Weddings are all about love, joy, and celebrating your unique connection with your partner. But if you’re the type of couple who cringes at the thought of stiff, awkward posed photos with forced smiles, you're not alone! The good news? You don’t have to say “cheese” to get beautiful, authentic wedding photos.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best relaxed and candid wedding poses that feel effortless, natural, and most importantly—true to who you are as a couple. Whether you're laughing together or simply walking hand-in-hand, these poses will help you capture the real emotions of your day without the pressure of feeling overly posed.
Pose 1: Walking Hand-in-Hand, Looking at Each Other
One of the easiest and most beautiful poses for relaxed wedding photos is simply walking hand-in-hand while looking at each other. There’s something so natural about it—it’s just the two of you, enjoying each other’s company and sharing a moment without worrying about stiff poses or forced smiles. It’s real, and it’s easy to capture that genuine connection.
To make it even more effortless, head outdoors. Whether you're walking along a sunny path, through a meadow, or by the beach, the natural setting adds a relaxed vibe to the shot. With the wind in your hair and the sun shining down, you’ll get those perfectly candid moments that feel so organic. The best part? As you walk and laugh together, the photos get that little touch of movement, making them feel alive and full of love.
Pose 2: Playful Bear Hugs
This pose is perfect for couples who want a fun, intimate shot without having to worry about perfect angles. The groom stands behind the bride, wrapping his arms around her for a big, cozy bear hug.
This pose feels playful and natural, and it’s a great way to capture the joy and comfort you feel with each other. Don’t worry about where your arms are or trying to get everything “just right” — just hug each other and be yourselves! It’s a moment where you can just relax and enjoy each other’s presence, all while getting a picture that feels real and true to who you are as a couple.
Pose 3: Relaxed Group Shots
For a more laid-back take on group photos, try lining everyone up with the bride and groom in the center. Instead of having everyone stare at the camera with stiff smiles, have everyone look at the person opposite them and give them a warm, natural smile. This creates a much more relaxed and candid feel, making it a great alternative to the typical overly posed and regimented group shots that often feel stiff and unnatural.
This approach allows for more genuine reactions and moments between family and friends, making the photo feel more personal and full of life. It’s a fun way to capture the energy of the day and show the real connections between everyone, rather than just a set of perfectly posed faces. Plus, it gives the bride and groom a chance to have some fun with their loved ones, adding even more personality to the photo!
Pose 4: Nose-to-Nose
For a relaxed and playful shot, have the bride and groom touch noses gently whilst looking at one another. This is a great opportunity to take some more intimate photographs. Next, ask them to squish their noses together for a more goofy shot. This simple pose always brings out genuine smiles and laughter as the couple can’t help but laugh. It’s a sweet, intimate gesture that feels completely natural, and can be further amended by asking them to squish each others faces too at the same time.
Pose 5: Candid Documentary Shots
One of the best ways to capture the true essence of your wedding day is to let your photographer stand in the background with a zoom lens, quietly snapping away as everyone enjoys themselves. This allows for natural, documentary-style photographs that show your guests laughing, dancing, and having a great time without any posing or direction.
These shots are completely unforced and bring out the real energy of the day. Whether it’s the joy on your family’s faces during the speeches or a candid moment on the dance floor, this style of photography captures the spirit of your celebration in the most authentic way. It’s a great way to remember the genuine, fun moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. Bonus - nobody knows that they are being photographed so a lot of the photographs captured this way will be a real surprise when you receive your final gallery!
If you want wedding photos that really capture the feel of your day—full of real moments and laughter without feeling overly posed - I’d love to help make that happen! These relaxed, candid poses are just one way we can work together to tell your story in the most genuine way possible.
Ready to get started? Click here to see more of my work and how I can help you create photos that truly reflect your big day. I'd love to be part of it!