Family portraits are some of the most meaningful images from your wedding day. They capture generations, shared history, and the people who helped shape your journey. But without a plan, this portion of the day can become unexpectedly stressful. That’s why a thoughtful family photo shot list is one of the best ways to keep things running smoothly.
During the wedding day, there’s often limited time between the ceremony and reception or before the ceremony. With a detailed family photo list, we can move efficiently through each grouping, minimize confusion, and make sure no one gets missed. It also helps guests know where to be and when, which makes the whole experience more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
I typically allocate about 30 minutes for family portraits, which is plenty of time when we’re organized. The key is to plan ahead. Think through the important combinations—immediate family, grandparents, step-parents, and any extended family you’d like to include. It’s also a great idea to share this list with someone who can help gather people quickly on the day.
To help you get started, I’ve created a simple, customizable template. Just add your family members’ names, make any adjustments based on your unique dynamics, and delete groupings that don’t apply.
Download the Wedding Family Photo Shot List Template
A well-prepared wedding family photo shot list ensures we capture what matters most with calm, clarity, and care. It’s one more way to create space for you to be present and enjoy every moment. And if you ever feel stuck, I’m happy to help personalize the list and make sure it fits seamlessly into your day.
Here are some potential groupings you will find in the template.
Bride’s Side
- Bride with mom
- Bride with dad
- Couple with parents (step-parents)
- Couple with parents, siblings, siblings’ spouses, and nieces and nephews
- Add grandparents
- Add extended family
- Couple with maternal grandparents
- Couple with paternal grandparents
- Couple with siblings
Groom’s Side
- Groom with mom
- Groom with dad
- Couple with parents (step-parents)
- Couple with parents, siblings, siblings’ spouses, and nieces and nephews
- Add grandparents
- Add extended family
- Couple with maternal grandparents
- Couple with paternal grandparents
- Couple with siblings
Feel free to reach out if you need assistance or have questions! If you’ve already booked your wedding, I can’t wait to work together; if you’re still on the look, feel free to reach out to learn more!
