50 Romantic Wedding Kisses

Calling all die-hard romantics! While we’re all for challenging some wedding traditions, we will always be in love with one big-day trope: the kiss. The newlyweds’ first kiss as spouses is so unbelievably sweet and full of promise that we’re tearing up just thinking about it. But the first kiss is obviously not the only chance the couple has to lock lips on their wedding day. From the first look to the portraits to the first dance to a million stolen kisses in between, it’s hard to find a newly wedded couple who can resist the urge to sneak in a sweet, love-filled, happy smooch.

Like many wedding traditions, the custom of concluding a nuptial ceremony with a kiss between the newlyweds began for far less romantic reasons than one would imagine. Its functionality is rooted in pragmatism, as it was conceived in ancient Rome as a way to seal the contractual agreement that was a marital union. Since illiteracy was common at the time, signatures were a moot point and a publicly shared lip-lock was the best way to validate the marriage. While there are many differing viewpoints of the religious and cultural symbolism behind the custom, one thing is for certain: Its modern-day significance is all about the romance. So get ready to start gushing over some seriously tender and lovely wedding kisses—they may even inspire you to pucker up and drop a kiss on your sweetheart.

Don’t believe us? Scroll through to see 50 perfect kisses from some of our favorite real brides and grooms.