Planning your wedding photos can feel like a big task, after all, you want to make sure everyone important is captured! As an Essex and Suffolk wedding photographer, I know how helpful a well-thought-out group photo list can be in keeping things stress-free and organised on the day.
In this post, I’ll share some simple wedding photo tips — from perfecting your timings to keeping family shots running smoothly — plus a sample wedding photo list to help you get started.
Whether you’re after expert guidance or just a few quick pointers, this guide will help you plan your photos with confidence and ease.
What is a wedding photo list?
A wedding photo list (sometimes called a formal shot list) is simply a checklist of the group photos you’d like captured on your wedding day. It helps make sure everyone special to you is included, from parents and grandparents to your best friends and chosen family.
These photos are usually taken soon after the ceremony, while everyone’s looking their best and before guests drift off for canapés and cocktails. It’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones together for a few timeless photos.
The list keeps things organised so that no one important is missed, and it means the group photos can run smoothly, leaving you free to get back to celebrating, chatting, and soaking up all those beautiful candid moments.
You’ll find a sample wedding photo list at the bottom of this post, full of popular combinations to help you plan your own.
My approach to capturing group photos
While group photos are important on your wedding day, my photography style focuses on capturing the joy, connection, and natural interactions that happen throughout your day.
I recommend keeping group photos to around 5–8 combinations so I can spend more time documenting the spontaneous moments that make your wedding unique. This also allows you time to mingle with your guests during your drinks reception and soak up the day.
Why is it important to have a wedding group photo list?
Having a wedding group photo list is one of the easiest ways to keep things running smoothly on your day. Since I won’t know everyone in your wedding party, your list lets me see exactly who you’d like included in your group photos, ensuring no one special is missed.
It also means we can move through your photos quickly and efficiently, so you’re not having to think of groups on the spot or worry about forgetting anyone.
Without a photo list, it’s easy to overlook a particular group until it’s too late, and I’d hate for you to miss those memories.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. I’m always happy to help you put together a photo list that feels personal, relaxed, and perfectly suited to your day.
How many group photos should you have on your wedding day?
There is no perfect number, but 5-8 group photos work well for most couples. This allows for a few key family photos while keeping things relaxed and unhurried. More than 10 groups can start to eat into your drinks reception or candid photo time.
Each group usually takes about 5 minutes to photograph, but surprisingly, the time it takes to gather everyone is often longer than the photo itself. That’s why I focus on keeping group photos efficient yet meaningful, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your day, laugh with friends and family, and of course, indulge in lots of canapés.
The less time spent on formal group photos, the more time we have to capture the spontaneous, joyful moments that tell the real story of your wedding.
Who will help gather people for the group photos?
Having a trusted helper to gather people for your group photos makes a huge difference. This is usually someone from your wedding party, a close friend, or a sibling who knows most of the guests. A little organisation (and maybe a naturally bossy or loud voice) can help keep things running smoothly, so we can get the photos done quickly and you can get back to enjoying your guests and the party.
I always advise that the photo gatherer knows in advance of the wedding that they are helping, so it isn’t a surprise when I ask for assistance on the day.
When do you need to send the group photo list over?
I usually ask for the photo list one month before the wedding. This way, you won’t have any extra documents to worry about in the busy final days leading up to your celebration.
During our final consultation, which can be on the phone or via video chat, we’ll go through your photo list alongside other important wedding details. At the same time, I also ask for your wedding day timeline so everything is planned and organised well in advance.
Sample wedding group photo list
Here’s a sample wedding group photo list featuring the most commonly requested shots. Every wedding is unique, so feel free to adapt this list to suit your own family, friends.
- The Wedding Couple + Parents
- The Wedding Couple + Immediate family (parents, siblings, children, etc.)
- The Wedding Couple + Grandparents or special relatives
- The Wedding Couple + Wedding party (maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, page boys, ring bearers)
- Optional groups: friendship groups, or any special combinations that are meaningful to you
Tip: Keeping the list concise helps us move efficiently through group photos, leaving more time for candid wedding photos.
Some quick tips:
- Name your groups clearly: When creating your group photo list, include the names of everyone in each shot. For larger groups (around 10 people or more), it’s fine to simply note the number of people expected. This helps me plan the space and timing for each photo.
- Consider accessibility: If some guests are less steady on their feet or have mobility needs, try to group them together. Please make a note on your form, so I can make arrangements and ensure everyone is comfortable.
- Think about early departures: If some guests need to leave the wedding early, it’s best to photograph their groups near the start of your list. This way, no one is missed, and your day stays stress-free.
- Want more group photos without taking time from your celebrations? Consider getting ready slightly earlier so we can capture a few group combinations before the ceremony. This needs to be planned in advance with your hair and makeup team. A good rule of thumb is for everyone to be fully ready 30–45 minutes before the registrar meeting, allowing extra time if travel between locations is involved.