Wedding Planning Guide | NYC & Long Island Wedding Resources

Family portraits may only take 20–40 minutes on your wedding day, but they often become some of the most treasured photographs you’ll look back on for decades. They’re the images that end up framed in parents’ homes, shared with grandparents, and passed down through future generations.

Yet they’re also one of the parts of the wedding that couples worry about most.

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“Did we forget someone?”

“How long will family photos take?”

“What if people wander off after the ceremony?”

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These are some of the most common concerns couples share before their wedding, and fortunately, they’re easy to avoid with a little planning.

After photographing weddings throughout New York and Long Island for many years, I’ve learned that the smoothest family portrait sessions all have one thing in common: a simple, organized checklist.

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Rather than trying to remember combinations on the spot, create your list before the wedding and group photos by family. Assign a trusted sibling, cousin, or close friend who knows your relatives to help gather people when it’s time for portraits. This keeps everything moving efficiently and allows you to spend more time celebrating with your guests.

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Bride’s Family                                                                                                     

✓ Bride with both parents                                                                          

✓ Bride with mother                                                                                       

✓ Bride with father

✓ Bride with parents and siblings

✓ Bride with siblings

✓ Bride with grandparents

✓ Bride with immediate family

✓ Bride with extended family (optional)

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Groom’s Family

✓ Groom with both parents

✓ Groom with mother

✓ Groom with father

✓ Groom with parents and siblings

✓ Groom with siblings

✓ Groom with grandparents

✓ Groom with immediate family

✓ Groom with extended family (optional)

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Both Families Together

✓ Couple with both sets of parents

✓ Couple with both immediate families

✓ Couple with all grandparents

✓ Couple with all siblings

✓ Couple with nieces and nephews

✓ Entire family group (if desired)

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Special Photos

✓ Godparents

✓ Flower girl and ring bearer

✓ Family pets

✓ Step-parents and blended families

✓ Mentors or family friends

✓ Anyone traveling a long distance

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Every family is unique, so your list should reflect the people who matter most to you rather than following someone else’s expectations.

 

Tips for a Smooth Family Photo Session

•  Keep the list to around 15–25 groupings for immediate family.

•  Tell everyone where portraits will take place before the ceremony ends.

•  Ask family members to stay nearby until they’re dismissed.

•  Photograph elderly relatives and young children first whenever possible.

•  If there’s a sensitive family situation—such as divorce, remarriage, or strained relationships—let your photographer know in advance so the session can be planned respectfully and comfortably.

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The goal isn’t to check names off a list. It’s to create a relaxed experience where genuine smiles and meaningful moments can happen naturally.

 

Years from now, these photographs often become more valuable than couples expect. They’re not just wedding pictures—they’re a record of the people who shared one of the most important days of your life.

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Taking a few minutes to prepare your family photo checklist before the wedding will save valuable time, reduce stress, and help ensure that no important memories are missed.