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How to pose naturally for wedding photos

So many couples tell me the same thing before their wedding day: “We hate having our photo taken!”

And that’s completely normal. Unless you model for a living, posing can feel a bit awkward at first. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a natural performer to look relaxed, happy and effortlessly photogenic in your wedding photos.

As a wedding photographer who has photographed hundreds of couples across Cheshire, North Wales and beyond, I’ve learned the little tricks and techniques that make all the difference. With a few simple tips (and a wedding photographer who puts you at ease), you can look beautifully natural in every shot.

Here’s how…

1. Keep moving- movement looks effortless

Still poses often feel stiff, so I love giving couples small actions to help them loosen up:

  • Walk together hand in hand
  • Whisper something funny
  • Play with your dress or jacket
  • Spin your partner (if you’re feeling brave!)

Movement creates natural smiles, genuine connection and fluid poses that feel unposed, even though they’re guided by your wedding photographer.

 

2. Focus on each other, not the camera

One of the easiest ways to look relaxed is to shift your attention away from the lens.
Look at your partner. Hold them close. Laugh at something they said, the nerves, the moment.

When you interact naturally with each other, your expressions soften, your posture relaxes and the photos instantly feel real.


 

3. Breathe (you’d be surprised how many people forget!)

Tension shows most in the shoulders and jaw. In between shots:

  • Take a slow breath
  • Drop your shoulders
  • Loosen your arms
  • Let your expression reset

A tiny moment of calm creates a dramatic difference in how natural you look.



4. Avoid “stacking” your body- create shape instead

A little shape adds life to a pose. Try:

  • Creating gentle angles with your arms
  • Shifting your weight onto one leg
  • Softening your hands
  • Turning your body slightly instead of straight-on

You don’t need to think about this one too much- a good wedding photographer will guide you. But understanding the basics helps you feel more confident.



5. Laugh! The best wedding photos are the ‘imperfect’ ones

Some of the most beautiful wedding photography happens when something unplanned happens:

  • A gust of wind
  • A crooked veil
  • A burst of laughter
  • A missed kiss that becomes a better moment

Don’t worry about perfection. Let the day unfold, and your wedding photographer will capture the magic in between.

6. Trust your wedding photographer

A good wedding photographer knows how to make you feel comfortable, how to direct lightly without over-posing, and how to bring out the best in both of you.

My approach is always relaxed, friendly and unobtrusive. I guide when needed, but most of the time, I’m quietly capturing genuine moments as they happen.

 


Ready for photos you’ll treasure forever?

If you want wedding photography that feels natural, relaxed and full of emotion, I’d love to chat.
I”m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester. Together, we’ll create images that tell your story, beautifully and authentically.

Get in touch today to check availability and have a friendly chat about your day.

Cheshire’s most unique wedding venues

As a wedding photographer in Cheshire, I am lucky to work at some of the region’s most beautiful venues. If you’re planning your wedding in Cheshire and you’re after venues with character, charm and beautiful backdrops for your photos, you’re going to be spoiled for choice! Below are six locations I especially love for being just that little bit unique and special, as well as perfect for wedding photography!

1. Abbeywood Estate, Cheshire

Nestled within 45 acres of gardens and woodland in the Delamere countryside, Abbeywood Estate offers a unique mix of tranquillity and grandeur. Its stunning Glasshouse and connected Orangery bring light and elegance into your ceremony space and are perfect for wedding photography. As a wedding photographer, I adore the variety of backdrops at Abbeywood, from sweeping lawns to intimate indoor spaces.

2. Iscoyd Park, Shropshire/Cheshire border

Technically just across the border into Shropshire, Iscoyd Park still serves Cheshire couples beautifully. This Georgian country house is set amidst 18th-century parkland and striking gardens. What makes it special? For me, it feels like a home rather than a hotel or estate venue- warm, welcoming, and with a ‘luxury meets countryside’ calm.

Iscoyd Park Wedding Photographer    

3. Colshaw Hall, Cheshire

If you’re after luxury, exclusivity and a serious wow-factor then Colshaw Hall in Cheshire is hard to beat. A Grade II listed hall set on a private estate, the whole location is yours on the day. The grounds- from the Japanese garden to the walled garden- give spectacular settings for portraits and golden-hour moments.

4. The Little Fox, Thornton Hough

Just a short drive from the heart of Cheshire, The Little Fox in Thornton Hough brings countryside charm in a more intimate, relaxed setting. Licensed for civil ceremonies and with flexible spaces, you’ll find wood-beams, natural light and a genuine boutique feel. It’s the perfect Cheshire wedding venue for couples who want style and character without the scale of a large estate.

