How to Pick the Perfect Location for Engagement Photos

The engagement period can be a stressful time. You have things to plan, people to see, money to spend, showers to attend . . . it can all get a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not working with a wedding planner. But it should also be fun and joyful; you should be able to soak up every moment of this special season of life and spend intentional time with your spouse-to-be. And engagement photos are a way to do exactly that.

You want your photos to be special, beautiful, and memorable, so the location you choose will be an important part in making that a reality. The first thing to decide is what backdrop you’d like to feature in your session. Maybe you want a lush outdoorsy vibe, or perhaps a more modern, indoor Airbnb situation like this one. It’s completely up to you! This is the time to think outside the box.

Spend some time brainstorming unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you or someone in your personal or professional network can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, country club, or resort. Maybe it’s a family farm, upscale hotel, or even an airplane ride at sunset. The sky is literally the limit! You might be surprised with what you come up with. And if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask!

Another great option is to think about a location that might be special to you and/or your relationship. Maybe the restaurant where you had your first date, or the spot where the proposal happened, or even a local park where the two of you go to watch the sunset together. If it’s sentimental—even if it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing—it’s worth considering.

If you get stuck or need inspiration, feel free to check out the couples section of my blog. I’m more than happy to help you come up with ideas or let you know if a certain location will work well to bring your pictures to life! But at the end of the day, these are YOUR engagement pictures. No matter what location you want, outfits you wear, or vibe you go with, my biggest piece of advice is to stay true to who YOU are as a couple. As long as you do that, everything else will fall into place.