When couples picture their wedding day, they usually imagine the ceremony, the first dance, and celebrating with the people they love most.
Very few spend much time thinking about family portraits.
But after photographing weddings throughout East Tennessee, I've learned that these 20–30 minutes can set the tone for the rest of the day. When they're well planned, they feel effortless. When they're not, they can quickly become one of the most stressful parts of the timeline.
The good news? Family portraits don't have to be chaotic.
With a little planning and a clear process, they can be organized, efficient, and even enjoyable.
Why Family Portraits Matter More Than You Think
I'll be honest—family portraits aren't usually the photos that end up on Instagram.
They're also not the images couples typically hang over the fireplace.
But years from now, they often become some of the most treasured photographs from a wedding day.
These are the portraits that include parents, siblings, grandparents, and generations of family together in one place. They're the photos that become more meaningful as time passes.
That's why I encourage every couple to make time for them.
The Biggest Mistake Couples Make
The most common mistake isn't scheduling too many family photos.
It's assuming everyone will simply know where to be.
Wedding days are exciting. Guests head to cocktail hour, stop to congratulate the couple, grab a drink, or wander off to the restroom. Before long, someone important is missing, and suddenly we're spending ten minutes searching for one person instead of taking photographs.
Those delays add up.
That's why preparation before the wedding is just as important as the portraits themselves.
Create a Family Portrait List Before the Wedding
One of the most helpful things you can do is create a written list of every family combination you'd like photographed.
Instead of saying, "We'd like a few family photos," think through exactly who should be in each portrait.
A typical list might include:
Couple with Bride's Parents
Couple with Bride's Parents and Siblings
Bride with Parents
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Couple with Groom's Parents
Couple with Groom's Parents and Siblings
Groom with Parents
Couple with Both Families
Couple with Grandparents
Bride with Grandparents
Groom with Grandparents
Having a list keeps us moving confidently from one group to the next without wondering if we've forgotten anyone.
My Recommended Flow for Family Portraits
Every wedding is unique, but I've found that a consistent order helps portraits move quickly while keeping everyone informed.
Step One: Start with Immediate Family
I like beginning with parents and siblings.
These are usually the portraits couples care about most, and completing them first allows immediate family to return to celebrating sooner.
Step Two: Photograph Grandparents
Grandparents are often happiest when they aren't waiting for long periods of time, especially during summer heat or winter temperatures.
Photographing them early helps make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
Step Three: Finish with Extended Family
If you're including aunts, uncles, cousins, or large extended family groups, I recommend saving those for last.
That way, if someone is running behind or visiting with guests, your most important portraits are already complete.
Choose a Family Helper
This is one of my favorite wedding-day tips.
Ask one trusted person from each side of the family to help gather relatives.
Ideally, this is someone who knows everyone's names and isn't included in every photograph.
While I'm photographing one group, your helper can already be finding the next one.
Instead of calling out names to a crowd of guests, we're able to keep everything moving naturally.
First Look or After the Ceremony?
Couples often ask whether family portraits should happen before or after the ceremony.
The answer depends on your plans.
If You're Having a First Look
A first look opens up more flexibility.
Many family portraits can be completed before the ceremony, allowing you to spend more of cocktail hour celebrating with guests afterward.
If You're Waiting Until the Ceremony
No problem.
I simply recommend asking immediate family to remain near the ceremony location once the ceremony ends.
Since everyone is already together, it's the perfect time to move straight into portraits before guests begin dispersing.
How Long Do Family Portraits Take?
Every wedding is different.
A short list of immediate family combinations may only take around 15 minutes.
Larger families with grandparents, stepfamilies, and extended relatives may take 30 minutes or a little longer.
The biggest factor isn't the number of photographs.
It's how quickly we can gather each group.
That's why planning ahead makes such a difference.
Don't Forget About Family Dynamics
Every family is unique.
Sometimes there are divorced parents, estranged relatives, recent losses, or relationships that require a little extra sensitivity.
Please don't feel like you have to keep those things to yourself.
The more I know before the wedding day, the better I can guide family portraits while avoiding uncomfortable situations.
My goal is to help everyone feel respected and cared for while keeping the experience as smooth as possible.
My Approach as Your Photographer
When it's time for family portraits, my job is to lead with confidence so you don't have to.
I'll direct each group, keep portraits moving efficiently, and make sure we create the images you've been looking forward to—without spending more time than necessary away from your guests.
Beautiful photographs matter.
But so does your experience.
The goal isn't just to create images you'll love today. It's to help you stay present on your wedding day while preserving the people who matter most.
If you're planning a wedding in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, or Western North Carolina, I'd love to help you build a timeline that allows plenty of time for meaningful family portraits while leaving room to enjoy every part of your celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Family Portraits
Should I make a family photo list?
Yes. A written list is the easiest way to make sure no important combinations are forgotten and helps portraits move much more efficiently.
What if my parents are divorced?
That's completely okay. Let me know ahead of time, and we'll create a plan that keeps everyone comfortable while capturing all of the important relationships.
Can we include pets?
Absolutely! If your venue allows them, I'd be happy to include your furry family members in a few portraits.
How many family photo combinations should we have?
Most couples choose between 10 and 20 combinations, but there's no right or wrong number. We'll build a list that fits your priorities and timeline.
