25 Unique Couple Portrait Ideas to Inspire Your Wedding Photos

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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