Couples Portraits – Do’s and Don’ts for Brides & Grooms
Your couples portraits are some of the most important and cherished photos from your wedding day. They capture the love, connection, and excitement of starting your life together. But for many couples, the idea of stepping in front of the camera can feel a little nerve-wracking — and that’s totally normal!
The key to stunning couples portraits is to relax, trust your photographer, and be yourselves. After shooting countless weddings, we’ve learned exactly what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to capturing natural, emotional, and beautiful portraits.
Here’s our list of do’s and don’ts to help you get the best couples portraits possible on your big day.
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✅ DO’S
1. Trust Your Photographer
You hired a professional for a reason! Your photographer knows the best lighting, angles, and poses to make you look amazing. Trust their guidance and go with the flow — the best shots often happen when you’re relaxed and not overthinking it.
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2. Relax and Be Natural
The most beautiful portraits come from natural moments — a shared laugh, a quiet touch, or a soft glance.
✔️ Take a deep breath.
✔️ Focus on each other.
✔️ Let your photographer capture those candid moments.
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3. Communicate Your Preferences in Advance
If you have specific shots you want — like a certain pose or location — let your photographer know beforehand. This ensures you’ll get the shots you’ve dreamed of without stressing about it on the day. Please note that we aim to create unique and original work, so while we’ll take inspiration from the photos you like, we’ll add our own creative touch to make your images truly one-of-a-kind.
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4. Get Close
Intimacy creates beautiful photos.
✔️ Hold hands.
✔️ Put your foreheads together.
✔️ Lean in for a kiss. Make sure you practice this at home.
✔️ Let your personalities shine through!
Natural connection = emotional, authentic portraits.
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5. Take Your Time
Good portraits take time — don’t rush through the session. Set aside at least 30–45 minutes for couples portraits so you’re not feeling stressed or hurried.
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6. Find the Best Light
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is ideal for soft, flattering light — but even if you’re shooting earlier, your photographer will know how to work with the available light.
✔️ Open shade is better than harsh midday sun.
✔️ If it’s overcast, embrace the soft, even light.
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7. Be Playful
Don’t be afraid to have fun!
✔️ Walk hand in hand.
✔️ Whisper a funny secret.
✔️ Dance together.
✔️ Get a little silly!
Playfulness brings out natural smiles and relaxed energy in your photos.
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8. Include Motion
Static poses can look stiff — adding gentle movement creates more dynamic, natural images.
✔️ Walk together.
✔️ Twirl around.
✔️ Lean into each other.
✔️ Let your dress flow in the wind.
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9. Keep an Eye on Your Hands
It’s easy to forget about your hands in the moment, but awkward hand placement can ruin a shot.
✔️ Keep hands relaxed and natural.
✔️ Hold each other’s hands.
✔️ Rest a hand on your partner’s chest or waist.
✔️ Avoid clenched fists or stiff fingers.
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10. Enjoy the Moment
This is your time to soak in the fact that you just got married! Take a moment to breathe it all in, look into each other’s eyes, and just be together. When you’re feeling the love, it will show in your photos.
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🚫 DON’TS
1. Don’t Force It
If a certain pose or prompt feels awkward, let your photographer know. Forced smiles or stiff body language will show up in the photos — it’s better to adjust to something that feels more natural.
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2. Don’t Overthink Your Expressions
You don’t need to smile constantly or stare at the camera — in fact, the best photos often come from moments of quiet connection and natural expressions.
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3. Don’t Worry About the Dress
Yes, your dress might get a little dirty during an outdoor shoot — but a few marks on the hem are worth it for epic, natural shots. Your photographer will position you to minimise dirt and can edit out small marks afterward.
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4. Don’t Stiffen Up
If you find yourself getting tense, take a deep breath and shake it out. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid stiff posture.
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5. Don’t Be Afraid of PDA
It’s your wedding day — you should be affectionate!
✔️ Hold hands.
✔️ Steal a kiss.
✔️ Wrap your arms around each other.
✔️ Let your love show!
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6. Don’t Compare Yourself to Social Media
Yes, Social Media sites have stunning wedding inspiration — but remember, your wedding is unique to you. Let your photographer create something personal and authentic rather than trying to recreate someone else’s shot.
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7. Don’t Overcrowd the Session
Leave the bridal party and family behind for your couples portraits — this is your moment to have some quiet, intimate time together.
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8. Don’t Worry About the Wind
Wind can actually add beautiful movement to your veil and dress. Trust your photographer to use it creatively rather than fighting against it.
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9. Don’t Check Your Phone
This seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget!
✔️ Hand your phone off to a bridesmaid or groomsman.
✔️ Stay present.
✔️ Focus on each other.
Your emails and texts can wait!
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10. Don’t Forget to Laugh
Some of the best photos happen when you’re laughing together — whether it’s over an inside joke or a funny moment. Genuine laughter always looks amazing on camera!
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11. Don’t drink too much
✔️ Pace Yourself with the Drinks – It’s tempting to celebrate with a few extra drinks, but too much alcohol can leave you feeling off-balance and tired — not to mention affecting how you look and feel in photos. Enjoy a few drinks, but remember to stay hydrated and keep a clear head so you can fully soak in every moment.
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🌅 Bonus Tips for Beach or Outdoor Shoots
•If you’re having a beach or outdoor session, go barefoot for more natural movement.
•If it’s windy, embrace the motion — flowing hair and a billowing veil create dramatic, artistic shots.
•Let the photographer position you so you’re not squinting into the sun.
•Bring touch-up powder or blotting sheets to manage shine in hot weather.
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❤️ Final Thoughts
Your couples portraits are about more than just looking good — they’re about capturing the love, connection, and energy between you two. By staying relaxed, trusting your photographer, and focusing on each other, you’ll naturally create stunning, authentic photos.
Remember — the best portraits aren’t about perfect poses; they’re about capturing the real connection between you and your partner.
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Get in touch if you have any questions as we’d love to capture those unforgettable moments for you! ❤️
