Family Photos Made Easy
The Ultimate Guide to Family Photos
Let's be honest - family photos can be one of the most challenging parts of your wedding day. Trying to gather Aunt Susan who's at the bar, Uncle Bob who's catching up with old friends, and your cousin's kids who are running around the venue can feel like herding cats. But with some preparation and insider knowledge, we can transform this potentially stressful experience into a smooth, enjoyable part of your celebration. Taking a little time to plan this part of the day can make a huge difference—and help ensure no important moments or people are missed.
Why Family Photos Matter
Before we dive into the how-to, let's remember why these photos are so important. These portraits capture the coming together of your families, documenting multiple generations in one frame. Years from now, these may become some of your most treasured images - especially as families change and grow.
Create a Must-Have Family Photo List
Let’s get started! In the months before your wedding, work with your partner to create a comprehensive list of all the family groupings you want photographed. We recommend prioritising them in order of importance to ensure we capture the most essential combinations first. Schedule photos with young children and elderly family members early in the sequence, as waiting around can be particularly draining for them - this thoughtful planning allows them to go rest or enjoy the reception sooner. Additionally, organise your list logically, minimising people swapping in and out repeatedly.
For example, group all photos with grandparents together, then all photos with siblings, rather than having family members constantly stepping in and out of different combinations.
Some standard groupings to consider:
Both of you with each set of parents
Both of you with all parents
Each of you with your own immediate family
Extended family (grandparents, siblings and their families)
Any special family members who need individual attention
We’ve created a Family Photos Template you can download and use as a guide when creating your list.
Remember, each combination takes approximately 2-3 minutes to set up and photograph, so be realistic about how many groupings you can include based on your wedding day’s timeline. If you need help planning your wedding day schedule to ensure family photos fit perfectly with the rest of your celebration, be sure to check out our Wedding Day Timeline Guide for comprehensive planning advice.
Designate Family Coordinators
This is a game-changer! Choose one person from each side of your family who:
Knows most of your family members by name
Has a confident, friendly personality
Won't be shy about gathering people
These coordinators will be our secret weapons for efficiently organising people. Share your photo list with them before the wedding day and ask them to help round up family members when it's time for photos.
Communicate Expectations Clearly
No one likes being surprised by formal photos when they're ready to start celebrating. Let your family members know in advance:
When family photos will take place
Where they should gather after the ceremony
Approximately how long it will take
That they should stay put after the ceremony rather than heading to get drinks
Consider including this information in your wedding program or having your celebrant make an announcement at the end of your ceremony reminding all family members to remain near the ceremony area for family portraits.
Timing is Everything
The best time for family photos is immediately following your ceremony, before everyone disperses for cocktail hour. We recommend:
Allocating 20-30 minutes depending on your list length
Capturing elderly family members or those with young children first so they can relax sooner
Create a Comfortable Setting
If possible, choose a location for family photos that is:
Close to the ceremony site
Shaded if outdoors (to avoid squinting and uncomfortable guests)
Easily accessible for elderly family members
Away from the bar or cocktail hour temptations
If you’re unsure about where would be best for these photos, as your photographers we will provide guidance and recommendations on the day to take weather and the set up into consideration.
Have a Backup Plan
If weather or other circumstances require changing your family photo location, have a Plan B ready. Indoor locations with natural light and simple backgrounds work beautifully.
The Day-Of Execution
With your preparation complete, here's how we'll make the magic happen on your wedding day:
As soon as your ceremony concludes and you've had your congratulatory moments, your family coordinators will begin gathering everyone on your list.
We'll direct everyone to the designated photo area where we can work efficiently through your list.
We'll start with the complete family photos and then dismiss people as we go, starting with grandparents, children, and anyone who might need to get comfortable sooner rather than later.
We'll keep the energy positive and move quickly but thoughtfully through your list.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The disappearing relative: This is why pre-communication and family coordinators are essential!
Too many combinations: Be realistic about time constraints. Focus on the most important groupings.
Forgetting step-parents or blended family dynamics: Make sure your list accommodates all family structures sensitively.
Not accounting for mobility issues: Ensure elderly family members or those with disabilities have easy access to the photo location.
One Last Thought!
Family photos don't have to be all formal and serious! Once we've captured the classic poses, we love to grab a few fun, relaxed shots that really show your family's personality. Don't be afraid to do some silly poses with the kids or groups who are up for it – these often end up being favourites!
Remember, our job doesn't end after the formal family portrait session. We're available to take group photos throughout the day and reception until your photography package concludes. So if you don't have time to include certain groupings in the formal family photos, or if spontaneous gatherings happen later, feel free to grab us anytime during the reception to snap more fun group photos.
These family photos are about more than just ticking a box on your wedding day checklist. They're about honouring the people who have shaped your lives and are now witnessing the beginning of your next chapter together.
We can't wait to help you create these meaningful family portraits on your wedding day! And if you need help planning your overall wedding day timeline to ensure every moment flows perfectly, be sure to check out our Wedding Day Timeline Guide for more planning advice.