Want wedding photos that feel authentic and effortlessly beautiful? In this guide, we share 10 natural looking wedding poses that look natural and showcase genuine emotion. From candid laughter to intimate glances, these poses help you feel comfortable in front of the camera while capturing the magic of your special day.
Your photographer should be someone that can help you relax and have fun on your wedding day. If you don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, they can give you guidance to help you look more natural. There’s a beautiful middle ground – we call it curated natural – where you can be guided to feel and look yoru best while still being relaxed and in the moment. Natural looking wedding poses made easy.
10 natural looking wedding poses
The stolen glance
This pose captures an unspoken moment between the couple. Something that often naturally happens on your day. One partner looks lovingly at the other while the other is slightly turned away, unaware or playfully pretending not to notice. It works beautifully while walking, sitting, or even mid-dance.
The key is authenticity – think about a special memory or whisper something funny to get a natural reaction. This creates a timeless, candid shot full of genuine emotion. Love the look of those gardens below: check out the wonder that is Owlpen Manor!
The walk and talk
A simple yet effective pose that feels natural and effortless. Almost not even a pose. Walk side by side, holding hands, while chatting and the laughter will follow. You can glance at each other, look ahead, or even lean in slightly for a more intimate feel. Walking adds movement, making the pose feel relaxed. To enhance the moment, gently bump shoulders or swing their hands, creating an easygoing, storytelling shot. This is a great one to practice during an engagement shoot.
Keep it moving
If you love fun, playful moments, this one’s for you! Movement adds so much energy to your photos, and nothing says romance like a well-timed twirl, a dramatic dip, or even a spontaneous piggyback ride. Dips are perfect for that swoon-worthy, movie-like shot—just lean back, trust your partner, and have fun with it! Twirls bring out genuine laughter, especially if there’s a flowy dress involved. And if you’re up for it, a quick lift or playful jump makes for an unforgettable, joy-filled moment. The secret? Don’t overthink it—just go with the flow!
The almost kiss
A classic pose that radiates romance without feeling overly posed. Lean in as if about to kiss but stop just short, creating anticipation and emotion in the shot. It works well with natural light or golden-hour settings, adding a dreamy quality. Close your eyes or smile slightly, keeping it soft and natural. This pose is great for capturing the excitement and love between you as a couple. Natural looking wedding poses have never been easier!
The twirl
Perfect for bringing energy and movement into wedding photos. One partner gently twirls the other, creating a playful, dynamic shot. This works beautifully with flowy dresses, adding a sense of motion and fun. Your face often lights up with genuine joy or panic as it all goes wrong – but it’s always genuine!
To keep it natural, move freely and repeat the spin a few times so your photographer can capture the perfect frame. There’s no reason you can’t combine this will something else – perhaps walk into it then carry on walking afterwards or even incorporate a lift!
The wrapped-up hug
When you are thinking about natural looking wedding poses, the wrapped-up hug is a cozy, intimate pose that looks spontaneous. One partner wraps their arms tightly around the other, pulling them in for a warm embrace. The best results come when you close your eyes, smile, or gently nuzzle into each other. This works well outdoors with a slightly windswept feel or indoors by a window with soft lighting.
It enables your photorgapher to focus on details too such as the dress, an engagement ring of your bouquet. A natural, affectionate moment that always feels genuine and a total winner.
The whispered secret
This pose guarantees natural smiles and laughter. One partner leans in and whispers something into the other’s ear—whether it’s sweet, silly, or cheeky. The natural reaction creates a beautiful, candid shot full of life. This works especially well if you don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, as it shifts focus away from posing and onto real interaction. A fantastic way to capture pure happiness. You’ll wonder why you ever needed to learn about natural looking wedding poses at all.
The chest rest
A relaxed, affectionate pose that feels incredibly natural. One partner gently rests their head on the other’s chest while standing or sitting. This creates a feeling of trust, comfort, and deep connection. It works well with soft smiles or even a serene, eyes-closed expression.
This pose is perfect for storytelling, making it a beautiful way to highlight the your bond in a subtle, meaningful way. Plus you might even get to sit down for a while!
The backward hug
The easiest of the natural looking wedding poses! One partner wraps their arms around the other from behind, either resting their chin on their shoulder or playfully squeezing them. This pose feels protective, loving, and spontaneous. Smile, laugh, or even sway slightly to keep the moment fluid. It’s perfect for couples who naturally gravitate toward affectionate gestures and works well in both close-up and wide scenic shots. Get stuck in and squeeze!
The wind-blown moment
This pose embraces movement for a truly natural feel. Whether standing on a hilltop, by the ocean, or in an open field, let the wind do the work. Maybe a veil or dress flowing adds a cinematic quality, while the you both simply hold each other, walks, or leans in for a kiss.
The unpredictable nature of the wind creates organic, breathtaking shots, making every frame unique and authentic. Natural looking wedding poses needn’t be complicated – just relax, smile at each other and go with the flow!
It’s always worth booking an engagement shoot. Practice natural looking wedding poses, have fun and not only will the things you learn start to become second nature, you’ll also receive lots of beautiful images. Check out some location ideas here.
