written by Lauryn Lindsey

While we’re passionate about capturing candid, authentic moments as they naturally unfold, we also know that a few thoughtfully directed wedding poses are essential for creating a well-rounded wedding gallery. As a team of wedding photographers and videographers, we’ve guided hundreds of couples through their wedding day, so we know which wedding poses you NEED to include in your shot list.

The best wedding poses don’t feel stiff or overly staged. Instead, they highlight your connection while allowing room for your personalities to show. Whether you’re camera-shy or love being in front of the lens, these are 10 iconic, go-to poses for your big day.

1. The Veil Shot

One of the most requested wedding poses right now is the classic veil shot…and for good reason. When photographed well, this shot creates a romantic, editorial look that feels straight out of a magazine or a fairytale.

Whether it’s a portrait of the two of you or a stunning bridal solo photo, the veil adds movement, softness, and an ethereal quality that’s hard to replicate. It’s a new classic pose that always makes an unforgettable addition to your wedding gallery.

2. The Bridal Over-the-Shoulder

Every bride deserves a portrait that highlights all the beautiful details she spent months choosing. The over-the-shoulder pose is both elegant and flattering. Whether she’s looking back at the camera with a smile or taking in the moment, this pose beautifully showcases the dress, veil, hair, and makeup while creating a soft, editorial feel.

3. Groom Holding the Dress

This photo often happens organically (that is, if the groom is doing what he should be doing!), but it’s also one of the easiest wedding poses to recreate, if needed.

We love this pose because it captures the groom’s care and intentionality as he helps his bride navigate the day. It’s a simple gesture that tells a beautiful story and creates a genuine, heartfelt image.

4. The Waist + Hand Hold

This pose creates the perfect opportunity for couples to come close! Maybe the groom is admiring his bride or both the bride and groom are looking at the camera. However you choose to do it, this pose radiates newlywed joy.

Having the groom wrap an arm around the bride’s waist while their hands naturally intertwine creates a relaxed, romantic image that simply says, “Mr. & Mrs.”

5. The Look Away

Not every photo needs eye contact with the camera. Sometimes the most natural-looking wedding poses happen when you’re simply looking away.

This pose works beautifully for both brides and grooms, creating an effortless, candid feel almost as if the photographer just happened to capture you in the middle of a perfect moment.

6. Putting on the Dress

This is one of the most emotional moments of the entire wedding day.

Putting on the dress is when everything starts to feel real. Whether a bride’s mom, sister, best friend, or another loved one is helping her into the gown, these photos often capture genuine laughter, happy tears, and heartfelt anticipation.

Years from now, these are the images that bring you right back to the excitement of getting ready before walking down the aisle.

7. Groom & Groomsmen

We couldn’t leave the guys out! Instead of one pose, here are three of our favorite wedding poses for the groom and his guys:

• Walking together toward the camera for a relaxed, confident look.
• Adjusting jackets, ties, or cufflinks for a clean, editorial vibe.
• A celebratory toast or candid laugh that captures everyone’s personalities.

Rather than stiff and formal, these photos should feel fun, relaxed, and like an accurate representation of the groom’s personality and his relationship with his groomsmen.

8. Bridesmaids Shots

Whether it’s a getting-ready photo, a bridal party first look, or portraits after the ceremony, photos with a bride and her bridesmaids are always worth making time for.

We love mixing classic posed portraits with candid moments of laughter, dress fluffing, champagne pops, or walking together. These wedding poses capture not only beautiful portraits but also the friendships that helped shape a bride’s wedding day.

9. The Ring Waist Shot

There are plenty of creative ways to showcase a couple’s wedding rings, but one of our favorites is around the bride’s waist.

We love having couples interlock their hands around the bride’s waist to display both rings while creating a romantic close-up. It’s a unique perspective that highlights the new wedding bands while still feeling intimate and connected.

10. The Head Lean

Sometimes the simplest wedding poses create the most meaningful photos. The head lean is one of our favorites because it feels completely natural while communicating a feeling of love and togetherness.

Whether the bride gently rests her head on the groom’s shoulder or leans against the side of his head, this pose creates an unmistakable feeling of comfort and belonging. It tells the story of two people who have found their home in each other.

This pose works beautifully whether the couple looks at the camera, shares a quiet smile, or takes in the scenery together. It’s timeless, intimate, and always makes for one of the most heartfelt images in a wedding gallery.

While these are some of our favorite wedding poses, the most important thing you can bring to your wedding day is simply each other. The best photos happen when you feel comfortable, relaxed, and fully present in the moment. An experienced wedding photographer will guide you through poses that feel natural while also leaving plenty of room for organic, candid moments. By including a mix of timeless portraits and authentic interactions, you’ll end up with a wedding gallery that not only looks beautiful but also tells the story of your day for years to come!