5 Favorite Wedding Photography Poses that Always Work
Wedding portraits don’t work because of perfect poses, they work because people feel comfortable enough to forget they’re being photographed — that’s always been the goal for me. I don’t want couples worrying about where their hands are or whether they’re “doing it right.” I want them to feel comfortable, close, and present with each other.
Over the years, you start to notice what actually holds up. Certain wedding poses become familiar for a reason. They create a sense of ease and give couples something to lean into without feeling forced. These are the moments I build my couple portraits around, because they leave room for movement, emotion, and those in-between interactions that end up meaning the most.
1. Chest to Chest
This wedding pose is where I almost always start. Chest-to-chest has a way of grounding people immediately. The moment couples step in close, everything just softens — posture relaxes, smiles feel easier, and the energy shifts from “being posed” to just being together.
What I love about it is how little it needs from me. Once they’re there, I don’t rush it. I let them settle, breathe, and exist in that space for a second. From there, the moments come naturally and that’s exactly what I’m watching for.
2. Head Cuddling (Forehead-to-Forehead)
This next wedding pose feels like a natural sequel to chest-to-chest. Once the couple is already close, it’s an easy transition that keeps the momentum going without breaking the moment. Head cuddling brings a softer, more playful energy, and it almost always leads to a smile or a quiet laugh.
I love how effortless this one feels. It just shows how a small adjustment can move the mood entirely. It keeps things intimate while adding a touch of lightness, which is why it fits so seamlessly into the flow of wedding portraits.
3. The Bear Hug (Normal Spoon)
There’s a familiar warmth to this pose that couples instantly understand. Being held from behind feels natural, comforting, and easy to settle into, which is exactly why it works so well. It doesn’t ask for much, and it never feels forced.
What I appreciate most here is how natural the interaction becomes. Once they’re in place, it usually turns into a quiet moment, a laugh, or a gentle lean back. It doesn’t ask for performance. It just lets the connection speak for itself.
4. Reverse Spoon
This is where things loosen up a bit. This wedding pose has a slightly playful energy to it, and couples almost always react with a smile or a joke the moment they settle into it. It feels less expected, which is part of the charm.
I like using this when I want something more from the normal spoon. It often creates a mix of confidence and humor, and those in-between reactions are usually what make the photo feel alive.
5. Hipster Pose
This is one of those wedding poses that feels simple on the surface but gives you a lot to work with. Standing together, facing forward, it has a clean, confident look that feels timeless. It’s just straightforward, and I think that’s where the charm comes from.
What I love about this one is how easily it adapts. A small shift in stance, a glance toward each other, or a subtle change in energy can completely transform the feel. It’s a reminder that sometimes the strongest images come from letting people stand comfortably and be themselves.
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Why These Wedding Poses Work
At the end of the day, these wedding poses I come back to most aren’t about perfection or complexity. They’re about comfort, connection, and flow — that’s the key to natural wedding photos. When couples feel at ease, the photos reflect that. These poses create a starting point, not a finish line, giving space for real moments to unfold naturally.
If you’re looking for more structure, variations, and ways to build on these ideas, I’ve put together a free guide that goes deeper. It breaks down additional wedding photography poses and how I use them throughout a wedding day to keep things feeling relaxed and genuine. You can grab the freebie below and keep it handy for your next shoot.
