A “minimum viable portrait list” that keeps you on schedule and still gets the good stuff.
Portrait time doesn’t have to take forever. Most couples just don’t realize how quickly group photos add up.
The secret is simple: plan smaller, smarter, and in batches.
Your minimum viable portrait list should include:
Immediate family
Couple + both sets of parents
Couple + siblings (and spouses if relevant)
Couple + each side separately
Wedding party
Couple + full wedding party
Couple + each side of party
Fun “walking / cheering / candid-style” shot
That’s it. Everything else is optional.
If you have a large family, list these by name:
grandparents
step-parents
half-siblings
any “my aunt is basically my mom” people
This avoids the “uhhhh where’s Uncle Mike?” spiral.
Pick one person on each side who:
knows faces
is loud enough to herd humans
won’t disappear to cocktail hour early
Wranglers save so much time.
Typical pace:
Family photos: 15–20 min
Wedding party: 10–15 min
Couple portraits: 15–20 min
If you want more creative couple portraits, add time there — not in the family section.
Like 5 minutes early.
Because someone will be in the bathroom. Someone will be putting on earrings. Someone will be hunting down a drink.
You know who they are.
Pro tip: Do some family portraits before the ceremony if you can.
Even 2–3 groupings helps post-ceremony portraits fly.
Photo from Kenzie and Xander's October 25' Wedding