How to Create Your Wedding Family Photo Shot List (With a Full Template)

Gathering your family together for your wedding day is something truly special. You’re surrounded by the people who matter most, and, naturally, you’ll want to capture this cherished moment with wedding day family photos. That’s where a well-planned wedding day family photo shot list comes in.

Not only does a well-organized shot list ensure you get the photos you want, but it also makes the process more enjoyable for everyone. By giving your family direction and letting them know what to expect, you’ll create a smoother experience that’s all about celebrating your love—not tracking down wandering family members.

I’m here to help you through the entire process—both while planning and on your big day. I start planning family photo shot lists with all of my couples about 2 months before their wedding day, balancing capturing the photos you want with the rest of your wedding day plans. Using the tips below, you’ll be able to craft a list that’s personalized to your needs, making family photos feel more like a breeze than a chore.

And remember, every family (and photographer!) is different, so no two family photo shot lists will look exactly the same. Consider this a starting point to begin brainstorming what you’ll need. And during wedding planning, we’ll finalize your shot list to make sure it reflects your unique family dynamics and wedding day priorities.

Tips for Creating Your Wedding Day Family Photo Shot List

1. Limit Your Family Photo Shot List to About 15 Groupings

Family photos can take longer than you might think—with each grouping taking up to 2 minutes to organize and capture. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can add up quickly and take away from the time you have to enjoy your reception or post-ceremony activities. To keep things moving smoothly, I recommend limiting your family photo shot list to immediate family members and around 15 groupings.

If you want to capture more groupings, like photos with extended family or larger family groups, consider capturing those during your wedding reception or other parts of the day. This way, you can still get candid, meaningful photos with everyone you care about without feeling rushed or pulled away from your festivities.

2. Order Matters

When it comes to family photos, the order in which you take them can significantly impact the ease of the process. While each photographer has their own methods, here’s what I’ve found works best. 

To start, I generally recommend beginning with photos that include elderly family members, children, or those with limited mobility, if possible. This allows them to finish their photos quickly and return to greater comfort without having to wait too long.

Next, we’ll order photos based upon the presence of you and your partner. Think of yourselves as Partner A and Partner B. Since getting you and your partner into place can take some time—especially with adjustments like fixing trains—I usually start with all photos featuring just Partner A. After that, we’ll take pictures that include both of you together, and then move on to photos with just Partner B. If one of you is wearing a dress with a bustle, I typically start with that partner as Partner A. This way, they can complete their family photos first, bustle their dress, and we can wrap up the rest with Partner B.

Within each “partner setup,” I start with smaller groupings and build up to larger groupings. This strategy helps keep the process organized and comfortable, making sure we capture everything efficiently.

3. Provide Your Photographer with the First Names of Your Family Members in Your Shot List

To streamline your family photos, use your family members’ first names in your shot list. This small detail can make a big difference in how smoothly your photos go for both your wedding photographer and your loved ones.

When your wedding photographer knows the names of your family members and their relation to you, communication becomes more straightforward. Using first names helps your photographer to quickly assemble everyone for their respective photos and avoids awkward mix-ups, like accidentally summoning the wrong grandparent for a photo. Plus, it allows for a more personal touch, as your photographer can address your loved ones by name, making them feel more at ease.

In addition to making the process smoother, knowing everyone’s names helps your photographer ensure that no one is overlooked and that all of your VIPs are captured in your photos. It’s a small step that contributes to a more organized and enjoyable photo session, letting you focus on celebrating with your family instead of managing logistics.

4. Make Sure Your Photographer is Aware of Any Family Dynamics

When planning your family photos, it’s important to let your photographer know about any sensitive family dynamics. Understanding these dynamics helps avoid awkward situations, like placing family members who may not get along next to each other.

Communicating these details in advance allows your photographer to carefully consider the order and positioning of groupings, ensuring everyone is comfortable and at ease. I always take family dynamics into account when arranging photo setups to prevent any potential tension and to keep the experience positive for everyone involved.

Discussing any specific concerns ahead of time ensures a smoother photo session, allowing everyone to relax in the moment without the added stress of uncomfortable interactions.

