How long do wedding group photographs take?

The short answer

Around 15 groups typically take around 20 minutes, depending on how responsive your guests are, The more groups on your list, the longer it takes. We will take as many as you like, and we typically recommend around 15, because any more than that can leave your guests and the two of you tired when you would rather be back at the party.

A short list with names, someone to gather people and a spot with room keeps group photographs relaxed.

How many groups to choose

Start with the groups that matter most to the two of you, such as each set of parents, siblings, grandparents and your closest friends. Write them as names rather than only relationships, so nobody has to guess who a group includes. Include anyone travelling a long way or leaving early, and ask them to be near the spot at the agreed time.

Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves, and put the must-haves first so the ones that matter most are done while everyone is fresh. Our guide to the wedding photography timeline shows where they fit in your day.

Choose when and where

Tell us where you would like family photographs to happen. It is one of the things we talk through on our planning call, about a month before the wedding or whenever you have had your final venue meeting, along with your venue layout and how to cover the morning. On the morning of the wedding we look around the venue, indoor spaces included, and work closely with the venue and coordinator.

Look for a spot with room and soft light, and a sheltered backup in case of rain. In winter, keep outdoor photographs close to the indoors, straight from the ceremony.

Who gathers everyone

Ask one or two people who know your guests to gather each group so the next one is ready. A sibling, an usher or the best man often does it well, and a groomsman or bridesmaid who knows the wedding party is ideal: if they know the familiar faces, they can help round everyone up. It is especially useful when there are family sensitivities, mobility needs or people who need to leave early.

Give them the list on paper or in a message, in the order you would like it done.

If your families are complicated

If parents are divorced, relatives are not speaking or someone is not well, tell us gently on the planning call and write the groups to suit, such as a separate group for each side. We give gentle direction only when it helps.

If being photographed makes someone nervous, our guide to what to do if you hate having your photo taken may help.

Rain, cold and tired guests

A sheltered backup, such as a porch, a barn doorway or a covered terrace, gives you a plan for rain. We agree an indoor or sheltered option with you and the venue on the day.

Keep guests comfortable by telling them where to stand and roughly how long it will take, and make sure drinks are within reach for anyone waiting. Ask your ushers to let guests know in advance that group photographs happen after the ceremony, near a particular spot, so nobody wanders off before their turn.

If you are still deciding

Write your list, count it and ask yourselves whether each group is one you will want on your wall in ten years. If the list is longer than about 15, move the nice-to-haves to the end. Our guide to unplugged ceremonies covers another choice that keeps guests relaxed.

When you are ready, send an enquiry with your date and venue and we will reply within a few hours. An enquiry does not reserve your date; the £120 deposit does, once you are happy to go ahead.

Questions couples ask