




Planning your wedding family portraits can feel tricky, but I’ve got all the tips to help you confidently create a list for efficient and beautiful photos with your loved ones! A shot list is simply a list of groups of people—with a key of names and who they are to you—that you’d like pictures with. Check out this in-depth example here! It’s a little “homework” I ask each of my couples to complete, and I’m sharing my go-to tips to make sure these photos go as smoothly as possible. So keep reading to create your perfect wedding family photos list!






Let’s Get Started on Your Wedding Family Photos List!
For my couples, I send out a questionnaire 10 weeks before their special day with all the questions regarding their day. One section will talk about their family shot list. Below are questions will help make sure your formal photo time goes as smoothly as possible.
- Are there any sensitive relationships I need to be aware of?
- Does anyone dislike being next to each other?
- Is there anyone under the age of 5?
- Is there anyone who has difficulty standing for long periods of time, such as disabled or elderly folks? (I always try to get children, elderly, and large groups done first)
- Is your extended family, such as your aunts, uncles, or cousins, part of this shot list?
It’s also important to consider whether you are doing family photos before or after the ceremony. If before, do you trust your family members to be early enough? This would be roughly 60-75 minutes before your ceremony time.




Tips for Planning Your Wedding Family Photos List
From there, I ask my couples to send their wedding family photos list to me at least 2 weeks before their big day. That way I can take a look and reorganize it to go as smoothly as possible! Now here are all the tips I give to help them create their list:
- Talk to your parents to make sure their requests are fulfilled. At the end of the day, this is more than likely for them and they will feel relief that all formal photos will be taken during this time.
- Try your best to keep your shot list under 20-25 requests.
- If possible, keep the two of you together for every photo. Dancing your spouse in and out of photos takes a lot of time, especially if the bride has a big dress to lay down perfectly.
- Be honest, is this a photo you will actually print out and frame or gift to this family member? If not, don’t put it on the list!
- Communicate clearly with family members ahead of time about staying seated after the ceremony for photos–and keep reminding them! Let them know during your rehearsal dinner, assign a point person from each side of the family on the wedding day, and have the officiant make a final announcement after everyone has processed out of the ceremony.
Keep in mind that this list is for formal photos only. These will be the photos at the altar or right after the ceremony. Add as many photos as you like during cocktail hour and your reception! These can be groups of friends, extended family, cousins, work friends–you name it!
I’m always determined to get the formal photos done within 30 minutes or less. Subtle flex–99% of the time, I nail it! I like to joke around and say this will be the time I’m the most bossy, but hey it gets the job done. I do love herding cats!






Let’s Make Your Wedding Day Stress-Free and Fun!
I hope these tips help when planning your wedding family photos list! I’m here to make sure your family portraits are as stress-free as possible and actually enjoyable! I want nothing more than for your special day to be documented for you and your loved ones to cherish for the rest of your life. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Kansas City or beyond, I’m your girl! Hey, I’m Kelsey and you can learn all about me here. I’d love to answer any questions you have and start planning the wedding of your dreams! You can contact me here or read more wedding tips and inspiration on the blog. Talk soon!