a wedding planning guide
wedding family photo list: how to plan family formals (without the chaos)
by sophia + colby, chasing robins media · provo, utah
- how many groupings: aim for 8 to 12. that is plenty.
- how long: about 5 minutes per grouping, so under an hour even with a big family.
- when: right after the ceremony, while everyone is already there.
- who runs it: one person who knows both families by name.
family photos are the part of the day couples worry about most, and honestly, they do not have to be stressful. with a short list, a clear plan, and one person who can call names, family formals can be quick, warm, and done before cocktail hour even gets going.
why a written list makes everything easier
when we show up with a list, nobody has to think. we know who is next, your family knows what is coming, and you get to stay present instead of managing a crowd. a list also keeps the photos focused on the people who matter most to you, not whoever happens to wander over.
- it keeps family photos short, so you get to your own party
- it makes sure nobody important gets missed
- it gives your photographer names to call, so people feel seen
the groupings most couples choose
start with the biggest group and peel people away. that way everyone is photographed quickly and gets to go enjoy the party.
- couple + both families, everyone
- couple + her whole side, then his whole side
- couple + each set of parents
- couple + siblings (each side)
- couple + grandparents (each side)
- any special group, like cousins or the people who drove far
if you are doing a first look and want your portraits done early, read our first look guide. it can also free up time for family photos.
how long family photos really take
plan about 5 minutes per grouping. ten groupings is under an hour, and most families move faster than that when someone is calling names. if your family is big or you have blended families, add a few extra minutes between groups. our timeline guide shows exactly where to fit it.
how to keep it calm
- pick a wrangler. a sibling or close friend who knows everyone by name.
- tell people ahead of time. share the time and place in your group text.
- keep it right after the ceremony. everyone is already together, and the light is usually still good.
- write names, not just labels. “aunt jen and uncle mike” is more helpful than “mom’s side.”
- give grandparents a seat. we will pose around them so nobody is standing too long.
tricky family situations
divorced parents, step-families, or people who do not love being photographed together are all normal. tell your photographer privately ahead of time, and list those groupings separately so no one has to stand next to anyone they do not want to. we are happy to help you plan it.
free printable
the family photo list builder
name every grouping and who is in it, so family photos take minutes, not an hour.
download the family photo list (pdf)questions we get a lot
how many family photos should we do?
most couples choose 8 to 12 groupings. that covers the people who matter most without taking over your day.
when should we take family photos?
right after the ceremony is easiest because everyone is already together. with a first look, some can be done earlier.
do we need a shot list?
yes, a written list with names saves time and helps your photographer call people up quickly. use our free printable.
what if someone is missing?
that is why a wrangler helps. they can quickly find anyone who wandered off.
if this sounds like the kind of wedding photos you have been looking for…
hi, we think we would get along. we do photo + video together, and we would love to hear about your day.
tell us about your day