How Much Time Should You Allow for Group Photos on Your Wedding Day?
How Much Time Should You Allow for Group Photos on Your Wedding Day?
When couples are planning their wedding timeline, one part of the day often causes more uncertainty than anything else…
The group photos.
How long will they take?
How many should we have?
Will they stop us from enjoying our drinks reception?
After photographing weddings across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, I’ve found that group photos don’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. A little planning goes a long way, and it means you can have the photographs that matter without feeling like you’ve spent half your wedding day standing in a line.
Why Do Group Photos Sometimes Take Longer Than Expected?
It’s rarely the photography itself that takes the time.
It’s finding people.
Someone’s gone to the bar.
Another guest has disappeared to check into their room.
A family member is chatting to relatives they haven’t seen for years.
Before you know it, five minutes have turned into twenty.
Taking the photograph is usually the quickest part. Gathering everyone together is what takes the time.
That’s why I always recommend having a list of the group photographs you’d like before the wedding. It keeps everything organised and helps the day flow much more smoothly.
So, How Many Group Photos Do You Really Need?
There’s no magic number.
Some couples only want immediate family, while others would like photographs with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
Most weddings I photograph usually end up with somewhere between 8 and 15 group combinations, but every family is different.
Rather than trying to include absolutely everyone, I always encourage couples to think about the photographs they’ll still value in twenty years’ time.
Parents.
Grandparents.
Siblings.
Close family.
The people who have played a big part in your lives.
Those are often the photographs that become the most treasured.
How Much Time Should You Allow?
As a rough guide:
- Around 5–8 groups usually takes 15–20 minutes.
- Around 10–15 groups is often 20–30 minutes.
- Larger family lists may need a little longer.
These aren’t strict rules, because every wedding is different.
The size of your families, how quickly people can be gathered together and even the layout of your venue can all make a difference.
The aim isn’t to rush.
It’s to keep things organised so you can get back to enjoying your wedding day.
A Few Simple Ways to Keep Things Running Smoothly
Over the years, I’ve found a few simple things make a huge difference.
Ask someone who knows both families to help gather people.
Keep everyone in one location rather than moving around the venue.
Start with the biggest groups before people begin wandering off.
And perhaps most importantly…
Stick to the list you’ve planned.
It’s very easy for guests to start requesting “just one more photo”, but those extra requests soon add up.
Don’t Forget Why You’re There
Group photographs are important.
They’re often the only time everyone closest to you is together in one place.
But they’re only one small part of your wedding day.
The rest of the day is about celebrating with the people you’ve invited.
Laughing together.
Sharing hugs.
Having conversations.
Enjoying a drink in the sunshine.
Those are the moments that tell the story of your wedding, and they’re just as important as the formal photographs.
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Final Thoughts
Group photos don’t need to dominate your wedding day.
With a little planning, a realistic list and enough time built into your timeline, they can be relaxed, enjoyable and over before you know it.
My advice is always to focus on the people who matter most to you rather than trying to photograph every possible combination.
That way, you’ll have the family photographs you’ll treasure for years to come while still having plenty of time to enjoy everything else your wedding day has to offer.
If you’re planning your wedding in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire or Yorkshire and you’re looking for relaxed, documentary wedding photography that captures both the important family photographs and all the natural moments in between, I’d love to hear about your plans.
FAQs
How many group photos should you have at a wedding?
Every wedding is different, but most couples choose between 8 and 15 group combinations. Focus on the people who matter most rather than trying to photograph every possible combination.
How long do group wedding photos usually take?
Most group photos take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of groups and how quickly guests can be gathered together.
Should we have a list of group photos?
Yes. A list helps everyone stay organised, reduces waiting around and makes the whole process much more relaxed.
Can we still have lots of natural photos if we have group photos?
Absolutely. With a well-planned timeline, your group photographs only take up a small part of the day, leaving plenty of time for natural, documentary-style moments.
