Today we’re sharing a wedding family portrait checklist for our tips and tricks series. This is perfect for wedding photographers who get lost on wedding days since there are a million things happening. It’s also a perfect checklist for brides to give to their photographers as well! I’m happy to share my knowledge as a wedding photographer with peers and clients alike!

A General Note

Prior to the ceremony, we do immediate family portraits if they do a first look. After the ceremony, we begin with extended portraits.

Something that most brides don’t understand is that the immediate family list is further broken down by the photographer to get the most shots. So if a bride is asking the photographer to capture five other family members, it’s more than likely that the photographer will break that down into 20. The reason for this is that brides may have forgotten a combination or the order of the list causes too many moving pieces. Your wedding photographer is your friend, and I would love to be yours! It’s so important to trust your photographer to be efficient since this portion of the day could take quite a bit of time if it’s not handled properly!

General Photographer Family Portrait Checklist

• Immediate Family- typically siblings, parents (both sides), grandparents, and godparents (if applicable)
• Extended Family- Aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
• Animals- can’t forget the bridal pup!

Detailed Family Portrait Checklist

• B&G with Bride’s Immediate Family 
• (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
• B&G with Bride’s Parents
• B&G with Bride’s Siblings
• Bride with her Parents
• B ith Mom, Bride with Dad
• B&G with Bride’s Grandparents
• B&G Groom with both sets of Parents
• Bride & Groom with Groom’s Immediate Family
• (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
• B&G with Groom’s Parents
• B&G with Groom’s Siblings
• G with his Parents together
• Groom with Mom
• Groom with Dad
• B&G with Groom’s Grandparents
• B&G with all family members if time allows
• Husband and wife

Summary

Photographers and brides, hope this wedding family portrait checklist is helpful! The goal is to maximize efficiency and also be sure to capture everyone. Lastly, well-seasoned photographers typically review this family checklist prior to the event to cover all bases! As a wedding photographer myself, I know I do!

Are you enjoying our Tips and Tricks series? I would love to work with you! Contact me here.