28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (2024)

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We're big fans of beautiful photos that truly capture the essence of a couple, whether they're breathtaking elopement pictures, pretty wedding snapshots, adorable anniversary images, or celebratory engagement portraits. As you begin your journey towards wedded bliss, we recommend booking a session for the latter. Not only can you use the shoot to announce the news or vet a potential wedding photographer, but the time between the proposal and the big day is a unique part of your relationship, which makes it worth documenting. That's why we've decide to gather some of our favorite engagement photos to inspire your own shoot, so you'll have an album to lovingly look back on far past saying "I do."

What makes a great engagement portrait? Really, it comes down to personalizing your session. That might mean staging it at a venue significant to you and your future husband or wife. It could also mean displaying your chemistry for the camera with expressions and gestures that are true to both of you. Another option is to incorporate meaningful props. The following engagement photo ideas vary greatly, but they all have one thing in common: Their stunning settings, creative poses, or bespoke details.

Whether you're in search of the ultimate engagement shoot destination or want examples of how to honor your shared hobbies and interests in your session, you've come to the right place. We've even spotlighted suggestions for what to wear! The gallery ahead is full of romantic, fun, emotional, and original images to ignite your brainstorm and share with your professional.

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Waterfall Backdrop

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The joy in this photograph is just as beautiful as the natural backdrop. These two trekked to Havasu Falls in Arizona's Havasupai Indian Reservation to capture the shot.

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Flower-Filled Venue

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Take portraits in a lavender field for a day filled with the blossom's soothing scent, plus pretty pictures to look back on for years to come.

Get More Lavender Wedding Ideas

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Beach Setting

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A surprise proposal became a moving engagement session for these lovebirds. They staged their shoot on the Oregon coast's Cape Kiwanda.

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College Pride

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If you and your sweetheart met in college, why not go back to where it all began? These two posed in thematic gear on the Tuskegee University campus.

See Our Favorite College Campuses to Get Married At

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Mural Backdrop

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All it takes is an artful mural to get an interesting shot, as this couple's Portland, Oregon, engagement photos went to show.

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Boat Ride

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Showcase your love out on the sea. This couple posed at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center in Santa Barbara, California.

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Proposal Shot

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There's nothing like a secret proposal shoot to capture the actual engagement. This session took place at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery in Santa Ynez, California.

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Seasonal Session

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Capture the beauty of autumn (or any season) with an outdoor portrait like this one.

See More Fall Engagement Photos

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Local Venue

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These two loved their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, so they took their engagement photos in the middle of the Old City.

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Rustic Session

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If you enjoy the great outdoors, try a mountaintop engagement session. This couple took to Telluride, Colorado, for theirs.

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Fun Poses

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Summertime engagements are extra sweet when ice cream cones are involved.

Get More Ice Cream Wedding Ideas

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Sporty Session

Embrace the shared interests that helped your relationship blossom by putting them on display. These two posed in custom Baltimore Orioles baseball jerseys.

See More Sports-Themed Wedding Ideas

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Orchard Venue

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This couple hopped on a bicycle built for two in the peach orchard at Paynter's Fruit Market in Canada's Westbank, British Columbia.

See Our Favorite Orchards to Get Married At

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Canyon Session

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Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a breathtaking location for dramatic engagement photos.

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Urban Setting

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This soon-to-be husband and wife posed New York City's Washington Square Park.

See Our Favorite Places to Propose in New York City

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Unique Angle

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How creative was this shot, which captured the couple candidly through a café window?

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Gorgeous Lighting

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The warm glow of the sun helped this couple's love shine even stronger.

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Celebratory Props

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Bring some bubbly to your session to really set the mood.

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Elegant Venue

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For photos that exude elegance, try staging them at a stately setting. These two took a stroll at Château Pichon Baron in Pauillac, France.

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Casual Pose

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Make your session feel more personal with an intimate pose.

Get More Posing Tips for Your Engagement Session

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Adventurous Shoot

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This couple wasn't afraid of a little adventure as they took their engagement photos at Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the state of Washington.

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Hobby Session

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If you want to look natural, do something natural to you and your partner. For this pair, that meant shopping at the farmer's market.

Get More Hobby-Themed Wedding Ideas

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Dessert Portraits

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This couple selected California's Joshua Tree National Park as their engagement session venue.

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Destination Shoot

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These two got all dressed up for their engagement photos in Florence, Italy.

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Creative Pose

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Your engagement session should make you want to jump for joy, just like these happy guys at their western-themed portrait location.