5. Old Palace, Chester

Set right in Chester city centre and overlooking the River Dee, Old Palace Chester is historic, elegant and unexpected. With its Georgian manor house, private gardens and impressive interiors, it blends urban convenience with countryside grandeur, perfect for couples getting married in Cheshire who want something different yet accessible.

 

6. Cheshire Woodland Weddings

Probably the most unique Cheshire wedding venue on my list! For those captivated by nature, woodland weddings, or a unique guest experience, this venue is pure magic. Licensed ceremonies take place in a thatched shelter within a 15-17 acre woodland. With a waterside gazebo, barn for dancing and all-weather options, your day feels beautifully wild, romantic and utterly memorable.


Why I recommend these Cheshire venues…

Each of these venues offers something distinct, whether its exclusive use of a luxurious hall, a rural estate, woodland surroundings, or riverside views. If you’re looking for wedding photography that captures light, atmosphere, and authentic moments, then choosing a venue that brings its own magic certainly contributes.

I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, also working across North Wales, Chester, and Shropshire. If you’re planning your day and still looking for that right location, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help you bring your vision to life.

 

The best winter wedding venues in Cheshire

There’s something truly magical about a winter wedding in Cheshire. The crisp air, twinkling lights, and elegant interiors of the region’s finest venues make this season perfect for romantic celebrations- and for creating timeless wedding photography.

Whether you’re drawn to stately grandeur or countryside charm, here are four of my favourite Cheshire wedding venues that look breathtaking during the winter months (and are perfect for wedding photography too!)


Abbeywood Estate, Cheshire

Nestled on the edge of Delamere Forest in Cheshire, Abbeywood Estate is a dream for couples seeking a countryside escape with luxurious touches. In winter, the gardens might be dusted with frost, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor portraits, while the glasshouse style orangery offers a light-filled haven for your ceremony and reception.

As a wedding photographer, I love how the natural light floods through the glass, even on overcast days, adding a soft, romantic glow to every shot. The interiors balance rustic charm with contemporary elegance, perfect for a warm, welcoming winter celebration surrounded by nature.




Knowsley Hall, Cheshire

If you’re envisioning a fairytale winter wedding, Knowsley Hall in Cheshire is hard to beat. This grand stately home combines regal interiors, roaring fires, and opulent décor that feels straight out of a period drama. The hall’s rich wood panelling and candlelit spaces create an intimate, romantic atmosphere ideal for a winter celebration.

For wedding photography, Knowsley Hall offers endless possibilities- think sweeping staircases, ornate rooms, and stunning exterior architecture that glows beautifully at dusk. Even in the shorter daylight hours, the venue’s timeless elegance ensures every image tells a story.



Colshaw Hall, Cheshire

Modern, elegant, and impeccably designed, Colshaw Hall is one of Cheshire’s most sought-after wedding venues, and for good reason. The private estate transforms beautifully in winter, offering warmth, luxury, and attention to detail at every turn.

Inside, the light-filled Peel Suite is perfect for larger celebrations, while the hall’s oak staircase and classic interiors provide an ideal backdrop for couple portraits. Outside, the manicured gardens and lake look stunning in the low winter sun, especially when captured with a touch of seasonal sparkle.

As a Cheshire wedding photographer, I love how Colshaw Hall combines grandeur with comfort, offering couples a space that feels both impressive and intimate.



The Little Fox, Thornton Hough

For something more relaxed yet equally enchanting, The Little Fox in Thornton Hough offers the perfect setting for a cosy winter wedding. With its inviting country charm, soft lighting, and warm wooden interiors, it’s ideal for couples seeking a laid back, rustic celebration.

During winter, the venue’s twinkling fairy lights and roaring fires create a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. As a wedding photographer in Cheshire, I love the nearby Wirral countryside as a backdrop for natural, romantic portraits.



Wedding photographer in Cheshire

Each of these venues offers its own unique blend of beauty and atmosphere, making them all ideal places to say “I do” in the winter months. As a wedding photographer in Cheshire, I love capturing the contrast of the season: the soft natural light, the rich interiors, and the sense of warmth and togetherness that defines a winter wedding. 

If you’re planning a winter wedding in Cheshire, I’d love to help tell your story through natural, timeless wedding photography that captures every moment. Get in touch today and let’s discuss your plans.