All About the Groom: Must-Have Groom Portraits & Fun Groomsmen Photos

When most people picture wedding photos, the spotlight usually falls on the bride, her dress, her details, her sweet moments getting ready. But here’s the truth: the groom matters just as much, and he deserves to have his story told in photos that feel real and meaningful. Groom portraits aren’t about stiff smiles or quick snapshots; they’re about showing who he is, what this moment means, and the quiet anticipation before everything begins. Add in his guys, the friends and family who’ve been by his side for years, and you’ve got a whole other layer of joy, laughter, and energy that deserves just as much attention!

Must-Have Groom Portraits

Every groom deserves photos that reflect his personality and capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment. These portraits aren’t just for today, they’re the ones that will be framed, shared, and looked back on for decades. They’re a reminder of the nerves, the excitement, and the way he carried himself on such an important day.

Some groom portraits to make sure you include are:

• Suiting Up: Those detail moments where he buttons his jacket, fixes his tie, adjusts cufflinks, or slips on shoes. They may feel small in the moment, but they tell the story of transformation from everyday life to groom!
  
• A Quiet Pause: Standing by a window, reading vows, or simply taking a breath before heading to the ceremony. These images capture emotion in a way that feels still and timeless.
  
• The Confident Portrait: One strong, classic photo of the groom on his own, looking directly into the camera. It’s the kind of photo that feels iconic.
  
• Lifestyle Vibes: Casual, relaxed photos of him leaning against a wall, sitting back with a drink, or laughing naturally. These balance out the formal portraits with images that feel effortless.
  

A mix of these portraits tells a fuller story, not just how he looked, but how he felt in the hours leading up to “I do.”

Essential Groomsmen Photos

The groomsmen bring an entirely different kind of energy to the wedding day. They’re the hype team, the ones cracking jokes, calming nerves, and keeping the mood light! Some may be lifelong friends, others brothers, cousins, or new friendships, but together, they make up the groom’s crew, and documenting that dynamic is so important!

Photos you’ll want to make sure are captured include:

• The Classic Group Shot: Everyone lined up, sharp and polished. This is the one the parents and grandparents will love most.
  
• Walking Together: Movement photos always add so much energy, whether it’s jackets slung over shoulders or just the group strolling with laughter.
  
• The Cheers Shot: raising glasses, bottles, or flasks, however they celebrate, it’s a moment that’s pure joy to photograph!
  
• Candid Laughter: Some of the best shots happen between poses, when everyone bursts out laughing.
  
• Playful Energy: Fake fight poses, piggyback rides, or inside jokes that only they understand. These photos show their personalities in the best way.
  

The groomsmen aren’t just background characters, they’re a part of the groom’s story, and these photos highlight that bond!

Fun Groom & Groomsmen Photo Ideas

This is the part of the day where you can throw out the “rules” and just lean into whatever feels natural for the group. The best groom and groomsmen photos are often the ones that don’t look posed at all! They’re about energy, personality, and the relationships that make this crew who they are.

Some ideas to make the photos more fun and personal:

• Sports-Inspired Shots: if the group loves a sport, bring it in. Toss a football, line up for a huddle, or pretend to start a game, it adds personality instantly!
  
• Throwback Vibes: If these friendships go back years, recreate a moment from college, high school, or even childhood. Nostalgia always brings out genuine smiles.
  
• Signature Pose: Maybe there’s a goofy face, handshake, or tradition the group always does. Incorporating that makes the photos uniquely theirs.
  
• Casual, In-Between Moments: Hanging out at the bar, leaning on steps, walking down a hallway. These photos feel unposed, but often end up being favorites because they’re so true to life.
  

When the guys are encouraged to just be themselves, the photos shift from “posed portraits” into images that actually feel like memories.

So, Ready For The Grooms Portraits? Let’s Chat!

The groom and his groomsmen are just as much a part of the wedding story as the bride and her bridesmaids. From intentional groom portraits that show quiet anticipation, to rowdy, joy-filled moments with his closest friends, these photos create a balance that rounds out the full narrative of the day. They’re not extras or afterthoughts, they’re a celebration of the relationships, the energy, and the presence of the people who stood by him as he stepped into this new chapter. Ready for me to capture them? Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!