Couples Poses Guide

A collection of go-to poses for wedding couples. Remember: these are starting points - always encourage natural movement and genuine connection.

Classic & Timeless

Easy

The V-Shape

  1. Position couple at slight angle to each other (not parallel)
  2. Bodies form a V shape with heads closer together
  3. Inside arms wrap around each other's waist
  4. Outside hands hold bouquet or in pocket
  5. Heads tilt slightly toward each other

The foundation pose - most other poses evolve from here.

Easy

Forehead to Forehead

  1. Position couple facing each other
  2. Gently touch foreheads together
  3. Eyes closed, peaceful expressions
  4. Hands on each other's waist or face
  5. Let them breathe and relax into it

Intimate and romantic. Works beautifully backlit at sunset.

Easy

The Embrace (Hugging)

  1. One partner wraps arms around the other from behind
  2. Arms around waist or chest
  3. Back partner rests chin on shoulder or cheek to cheek
  4. Front partner places hands over partner's arms
  5. Both look at camera or in same direction

Cozy and comfortable. Great for shy couples.

Medium

The Dip

  1. One partner supports the other's back securely
  2. Supported partner leans back with confidence
  3. Supporting partner's feet wide for balance
  4. Arch the back, not just lean
  5. Can add kiss at the dip

Only if couple is comfortable. Practice first. Very dramatic in Hawaii sunset.

Walking & Movement

Easy

Walking Toward Camera

  1. Have couple start 30-50 feet away
  2. Hold hands and walk slowly toward you
  3. Look at each other, laugh, talk
  4. Mix up hand-holding styles
  5. Capture multiple frames as they approach

Great for candid-looking photos. Tell them to walk slower than feels natural.

Easy

Walking Away

  1. Couple walks away from camera
  2. Hold hands with visible connection
  3. Occasionally look back at each other
  4. Great for showing venue/location
  5. Works well silhouetted at sunset

Perfect for beach paths, through gardens, toward ocean view.

Medium

The Spin/Twirl

  1. Partner raises their arm, bride twirls under
  2. Dress flows beautifully in motion
  3. Time the shot as she completes the turn
  4. Capture the genuine smile/laugh
  5. Multiple spins = multiple chances

Works with trade winds for extra dress movement in Hawaii.

Easy

Side by Side Stroll

  1. Walk parallel to camera, side by side
  2. Arms linked or holding hands
  3. Looking at each other while walking
  4. Shoot from the side or slightly ahead
  5. Catch genuine interaction

Use a longer lens from a distance for candid feel.

Romantic & Intimate

Easy

Almost Kissing

  1. Faces very close, lips almost touching
  2. Eyes closed or looking at lips
  3. Create tension and anticipation
  4. Noses can touch lightly
  5. Hold the moment before the kiss

Often more powerful than the actual kiss. Creates emotion.

Easy

Cheek to Cheek

  1. Press cheeks together gently
  2. Both look at camera or eyes closed
  3. Can be front-facing or in profile
  4. Soft, peaceful expressions
  5. Works with height differences

Sweet and intimate. Good for camera-shy couples.

Medium

The Lift

  1. Partner lifts bride (or each other)
  2. Lifted person wraps arms around neck
  3. Feet can kick up playfully
  4. Capture genuine joy and laughter
  5. Make sure they're steady first

Fun and energetic. Only suggest if couple seems athletic/comfortable.

Easy

Hand on Face/Cheek

  1. One partner cups the other's face
  2. Gentle touch, not grabbing
  3. Recipient leans into the touch
  4. Eyes connected or closed
  5. Can lead to a kiss

Very tender. Show the rings in the hand position.

Environmental & Hawaii-Specific

Easy

Looking at the View

  1. Couple faces away from camera toward view
  2. Arms around each other
  3. Showcase the scenery (ocean, mountains)
  4. Can look at each other occasionally
  5. Full body or mid-shot works

Perfect for Hawaii's stunning vistas. Captures the location.

Medium

Water's Edge

  1. Stand where waves touch feet (barefoot)
  2. Hold hands, dance, or embrace
  3. Capture water movement around them
  4. Slow shutter for silky water optional
  5. Time with incoming/outgoing waves

Protect dress train! Assign someone to hold it if needed.

Easy

Sunset Silhouette

  1. Position couple between camera and setting sun
  2. Expose for the sky, not subjects
  3. Strong poses read well in silhouette
  4. Profiles, kisses, dips work great
  5. Include interesting shapes

Iconic Hawaii shot. Plan timing carefully - golden hour moves fast.

Medium

Framed by Nature

  1. Find natural frame (palm trees, arch, etc.)
  2. Position couple within the frame
  3. Use wide aperture to blur frame edges
  4. Couple can be in any pose
  5. Frame draws eye to subjects

Hawaii has abundant framing: palms, plumeria, tropical arches.

Hands & Details

Easy

Hands Together - Rings Visible

  1. Hands gently interlaced or stacked
  2. Position rings toward camera
  3. Soft, relaxed fingers (not tense)
  4. Use bouquet or texture as background
  5. Shoot from above or side angle

Classic ring shot. Suggest gentle movement to avoid stiff hands.

Easy

Walking Hands Close-Up

  1. While couple walks, focus on hands
  2. Zoom in on interlocked fingers
  3. Capture the swing of movement
  4. Rings visible in natural position
  5. Use continuous AF tracking

Candid feel with intentional composition.

Universal Posing Tips

Body Language

  • Slight angle to camera is more flattering than straight-on
  • Weight on back foot creates better posture
  • Chin slightly forward and down
  • Relax the shoulders down

Connection

  • Keep points of contact between couple
  • Eyes should have somewhere to look
  • Give them something to do, not just stand
  • Movement creates natural moments

Hands

  • Hands should always have a job
  • Avoid flat palms toward camera
  • Gentle curves, not rigid fingers
  • In pockets is fine (not full fist)

For Shy Couples

  • Start with them looking at each other
  • Use walking and movement
  • Give specific directions
  • Warm up before asking for kisses
Hawaii Posing Considerations
  • Wind: Trade winds blow hair and veils constantly - embrace it for movement
  • Sand: Harder to balance, suggest wide stances
  • Heat: Keep posing sessions shorter, provide shade breaks
  • Waves: Time poses between wave sets for safety and cleaner shots
  • Sun: Position sun behind couple for rim light, avoid squinting