Top 10 Engagement Photo Poses

Here’s a list of some of my go to engagement photo poses! These work great for couples photos, bridals, or wedding day pictures too! I’ve provided some alternatives you can mess with with these poses; they’re all so versatile and can work for almost every couple!

Hoping this can help other photographers & also give some of the couples I work with an idea of what poses to expect! If a couple is nervous about posing, this can be a guide they can practice at home.

Posing can be stressful for beginning (or even experienced) photographers. I’ve found the trick is to connect with the couple, and it will come naturally! Posing your couple should be about them and how they interact with each other. After all, you are trying to capture HOW they are and WHO they are, not just pose them.

However, these engagement photo poses are a great start for beginners or if you’re in an artist block and can’t think of what to do! Just encourage always to let the couple have fun, relax, and just be themselves. Let them forget that you’re even there. The best thing about shooting couples in love is that they’re already pretty good at acting like they’re in love;)

Cuddle from Behind

Alternatives:

Tell them to sway back & forth.

Have them look at each other.

Have the one in the back do a cheek kiss or whisper something funny into their ear.

If the height problem is an issue, you can do this sitting own. Just have the person in front sit between the other’s legs!

Pick Up

For those who pick up, it’s generally easier to pick up the other person below the butt. Have them do this by clasping their arms together. I’ve seen some people try to pick up someone by using one hand for each leg and it’s way harder and doesn’t look as good!

You can also have them pick up around the waist. Some fun alternatives is giving a spin, nose touch, or a kiss!

The Almost Kiss

This is great for shy couples too! One fun part of this pose is trying to get the backlight right between the faces. Makes for a really emotional, beautiful pose that’s so easy for your couple!

Have them smile super close to each other. Like an inch away from each others lips. It feels awkward sometimes for the people doing it, but super cute for pictures.

Go in and get some close ups too!

Sit Between the Legs

This can work in both formal and casual clothes! Have them hold hands or have the person sitting in the back hug the other.

Let the person in front bring one of their hands and touch the face of the person in back. Have them look at each other and kiss!

Arms over the Neck

This works great with getting forehead kisses, and regular kisses;) Try getting this pose at different angles and distances!

Hold them Hands!

Alternatives:

Have them stand far apart while holding hands. Have them look at each other and look away.

Get up close and personal and have them stroke each other’s hands like they’re pulling away.

Have them face each other and hold hands by their sides.

Touch the Face

This pose is great for close ups! Give them the prompt of stroking their thumb across the cheekbone or putting the girl’s hair behind the ear. You can have them touch foreheads, touch noses, and kiss with this prompt! (Don’t forget the almost kiss)

Dance!

This pose can get individual with each couple and gives them a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera. They don’t have to be expert dancers to just sway back and forth and do a little spin. It’s fun to let them free style it too!

Walk it or Run it

Give them a prompt to do a drunk walk while holding hands. Do a little hip bump here and there.

Have them smile and laugh while looking at each other. Pretend like you’re not there!

Have someone lead the other along.

Running ones can make the laughter seem a little more genuine, especially when they make it a contest! Make it fun!

The Koala

Probably one of my favorite poses! For couples who aren’t comfortable doing this standing, have them do a version of it sitting down!

And if learning by video works better for you, here’s another resource.

Like what you’ve seen? Save this pin on Pinterest or keep note for future engagement photo poses! And always feel free to contact me for your engagement photo needs:)