40 Tried-and-True Wedding Photo Poses to Inspire Your Own (2024)

While knowing how to pose for wedding photos can help you look picture-perfect in every shot, the concept of posing may sound nerve-wracking for most people. After all, there are so many other things to think about on the big day, and "landing the right pose" won't be your greatest priority. If you appropriately plan for your photos ahead of your celebration, however, posing for pictures will come naturally to you, easing the stress associated with this important task.

Luckily, not much prep work is needed to land the perfect shot, as the trick to posing for your wedding photographs is to hardly pose at all. "The biggest piece of advice I can provide for brides or grooms regarding posing in their wedding photos is not to. The more a bride or groom can be in the moment and focused on their significant other and/or being present is what will yield the most authentically beautiful images of themselves," shares wedding photographer Gina Esposito. "Ideally, a couple will hire a photographer to be the professional, directing them through all the different aspects of what to do in order to look their most natural."

Meet the Expert

Gina Esposito is the CEO and principal photographer of Anée Atelier, an award-winning New York City-based photography boutique.
Mikkel Woodruff is a luxury and destination wedding photographer based on the East Coast.
Terri Baskin is the owner ofTerri Baskin Photography. She’s based in the Washington D.C. area and has over 10 years of experience.

Need more advice? Ahead, Esposito, and wedding photographers Mikkel Woodruff and Terri Baskin, help explain the best photography tips for bridal and groom poses—including how to pose naturally on the big day and the top five wedding pose mistakes to avoid. Read on for more.

10 Tips to Remember When Posing for Wedding Photos

How to Pose Naturally for Your Wedding Photos

As mentioned, the best wedding photos are the ones that look completely natural when snapped. That said, posing "naturally" doesn't come easy for everyone, as some people are inherently awkward in front of a camera. One way to combat this dilemma? Hire a photographer you trust and feel comfortable around. "More times than not, if a person or couple is put in a position where they feel uncomfortable, the camera doesn't lie and feelings of insecurity will no doubt translate into the final product," shares Esposito. "This is why it is so important to not only choose a professional photographer based on their images, but also off of who they are as a person. The photographer needs to be able to create an atmosphere that instills confidence and comfort in their subject."

Woodruff also points out that candid, natural shots are typically produced by capturing a couple's natural movements uninterrupted. “I tell my couples if they’re inclined to do something or move in a natural way, don’t stop,” she explains. “So much of the time I have couples smiling and laughing perfectly, and then they remember I’m there and stop to make sure they’re in the right position. Just keep going! If you don’t look good, the photographer should tell you.”

Lastly, embrace natural poses like laughing or giggling. “If it’s discreet, do a little butt squeeze, the laughs from that are amazing,” shares Woodruff. “Or, try looking in your partner’s eyes for 20 seconds straight. Inevitably one of you will start laughing! Or, my favorite: Think of a secret—dirty or clean—and whisper it in your partner’s ear. This one works splendidly.”

Unsure where you place your arms when posing? “Don’t press your arms against your body,” Woodruff advises. “If the bride wants to hold her bouquet, she should keep her arms relaxed and elongated. Pressing her elbows tightly into her body could make her arms less flattering.” For group shots with arms around each other, Woodruff recommends keeping the arms low and around the waist, not shoulders—which leads to stretched and stressed fabric.

The Top 5 Wedding Pose Mistakes to Avoid

Here, we list out what to avoid when posing for your special snaps on the big day.

Unnatural Kisses

This should come as no surprise, but you should kiss your partner the way you would kiss them on an ordinary day. Meaning, don't try and stage a kissing pose, as you'll likely end up looking stiff and awkward in the photo. "If photos look too staged/posed, the emotional connection you have to the photos can get lost," shares Baskin. "The excitement of the wedding day is one that couples will relive over and over, and being able to feel the emotion in the photo helps when couples are naturally enjoying their day again and again."

Too Much Kissing

Your wedding photography session isn't a make-out session. “We want neat and clean kisses,” Woodruff says. “Also, turn your head enough so you’re not squishing your partner’s nose in. If it feels like you’re squishing, you probably are.” Keep your kisses soft, sweet, and romantic—if you do, the end result will be a knockout photo.

Moving Too Fast

Though walking photos look great for couples and the larger bridal party, be sure to tread slowly when taking these snaps. “It’s not a race,” Woodruff says. “So many times the wedding party ends up walking way ahead. Just slow down and interact with each other.”

Practicing Too Much

Couples may want to perfect their smiles before the wedding day, but Woodruff recommends spending that time elsewhere. “Don’t practice smiling because then you’ll overthink it,” she says. “I can tell when couples have tried to practice their smiles and they end up looking too self-conscious.” Baskin also adds, "Sometimes practiced poses do not always translate well on camera and can come across as stiff or unnatural."

