Wedding Group Shots: Which Ones to Have and How to Tackle Them on the Day

I first wrote this blog post a few years ago, but after a lot more weddings, I've realised my approach has changed, and it's time for an update!

Group shots. The part of the wedding day that every couple feels a little anxious about and every photographer has a strategy for. Done well, they're quick, fun, and give you some of the photos you'll treasure most. Done badly, they eat into your day and leave everyone feeling a bit herded.

Here's everything you need to know to get them right.

How many wedding group shots should you have?

Less is more, genuinely. I'd recommend a maximum of 10, and ideally closer to 5. Each group shot takes around 5 to 10 minutes by the time you've tracked down Uncle David, who's wandered off for a drink, and waited for Gran to come back from the bathroom. Ten shots can easily eat up an hour and a half of your day. Time you could be spending with your guests, getting your couple portraits done, or just having a moment to breathe.

My most commonly requested group shots are: the couple with each set of parents, the couple with grandparents, the couple with the full wedding party, bridesmaids together, groomsmen together, the couple with each side of the family, the couple with any children attending, and the whole group together. That's your core ten right there, and some of them can be ticked off during the morning preparations before you've even said, "I do."

How long should you allow for group shots in your schedule?

As a rough guide, allow around 45 minutes to an hour for up to 10 group shots. Build this into your day's timeline straight after the ceremony, while everyone is already gathered in one place. It's the natural moment for it, and you won't be chasing people down later.

Tell your wedding coordinator or venue about your list in advance too, so they can factor it into the day's flow. Nothing derails group shots faster than the canapés being served in a different room and half your guests disappearing in that direction.

Where should group shots be taken?

Ideally, somewhere with open shade or soft natural light. Harsh direct sunlight makes everyone squint, which is not a great look. A covered outdoor space, the shaded side of a building, or even just turning the group so the sun is behind them rather than in their faces, all work really well.

I'll always scout the venue when we arrive and have a spot in mind before we start. If you've got a beautiful feature at your venue, a grand doorway, a walled garden, a gorgeous staircase, let me know, and we can try and work it in. Just be mindful that the more elaborate the location, the longer it takes to move everyone there and back.

Getting everyone together on the day

The single biggest tip I can give you here: recruit a helper. Ideally, someone loud, confident, and well known to both sides of the family. Teachers make brilliant helpers, as do people who have served in the military for some reason. Give them a copy of your group shot list and ask them to start rounding people up while I'm still finishing the previous shot. Ushers are perfect for this; it's literally in the job title, though experience has taught me they can get distracted easily.

I don't know faces I've never seen before. Your helper knows which one is Auntie Karen and exactly where she'll have wandered off to. Between the two of us, we'll get through the list in no time.

Blended families and tricky dynamics

Weddings have a wonderful way of bringing together people who don't always find themselves in the same room. Divorced parents, step-families, estranged relatives. It can feel a bit daunting to think about who stands where and with whom.

My honest advice? Unless there is a genuinely serious reason why two people cannot be in the same photo, I'd encourage everyone to take a deep breath, put differences aside for ten minutes, and smile for the camera. You'll be glad you did when you're looking back at those photos in twenty years. It doesn't have to mean anything beyond what it is, a lovely photo from a lovely day.

If there are specific combinations you want to avoid or particular sensitivities I should know about, just flag them when you send me your group shot list beforehand, and I'll make sure we navigate it smoothly on the day.

How to actually stand in a group photo

The thing people find hardest in group photos is where to look and how to position themselves. A few things that always work: turn slightly in towards the centre of the group rather than facing the camera dead on, it's way more flattering and makes it easier to interact with each other. If you're standing in a row, put your arms around the people on either side of you (gents, unbutton the jacket first to avoid the stretched look).

And please, don't all stare at me with a fixed grin. I'd much rather have you laughing at something genuine. Sometimes I'll ask everyone to look at the person who was most embarrassing on the hen or stag do. Sometimes I'll get everyone to shout something ridiculous on three. It always gets a real laugh, and the photos are so much better for it.

If you're planning your wedding in Wiltshire or across the South West and want to chat through how we'd handle your group shots on the day, get in touch. I love a good planning chat. You can also find out more about how I work on your wedding day over on my about page.