One of the biggest worries I hear from couples is this:
“We don’t want to spend our whole wedding day taking photos.”
And honestly? I couldn’t agree more.
You’ve planned this incredible day.
Your favourite people are all in one place.
The last thing you want is to disappear for hours while everyone else is having a great time without you.
The good news?
You absolutely can have beautiful wedding photos without missing your own wedding.
The Myth: “Good Photos Take Hours”
Somewhere along the line, weddings became:
👉 ceremony
👉 disappear for 2 hours
👉 come back just in time for dinner
And couples just accepted that as normal.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Great wedding photography isn’t about how long you spend posing.
It’s about:
- knowing what to prioritise
- working efficiently
- and capturing what’s already happening
What Actually Matters
Here’s the bit people don’t always realise…
Your favourite photos won’t be the ones where you stood in a field for an hour trying to look natural.
They’ll be:
- your partner’s face when they see you
- your friends laughing during drinks
- your mum fixing your dress
- the in-between moments you didn’t even notice
And those don’t require you to leave your guests.
My Approach
I keep things simple and relaxed so you can get back to your day as quickly as possible.
Typically:
👉 Group photos
We keep these organised and efficient (and yes… the size of the list matters 😏)
👉 Couple portraits
Short, relaxed, and often split into two quick sessions rather than one long one
👉 The rest of the day
Captured naturally as it unfolds
Most couples are surprised at how little time it actually takes.
Let’s Talk About Group Shots
This is usually the part of the day where timelines either run smoothly…
or quietly start to unravel.
And the truth is — group photos do matter.
But how many you have (and why you have them) makes all the difference.
When More Group Shots Actually Make Sense
If you’re planning to invest in a wedding album, group photos become much more important.
Because albums tell a fuller story of the people who were there.
In that case, it can absolutely make sense to include:
- extended family
- different combinations of friends
- those “while everyone’s together” moments
You’re creating something to look back on for years, so a bit more time here is often worth it.
When You Might Want to Keep It Simple
If you’re not planning a full album and are more focused on:
- natural moments
- candid images
- the feel of the day
Then I’d gently suggest keeping your group shots to the essentials.
Because every extra combination takes time away from:
👉 your drinks reception
👉 your guests
👉 actually enjoying your day
The “Must Have” Group Shots
Every wedding is different, but a simple starting point is:
👉 Couple + both families
👉 Couple + each immediate family
👉 Couple + bridal party
These are the ones people tend to print, frame and come back to.
The “Nice to Have” Shots
Then you might add:
👉 Grandparents
👉 Close friend groups
👉 Any particularly meaningful relationships
The key is choosing the ones that genuinely matter to you — not just adding them because you feel like you should.
A Quick Note on “The Big List”
Some photographers set a strict limit on group shots.
And while I completely understand why (it keeps things efficient), that’s not quite how I work.
I’d much rather:
👉 look at your plans
👉 understand what’s important to you
👉 and build something that fits your day
Because no two weddings — or families — are the same.
The Real Goal
It’s not about having fewer group photos.
It’s about having the right ones.
The ones that:
- mean something
- don’t feel rushed
- and don’t take you away from your day for longer than needed
How We Keep It Running Smoothly
A little planning goes a long way.
I always recommend:
- having a clear list ahead of time that we agree at your pre-wedding consultation
- keeping it realistic
- and (this is a big one) having someone who knows people help gather groups
That way, we keep things moving quickly and you’re back with your guests before you know it.
Indicative Timings
nstead of disappearing for hours, I often suggest:
• 15–20 minutes for group photos
• 10–15 minutes for couple portraits
• maybe a second short portrait session later (golden light = bonus)
That’s it.
The rest of the time?
You’re with your people.
Actually enjoying the day you planned.
And Here’s the Truth
Your guests won’t remember how long your photos took.
But you will remember:
- who you spoke to
- who you laughed with
- how the day felt
Your wedding photos should reflect that — not replace it.
Final Thought
You don’t have to choose between:
👉 beautiful photos
or
👉 being present at your wedding
You can have both.
Thinking About Your Own Wedding?
If you’re planning your day and want photography that fits around it (not takes over), I’d love to chat.
