The wedding photographer group shots list: a printable, ready-to-use 8-combo list that gets the formal photos done in 10 minutes, with timing notes.
The group shots list is the single most-photographed piece of paper in any UK wedding photographer's camera bag. Done well, it gets the formal photos done in 10 minutes. Done badly, it eats 30-45 minutes of the canapé window. Here is the printable list — eight combinations, in the right order, with timing notes — that we use on every wedding.
Wedding group shot with 30 guests — Liva Paseka Photography
The 8-combo list (printable)
(1) Bride + Mum + Dad, (2) Groom + Mum + Dad, (3) Bride + each sibling, (4) Groom + each sibling, (5) Bride + Groom + grandparents, (6) Bride + Groom + both sets of parents, (7) Bride + Groom + immediate family, (8) Bride + Groom + the whole wedding. Numbers 1-7 are 4-6 people; number 8 is everyone. The first 7 take 8-10 minutes. Number 8 takes another 2-3.
Family group photo at a UK wedding — Liva Paseka Photography
The order — why it works
The logic is the same as a Russian-doll: smallest groups first, biggest last. The people in combination 1 are NOT in combinations 2-7 (they leave). The people in combination 7 are in combination 8 (they stay). This way, by the time you get to the whole-wedding shot, the people who are still there are exactly the people who should be there. Nobody is waiting around.
How to print it
One A4 sheet. First names only (no surnames, no 'Auntie' — 'Auntie Susan' confuses your photographer). Both partners' lists on the same page, with the 8 combinations numbered. Hand it to the photographer at the rehearsal, or in the morning if there isn't one. They will love you for it.
Wedding photographer with a shot list — Liva Paseka Photography
The one you skip
Number 9. There is no number 9. If you're running late, the 9th combination is the one you cut. We have never been to a wedding where the missing 9th combination caused a problem; we have been to many where the missing 10th combination caused a problem (because we never got to the canapés).
What to do with the children
Two options: (1) include them in combinations 7 and 8, or (2) do a separate 'children of the couple' shot. Option 1 is faster; option 2 gives the parents a print of just the kids. Most couples pick option 1 unless they have 5+ nieces/nephews.
The 60-second rule
If a combination is taking longer than 60 seconds to set up, skip it and come back. The photographer should be running the show, but the couple should be making the call on 'this is the most important photo of the day' vs. 'this is the one we can skip.' Have that conversation in advance.
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Liva Paseka is a Derbyshire-based elopement and intimate wedding photographer. Bookings worldwide.
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Liva is a Derbyshire-based elopement and intimate wedding photographer. Booking 2026/27. Photographs the Peak District, the East Midlands, and worldwide.
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