13 must-save wedding portraits for your big day

Excited for your wedding but not exactly comfortable with pictures? We’ve done the research and found 13 must-save wedding portraits for your big day.

If there are three guarantees in life, it’s death, taxes, and a million photos at your wedding. You want your photos to be uniquely you, timeless, and stunning. But it can be hard to feel natural when you’re not used to being in front of the camera. We’ve figured out ways to look natural. And so, in the words of Madonna, it’s time to “strike a pose.”

Wedding planning? Make sure you’re following our Instagram for lots of inspiration.

13 must-save wedding portraits for your big day

Runaway bride

Not to be confused with actually getting cold feet, this runaway bride image is to show off the movement of your dress and veil. This shot taken from behind takes no smiling practice, but rather feels like a beautiful and candid moment. It also allows your look to be displayed from all angles.

Hotel room get ready

There’s something so beautiful about a moment of stillness before the chaos and energy of a wedding. That’s why a stealaway moment in time in your hotel room after you’ve gotten ready and before you exchange vows is an ideal time for a photograph. It’s a calmness that will come across in the photograph, and it’s just you, your partner, or your party.

Take a seat

Not all photos need to be taken with you standing. In fact, taking a seat gives another dimension and a different pose to the images. Sitting side by side, on a bench, a step, or even in the venue lounge, creates an effortless, comfortable shot. It allows you to relax into the moment, lean into each other, and feel less “posed” while still looking polished.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Anti-Bride (@_anti_bride)

Elevator entrance

There’s something playful and cheeky about using elevator doors closing as a setting for a wedding portrait. It’s spontaneous and fun, and gives a nod to you also having a moment of solitude in the empty lift.

This playful glance or a dramatic entrance shot adds a touch of glamour to your wedding album.

Under the veil

Soft and romantic, draping a veil over you and your partner gives an air of secluded intimacy. It feels cinematic, like an album cover or front of your wedding photo book. It’s these images of stillness just between you and your partner that when captured are so tender and timeless.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stephanie Lynn (@stephanielynn.co)

Dancing on the staircase

If your wedding venue has a grand entrance or statement staircase, use it as part of your photos! Taking images from above or below give your photos such depth and different sort of angles to play with.

Whether it’s a grand sweeping staircase or something more modest, twirling on the steps feels whimsical and romantic. These shots add movement and elegance, showing off your outfits while letting you both laugh and enjoy a moment away from the crowd.

Getaway Car

The classic car driving away from a wedding is such a synonymous and timeless image… For good reason! It’s fun and playful and indicates the start of your life together as a married couple. From the strip in Vegas to driving away from an old country manor, to the final scene in Grease where the car ascends to the sky, this classic shot remains a favourite.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chloe Ellis | Norfolk Wedding Photographer (@chloeellisphotography)

Bridal party motion blur

From the calmness of the hotel room previously mentioned to the chaos of the reception, this image sums up the fun, movement, and liveliness of your wedding. Whether dancing, running, or laughing, your wedding party can be part of these portraits, creating blurs of movement in the background whilst you and your partner are stationary and motionless in the foreground.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alice Laiho | Wedding photographer|Skåne|Sverige|Copenhagen| (@photobylaiho)

Formal shot

Even if you prefer candid photos, having one or two formal portraits is a must. Think of it as your timeless keepsake; the one that might end up on the mantel or in a frame for years to come. A simple, elegant pose together always stands the test of time.

Up-close intimacy

From your hands gently touching to a soft touch on your thigh, up-close shots of these sort of intimate moments capture the little details. Why does it work? You don’t need to “perform” for the camera; just focus on each other, and the photographer will take care of the rest.

Golden hour

The magical hour before the sun dips down beneath the horizon, the light is golden and flatters everyone, making everything look romantic.

So whether you walk hand in hand, steal a kiss, or simply just stand side by side, there is something in this golden glow that makes everything look stunning. Natural, beautiful, without needing professional lighting.

Cake cutting

Not so much about the cake itself, but the ceremonial side of the cutting. It’s fun, filled with laughter, and a sign that the night is well and truly underway. It’s a lighthearted tradition that translates into fun, joy-filled photos every time.

Sitting at a cafe

Getting married in the CBD? There’s something so fun and playful about taking wedding portraits out in public, surrounded by people going about their day whilst you two have had one of the most important moments of your life together.

For couples who want something casual and real, slipping away for a coffee (or a cheeky glass of champagne) makes for authentic, lifestyle-inspired photos. It’s a chance to breathe, enjoy each other’s company, and get portraits that feel like “you.”

Dreaming of your wedding photos? You’ll need to find your dream photographer first! Browse our photographers and find one who will capture your spirit and chemistry as a couple.

Find a photographer.