Family Pictures on Your Wedding Day
As a wedding photographer, one of my favourite parts of the day is taking family pictures. These family wedding photos are the most treasured images from any wedding day—they tell the story of your closest relationships, your laughter and the love that brought everyone together to celebrate your special day.
Read on to find all about wedding pictures of family.
Why Family Wedding Photos Matter
Most couples want beautiful wedding photos with all their loved ones. From immediate family to extended families, school friends and the whole wedding party, these group wedding photos become keepsakes for life. I always advise couples to make a photo list so we don’t forget anyone important—whether it’s the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, siblings (including a sister or brother), grandparents or even the flower girl and ring bearer. Including the flower girl and siblings like a sister in family portraits adds a personal touch and captures special moments. Formal and candid photos of the grooms and brides and grouping family members ensures a smooth and efficient photography experience.
A well planned family photo list helps us not to miss any important moments or people.
How I Approach Group Wedding Photos
On your wedding day things can move fast. That’s why I help gather people quickly for group shots, so we get one group photo with all your family and more groups like close family, the bridal party and special friends. Helpers or staff have the job of gathering guests for group photos, making the process seamless and organized. I love capturing candid photos—those moments when people are laughing, hugging or sharing a quiet word. These candid group photos often become favourites, showing real emotion and connection. There are things to consider when photographing family groups especially during winter weddings like lighting, timing and comfort for everyone involved.
Tips for Family Wedding Photos
Make a photo list of family members and groups you want photographed.
Gather people right after the ceremony or during the cocktail hour when everyone is nearby.
Include both sides of the family—bride’s parents, groom’s parents, siblings and grandparents.
Don’t forget the wedding party: bridesmaids, best man, flower girls and ring bearer.
Mix formal group shots with relaxed, candid photos for a full story.* Follow a structured course or guide for family and group photos and make sure the wedding couple is in multiple groupings.
Include your partner in individual and group shots to capture your connection.
Make sure to photograph the bride’s parents and groom’s parents both together and separately for a full family record.
Prioritise certain guests and group friends to capture those special relationships.
Make the Most of Your Day
Whether you’re having a summer wedding or a winter wonderland wedding I work with you to get all your family wedding photos in the best light. I make sure to group people and include the groom, dad and mum in family photos and the rest of your loved ones. The day is about capturing images that will be treasured for generations. Photographing families during winter weddings and wedding days presents unique challenges and opportunities, from lighting to timing but also results in amazing images. Grouping and photographing the bride and groom with their families is essential for a full and meaningful wedding album. The reception is also a great time for more group photos with friends, school friends and wedding guests.
Why Choose Me as Your Wedding Photographer
I know how important these moments are. As your photographer I’ll guide you and your family through group shots, make everyone feel comfortable and capture those special moments you’ll want to remember forever. The value of wedding party photos is huge and grouping is part of my job as your photographer. A good photographer will help with grouping and photographing all the important people including the maid of honor, friends and extended families so no one is left out. I believe every family wedding is unique and I’m here to help you create memories that last a lifetime.
I have over 40 years of photography experience so I know how to make the day run smoothly.
If you’re looking for a photographer who cares about every detail and makes taking family wedding photos easy and fun I’d love to be part of your special day. Let’s make sure all your family, friends and loved ones are beautifully photographed—so you can relive the joy of your wedding for years to come. Weddings are a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture meaningful photos and pictures of all your loved ones.
The Heart of Family Wedding Photos
Family wedding photos are the heart of any wedding. These images capture the relationships between family members and the wedding party, the laughter, love and joy of your special day. With all your immediate family—parents, siblings and even grandparents—gathered together these photos become treasured keepsakes that tell the story of your family wedding for generations to come. A good wedding photographer knows how to capture the unique personalities and relationships within your family whether you prefer classic formal portraits or a more relaxed candid style. Including extended family like cousins and close friends means no one is left out of your wedding day memories. Ultimately family wedding photos are more than just pictures they are a celebration of the people who have shaped your life and supported you on your journey to this special day.
Planning Your Family Photo Session
A successful family photo session starts with planning and communication. Begin by deciding who you want to include in your family photos, considering the size of your family and the time available on your wedding day. Create a photo list it’s a great idea—it helps your photographer capture every shot without missing anyone. Share this list with your photographer ahead of time so they can plan the session. Let your family members know when and where the photos will be taken so everyone is prepared and present. Consider the best time of day for good light and choose a location that’s meaningful or convenient for your group. By working with your photographer and keeping everyone informed you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable experience that results in amazing family photos you’ll treasure forever.
I personally love this picture of the bride with her father. I love to capture an emotional moment!
Communicating with Family Members
Communicating with family members can help to make capturing family wedding photos stress free and enjoyable. let your family know the schedule, location and any dress code for the photo session. Assign a reliable member of the bridal party, a sibling or another trusted family member to help gather everyone and make sure no one is missing for the group photos.
This point person can help keep things moving and make sure all family members are present and ready for their moment in front of the camera. It’s also thoughtful to consider the needs of elderly relatives or anyone with mobility challenges and make sure they have a comfortable spot and enough time to join in. With a little planning and teamwork taking family wedding photos becomes a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Working with Your Photographer
Start by sharing a detailed photo list with the names of all family members and the groupings you want to see. This helps your photographer plan the session and make sure every important shot is captured. Be open with your preferences—whether you love classic posed photos or more candid relaxed moments your photographer can work to your style. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice; experienced photographers can offer tips on timing, locations and even how to help family members feel comfortable in front of the camera. By communicating clearly and trusting your photographer’s expertise you’ll have a smooth stress free experience and a collection of family wedding photos that truly reflect the love and joy of your special day.
Capturing Special Moments and Candid Connections
Some of the most treasured family wedding photos are the candid ones. Encourage your photographer to look for unscripted moments—people laughing together, hugging or exchanging a glance. These images show the real spirit of your family and the unique connections of your wedding day. Including personal touches like a family heirloom or a location that holds meaning can add even more depth to your photos. Whether it’s a group shot or a quiet moment between siblings these candid photos tell the real story of your family wedding. By capturing both posed and spontaneous moments you’ll have a rich and heartfelt collection of images that will be treasured by your family for years to come.
I'm Simon John and I'm an experienced wedding photographer. To find out more about my services, please get in touch.
