Wedding Photography Series: Part 8 of 10
When your wedding day is over and the guests have gone home, what you will have left–besides the memories–are your photos. Some of the most treasured are couple portraits: the photos that capture your love, connection and the joy of the day that you said “I do.”
But not all couple photos are created equal. With thoughtful planning, direction from your wedding photographer, and some intentional moments during the day, you can walk away with stunning couple portraits that will look beautiful hanging in your home for years to come.
1. Get the Classic Couple Portrait for Grandma
It might not be the artistic photo you have been dreaming of, but that classic, traditional portrait of the bride and groom is still essential. This timeless image–the two of you smiling at the camera in your wedding attire–is the one your parents and grandparents will cherish. It is also the one you will return to long after trends fade.
2. Have a Back-Up Plan for the Weather
No matter where your wedding is, the weather can be unpredictable. One of the best ways to ensure beautiful couple portraits is to have a backup location with great lighting and some privacy. Ideally, scout a location around the same time of day you’ll be taking photos–light changes everything. Planning ahead keeps your stress low and your portraits flawless, rain or shine.
M + A took advantage of The Cloister at Sea Pines Resort for couple portraits.
K + B’s couple portraits at The Green Meldrim are stunning, even if the day was not.
San Francisco’s City Hall was a beautiful location for C + N’s couple portraits.
The day was too hot for couple portrait’s outside, so A + K had a steamy session in their suite at The Gastonian.
3. Your Wedding Isn’t a Performance
Yes, all eyes may be on you, but your wedding day is not a performance. The more you can stay present in the emotions of the day and connected with your partner, the better your couple portraits will turn out. Forced smiles or overly posed shots can’t compare to a quiet moment of real connection. Let go of the pressure to preform and enjoy the moments of being together.
8 Secrets to Stunning Wedding Couple Portraits
H + E’s love is so genuine–every moment of their day felt authentic, and it showed in every photo.
R + D had a fairytale wedding at Sea Island, complete with a true love story.
4. Choose the Best Time of Day for Couple Portraits
Lighting is everything in photography. If possible, schedule your wedding couple portraits close to sunset. The soft, warm light during this time adds a romantic, natural glow to every shot.
S + D captured their love at sunset on the balcony of Perry Lane Hotel.
AH + I’s sunset photos at Sea Island capture the beauty of the venue and the depth of their love.
M + A share an intimate moment with the setting sun at Sea Island Resort.
J + J’s couple portraits along the river at Beaulieu Estate are beautifully captured as the sun begins to set.
5. Focus on Each Other
Some of the most stunning couple portraits happen when you forget the camera is even there. Laugh. Whisper. Hold hands. When you are truly focused on each other, your love shines through, and a snapshot turns into a wedding photograph that you will cherish forever.
6. Don’t Let Your Inspo Photos Kill the Vibe
Bringing wedding inspiration photos can help your photographer understand your taste and style. But try not to get stuck trying to replicate someone else’s moment. Your wedding is uniquely yours, and so is your love and your couple portraits .
Be open to the spontaneity. The best photos are the ones that reflect your real connection, and not someone else’s Pinterest board.
Y + J had a dream wedding in Italy, but every detail was a reflection of their love.
E + J enjoy going out for a drink together. Incorporating this tradition into their couple portraits at the Westin Savannah helped tell their love story.
B + K's portraits at The Green Meldrim show the depth of love they have for each other as well as the romance they bring into their relationship.
7. Relax and Have Fun
Finally, relax and have fun! Your couple portraits are often one of the few quiet moments you will share on your wedding day. Take a breath. Enjoy the quiet. Laugh, kiss and hold each other close. The more relaxed you are, the more natural and joyful and genuine your wedding portraits will be.
8. Let Your Couple Portraits Be Full of Connection and Intimacy
The best wedding couple portraits aren’t stiff or overly posed–they are full of intimacy, emotion and real connection. A skilled photographer will guide you into natural moments when you let your guard down and focus on your partner.
Here are few simple, yet powerful poses I often use to capture connection on a wedding day.
Walking Together: Holding hands, take a slow walk. Smile and laugh, simply enjoying the moment. These walking shots are often effortless and full of life.
Dancing: A soft twirl or a playful dip turns into a beautiful, romantic image. The movement of your dress and the sway of your hair all adds to the magic of your couple portraits.
Sharing a Kiss: A stolen kiss is full of romance and intimacy. Capturing these moments of affection results in images of pure romance.
Standing Close: After a day of being surrounded by guests, take a moment to be close. Hold hands. Lean into one another. These intimate moments create powerful images.
Being Yourselves: Some of the best couple photos are taken when you don’t even know the camera is clicking. Play, laugh, be silly–the real you is what makes your wedding photos unforgettable.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, your couple portraits are about more than how you looked at your wedding. They tell the story of your love and the beginning of your life together. With some preparation, and choosing the right wedding photographer, your portraits will be more than beautiful–they will be timeless.
See more weddings on the blog here.
