Disclosed are an optical element holder and an optical communication module. The optical element holder comprises a pedestal having a pair of fixing sections, a pair of holding sections and a stress-suppressing section. The fixing sections are formed in opposing end portions of the pedestal for being welded to a carrier. The holding sections are formed to face the pedestal in an inner position than positions where the fixing sections are formed so as to hold the optical element by pinching it therebetween. The stress-suppressing section prevents a welding stress, which is generated when the fixing sections are welded to the carrier, from affecting the holding sections.