How long do couple portraits take?

29 Nov

Bride and groom standing nose to nose under the arch of Bruisyard Estate house.

Once in a lifetime couple portraits

The formal photographs are normally taken after the ceremony; starting with the group photos, followed by the couple portraits. Some couples prefer to limit the time of these portraits to 20 minutes so they can spend more time with their guests. Others value this time alone and cherish a moment of calm, in what is often a busy day, to capture some stunning portraits as a newly married couple. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have professional photographs as newly-weds so we encourage you to consider what is important to you and be sure of no regrets!

If the couple portraits are important to you, we recommend giving up to 45 minutes for this section of the day. If your venue has large grounds we can utilise fully, it can take some time walking between each photography location. In this time we aim to capture the two of you together as well as some individual portraits as well. If your wedding schedule is already quite tight, we can split this into two sessions; there is the option of having a few more after your wedding breakfast (especially if that's around sunset).

Bride and groom standing on a bridge at Bruisyard Estate for their wedding portraits.

Natural, relaxed photography

Natural, relaxed portraits are by far the most popular style of wedding photography today. These images focus on genuine connection - the way you look at each other, the quiet moments, and the joy you feel after just getting married.

That said, being “natural” doesn’t mean being left to fend for yourselves in front of the camera. Many people feel unsure, awkward, or self-conscious when they’re being photographed, which is completely normal. To create those effortless-looking portraits, I’ll gently guide you with simple direction - just enough to help you relax and enjoy the moment together.

I’ll get you moving, chatting, laughing, and interacting with each other rather than worrying about the camera. This takes the focus off being photographed and allows real expressions and connection to come through.

Wherever possible, we’ll head outside (weather permitting) to ensure bright, natural, relaxed portraits for you.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand, looking at each other through gorgeous gardens.

Real Wedding

This couple got married at Bruisyard Country Estate in Saxmundham. It is a beautiful old manor house with modern barns and expanses of beautifully landscaped grounds. We took full advantage of all these locations for a variety of images. The bride particularly wanted photos showcasing her dress including the train and the detail on the back which we were more than happy to accommodate. A beautiful couple at an amazing venue = once in a lifetime portraits.

Bride and groom posing for formal, traditional wedding portraits outside in beautiful gardens.

Bride and groom standing relaxed on a bridge for their wedding portraits.

Wedding couple posing on the bridge at Bruisyard Estate.

Portrait of a bride holding red flowers.

Photograph of bride and groom walking away holding hands.

Wedding couple standing outside Bruisyard Estate in Ipswich.

Portrait of couple standing close together under archway.

Two portraits of the groom wearing a blue suit with a white button hole flower.

Two portraits of a bride holding her wedding flowers, looking away.

Helpful Ideas

Sometimes it can be helpful to bring along the best man or a bridesmaid to help hold items if needed or help spread the dress etc.
If there are any particular poses, locations or details you really want your photographer to capture, let them know before the wedding date so they can incorporate it into their plans.

Written by Eleth Mageehan

First Written: 29th November 2018, Last Updated: 23rd January 2026

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