When you think about your wedding day, there’s a lot to consider, and one of the key moments is group photos. These shots are more than just pictures—they’re memories with the people who matter most. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be a stiff, overly posed ordeal. In fact, a relaxed, fun vibe for your group photos can make them way more enjoyable, and believe it or not, you only need about 15-20 minutes to capture them! Here’s the other thing: there are no rules or laws on who should be in these photos!
Who Should Be in Your Group Photos?
Start by thinking about the people who are most important to you and your partner. These are the groups you want to prioritize. There is no hard and fast set list on who should be included in these photos, in the gallery below I’ve shown several different weddings as well as several different variations from one wedding. It’s your call, whatever you want, however you want it, I’ll get you the group photos you want.
The key is to keep it simple and meaningful. Don’t feel like you have to get every single person in these shots—there will be plenty of candid moments throughout the day for that.
Keeping It Relaxed
The vibe for these photos should be casual and fun, reflecting the tone of your day. Instead of stiff, formal poses, opt for natural setups. As your photographer, who’s done this a few times before, I’ve pretty much nailed how to get them done in the best, fastest and most effective way. In our pre wedding chat we will have spoken about who you want in these photos and will have this list with me, we will have also spoken about a useful person, often the loudest member of your wedding party (there’s always one!) who will help me get the people on the list, together for the photos. This will help keep things moving efficiently. With a bit of planning, you’ll have gorgeous group photos without it feeling like a chore.
You don’t need to worry about specific variations of the same group either. One great shot of each important group is all you need. This saves time and keeps things from getting overwhelming, especially when you’d rather be enjoying your reception.
Timing is Everything
Here’s the best part—group photos only need about 15-20 minutes of your time! The trick is to carve out a dedicated slot for them, either right after the ceremony or before the reception. You don’t want to be pulling people away from the party later, so having a quick, well-organized session makes it smooth and easy. The pre selected loud mouth will shout the names of the guests I need, I get them to stand and look and me for a few seconds and between us we will speed through the group photos in no time!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating with the people you love, and your group photos are a fun way to capture those connections. By keeping things laid-back and scheduling a short, dedicated time for them, you’ll ensure that everyone’s included without feeling rushed or stressed. Plus, you’ll be back to enjoying the party in no time!
