Looking for bride and groom poses that aren’t all about standing still and smiling at the camera? Think a little walk together, a kiss under your veil or a close-up of your hands.
These photos give you plenty to choose from, whether you love quiet portraits or something a little more playful.
You can keep things simple or try a gentle dip. Save your favorites to show your photographer, then pick the ones that feel like you.
Wedding photo poses worth saving
nose to nose
How sweet is this close-up? Their noses touch as they smile, with their hands held together near the groom’s chest.
I love how much of the photo is just their faces.
Try standing close and bringing your joined hands up between you. You don’t have to go straight into a kiss.
a little look back
If you are looking for something simple to try, this one is for you. The couple walks away hand in hand while the bride turns back toward the camera.
Read also: 20 Bridesmaid Photo Ideas From Getting Ready to Group Hugs
The long train and rows of trees are so pretty here. Ask your photographer to stay behind you for a similar shot.
Read also: 20 Lake Tahoe Wedding Ideas From Lakeside Portraits to Forest Receptions
arms up and a gentle dip
I am obsessed with this playful dip. The bride lifts her arms overhead while the groom supports her at the waist, with their faces close together.
If you both feel steady trying it, keep the dip small. The raised arms are the detail I’d borrow from this photo.
a kiss under the veil
This veil photo may just be one of my favorites. I love how it falls over both of them while the groom holds the bride’s face for a kiss.
The white flowers stay low in the frame.
Ask someone to help drape your veil over you both rather than trying to arrange it mid-pose.
a hug from behind
Don’t want to look at the camera for every photo? No problem!
The bride rests her face against the groom’s shoulder with her eyes closed while he faces away.
Her hand on his upper arm is such a sweet little detail. Keep that hand visible if you try this embrace.
sitting together on the steps
How cute is this seated portrait? The groom sits a step above the bride with his arms around her, while they both smile toward the camera.
Her dress spreads down the steps beside them.
Read also: 16 Family Picture Ideas With Teenagers to Inspire Your Next Shoot
Save this one if you want a smiling portrait without another standing pose.
a carry and a kiss
For something a little more playful, there’s this carry-and-kiss photo. The groom holds the bride beneath her knees and around her back while her bouquet reaches out to the side.
Read also: 20 Wedding Photo Poses From Sweet Forehead Kisses to Playful Moments
Only try a lift if you both feel secure. You can stay in one spot rather than adding a walk.
foreheads together
I love this forehead-to-forehead portrait. The bride rests her hand on the groom’s chest while his hand sits at her waist.
The long veil and white flowers are so pretty beside them.
Close your eyes and lean in gently if you want to try the same quiet pose.
a hand against his cheek
Want a photo that shows the back of your dress too? This is such a lovely way to do it.
The bride faces the groom with one hand against his face while he smiles and holds her waist.
Ask for a shot from behind your shoulder to include both the dress details and your partner’s expression.
side by side by the water
The golden light in this photo is gorgeous. The couple stands beside the water with their bodies turned away from the camera and their faces angled toward each other.
I especially love the train spread across the deck. Leave room in your photo for the full dress if you want a similar view.
hands and rings
Don’t want every picture to be a full portrait? No problem there!
This close-up shows the groom’s hand resting over the bride’s, with both rings visible and light peeking between their fingers.
Ask for a hands-only photo with your fingers relaxed rather than tightly clasped.
beside the getaway car
This is such a fun change from the close-up embraces. The groom stands beside the white convertible while the bride poses at the open door with one hand lifted to her hair.
If a car is part of your wedding plans, try a wider shot like this. You don’t need to stand right next to each other.
cheek in hand
Those smiles are my favorite part of this photo. The groom cups the bride’s cheek while she rests her hand on his arm, bringing her ring into view too.
For close-up bride and groom poses, this is a lovely one to save. Look at each other rather than turning toward the lens.
a bubbly celebration
Now this is a fun one! The groom holds a spraying bottle while the bride raises her glass beside him.
The droplets fill almost the entire photo.
If you’re planning a similar shot, check with your venue first and leave plenty of space away from guests and camera equipment.
a playful chase
I am obsessed with the movement in this photo. The bride gathers up her skirt and looks back toward the groom as he follows across the grass.
Her flying hair makes it even more playful.
Try a few slow steps with space between you instead of worrying about an exact pose.
wrapped up together
This snowy close-up is so sweet. A pale wrap surrounds both of their shoulders as they lean their heads together and smile.
You can even see snow scattered through their hair.
For a similar winter portrait, bring a wrap you can share for the photo.
a quiet standing embrace
If you’re looking for a simple standing portrait, go with this close embrace. The groom rests his hand beside the bride’s neck while she holds him around the waist.
I love that the wider view includes her long veil and his light jacket. Ask for a little more than a head-and-shoulders crop.
a walk along the beach
How pretty is that pale pink sky? The bride walks ahead with her skirt gathered in her hand, turning back toward the groom as he follows along the sand.
This is a lovely alternative to walking hand in hand. Leave a little space between you and keep looking back at each other.
a kiss beneath the arch
The arch in this photo is too pretty not to include. The couple stands at the bright opening, leaning in for a kiss with their joined hands lowered beside them.
Read also: 20 Lake Como Wedding Ideas With Lakeside Flowers and Romantic Details
If your venue has a similar passageway, ask your photographer to step back. Keep the pose simple and let the whole arch stay in the picture.
a sparkler dip kiss
Last but definitely not least, we have this sparkler kiss. I love the bride’s hand against the groom’s face as he supports her in a small dip. Guests line both sides behind them.
Read also: 20 Church Wedding Photo Ideas From Quiet Moments to Happy Exits
If your venue allows sparklers, have someone coordinate a wide, clear path. There’s no need for a deep dip to borrow this pose.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Alessandra