5. Timing Your Family Photos

To ensure your family photo session fits seamlessly into your wedding day, consider the timing of when you plan to take your family photos. I always suggest taking your family photos before your ceremony if you are having a first look. Everyone’s hair and makeup will be fresh, and you’ll be able to join your reception after your ceremony without delays.

If you don’t plan on having a first look, I recommend scheduling your family photos immediately after your ceremony. Your family members will already be gathered, creating a smooth transition into your family photo session.

By including your family photos in your wedding day timeline, you keep the day running smoothly, ensure everyone feels their best, and make sure there is enough time for all the important shots. This helps you avoid any rush and enjoy the rest of your celebration without feeling pressed for time.

6. Remind Your Family + Share Your Family Photo List

For stress-free family photos, communicate your plans ahead of time. Make sure your family members know when and where the photos will take place so they don’t miss their moment in front of the camera with you and your partner. If some family members wander off early, it can delay the process and make it harder to capture all the shots you’ve planned.

You may even consider providing a simple schedule or list outlining the family photo times and locations. Sharing this information beforehand helps everyone stay organized and ensures no one feels left out or unsure of where they need to be.

Example Wedding Family Photo Shot List

When planning your family photo shot list, tailoring it to your unique family structure is key. The exact groupings will depend on your personal situation—such as whether all immediate family members are present or whether you come from a blended family. Having a well-written and organized shot list allows you to visualize how long your photos might take and ensures everyone you want to include is covered.

A basic template can help guide your initial planning, but together we will customize this list to fit your specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that we capture all of your family VIPs and manage our time effectively on your special day.

With everything laid out, you’ll know exactly what to expect, making your family photos run smoothly and efficiently. This means we can capture each grouping without rushing, so you can enjoy your celebration with your loved ones and not worry about missing any important shots or moments.

Here’s a basic template to help guide your planning:

• Partner A
  • Partner A + Parent 1
  • Partner A + Parent 2
  • Partner A + Parent 1 + Parent 2
  • Partner A + Individual Siblings
  • Partner A + All Siblings
• Partner B
  • Partner B + Parent 1
  • Partner B + Parent 2
  • Partner B + Parent 1 + Parent 2
  • Partner B + Individual Siblings
  • Partner B + All Siblings
• Couple
  • Partner A’s Family
    • Couple + Partner A’s Parents
    • Couple + Partner A’s Siblings
    • Couple + Partner A’s Grandparents
    • Couple + Partner A’s Parents + Partner A’s Siblings + Partner A’s Grandparents + Partner A’s Nieces/Nephews
  • Partner B’s Family
    • Couple + Partner B’s Parents
    • Couple + Partner B’s Siblings
    • Couple + Partner B’s Grandparents
    • Couple + Partner B’s Parents + Partner A’s Siblings + Partner A’s Grandparents + Partner A’s Nieces/Nephews
  • Combined Families:
    • Couple + Partner A & B’s Parents
    • Couple + Partner A & B’s Siblings
    • Couple + Partner A & B’s Parents + Partner A & B’s Siblings + Partner A & B’s Grandparents + Partner A & B’s Nieces/Nephews (if time allows)
    • Couple + Officiant

As I mentioned earlier, capturing photos with grandparents is usually a top priority. If your schedule allows, I’ll start with these photos to ensure we get them done first. However, if we’re pressed for time due to a longer shot list, I’ll strategically group the photos involving grandparents to minimize their movement and keep everything running smoothly.

Just remember, this template serves as a general guide to get started. We’ll refine it together to fit your family’s specific needs, ensuring we capture all of your important family members and groupings that matter most to you.

Start Planning Your Intimate Wedding Day

Planning your wedding day family photos might seem like a daunting task, but, with a thoughtful approach, it can become a smooth and enjoyable part of your day. By customizing your shot list to fit your unique family structure, communicating clearly with your photographer, and scheduling time for your photos, you can ensure that every important moment is captured efficiently. Remember, this guide is just a starting point—tailoring the details to your family’s needs will help create a photo list that truly reflects your priorities.

As you finalize your plans, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to enjoy your special day surrounded by your loved ones. A well-prepared shot list and thoughtful scheduling will streamline the process and let you focus on the joy of your wedding day. If you have any questions or are ready to start planning your own intimate wedding day, I’m here to help. Reach out using the button below, and I’ll work with you to make your special day, family photos and all, memorable and stress-free.