Family is one of the main reasons people choose a traditional wedding over an elopement, and it is what my couples often tell me they are most excited for, outside of marrying each other: seeing all their family together, whether meeting for the first time or reuniting in celebration. Just as family can be one of the most treasured parts of a wedding day, family portraits are often become some of the most treasured images in your gallery. That said, family photos do have a reputation…
They can feel chaotic, overwhelming, and like they are taking forever. But these photos, and your sanity on your wedding day, matter too much for this reputation to be accepted as the norm.
In this blog post, I want to help you understand what it takes to make these photos run smoothly, why timing can vary, and how I work to make family photos feel calm, and intentional.
Best Case Scenario
In an ideal world, family photos are quick, efficient, and perhaps even joyful. Here’s just a few examples of what that looks like:
- Everyone is present and on time – no wandering family members, no one excusing themselves for the bathroom, no last-minute arrivals
- Phones and distractions are down – everyone is focused for when their name/grouping is called
- Names and relationships are clearly provided – I know exactly who to call, and in what combination.
- I stay planted for consistent framing, second photographer calling names– each photos looks cohesive and intentional, and the flow continues while I stay positioned
When these pieces are in place, we can capture all of your meaningful groupings efficiently. For smaller families, this can be as little as 15 minutes.
The reality is that weddings are full of surprises, and there are things that can extend family photo time. Someone wandered off to find someone else, someone adds “oh wait, we also need one with….,” or family dynamics surface. None of this is anyone’s fault. It is just a part of the reality of gathering multiple families together in one place, at one time, when they usually do not want to stand and smile for photos.
My Process to Keep Things Efficient
After a stressful, and honestly miserable, time at my own wedding during family photo time, I have refined my process over the years to truly make sure that family photos are a time that honor the importance of the photos, without letting them take over your whole day.
- Pre-prepared family photo list – while the template I send couples make seem excessive at first, it is truly the best way I have found to guarantee a photo isn’t missed. I have listed out every possible combination that I can think of, and then the couple fills it in with the names and relationships of those they want photos with. Any photo combination they do not want is simply removed from the list, and the couple is welcome to add any that they want! I review this list before the wedding to make sure I do not have any questions on it.
- Family is directed to an already designated spot – your officiant and/or coordinator helps direct the family to a pre-decided location, usually at the altar. If it’s the officiant, they will announce this before the end of the ceremony. If it’s the coordinator, they will keep family after the processional and direct them to the decided spot.
- I stay in one spot – consistent framing to ensure that every group looks intentional and polished
- Second photographer calls names – my second lines everyone up so that the next group is always ready
- Additional photos happen after the list is complete – any extra photos, whether added by mom or aunt or requested by the couple, are taken at the end of the list to ensure a smooth and efficient flow, and that I am getting every photo you originally requested. Each additional photo is also approved by the couple to ensure your gallery is what you want!
How Couples Can Help Family Photos Run Smoothly
While it is my job to take the photos themselves, and I will always do my best to make everything smooth and efficient, you also have a role in making this part of the day feel calm. A few simple steps go a long way! The steps below apply whether you are working with me, or a photographer with a different process.
- Provide full names and relationships (bride mom, groom mom, etc) for everyone included in your family photos
- Give your photographer your list in advance
- Ask that family members be preset and attentive. If someone is meant to be in a photo and it is on your timeline, make sure your family knows that too! Some photos happen before the ceremony and some after, and some family members may be needed both in the before and after.
- Let your photographer know about any family dynamics that could make this tie challenging. For example, if parents are separated or certain relatives don’t get along, sharing this ahead of time allows us to plan the order and positioning to keep everyone comfortable.
- Keep combinations realistic. While it may seem obvious, it is important to state: the more combinations you request and the more people in each group, the longer family photos will take. A large extended family will naturally require more time than a smaller one. The goal isn’t to cram every photo into 10 minutes, no matter how many people who have; it is to capture every combination you truly want, while avoiding things that can slow the process or make it less pleasant for everyone. If you want lots of extended family photos, I am all for it! It is just important to note that it will require more dedicated time than smaller groupings.
Family photos are more than just images. They are the memories of the people who support and love you most. My goal is to capture these photos beautifully and with respect, without turning your timeline into chaos.
If you value a wedding day that feels calm, organized, and intentional, I’d love to serve you! Let’s make your family photos a part of the day that everyone enjoys and remembers.
