Group and family photos are some of the most meaningful images you’ll have from your wedding – and also one of the most chaotic parts of the day if they aren’t planned out ahead of time.
Picture it: people who haven’t seen each other in years are catching up, older guests are heading to the reception for a drink, and your photographer is waving from the top of a ladder trying to pull everyone together before the light changes.
It doesn’t have to be like this.
Here’s how to make group and family photos smooth, fast, and (almost) painless.
🗓️ Make a Plan
There’s no “right” way to do group photos, but there is one rule: have a plan.
Work with your photographer and planner to build a timeline that clearly includes:
When the group photos will happen
Where they’ll take place
Who needs to be there
We recommend doing family photos right after the ceremony, before people wander off or head to cocktail hour. Ask your officiant to make an announcement at the end of the ceremony — something like:
“If you’re on the photo list, please stay nearby for family pictures before heading to the reception.”
✅ Create a Shot List (Use Names!)
The single most important thing you can do to make this process run smoothly is to create a family photo list ahead of time.
Start by listing groupings like this:
Older guests first (grandparents, aunts/uncles)
Large family groupings (both sides together)
Smaller, family groupings
Friends and fun groupings (college crew, godparents, etc.)
Wedding party and couple portraits
Make sure to:
Use people’s real names (not “Bride’s Uncle” – write “Uncle Mike”)
Let people on the list know they’re in a photo so they don’t wander
Give a copy to your photographer and your “photo helpers” (more on that next)
🧑🤝🧑 Assign Photo Helpers
Your photographer doesn’t know who your cousin Lindsay or Aunt Janet is. So assign one helper from each side of the family who does. Give them the list and have them help round up people during the photo session.
This is one of the best ways to save time and make sure no one important gets missed.
⏱️ How Long Will It Take?
That depends on how many groupings you want. Here’s a general guide:
Immediate family only: 15-20 minutes
Extended family + friends: 30-45 minutes
Party-style groups, school friends, etc.: Add another 10-15 minutes
When in doubt, keep it simple – and prioritize the people who will cherish the photo forever.
📋 Sample Family & Group Photo List
Here’s a starting point. Feel free to customize it – and remember, use names in your version to speed things up.
👨👩👧 Immediate Family
Bride and Mom
Bride and Dad
Bride with Mom and Dad
Groom and Mom
Groom and Dad
Groom with Mom and Dad
Bride with siblings
Groom with siblings
Couple with bride’s parents
Couple with groom’s parents
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with siblings (each side separately and together)
Couple with immediate families (each side separately and all together)
👵👴 Extended Family
Bride and grandparents
Groom and grandparents
Couple with grandparents
Couple with aunts/uncles/cousins
Large extended family group (if desired)
🎉 Special Friend Groups
College or university friends
High school friends
Work friends
Godparents or mentors
Any culturally significant or traditional groupings
🎯 Final Thought
With a little prep – and a clear list – group photos won’t feel like a chore. They’ll feel like a celebration of the people who matter most.
Need help building your list or timeline? We’re happy to walk through it with you. 👉 https://avalonweddingphotography.com/contact
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