A Practical Guide to Your Group and Family Photos

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.”

A large group photo in soft outdoor light

✅ 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:

  1. Older guests first (grandparents, aunts/uncles)
  2. Large family groupings (both sides together)
  3. Smaller, family groupings
  4. Friends and fun groupings (college crew, godparents, etc.)
  5. 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)
A large group photo in soft outdoor light in winter

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 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)
Couple surrounded by both sides of their family, everyone looking joyful

👵👴 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
Laughing group photo of friends — fun, relaxed vibe

🎯 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

May 19, 2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Photography
Avalon Wedding