How to Get Stress-Free Family Photos on Your Wedding Day
If you’ve ever been in a wedding party before, you’ve probably experienced the slightly chaotic energy of family photos. People wandering off. Someone missing from every combination. Nobody quite sure where to stand.
As a wedding photographer (and someone who’s helped plan a lot of weddings), here’s the truth: family photos don’t have to be stressful. But they do need a little planning.
Here’s how to make family portraits feel easy, efficient, and - dare I say - actually enjoyable.
1. Only Include the People You Actually Want Photos With
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying: your family photo list does not need to include every cousin, aunt, and distant relative unless you really want it to. Prioritize the people who matter most to you - immediate family, grandparents, or anyone else you want a special photo with.
If group combinations with extended family are important to you, we can definitely make them happen. But we don’t have to cram them all into the post-ceremony photo block. Which brings us to...
2. Reception Time is Fair Game, Too
You don’t have to get every single photo during the formal family photo portion of the day. In fact, sometimes it’s easier to grab more casual combinations during the reception - when everyone’s relaxed and all in one place.
So don’t stress if we miss a cousin photo or your mom’s side of the family right after the ceremony. We can always get them later with great lighting and a natural smile.
3. Have a List (and Assign a Helper)
Your shot list is your secret weapon. About 6 weeks before the wedding, I’ll send you a questionnaire where you can list the exact family combinations you want. We’ll work through those efficiently so you’re not spending your whole cocktail hour posing for photos.
Pro tip: assign a helper (like a sibling or bridesmaid) who knows both sides of the family to help call out names and keep things moving. It makes a huge difference!
4. Keep Expectations Realistic
Even with the best planning, family photo time can feel a little like herding cats. People get distracted, toddlers cry, Uncle Bob disappears for snacks - it’s okay. We’ll go with the flow and keep things light.
My goal is to move through your list smoothly while still capturing beautiful, natural moments. If something needs to shift, we’ll adapt. That’s what I’m here for.
5. Good Attitude = Good Photos
No really - this one might be the most important. If you are calm and having fun, your family will follow your lead. And even if things don’t go perfectly, you’ll remember those photos fondly because of the energy you brought to them.
Final Thoughts
Family photos can be one of the most meaningful parts of the wedding day - but only if they’re done in a way that works for you. So make your list, set your priorities, and trust your photographer (hi!) to make it happen.
You only need the photos that matter. I’ll handle the rest.