How to Photograph Large Groups at Weddings

Every photographer has their own flow. When I say flow, in this instance I’m specifically referring to the order in which you take pictures of the wedding guests and party. I’m the kind of person that likes to do things the same way every time. I like to be organized and orderly. So my wedding photography flow has been perfected for me over the years. And I’ve come to know it is a necessity that not everyone takes advantage of.

I take groups pictures in the same order every time so that it’s fast and efficient, so I make sure I get ALL the shots, and so people don’t have to wait around longer than they need to. There’s nothing worse than making grandpa stand for an hour in the hot sun just so he can get a couple of shots. DON’T DO THAT!! So find your flow.

My advice to you

When I photographed my cousin’s wedding, I realized how systematic my pictures were because my husband started directing the wedding party and guests into groups for pictures. I didn’t have to do much, all I had to do was lift my finger ;) (photography joke)

So my advice to you is: Whatever your system is, make sure you do it the same way every time. Make sure it flows so well that it makes sense to people. So easy that your husband can do it. It’s worked for me so maybe it’ll help you too.

My Wedding Flow

I try to do individuals with people from these groups as requested by the bride and groom, as well as bride-grandmother, bride-grandfather pictures, etc. Sometimes the bride or groom will step out of the picture, especially during family pictures.

Everyone including all family and friends

• Everyone there for the Bride including family and friends
• Grandparents of the Bride
• Everyone there for the Groom including family and friends
• Grandparents of the Bride
• Friends of the Bride
• Friends of the Groom
• Kids (nieces and nephews) on Bride’s side
• Kids (nieces and nephews) on Groom’s side

At this point, I invite most of the extended family and all friends, (especially grandparents and kids) to leave, or find somewhere to sit down. Family is next, and I will start with the bride’s side, and then start over with the groom’s side.

• All immediate family members
• Siblings (individuals with  each siblings)
• Parents (individuals with  each parent)

Bridal Party

• Bridal party
• All Groomsmen and Groom (individuals with each groomsman)
• All Bridesmaids and Bride (individuals with each bridesmaid)

Of course there may be special shots that need to be taken in between because every wedding is different, but if you have a flow, when the mother of the bride comes running over and wants a sibling picture, you’ll be able to confidently say “I want to grab these couple shots first so these people can leave, but that’s coming up right after the grandparents and parents”.

Kylee Maughan

Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of. 

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee