Wedding Photo Family Portraits List: Must-Have Shots for Your Big Day
Your wedding day will be filled with unforgettable moments—some planned, some spontaneous—but one of the most important elements of the day is capturing the people who mean the most to you. A wedding photo family portraits list ensures that you get all the must-have shots with your loved ones, so you don’t look back later and realize you missed a key moment.
While family portraits are essential, they can also be one of the most stressful parts of the day if not planned well. That’s why I always encourage my couples to create a list in advance—keeping it streamlined, meaningful, and realistic so they can spend more time enjoying their wedding and less time standing in front of a camera.
As a New Jersey wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless wedding family portraits. I can help you each step of the way, and make sure you get every precious photo of you and your loved ones. Before I dive in, let’s chat here to talk more about your wedding photography vision!
Why You Need a Wedding Photo Family Portraits List
Weddings are a whirlwind. In the midst of all the excitement, it’s easy to forget certain family combinations that you’ll want to have captured forever. A wedding photo family portraits list helps keep everything organized so we can move efficiently through portraits without any last-minute scrambling.
Having a structured list allows you to:
Ensure you capture the most meaningful family moments.
Avoid unnecessary stress by keeping groupings concise.
Get back to your celebration faster while still getting beautiful images.
Without a list, it’s easy for things to get chaotic—family members wander off, different people request their own groupings, and before you know it, you’re spending an hour taking photos instead of enjoying your wedding.
How to Create Your Wedding Photo Family Portraits List
When I guide my couples through creating their wedding photo family portraits list, I recommend a simple but effective order (for clarity, I’ll refer to the couple as Partner 1 and Partner 2.):
Start with one side of the family: Typically, this means Partner 1’s immediate family—parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. We’ll take combinations with and without Partner 2.
Move to the full family: Once we’ve captured Partner 1’s family, we add Partner 2 to some key shots—such as the couple with both sets of parents or all siblings together.
Switch to the other side: Now, we repeat the process with Partner 2’s family, taking immediate family shots first, then incorporating Partner 1 into select photos.
Consider logistics: If one partner needs to step away (to avoid being seen before the ceremony, for example), we prioritize their side first so they can leave when needed.
Be realistic: Instead of listing every possible combination, focus on the must-haves. If there’s extra time, we can always grab additional groupings later!
Must-Have Wedding Photo Family Portraits List
Every couple’s family dynamics are different, but here’s a great starting point:
Immediate Family Portraits
Partner 1 with parents
Partner 1 with siblings
Partner 1 with grandparents
Partner 1 with entire immediate family
Partner 2 with parents
Partner 2 with siblings
Partner 2 with grandparents
Partner 2 with entire immediate family
Combined Family Portraits
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with both immediate families together
Couple with siblings from both sides
Couple with all grandparents
Extended Family (if desired)
Couple with Partner 1’s extended family
Couple with Partner 2’s extended family
Partner 1 with aunts, uncles, and cousins
Partner 2 with aunts, uncles, and cousins
Remember, you don’t have to include every extended family combination unless it’s truly meaningful to you. Keeping the list focused will help the session run smoothly.
Tips for Smooth Wedding Family Portrait Sessions
Even with the perfect wedding photo family portraits List, things can get hectic. Here are my best tips for keeping the session efficient and stress-free:
Assign a helper: Pick a family member who knows everyone and can help call people over when it’s their turn.
Communicate in advance: Let family members know where and when portraits will take place so no one wanders off.
Keep it moving: I work quickly to keep things flowing, so we don’t lose momentum.
Minimize distractions: Kindly ask guests to hold off on taking their own phone photos during this time—it helps everything go smoother!
Unique Ideas for Wedding Photo Family Portraits
Here are a few creative ways to make your Wedding Family Portraits more unique:
Candid moments: Instead of just posed shots, consider capturing interactions—like a grandmother adjusting your veil or parents laughing together.
Generational portraits: If possible, take a portrait with multiple generations—such as the bride, her mother, and her grandmother.
Movement shots: Have your family walk toward the camera, share a group hug, or toast with champagne for a more natural feel.
Pet-inclusive portraits: If you have a furry family member, include them in a few shots!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve captured a lot of wedding photo family portrait sessions, and trust me—some common mistakes can make this part of the day way more stressful than it needs to be!
Creating an overly long list: I totally understand wanting all the photos, but just stick to the essentials!
Not considering time constraints: On the wedding day, standing for dozens of family photos can get tiring. After a while, most couples are ready to move on and enjoy the celebration.
Letting the session get chaotic: Too many people interjecting, guests taking their own photos in the background, or missing family members can slow things down. That’s why a plan (and a helper!) is key.
Let’s Capture the Moments That Matter
Your wedding photo family portraits list is more than just a checklist—it’s a way to preserve the people and relationships that mean the most to you. By keeping it focused and well-planned, we’ll ensure you get the essential shots without spending too much time away from the celebration.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values both fine art and candid storytelling, loves using film, and will be your go-to guide through the entire process, let’s chat! contact me today, and let’s start planning how we’ll capture your wedding day in the most meaningful way possible. And, for more behind-the-scenes moments, wedding day tips, and a peek into my photography process, follow along on Instagram!