PHOTOGRAPHED BY GIA · 600+ WEDDINGS

Wedding Photography Poses: 15 Natural Poses for Couples

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The best wedding photography poses don’t feel like poses. I give you simple prompts, like walking together or a quiet whisper, so your photos look natural.

Natural Wedding Poses That Make You Comfortable

Wedding Photography Poses are something that every professional photographer should know.  Depending on the wedding style, culture and ideas from the bride and groom, the photographer should always be prepared for anything the wedding party wants.  

There are always the traditional and classic poses, that, in my opinion every couple should have, and then there are the more photojournalistic style photographs that more and more people ask for.  However, each wedding has family involved; therefore, the basic and classic photographs, the staged and controlled ones are a must.  Parents always want that perfect photo of the bride and groom looking into the camera and smile. Normally for each wedding, I do both styles, the classic portraits for the family and the candid shots for the couple and younger bridal party.  I also ask each couple if they have certain favorite shots that they might have seen in a magazine or at another wedding and want for their wedding. 

This is your wedding, you should get exactly what you want and what you ask for, and that’s why I’m here, to make sure your wedding day is as perfect as possible.

For a quicker service and a free quote call Gia now at local (312) 927-7238 to schedule a no obligation consultation.

Wedding photography poses: Bride and groom walk hand in hand across a Chicago River bridge with high-rises behind them

15 Wedding Poses I Use With Almost Every Couple

Good posing doesn’t look posed. Most of what I do is give you something to do, not a position to hold. These are the prompts and poses that work for nearly every couple, including the ones who tell me they are awkward in photos.

Couple poses

  1. The slow walk: hold hands, walk toward me, look at each other, not the camera.
  2. Forehead touch: close your eyes and just breathe for a few seconds.
  3. The whisper: one partner whispers something only the other should hear. The laugh that follows is the photo.
  4. Back hug: one partner hugs from behind, chin on the shoulder, both looking toward the view.
  5. The almost kiss: lean in, stop just before the kiss, then go for it.
  6. The twirl: perfect for full skirts and a little wind off Lake Michigan.
  7. Veil moment: the two of you under the veil, close and quiet.
  8. Golden hour silhouette: facing each other with the sun behind you.

Wedding party poses

  1. The classic line: alternating partners, hands relaxed, everyone close together.
  2. The walk-off: everyone walking toward me, chatting and laughing.
  3. The huddle: the party surrounds the couple and cheers on cue.
  4. Bride with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen: one classic, one fun.

Family poses

  1. Parents with the couple: classic, looking at the camera, for the family wall.
  2. Generations: grandparent, parent and the couple together.
  3. The whole family: largest group first, so older guests can rest.

Tips to Feel Natural When Posing

  • Keep moving. Small movements look natural; frozen poses look stiff.
  • Soften your hands. Hold your partner’s hand, their jacket, or your bouquet. Avoid clenched fists.
  • Breathe out before the shot. It relaxes your shoulders and your smile.
  • Look at each other more than at the lens. Most of my favorite images have no eye contact with the camera at all.
  • Practice once. An engagement session is the best rehearsal for your wedding day posing.

See these poses in real weddings: Gabriela and Paul, Lauren and Tiffany and Mary and Justin. For timing and light, read my wedding photography tips for brides.

Wedding Poses FAQ

Should we bring a list of poses we want?

Bring a few favorites, especially anything meaningful to you. A long list of Pinterest poses usually takes time away from real moments.

How long do couple portraits take?

Usually 20 to 40 minutes, split between a session after the ceremony and a short golden hour break during the reception.

What if we’re really awkward in front of the camera?

Almost everyone feels that way. I guide you with prompts, not stiff poses, and most couples are surprised how natural they look. More ideas are in my wedding photography ideas.

Do we need to practice wedding poses?

No. I guide you during portraits. An engagement session is the easiest way to get comfortable first.

Planning Your Chicago Wedding?

I personally photograph every wedding I book. Tell me your date and venue, or call (312) 927-7238.

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