Not Sharing Your Preferences With the Photographer

If you have any insecurities or you have a side you prefer, tell the photographer. “It could be a height difference, a particular side you like photographed, or insecurities about, say, your arms or your stomach,” Woodruff says. “Be vocal about this with your photographer beforehand, then you both can be more successful with the final product.”

10 of the Most Common Wedding Photography Mistakes Couples Make

40 Wedding Photo Poses to Inspire Your Own

Remember: It's best not to overly prepare for your wedding photos, as that can cause you to look unnatural when taking your pics. According to Baskin, "An important tip I remind my brides of on their wedding day is to not think too much about the poses they may have seen online or practiced themselves."

With that in mind, it never hurts to share a few ideas with your photographer so they can help guide you in the right direction. So, if you're searching for some inspiration, here are 40 popular wedding photo poses to consider for your big day.

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Putting on Earrings

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When the big day finally arrives, you won't want to miss a single detail. This particular pose is a creative action shot that focuses on the major accessories, whether that's your earrings, engagement ring, heirloom bracelets, or all of the above.

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Slipping on Shoes

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Who amongst us believes that a single pair of shoes can change their lives? (We can thank Cinderella for that one.) While you may not think a shot of you putting on your shoes is particularly noteworthy, photographers employ this angle to capture the footwear and get a fresh perspective of the dress details.

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Finishing Your Vows

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While there are plenty of must-have getting-ready shots to capture, we find photos of the to-be-weds finishing up their vows particularly sentimental. Plus, they're a great way to snap the getting-ready outfit without being too obvious.

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The First Look

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The wedding-day first look is one of the most important photographs, but couples shouldn’t think about the photographer at all. Instead, let the moment unfold while truly embracing the emotions (tears and all) knowing the photographer will capture every detail along the way.

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Showing Off the Veil

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A grandiose veil should never go unnoticed—or unphotographed. Position yourself—with or without your partner—with the light filtering through the fine material for optimal glow.

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Buttoning Up the Suit

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As it relates to groom photos, the quintessential buttoning-of-the-jacket pose is everywhere from red carpets to wedding aisles. It's a wonderful way to showcase a watch and cufflinks without getting too granular.

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The Playful Bride

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For brides who want to show off their playful side, consider asking your photographer to snap a few shots of you in unique and silly poses. You can play around with your heart-framed sunglasses, or pose for a few pictures while popping a bottle of champagne.

Leaning in for a Kiss

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Once eye contact has been made, you'll probably find yourself naturally inclined to kiss your partner. Just lean into it—literally! Maybe even kick a foot up for added vintage pizzazz.

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Tying the Bow Tie

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Need more inspiration for the groom? Photographers love capturing key moments during wedding prep like tying the tie. Similar shots include lacing shoes and fastening the watch.

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The Stroll

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The stroll captures some of the most intimate moments between the couple. This pose works everywhere from a street to a field, and it looks just as great in photos as it does in the wedding video.

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Sharing Secrets

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What's cuter than a shot of you whispering sweet nothings in each other's ears? While these candid moments are totally endearing, we've heard plenty of anecdotes of couples following the photographer's instructions and reciting silly sentences on cue.

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Getting Ready Together

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If you and your love have chosen to get ready together, we can't think of a more special moment to capture. Case in point: This photo of a couple helping each other add final touches to their wedding suits.

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Looking Down at the Bouquet

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Reverently peering down at the bridal bouquet is a pose you'll surely want to bookmark. Not only is it a beautiful moment, but it also shows off your eye makeup while appearing to be entirely candid.

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Capturing the Train

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If you sprung for the dramatic train (and/or veil), you'll definitely want to show it off. Instead of completely turning your back to the camera, angle yourself with a demure glance over the shoulder to add dimension and highlight both the bouquet and your profile.

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The "Catch Me If You Can"

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Add a bit of forward momentum for a more dynamic way to feature a standout train. But don't be surprised if the photographer asks you to slowly run back and forth a few times; it's all worth it to catch the movement in the dress.

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The Quiet Moment

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One of the most beautiful photos your photographer can snap is of you and your partner stealing a quiet moment together. While this pose may be planned, it looks entirely candid and doesn't require much thought or effort.

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Admiring Your Dress

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Brides spend months and years (some even a lifetime!) waiting to wear that perfect dress. That’s why photographers love capturing them admiring the wedding gown moments before putting it on.

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The Twirl

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Wedding dresses look beautiful from every angle, but they really come to life while twirling around. Though you may feel silly while in the moment, the final photograph will be at once dazzling and full of life.

