14 Must-Do Classic Poses for Wedding Photos
14 Must- Do Classic Poses for Wedding Photos
Your wedding day is a unique and cherished moment in your life, and preserving those beautiful memories is of utmost importance. While candid shots have their own charm, and trust me, I love them more than anyone, carefully posed photographs can bring a sense of creativity into your wedding photo album.
Hi, I'm Ronise, a wedding photographer in Europe. And to assist you in curating the perfect collection of wedding photos, I've thoughtfully curated a list of the top 14 must-have poses that will elevate your wedding photos. These are also some of my favorite poses. Save to your Pinterest board and be ready to have fun with these classic poses for wedding photos.
5. Walking and Running Together
9. A Gentle Kiss from the Front
1. The Celebration Pose:
Imagine this - you’ve been planning your wedding or elopement for months, maybe even years. Finally, you and your spouse have been announced as husband and wife. You are filled with joy and excitement. And what better way to commemorate this feeling than a picture that captures exactly how you felt in that moment?
There is no right or wrong way to express this excitement, and sometimes, it is caught very candidly. But here are some fun ways to capture a heartwarming celebration pose: hold your partner's hands, stand side by side with your beloved, raise your hands high in the air, and radiate pure joy.
This pose not only sets the tone for a day filled with happiness and love but also captures the essence of your celebration. You can jump for joy in the moment, look straight into the camera with a big smile, or run out of the courthouse, church, or wedding venue where you were just married.
2. Flowers Around the Neck: Brides typically hold their bouquet throughout the wedding, appearing in many of the wedding photos. Bouquets are great for evoking a sense of romance while showcasing your wedding colors.
Here is a fun and unique way to incorporate flowers into your wedding photos: drape the flowers around your partner's neck, hold their hands, and gently rest your hands on their chest.
If there is a height difference that prevents this, you can simply gaze into each other's eyes. The options for hand placement are endless. In the image below, the bride has her hands on her husband’s chest, making it one of my favorite classic poses for wedding photos.
3. Beneath the Veil: I love incorporating accessories into the pictures. After all, wedding attire can be expensive, so let’s use them as much as possible, and what better way than capturing some classic wedding photos?
To do this, let the bridal veil weave its enchantment by capturing an intimate moment beneath it. This evocative shot beautifully showcases your affection as you steal a kiss or share a tender gaze, wrapped in the veil's delicate embrace.
There is no wrong way to incorporate this pose. So have fun, be sensual, be sexy, and enjoy the moment with your partner. And while the two of you are under there, you can incorporate other classic poses such as the forehead kiss and nose cuddles (see below).
4. The Silhouette Shot: Silhouettes are timeless and evoke an air of mystique. Stand facing each other, bathed in the soft glow of the sun or set against a breathtaking backdrop.
You can turn your backs to the photographer to give the impression of watching the sun set. From here, one partner can lay their head on the other, or incorporate other poses, such as the dip. In the images below, we used the sun as a backlight to cast a golden light on the couple.
5. Walking and Running Together: Capture the exhilaration of your wedding day by taking a leisurely walk or engaging in playful, spontaneous running.
The dynamic movement in these photos infuses your collection with irresistible energy. This is one of the most popular and classic poses for wedding photos and can be done with many variations and angles.
I often have the couples look at each other, the camera, into the distance, etc. It can be taken from the front, the back, the side, and from high or low angles. The options here are endless.
6. The Dip: Bring out your inner Saturday night fever with a classic dip. This sophisticated maneuver accentuates your elegance and love, resulting in visually stunning images. This is a move that I encourage couples to practice beforehand so that it appears effortless and fun on your wedding day and during your portrait sessions.
7. Sweet Whispers: Share an intimate moment as you lean in for a sweet whisper or share a quiet, heartfelt laugh. These candid yet carefully composed shots authentically capture the genuine emotions and connection between you and your partner.
Here’s a pro tip. I often tell one partner to whisper something funny and private between the two. This often gets at least a smile out of them, and sometimes, bursts of laughter.
8. The Slow Dance: Whether during your first dance as a married couple or in a private moment, the slow dance is an absolute essential and one of the most intimate and classic poses for wedding photos.
Embrace each other closely and let your love shine as you sway to the rhythm of the music, creating moments of timeless romance. This is the part where I, as a wedding photographer, like to step back and allow the couple to enjoy the moment to themselves.
9. A Gentle Kiss from the Front: While the classic kiss photo is a requisite, add a twist by capturing a gentle kiss while facing the camera. This may feel a little strange at first, but, as you can see from the pictures below, they make the perfect classic pose for wedding photos.
10. Nose Cuddles: Sometimes, it's the smallest gestures that convey the most profound love. Press your noses together in a sweet, affectionate pose that radiates tenderness. Have fun with it, and take this moment to share a sweet Eskimo kiss. I’m telling you, the photos come out so cute!
11. Standing Opposite to One Another: This pose beautifully captures the essence of connection as you and your partner gaze into each other's eyes or lean on one another. The unspoken words, the shared smiles, and the depth of your love are palpable in this pose. It’s a timeless portrayal of your bond, and why it’s one of the best classic poses in wedding photos.
12. The Power Couple: Embrace your confidence and love in the "power couple" pose, exuding strength and unity. This classic pose symbolizes your partnership, resilience, and shared goals. The subtle body language speaks volumes, portraying you both as a team ready to conquer the world together, making it an essential addition to your collection of wedding photos.
13. Forehead Kiss: One of the most classic poses for wedding photos is the simple yet profoundly intimate forehead kiss. It is a classic gesture of love and affection, and incorporating it into your wedding photos adds a touch of sweet tenderness.
This pose captures a moment of quiet intimacy, showcasing the depth of your connection. When your partner gently kisses your forehead, it signifies protection, love, and devotion. It's a timeless expression that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and care in your relationship, making it a must-have classic pose for wedding photos.
Pro tip: keep the eyes closed for an even more sensual and romantic image.
***I have added an image of a mother and daughter as a gentle reminder that some of these poses can be done with other loved ones and friends.
14. The Look Back: As you embark on this beautiful journey together, the "look back" pose encapsulates the essence of nostalgia and anticipation. With one partner facing forward and the other glancing back, this pose captures the excitement for the future while honoring the past.
It's a classic and symbolic pose for wedding photos, signifying the shared history you carry and the promising adventures that await. The look back pose beautifully balances sentimentality and excitement, making it a cherished addition to your wedding album.
Remember, the key to capturing exceptional wedding photos lies not only in the chosen pose but also in the genuine emotions you and your partner bring to each moment. Effective communication with your photographer is essential to ensure that you capture the desired shots while fully enjoying your special day.
Embrace these poses, savor the moment, and let your love story shine through your wedding photos. Your album will be a treasured keepsake, brimming with moments of love and unbridled happiness.