Must Have Bride & Groom Wedding Photos

As a photographer I’m always trying to mix things up and make sure I’m not telling all my couples to do the exact same poses. However, I have a handful of shots I make sure I include in every wedding gallery! On top of that I have a documentary approach to wedding photos, of course mixed with the classic and timeless “set-up” moments. I love those candid moments, and believe that your wedding photos should be an exact reflection of how your day played out and should tell a story. I also want your wedding photos to reflect your personalities and chemistry as a couple!

I’m sharing all my favorite must have bride and groom wedding photos, as well as my favorite classic poses.

Classic and Timeless Wedding Photos

Starting off with the classics! These are my go to prompts and poses to get those wedding photos that belong in every wedding gallery.

Face each other and be in the moment together!

This shot is so intimate and full of love! It’s easy to add variety to this pose by getting detail shots, the landscape, just the couple, etc. Photographers: It’s fun to play with angels and also adjust the things your couple does while standing facing each other. You can have them look at you, have one partner look at you while the other looks at their partner, tell them to sway back and forth like they’re dancing, get creative and create multiple shots from one pose!

2. Use The Veil

Veil shots are a must have in my opinion. They always look good and create a unique image. I like to get a couple different varieties while using the veil. You can cover the couple completely with the veil and get a shot of them covered up, you can drape the veil over them and get under it with them, or you can sweep the veil in front like the images above.

3. Stand behind your partner and wrap them up in a hug

Another shot that I love is this one. Simple, timeless, and easy to get many shots from one pose! I love sneaking in some detail photos from this pose, you can get great ring shots, details of the bouquet, the groom’s watch, and them holding onto one another.

Carefree & Playful Photos

Run and chase each other!

I’m obsessed with movement in images, it brings out the natural emotions and playful sides of couples. Movement tells a story. Simply run, have fun, and don’t pay attention to the camera!

2. Drunk walk, stumble and be loose while walking!

This is a shot that always brings out the laughs, it’s funny to stumble into one another plus this helps you loosen up in front of the camera a bit (quite literally)! Have one partner hold the veil or train of the dress, or hold onto one another and pretend you can’t walk straight.

3. Throw the bride over your shoulder and run off!

This shot is my new favorite to get, especially for couples who are down for it! This isn’t for everyone but for the couples that love the carefree shots this is perfect. Pick up the bride over your shoulder and run away from the camera. The groom can also spin around to create movement! Have fun and laugh, don’t be too in your head just channel your inner child and let loose!

Before my couple’s wedding day I ask them the photos that are most important to them. I also draw from their engagement session and personalities. Are they more reserved and quiet? I might not use some more adventurous prompts for them. Are they down for anything and don’t care about their wedding attire getting a little dirty? Then you know which shots they’re open to! Ask them to send you some inspiration photos and explain what they love about those shots. Are they looking for more romantic and intimate poses, or do you notice them being more attracted to the playful shots?

For more bride and groom photos ideas check out my Pinterest board!