“Laura, do we need group photos at our wedding?”
YES – absolutely. Genuinely, wholeheartedly yes.
I know some photographers will give you a wishy-washy “it depends” answer. Mine is more straightforward: group photos are one of the most worthwhile investments of time on your wedding day, and here’s why I’m so sure about that.
The photos that actually end up on walls
I’ve asked a lot of past couples which photos they’ve printed, framed, and put somewhere they actually see every day. Want to guess which ones come up most often?
The group shots.
Not because they’re the most technically impressive images, but because they’re the ones with everyone in them. The grandparent who doesn’t make it to the evening. The friends you don’t see often enough. The whole family together in one frame, happy, on one of the best days of your lives.
Years from now, those are the images you’ll be glad you have.
How many group photos should we plan for?
I’d suggest keeping it to around six groups, though I can do more if needed. The honest reason for the limit is time. Group shots take longer than people expect, and your drinks reception goes fast.
I’m very organised about how I run them. Before your wedding I’ll send you a questionnaire – included in that is a list of suggested group configurations you can tick, plus a space to add your own. I’ll also ask for names within each group so nobody gets missed and we don’t spend five minutes shouting for someone’s Auntie Karen.
A good starting point if you’re not sure where to begin: both of you with each set of parents, immediate family, grandparents, and your wedding party. Then add any friend groups that matter to you.
→ Why time matters so much on your wedding day
Relaxed vs styled: what’s the difference?
For most group photos I keep things relaxed and joyful – line you up, get everyone looking at the camera, then looking at each other, then I’ll do something to make everyone laugh. Done in minutes, nobody feels awkward.
For wedding party shots I sometimes style things out a bit more; using chairs, playing with positioning, shooting indoors if the light is good. These take a little longer to set up so if you want styled group photos, it’s worth flagging early so we can plan the timing properly.
What if we want to keep it minimal?
Totally fine. Some couples want just immediate family and that’s it. Others want fifteen groups. Both are completely valid – it’s your day.
What I’d gently push back on is skipping them entirely. Even a handful of well-planned group shots takes around 20 minutes and gives you something genuinely irreplaceable.
Ready to start planning?
If you’d like to chat about your wedding day – group shots, timeline, all of it – I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
Check my availability here or read more about how I work.
Big love, Laura x
Are you searching for a wedding photographer?
My approach is effortless, attentive and unobtrusive, with gentle direction when it helps, so you can be fully present while I capture how it felt. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer who brings calm confidence, emotional storytelling, and a elevated but laid-back feel, I’d love to hear about your plans.
You can contact me here to see if your wedding date is available.
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