06/28/2026
Some important things to remember if you are planning on doing a giant group photo after your ceremony:
Let your officiant or DJ/MC know in advance so they can make a clear announcement asking guests to stay where they are after the ceremony.
Plan to take the photo immediately after the ceremony, before guests start leaving for cocktail hour or wandering off.
Choose a location that offers enough space and an elevated vantage point for your photographer, such as church steps, a balcony, or a nearby hill.
Keep the setup simple and organized. Have a designated person help direct guests into place while the photographer focuses on composition.
Allow a few extra minutes in your timeline. Even with good planning, gathering a large group takes longer than most couples expect.
Ask guests to look toward the photographer to avoid people looking in different directions.
If you have elderly guests, young children, or anyone with mobility concerns, consider placing them in the front row or seating them before everyone else is arranged.
Have the photographer take several shots in quick succession. With a large group, someone is almost always blinking or looking away, so multiple images increase the chances of getting one where everyone looks their best.
Once the photo is finished, clearly dismiss guests so they know they can head to cocktail hour while the wedding party stays behind for formal portraits.
