I’ll set the scene – you’ve just gotten engaged to the love of your life, and you are simply over the moon ecstatic. You have a blissful few private hours (minutes? days?) before you are almost inevitably bombarded with questions from everyone you’ve ever met.
“When & where are you getting married?!”
After numerous inquiries to your dream vendors, decision upon decisions upon decisions later, the decision fatigue can set in easily by the time your engagement photos roll around. When should you plan them? Where? Should you bring an activity, or go somewhere you’re nostalgic to you? Or would you rather go somewhere entirely new and exciting?
Why do we need engagement photos?
It’s so easy to get lost in the overwhelm of it all and let engagement photos be simply another task to cross off the to-do list in your wedding planning binder. In reality they are an incredibly unique opportunity to craft an experience that leaves you with unique, beautiful images. They are a beautiful way to tell your love story (and ideally turns into a super fun date night).
From a photographer’s perspective, I adore engagement sessions because they are typically the first time I get to meet my couples in person and really connect with them and their story. Engagement photos are a wonderful chance to get to know each other before the wedding day and have a better idea of how we’ll work together. From an artistic standpoint, it’s such a special opportunity for me to learn your story and find creative ways to commemorate this point in your journey together. They are chicken soup for the creative soul, but I also know that they can feel awkward and overwhelming to plan at first!
Some of those items, like when and where and how to plan an engagement session, are parts of this project that we’ll tackle together. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to your engagement photos, filled with ideas, inspiration, tips and tricks from a professional wedding and elopement photographer.
When should you schedule your engagement photos?
This depends entirely on how you want to use your images. Typically, “save the dates” are sent between 8-12 months before your wedding day. If you’d like to use the images for your save the dates, I would recommend scheduling your engagement photos 9-14 months before your wedding day. If you’d prefer to use the images only for your formal invitations, I’d recommend scheduling your engagement session for 6 months prior to your wedding day, at the latest. That way, you can send your formal invitations around the 4 month mark. Ultimately, I don’t think “too early” exists. These are just some checkpoints to keep in mind!
To narrow down your planning even more, consider the seasonality of your vision. Do you want spring florals, or summer greens and wildflowers? Or are you more energized by autumn leaves, or even a snow flurry during your session? If any of these factors leap out at you, it’s worth scheduling your session with that in mind!
Engagement Session Activity Ideas
A large reason why engagement sessions are so fun is that they can be so creative and personalized. The obvious priority is finding a beautiful or interesting setting, but we also have a wonderful opportunity to incorporate elements of your story and your relationship that make your session truly unique.
Favorite Activities
Whether you are super duper into board games, or maybe whiskey tastings, there are infinite ways to bring your favorite activities to your session – or even schedule the whole thing around your favorite activities. Here are some ideas:
- Bring your favorite board game or card game
- Pack flights of your favorite beverage of choice (coffee, seltzers, liquor, craft beers… or maybe just plain tequila shots)
- Go to your favorite distillery or winery
- Take a hike at your favorite trails
- Bring your four legged friends along for your favorite family activity
- Go bowling
- Play video games together (or find a local arcade)
- Visit a small-town movie theater (pro-tip: they might even put your name on the marquis if you ask!)
- Go to a small town airport
- Bring your paddle boards, rowboats, or other water crafts to your favorite body of water
The ideas here are truly endless, and we can get as funky as you want. I’ve had a couple bring an antique car that’s been in their family for years, a chess board brought to the beach, and a celebratory champagne spray. The sky is the limit!
Bucket List Items
As special as it is to involve some of your favorite everyday things in your engagement session, maybe you’re looking for a bit more thrill. In that case, we can also incorporate a new experience for your photos! What are some things you’ve always wanted to do together? Take out that list of date night ideas on your notes app and let’s see what we can come up with.
- Get a tattoo together
- Hike out to a new overlook (whether that’s here or in the desert)
- Pack a picnic… pretty much anywhere
- Visit a carnival or amusement park
- Go to a new bar, cafe, or restaurant
- Visit a museum or art gallery
- Find something new and touristy in your own city
- Take a beach day
- Find a helicopter or boat ride near you
Nostalgic Ideas
Whether we are returning to the place you got engaged or going to your first home together, we can visit areas that have been meaningful to you throughout your relationship. I’ve spent time in family properties, hometowns, the location of your first date and first kiss, and even returned to the place where a couple secretly eloped months before. These places hold such a significant piece of your heart and of your story, and it’s always special to return there for your session. Below are a few ideas of places we can visit:
- Particularly special date locations (whether a first date, or just a favorite spot)
- The place you met
- Somewhere your parent(s) used to bring you
- Your hometown
- Your own home or apartment
- The place you got engaged
Need help brainstorming?
I try to be involved with the brainstorming and planning of your session, but my best advice is to vision board! Pinterest is an incredible resource for dreaming and scheming. I have plenty of engagement photos on my own if you’re looking for inspiration, and I’d love to see everything you come up with!
Ultimately, there are so many ways to be creative for your engagement session that these lists barely scratch the surface. What I hope to leave you with is some encouragement and a spark to find what feels right to you – and most importantly, the most authentic and personalized way to tell your story.
Ready to plan your dream engagement photos?
I can’t wait to hear everything you’re dreaming up! As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, you can trust that I’ll be game for anything. Reach out, and let’s get planning!
Looking for more engagement session tips? Check out this blog about What to Wear for your Engagement Session!
