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How to Create Your Wedding Family Photo List: Sample + Pro Tips

  • Writer: Katie Mae Williams
    Katie Mae Williams
  • Mar 3
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Creating a shot list for your wedding day family photos is one of the best ways to keep this part of the day quick and stress-free. I'm here to make it as painless as possible!


Disclosure - Before we dive into the sample list, I want to acknowledge that family looks different for everyone!

  • For blended and nontraditional families | Whether that includes stepparents, same-sex parents, adoptive families, or grandparents raising grandchildren.

  • For those who’ve experienced loss | I’m so sorry someone you love can’t be there. If you’d like to honor them in any way, I’d be honored to help.

  • For couples navigating family tension | Please don’t stress. Let me know if there are any sensitive dynamics, and we’ll plan ahead so everything feels smooth and respectful.

  • For LGBTQIA+ couples | this list uses “bride” and “groom” as placeholders, but it's completely customizable. All couples are welcome here!



Sample List 


This basic sample list includes minimal groupings and is perfect for couples who want to focus on immediate family while keeping this part of the day moving quickly! Feel free to copy and paste it into a Google or Microsoft Word document, then add or remove groupings to fit your unique family.


Groom’s Family 

✅ Bride & groom, groom's maternal grandparents

✅ Bride & groom, groom's paternal grandparents

[Let grandparents sit after their photos are done]

✅ Bride & groom, groom's parents

✅ Bride & groom, groom's parents, groom's siblings (w/ siblings' spouses if applicable)

✅ Groom, groom's mom

✅ Groom, groom's dad

✅ Bride & groom, groom's siblings


Bride's Family 

✅ Bride & groom, bride's maternal grandparents

✅ Bride & groom, bride's paternal grandparents

[Let grandparents sit after their photos are done]

✅ Bride & groom, bride's parents

✅ Bride & groom, bride's parents, bride's siblings (w/ siblings' spouses if applicable)

✅ Bride, bride's mom

✅ Bride, bride's dad

✅ Bride & groom, bride's siblings


>>> Keep reading to check out my pro tips for making your family photos a stress-free experience!


A bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet, walking with an older man in a blue suit, smiling in a sunny, wooded outdoor setting.

Pro Tips


To help your family photos go as smoothly as possible, here are some pro tips based on years of experience. These small steps can make a big difference in minimizing stress on your wedding day!


Pro tip: Replacing all the titles with the names to it easier to call everyone out day-of.

  • Example: replace"groom's parents" with "Steve and Laura"

  • Example: replace "bride's maternal grandparents" with "Gerald and Bonnie"


Pro tip: I recommend keeping the number of formal groupings to less than 15 combinations, especially if you're trying to stay within a 30 minute window. This ensures the couple stays relaxed and guests aren’t waiting too long for the couple to return.


Pro tip: Make sure everyone knows when and where to be, either beforehand or have the officiant announce it after the ceremony.


Pro tip: Send your shot list to your photographer a month or two before the ceremony. This gives them time to review and prepare for your unique family dynamics.


Pro tip: Since the photographer may not recognize everyone, if your family tends to be hard to gather, designate a trusted family member to help find and organize people quickly during photos.


>>> Keep reading to check out additional photos you might ask your photographer to capture!


A large group in formal attire poses on a grassy hill by a lake. A bride holds flowers, smiling. Trees and water are in the background.

Shots You Might Want to Consider Adding On...

  • Maybe the sample list doesn’t include every shot important to you. Take a moment to think if there is anything you would like to add on. Here are a few examples to help:

    • Variations of group photos with step parents  

    • Individuals of the bride / groom with each grandparent

    • Individuals of the bride / groom with siblings

    • Bride and groom with nieces / nephews 

    • Bride and groom with aunts / uncles 

    • Bride and groom with cousins 

    • Just brides' parents together

    • Just grooms' parents together

    • Just brides' grandparents together

    • Just grooms' grandparents together


Two men in a room; one adjusts the other's tie. They're near a large window with trees outside. The mood is focused and collaborative.

That is all it takes to create your family shot list! When you choose to book with me, I will bring your personalized list and check off each photo as we go. With a plan in place, family photos flow smoothly and quickly. You will love how organized it feels and your family will be surprised at how easy it is.




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Planning your wedding or elopement?

Hi! I would be honored to capture your day and help make it unforgettable.


Bride in lace dress, groom in gray suit, and photographer smile amid floating bubbles. Greenery and neon sign in background. Joyful mood.

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