Family wedding photos are more than a checklist item—they’re a time capsule. A way to freeze-frame a legacy. These images become the ones tucked into frames, posted for birthdays, and passed down to future generations. As a wedding photographer who values both timelessness and emotional depth, I’m here to help you plan family portraits that are heartfelt, beautiful, and—yes—efficient.

Let’s dive into the most common questions I get about family wedding photos, and how to make the process feel smooth, joyful, and stress-free.

Who Is Typically in Family Wedding Photos?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but traditionally, your family photo list will include:

• Parents and step-parents
• Siblings (and their spouses or partners, if applicable)
• Grandparents

From there, it’s all about what matters most to you. Want to include godparents, a beloved aunt who feels like a second mom, or extended cousins you grew up with? Absolutely. Just know that the bigger the group, the more time it takes to gather, direct, and photograph—so large extended family groupings are often best saved for cocktail hour or the reception when everyone is already mingling and feeling relaxed.

It’s your day. The photos should reflect your people.

How Many Family Photos at a Wedding?

Here’s the sweet spot: no more than 10 core groupings before things get overwhelming. This keeps the process quick and the smiles genuine. Here’s a sample structure I often recommend:

• Bride’s full family
• Groom’s full family
• Bride + parents
• Bride + siblings
• Bride + grandparents
• Groom + parents
• Groom + siblings
• Groom + grandparents
• Bride + Groom + both families
• Any individual combinations that are meaningful (e.g., Bride + Mom)

This lets you honor the people who matter most while protecting your energy (and your timeline). Trust me, it’s easy to lose 45 minutes wrangling extra combinations—and that’s time you could be soaking in your wedding day, hand in hand with your new spouse.

If there are additional combinations that are important to you—say, stepparents, half-siblings, or chosen family members—we’ll make space for them. We just plan for it before the big day so that everyone is on the same page and no one feels rushed or forgotten.

Do Family Wedding Photos Come Before or After the Ceremony?

Short answer: before, whenever possible.

Long answer: When couples do a first look, we’re able to complete the full set of family portraits before the ceremony begins. That means no one has to miss cocktail hour, and you can move right into celebrating, hugging guests, and sipping that signature drink you dreamed up.

Of course, I’ve worked with couples who preferred to wait until after the ceremony for personal or cultural reasons—and that’s completely doable! But when we do portraits before, the day flows more smoothly, your family gets to enjoy the celebration right alongside you, and there’s less pressure to stick to the minute.

Family Wedding Photos with Kids

Let’s talk about the littlest guests. Kids add magic to your photos—but also… unpredictability. That’s why I always photograph the combinations with children first. They’re often more comfortable (and cooperative!) when they haven’t been waiting around, and it helps them feel included in a fun, natural way.

Parents also appreciate being able to relax once the kids are done—whether that means heading to the reception space early or sneaking away for a snack break. I always plan to keep the energy light and the pacing quick so little ones feel like they’re part of the moment without the pressure of perfection.

How to Handle Tricky Family Dynamics

No family is perfect. And if you’re navigating divorce, remarriage, estrangement, or other complexities, you’re not alone.

The best thing you can do? Be honest with your photographer ahead of time. In our planning meeting, I’ll ask about any dynamics I should be aware of—who doesn’t feel comfortable standing together, who should be photographed separately, and who might need a little extra sensitivity. That way, I can guide the process with warmth and discretion so you don’t have to stress in the moment.

It’s your job to enjoy your day. It’s mine to make sure everyone feels seen, respected, and at ease.

Making Elderly Family Members Comfortable

When grandparents or older relatives are part of your wedding day, it’s such a gift. But it’s also important to be mindful of their needs.

I always try to photograph elderly family members early in the lineup, especially if portraits are happening outdoors or require standing for a while. If there are mobility concerns, I’ll scope out shaded areas, offer seating, or bring the group to them instead of the other way around.

We’ll plan ahead to make sure they’re comfortable, unhurried, and feel completely included. These often end up being some of the most treasured images from the entire gallery.

What to Wear for Family Wedding Photos

For guests who will be in formal portraits, I always recommend they stick with the dress code you’ve chosen for the wedding—but with one little tip: avoid bold patterns, logos, or colors that clash with your wedding palette. Solid tones or subtle patterns tend to photograph best, especially in group shots.

If you’re the couple and you’re wondering how to style your parents or wedding party for portraits, it can be helpful to give them a general color guide or share a few photo examples for reference. Most people appreciate having some direction so they feel confident and cohesive.

Why I Care So Much About Family Photos

I don’t take family formals lightly. These are the images that outlast trends. The ones your children and grandchildren will hold one day and say, “That was Nana–wasn’t she stunning?!”

I photograph a mix of vertical and horizontal formats so you have flexibility: wall prints, albums, birthday shoutouts, you name it. And before the wedding day, we’ll have a planning call to talk through your family dynamics, your priorities, and your must-have groupings. This ensures the day itself is smooth, meaningful, and totally you.

Family formals aren’t just logistics—they’re a piece of your legacy.

Final Thoughts (and What Comes Next)

Family wedding photos don’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and a photographer who values both artistry and legacy, this part of your wedding day becomes a moment to breathe, connect, and preserve what matters most.

If you’re dreaming of family photos that feel natural, timeless, and deeply personal—I’d love to help you create them.

Let’s connect and start planning your wedding day with intention. Click here to get started!

Want more wedding planning advice? Look below!

Wedding Clothes for Guests: What to Wear (And What to Avoid) for a Stylish Celebration in Boston or Cape Cod

Average Turnaround Time for Wedding Photos: Why It Takes Time + Why It’s Worth the Wait