The short answer
A family photo list names each group to photograph and the people in it, in an order that lets people go as you finish with them: groups with older relatives and children first, then the rest. Give each group a person who knows them to gather them, ask your photographer how many minutes to allow, then send the list ahead and bring a printed copy on the day.
How do you build a family photo list?
Write down the groups you want, then the names in each one. Start with the combinations that matter most to you, such as each of you with your parents, your siblings and your grandparents, and both families together, then add the ones you would like if there is time. Writing names rather than "aunts and uncles" means the person gathering them knows who to find.
Blended families, stepparents, partners of siblings and children from a previous relationship can each have their place on the list, in groups you choose. If you are unsure whether a group would be welcome, ask the people in it before the day rather than in front of the camera.
- Both families together
- Each of you with your parents and stepparents
- Each of you with your siblings and their partners
- Each of you with your grandparents
- The two of you with your children, if you have them
- Extended family, if there is time
- Your wedding party
What order should family photos go in?
Order the list so people can leave as you finish with them. Groups that include grandparents, people who find standing hard and young children go first, so they can sit down or go back to the reception. People who appear in several groups, such as parents, stay until their last one, so put their groups close together.
Building up and breaking down is quicker: start with the largest group of one family, then let people step out until only the smallest group is left, and do the same for the other family. Number the groups so the photographer and the gatherer can call them out.
How long do family photos take?
Ask your photographer how many minutes they allow for each group, since it depends on the size of the groups, the place and how quickly people gather. Then multiply by your groups and add a buffer for finding the person who has gone to the bar.
For example, a hypothetical list of 12 groups at a photographer’s estimate of 3 minutes each takes 12 × 3 = 36 minutes, and a 10-minute buffer makes 46 minutes. If your timeline has 30 minutes for family photos, cut the list to the groups that matter most, or move some to the reception. Put the total in your day’s timeline as its own block.
Who should gather people for each family photo?
Ask one person from each family who knows everyone by sight to gather the groups: a cousin, a sibling or a friend who is not in the photos themselves. Give them the numbered list with names, and ask them to have the next group ready while the photographer is shooting the current one.
Tell the people on the list in advance that family photos follow the ceremony and where to go, so the gatherer is reminding, not searching. A line in the program or an announcement by the officiant at the end of the ceremony helps too.
How do you handle divorced parents or family tension in photos?
If parents are divorced or relatives do not get along, plan the groups so nobody is surprised: separate groups for each parent and their partner, or one group with everyone if they have said they are comfortable with it. Ask them before the day, and put the answer on the list.
If someone close to you has died, decide whether you want a photo that includes them in another way, such as holding a picture, and tell the photographer. If a relative cannot attend, note who you want photographed together for them.
Where and when should family photos happen?
Choose a place close to the ceremony or the reception, with even light, shade if it is sunny, room for the largest group and seats for anyone who needs one. Ask the venue about a rain plan for the photos, and walk the spot with your photographer if you can.
Family photos can happen before the ceremony, straight after it, or during cocktail hour; each choice changes who is free when. Check sunset at your venue on your date, especially in winter, since outdoor group photos after the ceremony may run into darkness. The sunset times tool shows it for your place and date.
Family photo list
Use one row for a decision or deliverable. Keep unanswered items visible. Download the blank worksheet to open in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets.
On a small screen, swipe the worksheet sideways to see the remaining columns.
| Group | Names | Gathered by | Minutes | Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Both families together | — | — | — | — |
| Partner 1 with parents | — | — | — | — |
| Partner 1 with siblings | — | — | — | — |
| Partner 1 with grandparents | — | — | — | — |
| Partner 2 with parents | — | — | — | — |
| Partner 2 with siblings | — | — | — | — |
| Partner 2 with grandparents | — | — | — | — |
| The two of you with your children | — | — | — | — |
| Extended family | — | — | — | — |
| Wedding party | — | — | — | — |
A message you can make your own
Change the wording to suit you, fill in anything in brackets and keep the questions that apply. You decide what to send and send it yourself.
Hi, here is our family photo list, with the names in each group and who will gather them. Could you tell us how many minutes you would allow for it, where at the venue you would suggest taking them, and whether you would change the order? We would like to set aside the right amount of time in our timeline.
Common questions
How many family photos should you plan at a wedding?
Plan as many family photos as fit the time you have set aside. Ask your photographer how many minutes they allow for each group, multiply by your groups and add a buffer. If the total is more than your timeline holds, keep the groups that matter most and move the rest to the reception.
Who should be in wedding family photos?
Wedding family photos include whoever you choose, in the groups you choose. A list might start with each of you with your parents, siblings and grandparents, and both families together, then add stepfamily, partners of siblings, children and extended family as time allows.
Should family photos be taken before or after the ceremony?
Family photos can be taken before the ceremony, straight after it, or during cocktail hour. Before frees the time after the ceremony; after means everyone is already dressed and in one place. Check the light at your venue on your date, and choose with your photographer.
How do you handle divorced parents in wedding photos?
Handle divorced parents in wedding photos by asking them before the day what they are comfortable with, then planning separate groups for each parent and their partner, one group with everyone, or both. Put the answer on the list so the photographer and the gatherer follow it.
Who should hold the family photo list on the day?
The family photo list should be held by the person gathering the groups and by the photographer, both with the same numbered copy. Choose someone from each family who knows everyone by sight and is not in the photos themselves, and give them the list a few days ahead.