If the Idea of Family Photos On Your Wedding Day is Stressing You Out, You're in the Right Place!
Family photos can be one of the most stressful parts of a wedding day—but they don’t have to be. I always say, a little bit of homework ahead of time will keep things going smoothly. Let's not forget, with a well-planned shot list, the likelihood that you'll have any regrets of missing out on a photo you would have loved to have goes down tremendously! The key to making them smooth and stress-free? A clear, efficient shot list.
Here’s an ideal list to start with! This should be just a starting point as every family dynamic is unique and different. Some things to consider are going to be if there are unusual circumstances within your family—for example, divorce, exes being in the same shots as the new spouse, family members not getting along. If you think someone isn't willing to be in a photo with another member of your family, be sure to take that into consideration when building your shot list.
📌 Core Family Shots:
- Bride/Groom with Bride's Parents
- Bride/Groom with Bride's Parents + Siblings
- Bride/Groom with Bride's Mom
- Bride with Bride's Mom
- Bride/Groom with Bride's Dad
- Bride with Bride's Dad
- Bride with Bride's Siblings
- Bride/Groom with Bride's Siblings
- Bride/Groom with Groom's Parents
- Bride/Groom with Groom's Parents + Siblings
- Bride/Groom with Groom's Mom
- Groom with Groom's Mom
- Bride/Groom with Groom's Dad
- Groom with Groom's Dad
- Groom with Groom's Siblings
- Bride/Groom with Groom's Siblings
- Bride/Groom with Both Sets of Parents
- Bride/Groom with Both Sets of Siblings
📌 Grandparents & Extended Family (Optional)
- Couple with Bride’s Grandparents on Dad's Side
- Couple with Bride's Parents, Siblings & Grandparents on Dad's Side
- Couple with Bride’s Grandparents on Mom's Side
- Couple with Bride's Parents, Siblings & Grandparents on Mom's Side
- Couple with Groom’s Grandparents on Dad's Side
- Couple with Groom's Parents, Siblings & Grandparents on Dad's Side
- Couple with Groom’s Grandparents on Mom's Side
- Couple with Groom's Parents, Siblings & Grandparents on Mom's Side
📌 Candid Moments to Capture:
- Hugging parents after the ceremony
- Grandparents holding hands
- Laughing with siblings
- The whole family cheering together
Pro Tip: Keep your list focused so photos don’t take forever. The goal is to capture the moments that matter while keeping the energy fun and relaxed. Work with a photographer who can keep things moving and stress-free!
One of the best ways to keep the family photo portion of your wedding day running smoothly is to designate a helper—someone who knows your family well and can help gather the right people for each shot. While I always guide and organize the photos, having a helper can speed things up significantly. My second photographer is often able to assist with this, but many couples prefer to have the second photographer capturing cocktail hour moments during this time. A trusted friend or family member can make sure everyone is present and ready, so we can move through the list efficiently.
With a little preparation, family photos can be one of the most memorable parts of your day—without the stress. Having an organized shot list not only keeps the timeline flowing but ensures that the most important moments with your loved ones are preserved forever. These are the photos you'll treasure for years to come—the ones that tell the story of your family, your love, and your special day.
If you're ready to have a wedding day where your family photos are seamless and stress-free, let's chat! I'd love to help you create a plan that honors your loved ones and makes the most of every moment. Fill out the inquiry form below to start the conversation!
