Wondering whether you can combine sightseeing, a great restaurant and a beautiful wedding photo session for 30–60 people over two days? Yes — provided the organization is good. In practice, it’s worth starting by agreeing three things: the couple’s priorities (are photos in historic settings more important, or is a large family portrait the priority), the available budget, and guests’ needs (accessibility for older people, presence of children, etc.). These decisions will be key when choosing locations and transport.
Begin planning by booking a venue for the main group dinner and securing accommodation for the group — these are the elements that most often determine the success of the whole trip. Book well in advance, especially if you plan a weekend during holidays or the wedding season. If you want everything to run smoothly, appoint one person as the group coordinator, or better yet, use the help of a local licensed guide who knows the city and reliable contacts.
When planning the photo session, consider the time of day: the “golden hour” just after sunrise or before sunset gives the best light, but it requires careful logistical planning and checking opening hours for some sites.
Day 1: Arrival and light get-together. After arrival, plan a shared meal in a well-reviewed restaurant experienced in serving large groups. After dinner, a short walk around Kazimierz or the Old Town as a warm-up and evening photos in atmospheric corners can be a great start to the program.
Day 2: Wedding session and the group photo. Morning — an outdoor shoot in a spacious location (Błonia, Kościuszko Mound, Zakrzówek) or in one of the picturesque settings outside the city (Ojcowski National Park or Tyniec), depending on the photo style. After the session — lunch/dinner for the group in a venue that can be booked exclusively or has a reserved room. If you plan photos in the city center (Main Market, Kazimierz), reserve early morning time to avoid crowds.
For large groups, plan breaks and transport logistics: rent several minibuses or one small coach, set clear meeting points and provide contact numbers for coordinators. Also set a plan B for bad weather — interiors of historic townhouses, manor houses or well-rated restaurant rooms can be good alternatives.
Kazimierz and the Market Square — a classic with atmosphere. Kazimierz’s alleys offer plenty of shots with unique character, and the Market Square with its monumental townhouses and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) works well for more formal photos. Remember to choose early hours if you want to avoid tourists.
Błonia and Kościuszko Mound — space and panorama. Błonia is a large, open meadow ideal for wide family and group photos. Kościuszko Mound offers panoramic city views, great for distant, skyline-style shots.
Zakrzówek — dramatic natural backdrop. Rocks and turquoise water attract photographers. The place is recreational, so check accessibility and safety for larger groups.
UJ Botanical Garden — variety of greenery. For couples seeking subtle, floral images this is a great spot; some parts are more intimate and suitable for family shots.
Tyniec and Ojcowski National Park — for those who want to ‘escape’ into nature. The abbey in Tyniec and the limestone cliffs of Ojców provide spectacular backdrops and work well if you want a historical or rustic feel.
Nowa Huta — industrial contrast. The raw architecture of Nowa Huta pairs well with modern or alternative styling.
Many public places don’t require formal photo permits, but for shoots with a large crew and equipment (big tripods, lighting, drones) it’s wise to contact the site manager or municipal authorities to avoid unpleasant surprises. This especially applies to protected areas, national parks and historic monuments.
If you plan to use a drone, remember the rules about flights over built-up areas, near airports and in protected heritage zones. Always obtain permission when required and choose an experienced operator.
Transport and parking: for 30–60 people it’s best to arrange one small coach or several buses. When booking a restaurant or hotel, ask about availability of a large parking area or the possibility of coach drop-off.
Restaurants and brewpubs experienced in handling large bookings are key. Choose places with a group menu option and clear terms regarding minimum spend and service charges. Consider venues that offer private rooms or the option to book the whole place exclusively.
Cafés and bars: if you plan short photo stops or coffee breaks for guests, pick cafés with a good reputation and spacious interiors. In Kraków you’ll find both atmospheric spots in Kazimierz and larger cafés in the Old Town. For craft beer lovers, local brewpubs often have large tables and experience with group service.
Accommodation: choose hotels with sufficient room availability (or close proximity between properties), preferably in a zone that allows quick access to planned photo locations. Popular options for groups include boutique hotels in the center and larger hotels near transport hubs — book early and negotiate cancellation and guest-number flexibility.
Priorities should be: booking accommodation and the venue for the main dinner, the photographer’s date, and confirming availability of preferred photo locations at the chosen times. These items most often lock the date and influence costs.
After securing those elements, refine details: in-city transport, small attractions for guests (a short themed walk, a visit to an interesting museum), logistical needs (cloakroom, restroom access during group photos).
Also prepare a contact list: drivers, restaurant manager, photographer, group coordinator. For larger parties, fast communication solves most problems.
Not booking early enough. In season, weekend dates and popular venues disappear quickly. Book key services months ahead.
No plan B for weather. Kraków’s weather can change — have alternative interiors (a restaurant, manor house, hotel function room) ready to use for the session or family photos.
Underestimating transit time. Although Kraków’s center is compact, moving a large group takes more time than you might expect. Allow an extra 15–30 minutes between locations.
No coordinator. Without a designated person to organize the group and liaise with suppliers, chaos appears quickly. Appoint a leader or entrust coordination to Małgorzata Kasprowicz as part of guided-services support.
Do we need a permit for a session on the Main Market Square? For ordinary street photos you typically don’t need a formal permit, but with large crews and professional equipment it’s better to consult the municipal space manager or schedule early hours to avoid crowds.
How much time to allow for a large group photo? For a formal posed group photo plan 15–30 minutes, depending on size and order. For more elaborate setups and location changes, allow extra time.
Can you organize a session for 60 people without reservations? It’s risky. A large group reduces spontaneity and increases waiting times; it’s definitely better to reserve a place to sit after photos and have staff support from the venue.
Use natural architectural frames. Stairs, arches, gates and irregular walls help arrange many people so everyone is visible and the compositions look pleasing.
Establish a simple set of cues. For the photographer and coordinator, prepare two or three short clear commands (for example: “everyone center”, “heads left”, “smiles”) — the simpler the instructions, the faster the group gets ready.
Think of alternatives to a classic single shot. Instead of one static image, make a series of active photos: walking through a gate, a shared toast, or placing guests on different stair levels — this adds dynamics and captures emotion.
If this guide helped you organize your plan — share it with friends who are also arranging a trip to Kraków. Sharing will help others prepare a checklist and avoid common pitfalls.
If you’d like, I can recommend tried-and-true venues, help coordinate the route or arrange guiding tailored to your group. Private guiding services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz are available — contact and details can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We invite you to get in touch and wish you an unforgettable photo session and a wonderful stay in Kraków!