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Forest Location

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Talk about an impressive shot. Just look at that sunbeam shining down through the California Redwoods.

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What is the best color to wear for engagement photos? ›

1. Choose light, soft, neutral tones. This is totally a personal preference, but my style of photography lends itself best to lighter, airier tones — like white, beige, and taupe — and pastels — like dusty blue, blush, etc. I find that neutral outfits are so romantic and timeless, and help to keep the focus on you!

How many engagement photos do you give? ›

For an hour long engagement shoot I would probably expect around 50-150 images depending on the experience level of your photographer and the cost of the session. We personally deliver on the higher end with our goal being to deliver a variety of types of images without duplicates.

How many outfits should I have for engagement photos? ›

Some couples love an excuse to go all out on a fun, dressed up outfit. Others prefer a more casual, but polished look. It is entirely up to you, but most of my couples choose to wear two outfits at their engagement session. One “us on a cute, casual date” outfit and one more formal outfit.

Is 30 minutes enough for engagement photos? ›

We usually recommend a minimum of 1 hour for any surprise marriage proposals due to the complexity of the planning and the added element of surprise. Some of our favorite occasions are: Fall mini sessions.

Should you wear your hair up or down for engagement photos? ›

Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear your hair up or down for your photoshoot comes down to personal preference and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, your photoshoot is a celebration of your story, and your hairstyle should reflect who you are.

Should I wear makeup for engagement photos? ›

At the end of the day, it's about what makes you feel most comfortable. If you're happy doing your own hair and makeup, or even not wearing any makeup at all, it's about what you need. Make the choice based on what will make you feel most comfortable and confident with your engagement photographer in New York.

How soon after engagement should you take engagement photos? ›

If you're hoping to use the photos for the ever popular save-the-date cards, the sooner the better. The typical timeframe for sending out save-the-dates is around six months. It's important to note that my usual turnaround time for engagement photos is around two weeks but it can be up to four during wedding season.

What is the best time to shoot engagement photos? ›

Did you know there is a specific time we photographers try to schedule your session for? Usually it's right after sunrise or before sunset so that the sun is on the horizon line which provides more flattering light for portraits.

How soon after engagement do you get photos? ›

Ideally, it would be best to have engagement photos taken at least 6 months before the big day. This gives the photographer enough time to edit images before you use them for your wedding preps. But that depends on your timeline.

How do you look thinner in engagement photos? ›

Try your best to keep your body slightly turned, this will help you look slimmer than if you were standing straight on facing the camera. Tilt your shoulders toward the photographer, slightly dropped down and keep your hips at an angle.

How do you not be awkward in engagement photos? ›

Include an Activity. Sometimes, no matter how confident you are, it is still awkward with a camera pointed at you. What you need is a good distraction. Including an activity in your engagement session can be the perfect thing you need to help conquer your camera shyness!

What shoes to wear for engagement pictures? ›

Choose comfortable shoes or bring two pairs!

Engagement sessions require quite a bit of walking so make sure you feel comfortable in your shoes. Ladies, if you choose to wear heels, bring a pair of flats to change into while moving from one location to another.

How late is too late for engagement photos? ›

Ideally, scheduling your engagement session with your photographer should happen within a 6-9 month window before your wedding day. I've found this to be the sweet spot! Most couples choose to send their save the dates around 6 months before the big day.

Do you take engagement photos after proposal? ›

If you're a newly engaged couple, we highly recommend scheduling an engagement session with your photographer, even if you've already had proposal photos taken. It's a great way to capture this special time in your life and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Is it OK to wear black for engagement photos? ›

Show your true colors

However, black is not always the best choice. It is advisable to wear bright hues that will pop from the background. Those are some of the essential tips on what to wear during your engagement photos. It is important to make your images reflect something about you as a couple.

Should you wear lipstick for engagement photos? ›

Wear a Nude Lip

If you don't consider yourself a regular lipstick wearer, swiping on a light pigment (like a nude or pink) can make a big difference in your engagement photos. Even if the tone is just a smidge different from your bare lips, it will keep them from getting washed out from the brightness of the flash.

What colour should you wear to an engagement party? ›

White is traditional, timeless, light, easy on the eyes, and evokes feelings of happiness and purity. It also helps you stand out, just like you will on the wedding day. This is just what most people go with, though – ultimately, the choice is yours. It's your party, after all!

What color is appropriate for an engagement party? ›

Avoid Bold Colors

The goal of dressing appropriately for an engagement party is to show your support for the couple and somewhat fade into the background with your outfit. Pastel colors and light color choices are the best way to do this.

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