Wedding family photo list examples
Templates assume a mum, a dad and two siblings each. Most families don’t look like that. Here are six that probably look more like yours.
7 min read · Updated 7 October 2026
Each list below is in shooting order: older relatives and children first, then each family from the biggest group to the smallest. Swap in your own names and you’re most of the way there, or print the blank family photo list template.
1. A small family (8 shots, about 12 minutes)
One parent and a sibling each side, one grandparent
- 1Couple with GrandadFirst, then he sits down
- 2Couple with Partner A’s mum and brother
- 3Couple with Partner A’s mum
- 4Partner A with MumWithout the other partner
- 5Couple with Partner B’s parents and sister
- 6Couple with Partner B’s parents
- 7Partner B with parents
- 8Couple with everyoneSmall enough to do easily
2. A large Irish family (14 shots, about 25 minutes)
Six siblings on one side, lots of cousins
- 1Couple with NanaChair ready
- 2Couple with Partner A’s whole family, cousins includedOn the steps, from a raised spot
- 3Couple with Partner A’s immediate familyParents, six siblings, partners and kids
- 4Couple with parents and the six siblings
- 5Couple with the siblings onlyA favourite with big families
- 6Couple with parents
- 7Couple with godparents
- 8Couple with Partner B’s family, largest group firstThen peel away the same way
- 9Couple with Partner B’s parents
- 10Couple with the wedding party
With very big families
Skip individual photos with each sibling’s family. One “all the siblings” shot and one “everyone” shot cover it, and your photographer can catch the rest during the reception.
3. Divorced parents who get on (just about)
Mum and Dad separated, Dad remarried
- 1Couple with Mum and DadEarly, before anyone has been waiting around. Opposite sides of the couple.
- 2Couple with Mum
- 3Couple with Mum and her partner
- 4Couple with Dad
- 5Couple with Dad and Karen
- 6Couple with all siblings
- 7Couple with the whole familyMum and Dad on opposite sides
4. A blended family
Step-parents, half-siblings and step-siblings
- 1Couple with Mum, stepdad and half-siblings
- 2Couple with Mum
- 3Couple with Dad, his partner and step-siblings
- 4Couple with Dad
- 5Couple with every sibling, half-sibling and step-siblingOften the photo people love most
5. Remembering a parent who has passed
Some couples want a way to include someone who isn’t there. A few gentle options photographers often suggest:
Ideas that work well
- 1Couple with the surviving parent and siblingsHolding a framed photo, if that feels right
- 2Detail shot of a locket, pinned photo or their handwritingOften done while getting ready
- 3Couple with the grandparents on that sideA meaningful link to the missing parent
Tell your photographer in advance, so they know the context and can be gentle with the family. In our planner, the notes section is the right place for it.
6. A couple who want as few formals as possible
Three shots, five minutes
- 1Couple with Partner A’s immediate family
- 2Couple with Partner B’s immediate family
- 3Couple with everyoneThen go and enjoy the drinks
Start from your own family instead. Add who’s coming and we’ll suggest the shots and the order.
Make my family photo listQuestions people ask
What is a typical wedding family photo list?
Usually 10 to 15 groupings: each set of grandparents, each side’s immediate family, parents, siblings, the extended family in one group per side, and the wedding party.
How should a wedding family photo list be ordered?
Older relatives and small children first, one family at a time, starting with the biggest group and releasing people a few at a time.