30+ Photos of Joy and Happiness at Weddings

Your wedding day will undoubtedly be one of the happiest and most memorable days of your life, filled with laughter, love, and emotional moments. But what exactly does happiness and joy look like through the lens of your photographer? How do the pros preserve and encapsulate this feeling and emotion? In this article, we’ll aim to answer that question and share over 30 photos of pure joy and happiness at weddings.

As you scroll through these joyful moments, think about the ones that resonate with you. Share them with your photographer as part of your moodboard to ensure that moments like these are a part of your wedding day story.

Joy During the Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony itself is loaded with heartfelt, joyful moments. As the main event, this is when emotions run high, and the expressions of love and happiness are at their most genuine. From shared glances between the couple to the reactions of family and friends, there’s plenty of joy to capture.

Suggested Photos:

• The couple exchanging joyful or tearful smiles during the vows
• Guests laughing at a heartfelt or funny moments
• The ring bearer or flower girl doing something cute
• Parents, grandparents, and other family members beaming with pride and happiness
• The moment of pronouncement, with the couple’s faces lighting up

See a few examples below.

Wedding Recessional Joy

Photo by Party of Two at Whitehead Manor in Charlotte United States

The recessional marks the moment you’ve officially tied the knot and had your first kiss, and it’s one of the most joy-filled parts of the day. Capture the energy and excitement as you walk back down the aisle as newlyweds.

Suggested Photos:

• The couple’s beaming smiles as they exit the ceremony
• Guests cheering and clapping as the couple walks by
• Flower petals, bubbles, or confetti being tossed in celebration
• The bridal party’s joyful reactions during the recessional
• Sweet glances between the couple as they walk out together

Photo Tip: Make the most of this moment by adding a fun element like bubbles or confetti. It creates movement and energy in your photos and adds an extra touch of celebration.

Joy in the “In Between” Moments

Happiness can also be found in small, quiet moments that couples might not even realize are happening. These details tell a bigger story of love and joy, and no posing is required. Instead, these moments include spontaneous, raw emotions that your photographer will capture when everyone is simply living in the moment.

Over the course of the wedding day, some of the most memorable wedding photos come from unexpected moments. These quirky, playful photos add character and charm to your wedding album.

Suggested Photos:

• The bride’s smile as she holds her bouquet
• The groom’s delighted expression while reading a love note from the bride
• Bridesmaids sharing a laugh during the getting-ready process
• Guests’ laughter at a fun guestbook or wedding sign
• The groom’s tearful smile as the bride walks down the aisle
• Parents or grandparents seeing the bride for the first time
• A burst of laughter during the vows or ceremony
• The bridal party cracking up at an inside joke
• Guests’ joyful reactions during the ceremony or speeches
• Flower girls and ring bearers stealing the show with their antics
• The couple sharing a genuine laugh during their portraits
• Unexpected funny moments, like the officiant making a joke
• The bride or groom breaking out into a spontaneous dance
• Kids being silly during the ceremony or reception
• Funny faces and reactions from guests
• Pets stealing the spotlight in wedding portraits
• Confetti or sparkler send-offs with big, joyful smiles

A Sweet Moment with the Couple’s Pet

Photo Tip: The little details often hold the most meaning. Make sure your photographer captures these small but significant moments.

Group Photos Full of Love and Laughter

Your wedding day is about more than just the two of you. It’s also a celebration with your closest family and friends. Group photos are a great way to capture the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

Suggested Photos:

• The bridal party bursting into laughter during portraits
• Family members hugging and smiling
• Fun, playful group shots with the bridal party (e.g., jumping, spinning)
• Kids being silly during family photos
• Guests dancing and having a blast at the reception
• Grandparents’ sweet smiles during quiet moments

Photo Tip: Encourage your bridal party and family to be themselves during group shots — that’s when the magic happens!

Joyful Portraits of the Couple

Even posed portraits can capture joy and happiness if you let your personalities shine through.

Suggested Photos:

• The couple laughing together during portraits
• The bride twirling her dress with a big smile
• A playful moment where the groom spins the bride
• Sweet forehead kisses with genuine, happy expressions
• The couple’s reaction to seeing their decorated venue for the first time

Photo Tip: The key to joyful portraits is to focus on each other, not the camera. The more relaxed and playful you are, the more authentic your photos will feel.

First Dances and Reception Joy

The reception is when the emotions (and action) run high, and everyone lets loose! The joy of your first dance and the reception moments will shine through in your wedding photos.

Suggested Photos:

• The couple’s beaming smiles during their first dance
• Parents tearing up or laughing during parent dances
• Guests laughing and dancing with abandon
• Cake-cutting moments with playful interactions
• Toasts and reactions from the couple and guests

Photo Tip: Your reception is one big celebration of love. Relax, have fun, and let your photographer capture the magic!

Photo by The Greens Photo at Overstory in New York NY USA

Photo by Gen Palmer at Private home in Maryland USA
Photo by Milan lazic at meson sabika in Chicago United States
Photo by Luzye Photography in Temecula, CA USA
Photo by Michelle Jahns at Sunset Bluffs in Washington, Missouri United States
Photo by Natasha Lamalle at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington DC USA
Photo by PMC Photography at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego United States
Photo by Stephen Mayo at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY United States

Wedding Exit Joy

Your grand exit from the wedding is a moment filled with excitement and celebration. Whether it’s a sparkler send-off, a confetti toss, or a classic car getaway, the wedding exit is a joyful punctuation to your big day.

Suggested Photos:

• The couple’s happy expressions as they make their grand exit
• Guests cheering and tossing confetti, petals, or rice
• The couple waving from a getaway car or vintage vehicle
• Laughing as sparklers light up the night
• A spontaneous kiss under a canopy of sparklers

Photo Tip: Make your exit memorable by choosing a unique send-off that reflects your personalities. It’ll add an extra layer of joy to your wedding photos.

Photo by Buffy Goodman at Ivy Hall at Roswell Mill in Marietta,GA USA

Conclusion

Your wedding day is a celebration of joy, laughter, and love. By capturing these moments, your wedding album will serve as a timeless reminder of one of the happiest days of your life. Communicate with your photographer about the joyful moments that matter most to you. And remember — the best smiles come when you’re fully present and enjoying the moment.

Want to see more examples of joy-filled wedding moments? Browse through our wedding galleries on WeddingMaps to get inspired for your own big day!