Of all the special moments on a wedding day, the first kiss picture is one of the most iconic and memorable. Even when taking into account the first dance, your wedding rings, the bridal party…nothing feels as exciting as that kiss! As a wedding photographer, it’s my job to capture the love and emotion between the happy couple as they share their first wedding kiss as husband and wife. But how can you make sure that you get the best possible picture? Here are some tips to help you get the perfect shot!

1. Ask your officiant to step to the side for your first kiss photos

The most helpful tip on this list! If you want to make sure that you get the best possible photos of that special moment, you should definitely consider having your officiant step to the side. Trust me, this small request can make a huge difference in the final shots! It can be really distracting when someone is photobombing in the background, and it clutters the image.

Not only will I be able to get a clearer view of the kiss, but if you have a second shooter with your photographer, it will also allow them to capture the moment from a variety of angles. This means a more dynamic and visually stunning set of images. So, when you’re chatting with your officiant about the ceremony details, make sure to bring this up! Trust me, it will be worth it when you get that clean, perfect kiss picture!

2. Hold your first kiss for a few seconds

In order to get the best possible photo of this exact moment, it’s important to give me a little bit of time to work my magic. A quick peck can be harder to catch in a flattering way if it happens too fast! That’s why I encourage couples to hold their first kiss for a few seconds to get a good picture.

This will allow me to snap a few shots without being rushed, and it will also give you a chance to savor the moment and really soak up all of the love and emotion. Trust me, taking a few extra seconds for your first kiss will go a long way in helping me capture some truly magical and memorable wedding photos!

3. Kiss again at the end of your walk down the aisle

One of the best ways to capture the excitement and joy of being a married couple is to get a photo of you and your partner kissing as you leave the ceremony as newlyweds. This shot is especially effective if you can stop and kiss once you’re a little more than halfway down the aisle. This will allow me to get a photograph with all of your friends and family celebrating and having a good time in the background, which adds a lovely sense of context and celebration to the photo.

Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse for an extra kiss on your wedding day? So go ahead and pucker up for another smooch as you make your way back down the aisle! It’s a small gesture that can result in some truly beautiful and memorable photographs that more uniquely reflect your love story.

4. Have your guests throw confetti or rose petals during one of your kisses

As a wedding photographer, I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to add some extra magic and sparkle for the extra romantic couple. One idea that I highly recommend is supplying your guests with rose petals or confetti to throw during your first kiss. The sight of all of those flowers or colorful bits of paper swirling around you as you share your first smooch is truly stunning, and it adds an extra layer of joy and celebration to the first kiss picture.

Just be sure to check with your venue first to make sure that this is allowed. Most venues will have rules and regulations in place regarding the use of rice, flowers, and confetti, so it’s important to get the okay from them when you’re wedding planning before you start handing out petals. If you’re a passionate couple of lovers, this tip is perfect for you. Go create some truly impactful and beautiful first kiss pictures that you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

5. Practice your first kiss picture!

I think most of my wedding photographer friends would recommend that couples practice their first kiss before the big day. This might sound a bit odd, but trust me – a little bit of practice can go a long way in helping you feel confident and comfortable during the actual ceremony. Plus, it will give you a chance to decide on the type of first kiss picture you want to have. Are you going for a sweet and simple smooch, or do you want to go for something a bit more dramatic, like a dip?

Whatever you choose, the best way to practice is to run through it a few times with your photographer during your engagement session. This will give you a chance to get comfortable with the process, make sure your hand placement doesn’t obstruct your fiancée’s face, and it will also give me a chance to get a feel for your style and preferences. So go ahead and practice that first kiss picture- it will pay off in the end with some beautiful and timeless wedding photography.

I hope you enjoyed these tips for getting the best first kiss picture!

The first kiss picture is a truly magical and memorable moment during a wedding day. Not just for the couple, but even for wedding photographers, it’s a big deal! It’s my job to capture the love and emotion between the newlyweds as they share this special moment. But I’ll share a conflicting tip with you real quick: As you plan for your big day, remember that the most important thing is to feel each moment fully and genuinely.

Don’t worry too much about posing, getting that “ideal kiss”, or trying to make everything perfect. Just focus on the love and connection between you and your partner. Trust me, when you’re in the moment and feeling those warm and fuzzy feelings, you’ll look absolutely beautiful in the photographs. So go ahead and savor every kiss and embrace, and don’t forget to book me as your wedding photographer to ensure that you get the best first kiss pictures possible!

Look into my timeline planning guide and get help on how much time to allot to photos throughout the day!

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