10 Timeless Wedding Poses Every Couple Should Try

Getting married is a big, beautiful, and incredibly special day that deserves to be commemorated with stunning visual mementos. Great wedding photography gives you the invaluable gift of reliving those precious memories in the future and reflecting on your journey as a married couple.

But if you’re not super keen on being in front of a camera, the prospect of having so many photos taken can feel a little daunting. This list of 10 timeless wedding poses will help you plan your shoot and make you feel like a natural in front of the camera, ensuring you get the most memorable shots.

Let’s find out how you can pose up a storm with your new spouse!

1. The First Look

If you or your partner want a special quiet moment before you tie the knot, this pose should definitely be on your list. It can be achieved by standing opposite each other back to back and slowly turning around to face one another.

This is a tender moment that is easy to do and has a lovely symbolic meaning. It shows the two of you coming face to face for the first time as a married couple and letting go of your old lives as singular people.

2. Standing Side By Side 

The side-by-side pose is a classic go-to option for any couple on their wedding day. It is simple but effective, showcasing your matrimony and dedication to each other as a new team. 

As the name suggests, this pose entails standing next to your partner and having the photographer shoot you from directly ahead. But there are many ways to play around with this pose that can help you make it more unique. For instance, you can hold hands, glance at each other, or stand at varying degrees of closeness. 

3. Golden Hour Glow 

This isn’t so much a pose as it is a setting, but it is absolutely timeless and a great addition to any wedding photo series. Assuming you aren’t having a mid-winter wedding and the sun is making an appearance, head outside the hour before the sun sets to snap some gorgeous, glowy photographs. 

4. Lift Up Pose

Lifting your partner up (or having them lift you) is another classic pose that has graced an immeasurable quantity of weddings throughout history. It can be a symbol of joy and levity, or represent your ability to support one another from a physical and emotional perspective. 

5. The Classic Embrace 

When in doubt, a good old-fashioned embrace is a beautiful wedding pose that is easy to recreate in a few unique ways. It may be simple, but it is very impactful, and chances are you’ll be looking for every opportunity to hold each other on your big day anyhow. 

This is a good pose to return to when you want some truly classic and timeless photographs that are not difficult to create. It also works in all sorts of environments and settings, making it a relatively fail-safe pose to try out on your wedding day.

6. Candid Laughter 

Sometimes, the best poses are the ones that aren’t really poses at all. In fact, many wedding photographers can attest to how candid moments make some of the best photos, even when unedited. 

Allowing yourselves to relax and unwind at points of your wedding day is crucial. As exciting and beautiful as the day can be, it can also feel overwhelming and even stressful at times, especially if you have a lot of guests or family members to manage. 

Candid laughter gives you and your partner a sweet little bubble moment to share amidst all that intensity—one that is absolutely perfect for a memorable wedding photo. 

7. Strolling And Holding Hands  

There’s a reason this pose is such a timeless classic. It works every time. Romantic, easy, and fun, having a little walk with your new spouse is a fabulous way to showcase your connection as a married couple and signify the journey you are embarking on together. 

This works best in nature, where you can walk freely and interact with the environment. Beaches, forests, and botanical gardens are all great options here, but a patch of lawn or pathway works well, too. 

8. The Ring Exchange 

The moment when a couple exchanges their official wedding rings is monumental. Getting your photographer to capture it is a great way to honor that special moment and capture the awe in each of your eyes as you realize the impact of your decision. 

There are two ways to enact this pose. You can either ask your photographer to capture the actual moment during your vows in which the rings are presented and exchanged, or you can recreate the moment in a different setting. 

The latter can be easier if you want to experiment with the background, privacy, and overall atmosphere of the photo. It’ll be beautiful either way. 

9. Under The Veil 

Whimsical and romantic, creating poses on your wedding day with a veil can have magical results. One of the best veil poses is to go under your partner’s veil together, showcasing that you are united as one. This is a favorite with photographers everywhere, whether they’re building up their portfolio or have shot weddings for years, as it captures the couple’s emotions, beautiful textures, and an appropriate prop all in one. 

10. The Kiss 

Last but not least, the kiss is possibly the most timeless wedding day pose in the world. It signifies sheer love and elation—and it definitely deserves a spot on your pose list. Naturally, it can be created any way you like, as long as the lips are locked and the sparks are flying. 

Capture Your Perfect Poses Naturally

Wedding poses are a great way to add structure to your shoot and ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities to capture tender moments. 

The good news is you’ll probably be having so much fun that you won’t even think about whether your pose is perfect. That’s the beauty of having a pose list—it’ll help you achieve more striking photos that you don’t need to overthink in the moment. 

Your natural wedding glow and excitement will likely help you come out of your shell, and you can capture it in a series of photos you’ll treasure for the rest of your lives.