Your photographer knows how to photograph a wedding. What they need from you is a list of people and moments that matter — especially family groupings, which run faster with a plan.
Moments to mention
- Getting ready: the dress, the rings, the invitation, letters
- First look or aisle reaction
- Parents seeing you dressed
- Grandparents
- Cultural or religious rituals
- Toasts, first dance, parent dances
- The send-off
Family groupings, in order
- Couple with both families (everyone)
- Couple with Partner A’s extended family
- Couple with Partner A’s immediate family
- Couple with Partner A’s parents
- Couple with Partner A’s grandparents
- Repeat 2–5 for Partner B
- Couple with both sets of parents
- Couple with siblings
The couple and the wedding party
- The two of you in two or three locations, including golden hour
- The whole wedding party together
- Each partner with their attendants
- Each attendant individually with you, if time allows
- Detail shots: rings, bouquet, boutonnières, invitation, shoes
Divorced and blended families
Photograph each parent separately with their partners if that’s kinder, and list names so the photographer knows who belongs where. The shot list builder includes options for divorced and blended families.
Time it
Allow about two to three minutes per grouping. Fifteen groupings takes about 30–45 minutes, so schedule it before the ceremony or during cocktail hour.
Give the list to the right person
Share the list with your photographer a week before, and give a printed copy to the person gathering groups. Put names — not just “Aunt” — next to each grouping so they can call people by name.
General information, not legal, medical or financial advice. Confirm details with your vendors, venue, officiant and local authorities.
Questions people ask
How many family photos should we plan?
About 10–15 groupings, which takes 25–45 minutes.
When should family photos happen?
Before the ceremony (after a first look) or immediately after, during the cocktail hour.
Do we need a shot list for our photographer?
Not for every pose. A short list of family groupings, important people and cultural moments is what helps most.
