25 Unique Couple Portrait Ideas to Inspire Your Wedding Photos

By Emily Platt
December 08, 2016
Katie Stoops Photography

Step away from the same old pose.

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Katie Stoops Photography
Get the Best of Nautical Weddings

Photographs are essential wedding keepsakes, and a lot goes into the finished photo book. Aside from the candids and ceremony and reception staples, wedding portraits are a photographer's main focus. Number one on the pre-planned shot list? A couple's portrait of the bride and groom. Couple's portraits are classic nuptial memorabilia, but that doesn't mean they're all the same. While traditional poses suit many couples' needs, there are plenty of ways to think outside the simple-smiles box. With props, backdrops, and varying positions, a bland or boring shot can be totally transformed. For a creative, personality-filled, or entirely unexpected bride and groom portrait, look no further than these ideas from real weddings. And if you're all about keeping it completely one-of-a-kind, use our inspo as a starting point for imagining up your own.

Rocking the Boat

A kiss is always sweet, but for a fresh take, change the scenery around your smooch. This couple kept their photo shoot on-theme with their shoreline wedding, posing for a peck on a docked boat in a marina.

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Showtime from the Sunroof

Abby Jiu Photography
See Our Favorite Wedding Getaway Car Ideas

Another take on the go-to kiss, a unique shot like this captures the couple and their rented ride. Plus, the position gives the pair a glimpse at stardom—it's as if they're on their own personal parade float!

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A Little Distance

Heather Saunders

This couple wanted pre-ceremony portraits without breaking their no-peeking vow. Their venue's porch and balcony were the perfect places to share a shot, all without sacrificing their first look. 

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Weatherproof Stroll

Judy Pak Photography
How to Get Amazing Wedding Photos—Even if It Rains

Don't let a bought of rain prevent you from the perfect pose! Buy photogenic umbrellas as backup and go on with an outdoor photo as planned.

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Center of Attention

James & Schulze
Snowy Wedding Photos

Though this photograph captures quite a bit of landscape, the photographer used a rustic structure to draw all eyes to the bride and groom.

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Keeping it Casual

Rebekah Molloy
How to Get Amazing Candid Wedding Photos

Forget aching feet and stuffy poses and take a seat! A candid, laughter-filled frame is as laid-back as it is authentic. 

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Street Style

Heather Waraksa
Get the Best of Bridal Fashion

Risky? Maybe, but that dress is sure to stop traffic. A cosmopolitan backdrop is a chic alternative to natural scenery, and this example rivals the most stylish fashion shoot.

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Insta-Worthy

Tec Petaja
You Need to Follow These Wedding Photographers on Instagram

Chances are you're familiar with the #followmeto Instagram series. Give the romantic trend a personal twist with creative portrait positioning. 

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Family Affair

Elizabeth Messina Photography
These Adorable Photos Will Convince You to Invite Kids to Your Wedding

This couple's celebration wasn't just a wedding—it doubled as their daughter's first birthday party. With a family already blooming, including her in a couple's portrait felt right.

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Popping Props

Mademoiselle Fiona
Get Essential Wedding-Day Photography Tips

Balloons or other festive adornments add visual intrigue to a standard pose.

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Embracing the Day

Kirsten Ellis
Which Wedding Photo Poses Should You Retire?

There's something so pure about this tender hug, which is a short (but unique) step away from the classic kiss.

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Bicycle Portraits for Two

Meg Hamilton/Rodeo & Co.
"Just Married" Ideas to Let Everyone Know You're Hitched

Ride off into your new marriage with a photograph that's both adorable and symbolic, like this dynamic duo and their matching bikes.

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Setting Sail

KT Merry
Get the Best of Beach Weddings

Dreamy and idyllic, this drifting-sailboat snapshot grasps the beauty and emotion of this couple's special day.

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Why So Serious?

Hilarious Photos That Prove Weddings Don't Have to Be So Serious

Who says couple's portraits have to be formal? This bride and groom posed with treats post-ceremony—a sign of the sweet years to come!

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Taking a Dip

Brumley & Wells
Get Tips for Hiring a Wedding Photographer

This couple's photo shoot was flexible (ha, get it?), including a romantic smooch in a statuesque pose, not unlike the artwork behind them.

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Giving a Lift

Elizabeth Messina Photography
Get Posing Tips Fit For Even the Most Camera-Shy Brides

Sweep your bride (or groom!) off her (or his) feet for a portrait fit for a fairytale.

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Bold Backdrop

Heather Payne Photography
See More Majestic Backdrops for Your Wedding Photographs

Any photograph can be creative with the right scenery to spruce it up. Have you considered stepping away from your venue and finding a separate, undiscovered portrait location?

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Precious Points

Corbin Gurkin
Get Creative Ideas for Setting Your Reception Table

Maximize your bride and groom portraits with various shots throughout your special day. This unique couple opted for a photograph beside a tablescape, and the end-product was absolutely endearing.

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Victory Stance

Trent Bailey Photography
Get Insider Tips for Capturing the Best Ceremony Photos

Don't be afraid to show each other off! This power pose works as a creative rendition of hand-holding.

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Season's Greetings

Erin Kate Photography
See More From Our Favorite Winter Weddings

For their winter wedding, this couple stayed in-season, using a sleigh as a prop for a lovely photo op.

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Action Shot

Corbin Gurkin
Get Inspired by First Dance Songs From Real Weddings

This bride and groom took a private spin around a makeshift dance floor, showcasing their love, outfits, and moves in a unique portrait.

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First Look

Rebecca Amber Photography
See Grooms' Reactions to Seeing Their Bride for the First Time

Commemorate the first look in an inventive way—what better way to capture the raw emotion of your big day? This couple nailed their portrait with the help of a pretty blindfold. 

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Including Man's Best Friend

Katie Stoops Photography
These Dogs at Weddings Are So Cute, We Can't Take It

A dog cameo can make a couple's photograph more fun, especially for the newlyweds who consider their pup family.

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Private Moment

Brian Hatton Photography
The Moments You Need to Capture on Your Wedding Day

These partners chose something that looks a little less staged: a photo that seems to catch them in the midst of a personal moment. 

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Going for a Ride

Alison Conklin
Get More Whimsical Wedding Ideas

This historic indoor carousel, built in 1908, was the perfect place to perch at this couple's museum reception.

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By Emily Platt