How to Pose for Wedding Photos, According to a Wedding Photographer

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

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.

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 the earrings and engagement ring or heirloom bracelets and intricate bridal henna.

Who amongst us doesn't believe 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.

The quintessential buttoning-of-the-jacket pose is everywhere from red carpets to wedding aisles. And for good reason, the motion showcases the watch and cufflinks without getting too granular.

When it comes to the groom, photographers love capturing key moments during wedding prep like tying the tie. Similar shots include lacing shoes and fastening the watch.

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 the eye makeup while appearing to be entirely candid.

If you sprung for the dramatic train, 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.

Similarly, a grandiose veil should never go unnoticed—or unphotographed. Position yourself just so, with the light filtering through the fine material (for glow) and your arms billowing it out for extra shape.

The wedding-day first look is one of the most important photographs, but couples shouldn’t even 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.

One of the most photogenic kisses is a soft peck on the temples. Photographers commonly ask for at least a handful of these sweet poses during portrait photo sessions.

Wedding dresses look beautiful from every angle, but they really come to life while twirling. In this pose, the bride twirls around, almost like a ballerina. The final photograph is dazzling and full of movement.

For added dimension (and a hint of Disney-princess dreaminess), 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.

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

Candid laughter always looks great on camera. Photographers tend to recommend these moments most during prep time but also during couple and wedding party portraits.

Whether it’s a windy day or not, photographers will want to capitalize on that gorgeous veil with a few creative poses that position it as a frame around you. Many photographers will have their assistant raise then drop the veil as the couple steals a kiss for an editorial shot worthy of any cover.

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.

Just like the temple kiss, a sweet forehead kiss is always a romantic favorite. The sentimental shot also serves to capture any dress or hair details from the back.

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 get into it the tender nuzzle of this iconic wedding shot will be completely organic.

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.

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.

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, the shot is always one for the books.

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

It's all about the buildup. 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.

Houston, we have contact. 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. Just let it flow naturally for a memory that's true to you.

Holding hands and walking toward a new future together is a metaphor not lost on wedding photographers. These brides replicate the pose from the side while another iteration is having one partner, slightly in front of the other, leading their spouse toward the camera.

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.

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 smooth it around you for a sweeping effect.

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

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 know.

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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How to Pose for Wedding Photos, According to a Wedding Photographer

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

Admiring the Dress

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.

Finishing the Vows

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 the earrings and engagement ring or heirloom bracelets and intricate bridal henna.

Putting On Earrings

Slipping On the Shoes

The quintessential buttoning-of-the-jacket pose is everywhere from red carpets to wedding aisles. And for good reason, the motion showcases the watch and cufflinks without getting too granular.

Buttoning Up the Suit

When it comes to the groom, photographers love capturing key moments during wedding prep like tying the tie. Similar shots include lacing shoes and fastening the watch.

Tying the Bow Tie

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 the eye makeup while appearing to be entirely candid.

Looking Down at the Bouquet

If you sprung for the dramatic train, 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.

Capturing the Train

Similarly, a grandiose veil should never go unnoticed—or unphotographed. Position yourself just so, with the light filtering through the fine material (for glow) and your arms billowing it out for extra shape.

Showing Off the Veil

The wedding-day first look is one of the most important photographs, but couples shouldn’t even 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.

The First Look

One of the most photogenic kisses is a soft peck on the temples. Photographers commonly ask for at least a handful of these sweet poses during portrait photo sessions.

A Kiss on the Temple

Wedding dresses look beautiful from every angle, but they really come to life while twirling. In this pose, the bride twirls around, almost like a ballerina. The final photograph is dazzling and full of movement.

The Twirl

For added dimension (and a hint of Disney-princess dreaminess), 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.

The Spin

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

Jumping Into Each Other's Arms

Candid laughter always looks great on camera. Photographers tend to recommend these moments most during prep time but also during couple and wedding party portraits.

Candid Laughter

The Wind-Blown Veil

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.

The Subtle Glance

Just like the temple kiss, a sweet forehead kiss is always a romantic favorite. The sentimental shot also serves to capture any dress or hair details from the back.

The Forehead Kiss

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 get into it the tender nuzzle of this iconic wedding shot will be completely organic.

Face To Face

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.

A Playful Neck Kiss

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.

The Sweet Embrace

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, the shot is always one for the books.

Getting Lost in Each Other's Eyes

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

Leaning In for a Kiss

It's all about the buildup. 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.

The Anticipation Shot

Houston, we have contact. 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. Just let it flow naturally for a memory that's true to you.

The Passionate Smooch

Holding hands and walking toward a new future together is a metaphor not lost on wedding photographers. These brides replicate the pose from the side while another iteration is having one partner, slightly in front of the other, leading their spouse toward the camera.

The Follow-Me

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.

Sharing Secrets

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 smooth it around you for a sweeping effect.

The Dramatic Dip

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

Wrapped In Your Partner's Arms

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 know.

Dance Like No One Is Watching

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.

The Stroll

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