Top 11 must have wedding photos
Top 11 must have wedding photos
Have you thought much about your wedding photos? Have you been deep diving into Pinterest and Instagram searching for hours for the best must have wedding poses? Your wedding day is all about capturing those epic moments that make you smile for years to come. But let’s be real, posing for photos can feel a little awkward if you don’t know what to do! Don’t worry! I’m here to give you some inspo so you’ll be a pro for your photographer.
As a wedding photographer, there’s a few iconic shots that I always recommend my couples trying.
Top 11 must have wedding photos
Top 11 must have wedding photos
Top 11 must have wedding photos
1. the dip & kiss
One of the best wedding photo poses you absolutely need in your album is the classic dip and kiss shot. It’s romantic, playful, and totally swoon-worthy! Imagine your partner sweeping you off your feet (literally) while sharing that perfect kiss. This pose is ICONIC and drops all the jaws in the best way possible. Add this fun wedding pose to your day photos. Whether you’re going for a sweet, slow dip or something a little more dramatic, this shot is a total must-have!
How to: Place you hand over your partners back then have them lean in for a kiss, and DIP!
2. the hand in hand walk
If you’re looking for a natural, easy-going pose, the hand-in-hand walk is a total winner! Now I LOVE this shot, purely because it feels like you are taking your partner on an adventure. Like grab their hands and let’s start this new journey together. It’s a pose that brings out your connection without feeling too posed. Whether you’re walking through a garden, cliff face, mountain top, or across a stunning venue, this shot is perfect for showing off your personalities and the pure joy of your wedding day. Don’t overthink it, just walk, laugh, and let the love shine through!
How to: Just grab your partner’s hand, take a stroll, and let your photographer capture those sweet, candid moments.
3. the first look
Just when I think one pose is my favourite, I just remember another. Now if you are eloping or want to calm your nerves before you walk down the aisle and say I do. This shot can be a game changer. Imagine the excitement and anticipation as you and your partner get to see each other for the first time on your big day, pure bliss! It’s a perfect way to soak in the moment together, away from the hustle and bustle of the ceremony. Or if you’ve been keeping your outfit a secret and want to surprise your best friends and bridal party, the reactions will be priceless.
This wedding photo pose captures all those genuine emotions, from joyful tears to those ear-to-ear smiles. If this sounds like a bit of you, when planning your wedding day photos, make sure to carve out some time for this unforgettable shot.
How to: Get your maid of honour or photographer to help liaise and organise this shot.
4. the pick up & spin
Get ready to add some serious fun to your wedding album with the pick up and spin pose! This playful move is all about capturing that joyful energy between you and your partner. Just imagine your love lifting you off the ground in a movie like moment, spinning you around while you both laugh, talk about a photo that radiates happiness! If you don’t nail this shot first go, thats what makes it funny. The smiles will come out, you’ll relax and the photos will be so genuine.
This must-have wedding photo pose not only showcases your playful side but also makes for some stunning, candid shots that perfectly capture the spirit of your wedding day. So go ahead, embrace the whimsy, and let your photographer catch those unforgettable spins and giggles that you’ll cherish forever!
How to: Get your partner to wrap their hands around their your neck and then you grab your partner below the waist and pick and spin and see what happens.
5. under the veil shot
Think movie vibes, cinematic goodness black and white, film like vibes. Under the veil shot is pure magic and a total must for your wedding album! This intimate pose creates a dreamy atmosphere as you and your partner snuggle beneath your veil, capturing that sweet, romantic vibe. It’s the perfect way to showcase your connection while adding a touch of elegance to your wedding day photos. Imagine stealing a quiet moment together, just the two of you, surrounded by that soft, flowing fabric. Not only does this wedding photo pose make for stunning images, but it also encapsulates the feeling of closeness and joy on one of the most special days of your life.
How to: Get under that veil and let the magic unfold!
6. the spin photo
Add some flair to your wedding album with the spin shot! This playful pose is all about movement and joy. Everyone loves a twirl and adding some movement to images just brings them to life. Whether you’re dressed to the nines or dancing the night away, the spin shot brings a sense of fun and spontaneity that you’ll cherish forever.
How to: Grab your partners hand, hold it high, let loose, spin them around, and let your love shine in every frame!
7. side arm hug pose
Think documentary, vogue front page. This is the shot that gives those vibes. This must-have wedding photo pose is fantastic for showcasing your playful side while also highlighting the tenderness of your relationship. It’s a great way to relax in front of the camera, allowing those genuine smiles to shine through. So, go ahead and snuggle up for this adorable shot, it’s sure to become one of your favourite memories from your wedding day!
How to: You and your partner standing close, with one of you wrapping an arm around the other, sharing a sweet moment filled with love and laughter.
8. bear hug
I bet you can’t wait to just grab your partner and squeeze them tight. Best news is, this is such a beautiful photo if captured right. This is the ultimate expression of love and joy. This playful and cozy pose not only captures your connection but also radiates happiness, making it a top contender for when wanting those epic photos. It’s perfect for showcasing those candid moments when you’re lost in each other, completely forgetting about the camera. So go ahead, let loose, and squeeze your partner tight for this adorable shot, it’s bound to bring a smile every time you look back at your wedding day photos!
How to: Imagine wrapping your arms around each other in a big, warm embrace, filled with laughter and genuine affection
9. look into the view
Now this is the perfect opportunity to sneak away to some place with epic views and take a minute to enjoy the view on the day you’ve been planning for weeks, months or maybe even years. Embrace it, soak it all in, burn it into your memory banks while holding hands. Looking into the view shot is all about capturing those breathtaking moments where you and your partner pause to soak in the beauty around you!
This must-have wedding photo pose perfectly encapsulates the magic of your special day, combining your love story with the beauty of your surroundings. It’s a fantastic way to show off the stunning scenery, whether you’re in Queenstown or another picturesque spot! So, take a moment to breathe it all in, look into that view, and let your photographer do their thing.
How to: Find the best view, both stand together, gazing at a stunning landscape or romantic backdrop while holding hands.
10. back of dress shot
The back of the dress shot is an absolute showstopper that you won’t want to miss on your wedding day! This stunning pose highlights the intricate details of your gown, from lace to buttons to that elegant train, while capturing the essence of your style. I bet you tried on a million dresses to find the perfect one and so let’s remember those important details that you fell in love with.
How to: Stand there elegantly while your photographer creates some memories.
11.The confetti/bubbles/sparkler walk down the isle shot
Now I saved the best for last. The top 11 must have wedding photos is this one. This is ICONIC. Even if you are having a small wedding, this can be done. Pick your weapon aka bubbles, confetti, leaves, flowers or anything. Prep your guests and grab your partners hand and head down that isle with smiles on your faces. At the end you could even add a dip to really take this shot to the next level.
How to: Get your guests to throw the confetti in the air rather than at your face for the best results. Then watch it as it glides down.
As you dive into planning your big day, remember that every moment is an opportunity to create magic! Remember these must-have wedding photo poses and bring them up with your photographer, take screenshots or your photographer may already be wanting to try a few. Don’t be scared to communicate with your photographer and try something new. From the whimsical spin shot to the elegant back of the dress shot—are your ticket to an album bursting with joy, love, and unforgettable memories. Your wedding day is a celebration of you, so don’t hold back! Embrace the laughter, the twirls, and those sweet, stolen glances.
So, let your personalities shine, have a blast in front of the camera and create an incredible visual narrative that’ll make your heart race every time you flip through those wedding day photos. Now, go out there and make some magic happen! For more creative fun poses, follow along with my journey as a wedding and elopement photographer here.