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The Spin

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For added dimension (and a hint of Disney-princess aesthetics), let your partner in on the fun. The shot of them spinning you around will create a playful scene that captures the dress in motion.

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Jumping Into Each Other's Arms

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Looking for even more action? Have your partner literally sweep you off your feet. The endeavor will not only offer a whole new angle, but it'll also evoke some laughs. Note: You don't have to take a running start (à la Dirty Dancing) for this one.

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Candid Laughter

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Candid laughter always looks great on camera. Your photographer may recommend this shot while getting ready, or when taking portraits with your partner and wedding party.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography

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The Wind-Blown Veil

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Whether it’s a windy day or not, photographers will want to capitalize on that gorgeous veil with a few creative poses. To get an editorial shot worthy of any cover, have someone raise, then drop, your veil as you steal a kiss from your partner.

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Beneath the Veil

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While you're working with the veil, don't hesitate to get under it—both of you! (Maybe even all three of you if the photographer needs a close-up.) You may require an assistant for this one, but under-the-veil imagery is about as intimate and dreamy as it gets. Just take the portraits from this California garden wedding as proof.

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The Subtle Glance

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Wedding photographers love to capture a subtle glance at the camera. Expect this photogenic pose throughout the day, from prep to couple photos, as well as bridal portraits.

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The Forehead Kiss

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A sweet forehead kiss, like this one, is always a romantic favorite. The tender shot also serves to capture any dress or hair details from the back.

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Face to Face

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Depending on your personal love language and affection style, touching faces with your partner is either going to feel sort of funny or as natural as can be. But trust us, once you start posing, the tender nuzzle of this iconic wedding shot will feel completely organic.

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A Playful Neck Kiss

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While super-lusty neck kisses can be a tad cringe, this playful peck has us smiling from ear to ear. We can see why this bride is practically swept off her feet.

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The Sweet Embrace

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A tight hug has the ability to pull at our heartstrings and convey more raw emotion than any lip lock. Depending on the angle, this can also be a coy way of showing off an intricate bridal hairstyle from the back.

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Getting Lost in Each Other's Eyes

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Whether guided by your photographer or naturally pulled in, locking eyes with your partner may leave you completely entranced. It doesn't matter if you're standing still or in motion, this shot is always one for the books.

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The Anticipation Shot

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It's all about the buildup, and as you get closer and closer to touching lips, an entire story of emotion is played out on your faces. The best wedding photographers are quick on the shutter speed to capture every chapter as it unfolds.

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The Passionate Smooch

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Whether in an intimate, private moment or surrounded by onlooking guests, sharing a passionate kiss with your partner is a wedding photo must. Don't try to stage it or recreate something you've seen, though. Just let it flow naturally for a memory that's true to you.

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The "Follow Me"

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Holding hands and walking toward a new future together is a metaphor not lost on wedding photographers. Here, these brides replicate the pose from the side—though another iteration is having one partner lead their spouse toward the camera.

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The Nose Peck

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If all that playful banter strikes up a silly mood, let it lead the direction of the shoot. This sweet smooch on the nose is a fitting display of the vibrant multi-day nuptials this couple hosted in Mexico.

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The Dramatic Dip

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The pure drama of a cinematic dip is difficult to top. Have your partner spin you around before bending into a romantic kiss with a flourish. If you're sporting a substantial train, have the photographer or an assistant move it around you for a sweeping effect.

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Wrapped In Your Partner's Arms

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Thanks to forever haunting awkward prom photos, the back-to-front embrace has garnered quite a negative stigma. These newlyweds, however, illustrate just how tender and natural (read: unforced!) the pose can be.

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A Stolen Dance

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While it may be difficult to forget that there's a photographer in your midst, it's nice to get lost in the moment and relish each other's company. Perhaps you'll find yourselves dancing to a silent tune that only you both know.

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The Emotional Moment

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Consider this the pièce de résistance of newlywed portraits. Yes, the kiss is iconic and the laughs are lovely, but nothing is as resonant as capturing the raw, unfiltered emotion of celebrating your love. So if the tears come, let them, and capture a timeless photo similar to this one. You'll be happy you did.

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Walking Down Stairs

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If you have to walk down several flights of stairs to get to the ceremony, ask your photographer to capture a few candid shots of the act. It's a wonderful way to get an aerial shot of your dress, hair, and veil.

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The Power Couple

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Celebrate your new marital status with a dynamic power couple pose you'll look back fondly on forever. Bonus: Have your partner stare affectionately at you, while you set your gaze on the camera's lens.

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The Shoe Reveal

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If you're looking to show off your incredible bridal footwear, don't forget to snap a shot of your shoe reveal. This pose is particularly great for brides who plan to wear nontraditional shoes, like cowboy boots, sneakers, or something extraordinarily colorful.