Your wedding photos are so much more than just a way to share your new status on social media or decorate your home. Long after the vows, the first dance, and cutting the cake, these pictures become a tangible keepsake of the day you promised forever to each other. They let you—and future generations—revisit every beautiful moment from your “I do.”
Because these photos matter so much, couples often feel huge pressure to get them just right. So, how do you nail it? First, hire an amazing wedding photographer—someone whose style you adore and who you connect with. Then, trust them to guide you into poses that feel natural and effortless.
To help you out, five top wedding photographers share their 10 best posing tips for flawless wedding photos.
40 Tried-and-True Wedding Photo Poses for Your Big Day
1. Relax
If you take away just one tip, let it be this: Stay loose and enjoy the moment. “My best advice is to relax and be present,” says Abby Jiu. “That way, the photos capture your real selves—not stiff poses.” KT Merry agrees, adding that your photographer’s job is to handle the technical stuff while you focus on each other. “I scout locations and lighting beforehand,” she explains. “During the shoot, I just want couples to connect naturally. The more they tune into each other, the more authentic the photos turn out.”
Pro tip? Don’t skip the engagement shoot. It helps you get comfortable in front of the camera and lets you figure out what styles you love (or don’t) before the big day.
2. Stand Up Straight
Good posture = better photos. Stand tall, roll your shoulders back, and tilt your chin slightly forward. “I always remind couples and groups to straighten up,” says Jenny Quicksall. “Slouching can make even the best shot look unflattering.”
3. Don’t Lock Your Knees or Elbows
While posture matters, stiffness doesn’t. Terri Baskin advises keeping joints relaxed: “I tell couples, ‘If it bends, I might ask you to bend it.’ Locked knees or elbows look unnatural—a slight bend works better for my style.”
4. Watch Your Chin Angle
“A common mistake is tilting the chin too high or awkwardly,” says Baskin. What feels like a flattering angle can actually look unnatural. If you’re self-conscious about your jawline, tell your photographer ahead of time so they can guide you. “It’s not about dwelling on insecurities,” she adds. “It’s about catching small fixes during the shoot, not after.”
5. Empty Your Pockets
Leave phones, keys, and wallets behind. “Bulging pockets ruin the sleek look of suits and distract from the photos,” says Baskin. While photographers will remind you, doing this beforehand speeds things up.
6. Keep Your Jacket Buttoned
If you’re wearing a jacket, keep at least one button fastened—unless your photographer suggests otherwise for a more casual shot, says Merry.
7. Ditch Hair Ties & Smartwatches
Quicksall’s universal tip? “Check your wrists before photos.” Hair ties and smartwatches can cheapen the look of otherwise elegant shots.
8. Point Your Feet Toward Your Partner
For more intimate photos, Abby Jiu suggests adjusting your foot positioning. “In couple portraits, feet pointed toward each other—not the camera—create a natural, connected vibe.”
9. Get Close
Distance is a common mistake. “Sometimes couples end up too far apart because of the pose,” says Laura Murray. “Always stay connected—hold hands, lean in, touch heads.”
10. Don’t Over-Pose
It sounds ironic, but the best shots often come from not posing. “The less you overthink it, the better,” says Merry. “If wrapping your arm around your partner feels natural, do it!” Murray adds: “My favorite images aren’t posed—they’re raw, in-the-moment shots.”