Posed family photos are an important part of any wedding day, but it has the ability to be stressful too if you do not take the time to make a detailed list for your photographer. 

Traditional, posed family photos are almost always taken right after the ceremony while the majority of guests are at cocktail hour. Since family photos, bridal party group photos, and bride and groom portraits all need to be taken during this time, it’s crucial that family photos are organized so everything runs on schedule. Hence, the family photo shot list! 

Having a list helps your photographer stay organized, it also helps you not have to worry or track down family on the day of the wedding because you already did the planning.  

Family Photo List Template

You can use this as a starting point and then customize it to fit your families.

During family photos, I have my second photographer read off the names on the list and check off the photos we already did. It’s important that you include actual first names in addition to relation so we can properly coordinate the photos throughout the process.

I usually start with a group photo of the immediate family of both Partner 1 and Partner 2. 

Couple with immediate family on both sides (All Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews on both sides)

Couple with both sets of Parents

Immediate family of Partner 1:

Couple with Partner 1’s Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)

Couple with Partner 1’s Parents 

Couple with Partner 1’s Siblings

Couple with Partner 1’s Grandparents

Partner 1 with their Parents

Partner 1 with Mom 

Partner 1 with Dad

Immediate family of Partner 2:

Couple with Partner 2’s Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)

Couple with Partner 2’s Parents

Couple with Partner 2’s Siblings

Partner 2 with their Parents

Partner 2 with Mom, Partner B with Dad

Couple with Partner 2’s Grandparents