Family photos are one of the most important parts of a wedding day. They’re meaningful, often treasured for decades, and—when planned well—they can be done efficiently, beautifully, and without taking over the entire cocktail hour.

But here’s the truth: this part of the day can easily unravel. Without structure, it turns into a parade of combinations, last-minute additions, and well-meaning relatives who just want “one more photo.” That’s why having a family photo list isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Why the List Comes First

A family photo list protects your time—one of the most important parts of how I approach wedding photography. It ensures that we capture the most important people in your life without chaos, confusion, or emotional fatigue. It allows me to guide the flow with clarity while keeping things efficient and calm—so you don’t spend half your cocktail hour rounding people up or waiting for Uncle Bob to finish his drink at the bar.

Whether your family photos are scheduled before or after the ceremony, it’s important that everyone on the list knows when they’ll be needed. But if you're doing them before the ceremony, this step becomes absolutely essential. Most guests assume family photos happen afterward—so if no one tells them otherwise, they likely won’t show up early, and we lose valuable time trying to track people down.

A simple message or conversation in the days leading up to the wedding can prevent stress, delays, and unnecessary chaos. Letting people know ahead of time allows us to stay on track and keeps the experience calm, respectful, and focused on what matters. When everyone knows what to expect, the day flows better—for you and for them. Here’s how a well-planned wedding timeline supports that flow.

A Sample Family Photo List

Every couple’s family structure is different, but here’s a simple starting point. You can adapt this to fit your own relationships—just keep in mind that we’re aiming for clarity, not an exhaustive archive.

Family Formals Photo List

Wedding party

Bride + Groom + Officiant

Bride + Groom + Ring bearer + Flower girl

Bride + Groom + Bridesmaids + Groomsmen

Bride's side

Bride + Mom

Bride + Dad

Bride + Mom + Dad

Bride + Groom + Bride's parents

Bride + Groom+ Brides's parents + Bride's siblings

Bride + Bride's siblings

Bride + Groom + Bride's siblings

Bride + Groom + Bride's grandparents

Groom's side

Groom + Mom

Groom + Dad

Groom + Mom + Dad

Bride + Groom + Groom's parents

Bride + Groom + Groom's parents + Groom's siblings

Groom + Groom's siblings

Bride + Groom + Groom's siblings

Bride + Groom + Groom's grandparents

Bride + Groom + Bride's parents + Groom's Parents

If there are step-parents, remarriages, or unique family dynamics, we’ll take those into account—but before the wedding day. Once the list is finalized, it becomes the plan. Everyone knows where they need to be, and when.

There’s Still Room for Flexibility

The list isn’t where it ends—it’s where it begins. Once we’ve gone through the planned groupings, there’s always room for a few extras. Sometimes someone flew in from across the world. Sometimes you haven’t seen a certain relative in years. Those moments matter—and we can always make time for them after the essentials are covered.

But we also want to protect your experience. Family photos shouldn’t take over the entire cocktail hour—and they won’t, if we start with the list and let the rest follow naturally.

How to Keep Things Moving—Kindly

I always keep things organized, but never rigid. If guests begin requesting extra groupings mid-session, here are a couple of ways I gently redirect:

“We’re working through the list right now to keep things flowing, but I’d love to grab you two for a photo right after.”

“Let’s finish the core groupings first, then we’ll make time for any extras you’d like—just hang nearby for a few minutes.”

It’s not about saying no. It’s about saying not right now—so we can make space for everyone and still get you back to your celebration.

Final Thought

The family formals is about more than lining people up—it’s about honoring the relationships that brought you here. With the right structure, the right communication, and a little intention, we can make this part of your day feel smooth, meaningful, and maybe even… enjoyable.

Because your time is valuable. Let’s protect it—so you can spend it celebrating with the people you love.