sensitive family dynamics (divorces, remarriages, losses) so I can photograph everyone with respect and care.

Thoughtful Planning = More Joyful (and less stress) Photos

Family photos don’t have to feel like a chore. With a little prep, we can make them smooth, stress-free, and meaningful.

And remember—this is your story. You don’t have to follow a traditional format or include groupings that don’t make sense for you. I’m here to help you build a photo list that reflects your relationships, supports your day’s flow, and gets you back to celebrating.

Want help drafting your family list? I’ve got a template for that! Just reach out and I’ll send it your way!!