You spend months (sometimes years) planning your wedding—but when the day arrives, it flies by faster than you can imagine. One thing we often hear from couples after the fact? “I wish we had gotten a photo with…” That’s where a formal shot list comes in.

While so much of the day is about candid, documentary-style moments, the formal portraits are a chance to intentionally capture the people who raised you, shaped you, and stood beside you.

This guide will help you build a family photo list that reflects your relationships, keeps the day moving smoothly, and honors the people who matter most.

Why a Shot List Matters

Weddings are joyful and chaotic. People wander. Emotions run high. It’s easy to forget who you wanted photos with in the moment.

A clear, simple shot list helps us move efficiently and ensures we don’t miss anyone important. It also allows you to be present, instead of trying to remember combinations on the fly.

Want help fitting family photos into your timeline? Read Scheduling Your Day

When to Do Family Photos

You can do formal portraits before or after the ceremony. If you’re doing a first look, we can capture most family groupings beforehand, which gives you more time at cocktail hour.

If you wait until after the ceremony, we recommend extending cocktail hour slightly (especially if your family is large or you want lots of combinations).

Our Shooting Beforehand post walks through how to structure pre-ceremony portraits.

Who Should Be in Formal Portraits?

That’s entirely up to you. Most couples include immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents), wedding party, and sometimes extended family or special chosen family (godparents, close family friends, etc.).

If there are any sensitive dynamics (divorced parents, missing family members, estrangements), let us know ahead of time. We’ll navigate everything with empathy, discretion, and care.

Sample Formal Shot List

Use this as a starting point. You don’t have to do them all—choose what feels right for your relationships.

Couple + Partner 1’s Family

• Couple + Partner 1’s parents

• Couple + Partner 1’s parents + siblings

• Couple + Partner 1’s grandparents

• Partner 1 + parents

• Partner 1 + siblings

• Partner 1 + grandparents

Couple + Partner 2’s Family

• Couple + Partner 2’s parents

• Couple + Partner 2’s parents + siblings

• Couple + Partner 2’s grandparents

• Partner 2 + parents

• Partner 2 + siblings

• Partner 2 + grandparents

Couple + Both Families

• Couple + both sets of parents

• Couple + all immediate family

Couple + Wedding Party

• Couple + entire wedding party

• Couple + bridesmaids

• Couple + groomsmen

• Partner 1 + bridesmaids

• Partner 2 + groomsmen

• Partner 1 + wedding party

• Partner 2 + wedding party

Optional / Special Groupings

• Couple + godparents

• Couple + nieces/nephews

• Couple + chosen family

• Couple + extended family

• Couple with pets (yes, we love those too!)

Pro Tips for Smooth Family Photos

• Assign a wrangler. Ask a friend or planner who knows your family to help gather people. This keeps things moving.

• Share your list in advance. Send us the list before the wedding so we can have it ready.

• Use first names if possible. Instead of “bride’s uncle,” write “Uncle Dan.” It makes things clearer.

• Start with larger groupings. Begin with big combos (all family) and then release people once they’re done.

• Communicate expectations. Let your family know ahead of time when and where portraits will be. No one likes being surprised or rushed.

• Leave time. Family photos usually take 20–30 minutes depending on size and complexity. Build it into the timeline.

Our Final Checklist includes a reminder to finalize and send us your list.

A Note on Chosen Family & Representation

Your formal shot list is about more than tradition—it’s about inclusion. Whoever holds significance in your life deserves to be seen.

Whether it’s two moms, a grandfather who raised you, or your best friend who’s like a sibling, we will always honor the story you bring.

Let us know who matters. We’ll make sure they’re captured.

Should You Include Extended Family?

It depends on your priorities and timeline.

If groupings like “cousins on dad’s side” or “extended family photo with grandparents” are important, absolutely include them. Just keep in mind that extended family groupings take longer, especially if you have a large guest count.

Another option: do immediate family/formal photos pre-ceremony, and reserve 1–2 extended groupings during cocktail hour or reception.

How Many Photos Should You Include?

We recommend 15–25 groupings total for family/wedding party. This keeps the session flowing without overwhelming you. More is possible—but it takes more time, and sometimes pulls you away from the celebration.

Ask yourself: which photos will matter most in 10 years?

What About Formal Photos of Just the Couple?

While not part of the family shot list, we’ll also do intentional portraits of just the two of you—either pre-ceremony or at golden hour.

Read our Let’s Get Intimate guide for more on capturing couple portraits that feel authentic, not stiff.

Formal photos don’t have to feel formal. They can feel like celebration, like connection, like love in its clearest form. The key is clarity, communication, and trust.

We’ll guide you through the process and bring presence to every frame.

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