10 Tips for Natural, Relaxed Wedding Photos

Your wedding day is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments – the smiles, the nerves, the happy tears, and those quiet in-between glances that say everything.
But many couples worry that posing for photos will feel awkward or unnatural. The truth is, the best wedding photography isn’t about stiff poses – it’s about helping you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourselves.

Here are my top 10 tips to help you relax and enjoy every moment, so your photos look natural, timeless, and full of genuine emotion.

1. Choose a Photographer You Connect With

Feeling relaxed starts with trust. Take the time to find a photographer whose personality clicks with yours. When you genuinely get along, you’ll feel more like you’re hanging out with a friend than posing for the camera. That’s when the real smiles happen.

2. Have an Engagement or Pre-Wedding Shoot

Think of it as a warm-up. A pre-wedding shoot helps you get used to being photographed and learn how your photographer works. You’ll also pick up little posing tricks that make you look and feel natural on the day.

3. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

Forget the lens and focus on the person you’re marrying. Hold hands, laugh, whisper, and enjoy the moment. The more you interact naturally, the better your photos will look.

4. Trust Your Photographer’s Direction

A good photographer won’t just tell you to “smile.” They’ll guide you gently with cues, prompts, and ideas to bring out natural reactions. The goal isn’t to pose, it’s to help you relax enough to forget you’re being photographed.

5. Keep Moving

Small, natural movements make photos feel alive. Walk together, turn towards each other, brush a strand of hair away, or share a quiet joke. Movement creates emotion and energy that always looks authentic on camera.

6. Plan Enough Time for Portraits

When the timeline’s rushed, stress shows. Build a little breathing space into your schedule for couple portraits. Those few extra minutes make all the difference and allow you to slow down and really enjoy the moment.

7. Pick Locations That Feel Comfortable

Whether it’s your venue gardens, a quiet courtyard, or a scenic field nearby, choose spots where you feel at ease. If you’re relaxed in your surroundings, your body language and expressions will naturally follow.

8. Don’t Aim for Perfection

The beauty of wedding photography lies in imperfection — the wind in your hair, the candid laughter, the happy tears. Let go of the idea of “perfect” and embrace the real moments. They’re always the ones you’ll love most.

9. Surround Yourself with Positive People

The energy of your bridal party and guests has a huge impact on how you feel. Being around supportive, fun people helps you relax and enjoy the experience — and that joy shines through in every photo.

10. Remember Why You’re There

It’s easy to get caught up in details, but at its heart, your wedding day is about celebrating your love. Focus on that connection, and everything else — including the photos — will fall perfectly into place.

Final Thoughts

The best photos don’t happen when you’re posing – they happen when you’re present. My approach as a photographer is always about creating space for you to be yourselves, while quietly capturing the magic as it unfolds.

If you’d like to chat about how I can help make your wedding photography experience fun, stress-free, and truly personal, get in touch — I’d love to hear about your plans.

📸 Rob Eardley
Wedding Photographer covering Staffordshire and the Midlands
RE7photography.co.uk | RE7 Photography