There are so many must-have wedding photos that couples look forward to—bridal portraits, wedding party shots, and getting-ready moments always top the list. Of course, your ceremony and reception images are the heart of your wedding gallery. But one type of photo that often gets overlooked? Wedding day family portraits.

These essential photos can sometimes feel like a source of stress. From organizing a large group to worrying about missing key family members, it’s easy to see why couples might feel anxious about this part of the day. But as an Oregon wedding photographer for over a decade, I know that family portraits don’t have to be overwhelming!

With a little planning and the right approach, family portraits can be seamless—and even enjoyable. In fact, they might just become some of your favorite wedding photos. Here are my top tips to make your wedding day family portraits stress-free and effortless!

Create a Family Photo List in Advance

Whether you plan to take family portraits right after your first look or immediately following the ceremony, your wedding day will be a whirlwind. The last thing you’ll want to do is try to remember every possible combination of family members you want in your photos on the spot! Avoid missing key shots, frustrating family members, and endless reshuffling by creating a comprehensive photo list weeks before your wedding day.

Start by listing out every combination of family members you want in your portraits. Then, double-check the list with your fiancé and immediate family to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Once you’ve finalized it, your photographer can arrange the order in a way that keeps things moving efficiently.

To make things even easier for my couples, I provide a sample shot list they can customize. On the wedding day, I keep a physical copy of the list, crossing off each shot as we go to make sure nothing gets missed. A little planning goes a long way in making your family portraits stress-free!

Inform Every Family Member

After finalizing your list, reach out to each family member involved to let them know exactly when and where the family portraits will be taken. A quick group email is a simple way to get the information to everyone at once. This also gives your family a chance to request any special combinations that are meaningful to them well in advance, ensuring you won’t have any last-minute photo requests that could slow down the process.

Additionally, I recommend giving a reminder at the rehearsal dinner. A brief mention of the time and location for the portraits ensures everyone is in the right place at the right time, making the photo session smooth and efficient!

Designate a Helper

Choose a wedding party member who knows your family well but isn’t a family member themselves to be your family portrait helper. They can assist Great Grandma up the stairs, round up Uncle Bob when it’s his turn, and catch Cousin Leah before she disappears to the bathroom and misses her photos.

Having a designated helper adds one more layer of support to keep things stress-free on your wedding day. With someone else helping to gather the right people at the right time, all you have to do is scoot in close, smile, and enjoy the moment!

Be Present and Enjoy the Moment

Family portraits aren’t just about capturing images—they’re about celebrating the people who have shaped your life and are there to support you on your wedding day. Instead of focusing on the logistics or feeling rushed, take a moment to truly be present.

Take a Deep Breath – Before the first photo, pause for a second, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Embrace the Imperfections – If your little nephew refuses to stand still or your aunt starts cracking jokes mid-photo, lean into it! Sometimes, the candid moments end up being the most cherished.

Soak in the Love – Whether it’s a tight hug from your grandparents or a knowing glance with your sibling, these small moments are just as meaningful as the photos themselves.

Trust Your Photographer – Let go of any stress about how the photos will turn out. When you’ve prepared well, your photographer will take care of the rest. Your only job is to enjoy yourself.

Once you let go of the pressure and focus on the joy of being with your loved ones, family portraits can become a truly special part of your wedding day.

Making Family Photos a Stress-Free and Joyful Experience

With a little preparation and the right mindset, family portraits don’t have to be a stressful part of your wedding day. By planning ahead, keeping your loved ones informed, designating a helper, and allowing yourself to be fully present, you’ll turn what can sometimes feel overwhelming into a meaningful and memorable experience. These are the people who have supported you throughout your life, and capturing these moments together will be something you cherish for years to come.

Looking for More Wedding Tips?

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts, but you don’t have to do it alone! If you found these family photo tips helpful, check out some of my other wedding planning resources to make your big day even smoother:

6 Ways to Reduce Stress on Your Wedding Day – Your wedding day should be filled with joy, not stress! This guide covers six simple yet effective ways to stay calm, present, and truly enjoy your special day.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer – Choosing the right photographer is a big decision! This guide walks you through the essential questions to ask to ensure you find the perfect fit for your wedding day.

My Top 7 Tips to Create Your Perfect Wedding Day Timeline – A well-planned timeline is key to a smooth, stress-free wedding day! These seven expert tips will help you create a schedule that keeps everything running effortlessly.

From timeline planning to choosing the perfect wedding details, I’ve got you covered with expert advice to help you enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable day!

Updated: January 31st, 2025