The Ultimate Guide to a Family Photo List
(So Grandma Gets a Photo and You Still Make Cocktail Hour)
Let’s talk about the part of your wedding day that can either feel like a well-choreographed dance… or like herding very well-dressed, very lovable cats.
Family photos.
They matter deeply. These are the photos that live in frames, wallets, and holiday cards for years to come. And with just a little planning, they can be meaningful, efficient, and—dare I say—kind of fun.
I’m Lindsay of Lindsay Stayton Photography, and I’m here to help you get every must-have family photo and make it to cocktail hour while the appetizers are still hot. We love a win-win.
Why a Family Photo List Is Basically Wedding-Day Gold
Your wedding day moves fast. Like, “wait, how is it already sunset?” fast.
A family photo list:
Keeps things flowing smoothly
Prevents missed groupings
Reduces stress for you and your people
Helps me work quickly and confidently
Think of it as a gentle roadmap for your post-ceremony photo moment. No shouting into the crowd. No guessing who’s still in the bathroom. Just smooth, happy, photo-taking magic.
When to Take Family Photos (A Photographer’s Honest Take)
The sweet spot? One of two options: About an hour before the ceremony or Right after the ceremony.
Everyone is:
Already gathered or makes everyone ontime
Looking amazing
Feeling emotional in the best way
If you’re doing a First Look, we can even knock out some family photos before the ceremony and free up more time later for hugs, snacks, and celebrating.
Yes, snacks are a very real part of the photography strategy.
How to Build Your Family Photo List (Without Overthinking It)
Here’s my favorite rule:
Start with your “must-haves,” then work outward.
Ask yourselves:
Who absolutely needs to be in these photos?
Who would be heartbroken if they weren’t included?
Who’s flying in from far away and deserves a front-row spot in your gallery?
Pro tip: Keep it realistic. A great family photo list usually lands between 8–15 groupings. That keeps things meaningful without turning this into a full-length feature film.
Sample Family Photo List You Can Copy, Paste, and Make Your Own
Feel free to steal this. I love a good shortcut.
Couple With Immediate Family
Couple + Both sets of parents
Couple + Partner A’s parents
Couple + Partner B’s parents
Couple With Siblings
Couple + Partner A’s siblings
Couple + Partner B’s siblings
Couple + All siblings together
Extended Family (If Desired)
Couple + Partner A’s grandparents
Couple + Partner B’s grandparents
Couple + Partner A’s extended family
Couple + Partner B’s extended family
Bonus Moments
Couple + Both families together
Couple + Chosen family / close friends
Chosen family absolutely counts. Always.
The Secret Weapon: Your Family Photo MVP
Pick one person from each side of the family who:
Knows everyone’s names
Isn’t afraid to speak up
Can gently but firmly guide people where they need to be
These wonderful humans help round up the right people while I focus on lighting, composition, and making sure everyone looks their best. Teamwork makes the dream work—and gets you to cocktail hour faster.
What to Tell Your Family Ahead of Time
A tiny heads-up goes a long way.
Let your family know:
When photos will happen
Where they should go
About how long it will take
This simple step alone can shave 10–15 minutes off the process. That’s basically an entire drink and half an appetizer tray. Just saying.
How I Keep It Calm, Fun, and Moving
During family photos, I:
Gently direct groups so no one feels awkward
Keep things light and positive
Move efficiently without making it feel rushed
My goal is for this part of your day to feel organized, not overwhelming. You should be smiling, not scanning the crowd for Uncle Mike.
A Note on Real Life (Because It Happens)
Someone will wander off. Someone will need the restroom. Someone will get pulled into a hug.
It’s okay. We roll with it. That’s part of the beauty of a real wedding day. I build in flexibility so you still get the photos that matter most—without stress or stiff vibes.
The Big Picture
These photos aren’t just for today. They’re for:
Your parents’ walls
Your grandparents’ coffee tables
Your future selves looking back and saying, “Wow, look at everyone who showed up for us.”
And that? That’s something really special.
Let’s Make It Easy (And Meaningful)
If you’re looking for a Milwaukee wedding photographer who cares just as much about your people as your photos, I’d love to connect.
We’ll build a family photo plan that feels organized, kind, and totally you—so you can spend less time lining up and more time celebrating.
Cheers,
Lindsay
(Friendly reminder: LindsayStayton.com is where the planning magic begins. I can’t wait to hear about and meet your people.) ✨
