How to Plan Family Photos on Your Wedding Day

Family photos are one of those things that can either go really smoothly or eat up a huge chunk of your wedding day portrait time. The difference almost always comes down to one thing: how well you planned for them. Here’s how to set yourself up for a stress-free, efficient family photo block.

Make a list before the wedding (really, do this)

I’ll ask for a family photo list as part of our planning process, but the earlier you start thinking about it, the better. Go through each side of the family and write down every combination you want. Be specific. Some examples of how to think through it:

• Couple + both sets of parents
• Couple + one side of the family (all immediate)
• Couple + siblings only
• Couple + grandparents (these are often the most time-sensitive because grandparents tire quickly)
• Any specific combos that matter to you (just you and your dad, just you and a specific sibling, etc.)

Once I have the list, I’ll organize the order so we’re moving as efficiently as possible, releasing people as we go so nobody has to stand around the whole time.

Assign a family wrangler

This is the tip that saves the most time. Pick one person on each side of the family who knows people well and can round them up. A sibling, a parent, a family friend. Give them the list ahead of time and let them know that on the day, their job is to make sure the right people are in the right place. As a Portland wedding photographer, one of the things I always tell couples is that without a wrangler, wedding day family photo time turns into me trying to find people who wandered to the bar or got caught up in conversation. With a wrangler, we move through the list in 20 to 30 minutes and everyone can get on with the fun part of the day.

How to group people for wedding family portraits

I’ll direct the actual groupings, but it helps to think about this in advance. A few things that make family formals easier:

• Start large, then go small. Do the biggest group shot first while everyone is still together, then release people as you go to smaller groups.
• Think about who has mobility needs. If you have older relatives or anyone who has trouble standing for long, put their shots first and get them seated or comfortable as soon as possible.
• Be realistic about time. Every grouping takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Ten combinations is 30 to 50 minutes. If you have a lot of family or want many combinations, factor that into your timeline.
• Let me know about any family dynamics. If there are divorced parents who shouldn’t be in the same shot or other sensitivities, just tell me ahead of time. I’ll make sure nothing gets awkward.

Where does this fit in your timeline?

Most couples do family photos right after the ceremony while everyone is still in the same place and dressed nicely — and that’s usually the right call. Just make sure your immediate family knows not to disappear to cocktail hour before we’ve gotten their shots. We’ll block time for this during our planning call and build it into your wedding day timeline so you’re not scrambling to find people on the day. Planning your wedding in Oregon? I’d love to help you build a timeline that covers every detail, including family photos.