How long do wedding family photos take?

A well-organised family photo session takes about a minute and a half to two minutes per grouping. So a list of twelve groups needs roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes, and fifteen groups needs around half an hour.

Those numbers assume everyone is where they should be. In practice, the time goes on finding people, not on taking photos.

What actually takes the time

• Finding people. One missing cousin can cost five minutes. Multiply that across a list and it’s most of your drinks reception.
• Big changes between photos. If eight people have to leave and six new people arrive between two shots, that’s a minute of shuffling before the photographer can even start.
• Large groups. Arranging thirty people so every face is visible takes longer than arranging four.
• Small children and older relatives. Both are worth planning around rather than hoping for the best.
• Weather. In Ireland and the UK especially, a sudden move indoors can add ten minutes.

A quick way to estimate your own timing

1. 1Count your groupings and allow 90 seconds for each.
2. 2Add about 10 seconds for every person who steps in or out between shots.
3. 3Add five minutes of slack for the unexpected. There is always something.

This is the same estimate our planner uses. It also reorders your list to cut the number of people moving between shots, which is usually the quickest way to save time. The best order for family photos explains how.

How many family photos is too many?

Most photographers suggest 10 to 15 groupings. Beyond that, family photos start to eat into the time for your couple portraits and your own drinks reception, and guests start drifting off.

If your list is long, look for shots that are nearly the same. “Couple with parents and siblings” and “couple with parents, siblings and partners” are often one photo too many. Your photographer can always grab extra combinations later in the day, informally.

Where family photos fit in the day

Most couples do family photos straight after the ceremony, while everyone is still in one place. If the ceremony and reception are at different venues, decide which location you’ll use and tell your family in advance. Doing them at the church can be quicker, but if the reception venue has better light and space, it’s often worth the short wait. The wedding day timeline generator builds the slot into your day for you.