Capture the perfect wedding photos with friends and family
Capturing wedding photos with friends and family is an important part of your day. In this guide, we share creative ways to feature your loved ones in your wedding photos. From group portraits to candid moments during the ceremony and reception, these ideas ensure everyone who’s important to you is part of your story.
Whether it’s a heartfelt family shot or a fun moment with your bridal party, these tips will make your wedding album even more meaningful. Make sure wedding photos with friends and family are an integral part of your day.
The big group shot – everyone together!
The big group shot is a fantastic way to capture the full energy of your wedding day. Gather all your guests in one spot, ideally with a beautiful backdrop, and have your photographer direct everyone into position. Raised platforms, staircases, or balconies work wonders to get everyone in view. This shot is perfect for showcasing the scale of your celebration and ensures no one feels left out.
Make it fun by asking everyone to cheer, wave, or throw their hands in the air for a lively and memorable photo full of smiles and joy. Make sure your photographer gets up high and finish with a shot with arms in the air. To help your wedding day go smoothly, plan the big group shot to happen after your confetti straight after the ceremony.
Generational photo – grandparents, parents, and you
Capturing multiple generations in one photo creates a meaningful keepsake that will be treasured for years. Position grandparents at the heart of the shot, surrounded by parents and then you as a couple. This thoughtful image highlights your family legacy and celebrates the bond between generations.
It’s especially special for older relatives who may cherish this opportunity to be photographed with their family. For added warmth, consider a casual setup like everyone seated on a couch or gathered outdoors. Natural smiles and relaxed poses often create the most heartfelt and emotional generational photos putting wedding photos with friends and family at the centre. If parents or grandparents are part of your aisle walk, make the most of it and give them a proper hug when they reach the end of the aisle!
Sibling squad – a fun photo with your brothers and sisters
Your siblings have been with you through thick and thin, so celebrating this bond with a dedicated photo is a must. Whether you go for a classic portrait or something more playful, involving your siblings is a great way to inject some fun into your wedding album.
Try recreating a funny childhood pose, adding props that reflect shared interests, or simply embracing a relaxed and candid shot. Sibling photos often show some of the most genuine emotions of the day, filled with laughter, warmth, and plenty of inside jokes. Maybe it’s not always sunshine and roses and there has been tension between siblings – this is a great opportunity to mend brigdes and capture lasting memories.
Go for an evening walk
An evening walk is a great way to prioritise wedding photos with friends and family. They can produce some of the most natural and heartwarming photos of the day. Ask your photographer to capture you strolling with parents, siblings, or even extended family as you chat and laugh together. This informal style of photography is perfect for capturing genuine interactions.
Walking shots often feel less staged, resulting in relaxed expressions and warm moments. Whether you choose a scenic garden path, a courtyard, or a peaceful woodland trail, this casual group photo allows for movement and authenticity that traditional posed shots sometimes miss.
Confetti – get your guests involved
The confetti moment is an exciting, high-energy photo opportunity that gets everyone involved. Gather your guests to form two lines, arm them with confetti (or bubbles for a cleaner option), and walk or dance your way through the middle. The vibrant colors, joyful faces, and laughter create stunning candid shots full of movement and energy.
Alternatively, for extra flair, choose biodegradable confetti cannons in bold colors or petals that match your wedding theme, gather everyone together and let rip! Your photographer can capture both close-up reactions and wide-angle views to highlight the excitement and joy of the moment. It’s a guaranteed way to add a burst of fun to your wedding photos with friends and family . Not a fan of confetti, go for bubbles instead!
Emotional first look with parents or close family
A first look isn’t just for couples! Sharing this heartfelt moment with your parents or other close family members can be incredibly emotional. Seeing their reactions when they first see you in your wedding attire is a memory worth preserving. These wedding photos with friends and family often capture raw emotions—whether it’s tears, hugs, or heartfelt smiles. Schedule this moment in a quiet space to keep things personal and relaxed. Your photographer can document both your reaction and theirs, creating a meaningful set of images that tells the full story of this special connection.
A first look can also be for the groom at the start of the ceremony. Leave space between the table and where one partner is standing to ensure the photographer can capture this moment. Ask your registrar or vicar to wait until you’ve said hello to your partner and shared a few seconds, before they step in to begin the ceremony.
Flower girl and page boy moments
Children bring a delightful charm to wedding photos with friends and family and your flower girls and page boys are no exception. Capture their excitement, playfulness, or even those adorable moments when things don’t go to plan! Photos of little ones tossing petals, pulling funny faces, or simply holding hands make for heartwarming additions to your photographs. Maybe even give the kids a bouquet each and see what happens!
A special photo of you with the children will also give their parents a sweet keepsake. Candid shots often work best, so let the kids run, play, and be themselves—these unplanned moments are often the most memorable.
Get the pets involved – furry friends in family shots
Including pets in your wedding photos is a great way to celebrate your full family unit. Whether it’s your dog being the ring bearer and giving you a kiss, a cat perched in a window, or even a farm animal at a rustic venue, pets add personality and warmth to your album.
Plan ahead by assigning someone to look after your pet, ensuring they’re comfortable and relaxed. Capture moments like a pet ‘kissing’ the bride or a family portrait where they sit proudly alongside you. With some patience (and a few treats), these photos will be treasured for years to come.
