Looking for wedding photo poses that go beyond standing side by side? A forehead kiss, a little walk together or a close-up of your rings gives you plenty to work with.
These ideas include couple portraits, solo bridal photos and a sweet moment with the bridesmaids.
You can keep things simple or try something a little more playful. Save your favorites to share with your photographer, including the casual couple poses you might want to adapt for your wedding outfits.
Wedding photo ideas worth saving
a kiss on the forehead
We’re starting off with this sweet forehead kiss. I love the bride’s closed eyes and the pink and white bouquet tucked between them.
Stand close to your partner and let the kiss be the whole pose. Ask for a side view like this to keep both profiles in the photo.
walking hand in hand
If you are looking for something simple to try, this one is for you. The couple holds hands while the groom carries the bouquet and the bride lifts one side of her skirt.
Take a slow walk together without looking straight at the camera. I especially like the little smiles here.
a kiss behind the veil
How pretty is this close-up? The veil stretches across the bottom of the picture, with tiny white details showing against the dark suit.
Ask your photographer to shoot from behind one shoulder while you lean in for a kiss. Keep some of the veil in the foreground if you want this same look.
Read also: 20 Church Wedding Photo Ideas From Quiet Moments to Happy Exits
holding each other at sunset
I am in love with the orange light behind this couple. Her hand rests on his shoulder while his arm wraps around her waist.
If you’d like a sunset portrait, show this one to your photographer when planning the timing. You don’t need a complicated pose with a sky like that.
a shoulder lean from behind
Don’t want every picture to show you facing the camera? No problem!
This bride rests her head against her partner while they hold hands behind her back. The low back of her dress and loose updo look so lovely from this angle.
a little first-look secret
How cute is this? The bride has a finger to her lips while her partner faces away between the hedges.
That little glance at the camera is my favorite part.
Try a playful photo like this before your first look. Keep your bouquet down at your side so your gesture stays visible.
a bridal portrait on the stairs
This is such a pretty way to show off a long train. The bride sits sideways on the steps with her back against the wall and her skirt spread below her.
Choose a clean staircase with plenty of room for your dress. Let one shoe peek out if you want that little detail in the picture too.
a lifted garden kiss
I am obsessed with the sweeping skirt in this photo. The groom lifts the bride as she wraps her arms around his shoulders, with strings of bulbs overhead.
If you both feel steady doing a lift, try it on level ground with your photographer ready. A standing hug is a lovely alternative.
resting on his shoulder
This shoulder lean may just be one of my favorites here. The bride looks toward the camera with her head resting against the groom and her hand on his shoulder.
Keep your fingers loose rather than spreading them stiffly. Her ring is a pretty little detail in this portrait.
hands and wedding rings
Don’t forget the little details! Her hand rests against his jacket while his hand wraps around her wrist, leaving both sets of rings visible.
Add this to your wedding photo poses if you want a close-up without your faces in the frame. I love the pale manicure against the dark jacket.
a seated staircase kiss
Looking for a less formal pose? This casually dressed couple sits close together on the stairs, with her hand against his cheek as they kiss.
Borrow the seated pose for your wedding portraits if your outfits allow it, or save this one for an engagement session. The staggered feet keep it from looking too arranged.
a celebratory bottle spray
This one is all about those big smiles! A stream from the bottle arcs across the dark background while the bride holds a glass beside the groom.
If your venue allows a spray photo, choose an open spot and aim away from people and camera equipment. Let your photographer know before you start.
a playful piggyback
How adorable is this piggyback photo? The bride holds on around the groom’s shoulders while he carries the pink bouquet.
Her shoes and the split skirt show on either side.
Only try this if you can both manage it safely. Pick a level spot away from traffic rather than copying the street setting.
a doorway silhouette
If you love a dramatic portrait, this one is for you. The couple leans their foreheads together inside a bright doorway, with her arms around his neck.
Read also: 20 Elopement Ideas With Beautiful Views and Sweet Little Details
I especially love how clearly you can see the veil and the outline of the dress. Ask your photographer whether your venue has a doorway suited to a silhouette like this.
the bridesmaids’ first look
Those expressions are so sweet! The bride stands with her back to the camera and her arms open while the bridesmaids face her in pale blue dresses.
Read also: 20 Bridesmaid Photo Ideas From Getting Ready to Group Hugs
For your own reveal, ask your photographer to stand behind you so they can capture the group. Leave the reactions up to your friends rather than asking everyone to copy these faces.
Read also: 20+ Stunning First Look Ideas Wedding Moments Guests Adore
an over-the-shoulder smile
This is a lovely solo portrait to add to your plans. The bride turns back toward the camera with her bouquet held low, showing her long waves and veil.
Try standing at an angle rather than turning completely away. That way, you can look back without twisting too far.
lying together in the grass
I love how relaxed this casual couple photo looks. He lies back with one arm behind his head while she leans over his chest and looks at him.
This is another pose you could borrow for an engagement session. For wedding-day photos, decide first whether you’re happy putting your outfits on the ground.
a kiss under an umbrella
A clear umbrella with raindrops is such a pretty detail here. The couple kisses beneath it while the white bouquet sits at the bottom of the frame.
Read also: 20 Lake Tahoe Wedding Ideas From Lakeside Portraits to Forest Receptions
If rain is in your forecast, consider bringing a clear umbrella for a similar photo. Ask for a slightly higher camera angle to include those droplets.
cheek to cheek
Don’t want props or a big pose? No problem there!
Simply hold each other around the waist and shoulder, then bring your faces close together and look toward the camera.
The smiles are my favorite part of this portrait. There’s room for a straightforward photo like this alongside the more playful ones.
a dip beneath the sparklers
Last but definitely not least, we have this sparkling send-off kiss. I love the lights all around the couple as the groom supports the bride in a dip.
Practice a small dip first if you want to try it. Coordinate any sparklers with your venue and keep the exit path wide, with sparks well away from clothing and hair.
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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