Wedding Day Family Portraits: Essential Shot List for Stress-Free Photos
Wedding day family portraits are one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding gallery. These images preserve the most important people in your life and are often the ones you’ll frame or share with family. To make sure your photo session runs smoothly and nothing gets missed, here’s a complete guide to planning your family portraits.
If you’re still finalizing your wedding timeline, check out our post on how to build the perfect wedding photography timeline.
Immediate Family Portraits
These foundational groupings make sure you capture the core relationships:
Bride’s Side:
- Bride with Parents (Mom and Dad)
- Bride with Mom
- Bride with Dad
- Bride with Siblings
- Bride with Parents and Siblings
- Bride with Grandparents
Groom’s Side:
- Groom with Parents (Mom and Dad)
- Groom with Mom
- Groom with Dad
- Groom with Siblings
- Groom with Parents and Siblings
- Groom with Grandparents
Couple with Immediate Family:
- Couple with Bride’s Parents
- Couple with Groom’s Parents
- Couple with each side’s immediate family
Extended Family Combinations
These photos include aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members who are important to you.
Examples:
- Bride with Extended Family
- Groom with Extended Family
- Couple with Both Families Combined
Special Portraits and Groupings
For sentimental or multi-generational wedding day family portraits, don’t forget these meaningful combinations:
- Couple with Both Sets of Parents
- Couple with Grandparents
- Couple with Siblings and Their Spouses
- Couple with Cousins
In-Law Photos
Celebrate your new connections:
- Bride with Groom’s Family
- Groom with Bride’s Family
- Couple with Both Families Together
Planning Tips for Family Portraits
Family photos usually happen after the ceremony or during cocktail hour. Here’s how to keep it stress-free:
- Create a Shot List: Prioritize key groupings ahead of time
- Appoint a Helper: Choose someone who knows both sides of the family to help gather people
- Limit Combinations: More groupings = more time. Focus on what matters most
Final Thoughts on Wedding Day Family Portraits
Take a deep breath—we’ve done this hundreds of times. With a clear list and a calm approach, your wedding day family portraits can be fast, fun, and incredibly meaningful.
Looking for more ways to prepare for your wedding day photos? Check out our wedding planning tips for even more help.