The laughter shot – gather your closest pals for a giggle
Some of the best wedding photos with friends and family are those that capture genuine laughter. Gather your best friends or family together and encourage them to chat, joke, or reminisce to spark natural smiles and belly laughs. Whether you’re swapping funny stories, recreating an old memory, or simply letting loose, these moments feel spontaneous and full of personality.
Candid laughter shots radiate joy and make a beautiful addition to your wedding album. They remind you not just of how your wedding looked, but how it felt to be surrounded by those you love most. Anita & Perry’s wedding was beautiful – check it out here!
Get creative!
Want to make your wedding photos with friends and family extra special? Get creative with how you include your loved ones in the shots! Imagine vibrant smoke bombs adding a splash of color as you and your best friends share a laugh, or a photo run with props just before dinner.
Don’t forget fun group shots, like everyone jumping for joy, or a candid moment where you all share a toast. Adding props, such as personalized signs or even coordinating outfits, can make for some epic photos that really capture the spirit of your celebration. Zoe & Louis prioritised wedding photos with friends and family – check out their wedding here.
Get up high
For truly unique wedding photos with friends and family, take your shots to new heights. Photography from balconies and windows can capture stunning moments like your ceremony exit, surrounded by cheering guests. Imagine the joyful scene from above as confetti or flower petals rain down, or colorful smoke bombs swirl around your guests, creating a dynamic, unforgettable shot.
Beyond the ceremony, shots from height work wonders during group photos, giving you a fresh perspective on the celebration. From wide views of the reception venue to sunny outdoor evening drinks, elevated photos can frame the entire vibe of your wedding, turning moments into art.
Embrace your silly side
Why not let loose and have fun with your wedding photos with friends and family? Embrace your silly side with playful group shots that show off your personalities! Get everyone in on the action—think jumping photos or a spontaneous dance circle. Have your bridal party strike funny poses, or create a unique pose meaningful to you with guests pulling goofy faces.
Even include props like oversized sunglasses or funny signs. These moments capture the joy and laughter that make your day unforgettable. Let your photographer snap those candid, lighthearted moments; they’ll bring out the fun energy of the day and give you wall-worthy photos that’ll have you laughing for years to come.
Book a lively band to get the party going!
For a wedding full of energy, book a lively band that knows how to get the party started! Bands like The Function Band bring the excitement with dynamic performances, often standing on pedestals to get the crowd hyped up. They’ll have everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along.
If you prefer something a bit more interactive, Tux Fizz love to engage with guests and get right into the crowd. Whether it’s a high-energy rock anthem or a catchy pop hit, these bands will create an unforgettable atmosphere, making sure the dance floor stays packed all night long. Your guests will be talking about the music long after the big day!
Plan a wedding morning activity
Start your wedding day with something meaningful and memorable—like a morning activity that sets the tone for the rest of the celebration. Tree planting at venues like Matara offers a beautiful and symbolic way to bring your loved ones together before the ceremony. Picture you and your guests gathering in nature, planting a tree as a symbol of your growing love and commitment.
It’s an intimate way to bond with family and friends, create lasting memories, and give back to the environment. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity for relaxed, candid photos, setting a calm and personal vibe before the big day kicks into full gear. See Tom & Louise’s full wedding day here.
Games! Games! Games!
Bring some lighthearted fun to your wedding day with games that get everyone involved! Rounders is a classic outdoor game that’ll have guests of all ages laughing and competing, making for some great action shots. Want something a little more unique? Try Chinese door games, where guests compete in fun challenges to “win” you and your partner’s blessing before the ceremony.
These games are a fantastic way to break the ice and create memories. If you’re having a garden wedding, set up some garden games like giant Jenga, croquet, or cornhole—perfect for guests to mingle and enjoy. These playful moments will add extra joy to your celebration and keep the party buzzing!
Have an outside first dance
Take your first dance to a whole new level by saying “I do” to an outdoor setting! Picture twirling under the stars or dancing in the soft glow of lanterns with your guests surrounding you. Whether it’s a rustic barnyard, a gorgeous garden, or even a beachside venue, having an outside first dance adds a magical, intimate touch to the moment.
The natural beauty around you becomes the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience. Plus, the fresh air and relaxed vibe make for some stunning wedding photos with friends and family that capture the essence of your love, with the sky and nature playing their part in your celebration. Think of all the space!
Utilise cosy seating areas
Create a relaxed, intimate atmosphere at your wedding by incorporating cozy seating areas, like firepits, for your guests to enjoy. As the evening cools down, a firepit becomes the perfect spot for guests to gather around, chat, and enjoy the warmth of the flames. You can add some comfortable seating with plush cushions or blankets.
Firepits are ideal for late-night s’mores, cozy cocktails, or just unwinding after a day full of dancing. Not only do they offer a cozy retreat, but they also create a beautifully romantic setting for you and your partner to share a quiet moment together amidst the celebration.
It’s well worth booking a photo-journalistic or candid wedding photographer if you’d like to include more wedding photos with friends and family. Less time spent focussing on formal portraits means more time spent capturing images like the above. Check out the comparison here so you can make your an informed decision on what to choose.
