28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (2024)

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (1)

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.

01of 27

Waterfall Backdrop

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (2)

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.

02of 27

Flower-Filled Venue

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (3)

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

03of 27

Beach Setting

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (4)

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

04of 27

College Pride

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (5)

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

05of 27

Mural Backdrop

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (6)

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

07of 27

Boat Ride

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (8)

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

08of 27

Proposal Shot

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (9)

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.

09of 27

Seasonal Session

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (10)

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

See More Fall Engagement Photos

10of 27

Local Venue

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (11)

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

11of 27

Rustic Session

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (12)

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

12of 27

Fun Poses

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (13)

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

Get More Ice Cream Wedding Ideas

13of 27

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

14of 27

Orchard Venue

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (15)

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

15of 27

Canyon Session

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (16)

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

16of 27

Urban Setting

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (17)

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

17of 27

Unique Angle

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (18)

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

18of 27

Gorgeous Lighting

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (19)

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

19of 27

Celebratory Props

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (20)

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

20of 27

Elegant Venue

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (21)

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

21of 27

Casual Pose

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (22)

Make your session feel more personal with an intimate pose.

Get More Posing Tips for Your Engagement Session

22of 27

Adventurous Shoot

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (23)

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.

23of 27

Hobby Session

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (24)

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

24of 27

Dessert Portraits

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (25)

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

25of 27

Destination Shoot

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (26)

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

26of 27

Creative Pose

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (27)

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

27of 27

Forest Location

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (28)

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

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas (2024)

FAQs

28 Beautiful Engagement Photo Ideas? ›

By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces, and let the eye focus on the way you and your emotions. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white.

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

By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces, and let the eye focus on the way you and your emotions. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white.

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.

What not to wear for engagement photos? ›

01 Avoid Small, Close Prints , Patterns and Logos

These tend to not photograph as well. Staying away from small, tight stripes and prints will save your engagement photos! Logos distract from the subject and relationships (aka you & your love story!). Instead, wear solid colored pieces that compliment each other!

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

The ambiance and vibe of the location can guide your decision on whether to wear your hair up or down. For instance, an updo looks stunning for a formal, elegant shoot, while loose waves or braids may be perfect for a more relaxed and natural setting.

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? ›

6-9 months before wedding day – give or take.

This still seems like a pretty big timespan. But when you think about it, it makes the most sense. Couples who really value their wedding photographer typically book them 12-15 months prior to wedding day.

What is the best time of day to take engagement photos? ›

Time of Day

You've probably heard of the famous “golden hour,” which is the magical period shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. This time of day is the most popular and highly recommended for the best lighting possible!

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.

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.

Should you wear patterns in engagement photos? ›

#3 – Patterns

You'll also want to ensure that what you wear for engagement photos complements what your partner is wearing. Clashing patterns do not look good in images! In other words, if one person is wearing a pattern, that's okay just so long as the other person isn't wearing one.

How to pose during a proposal? ›

Side-by-Side. Positioning a couple side-by-side is one of the most natural ways they can pose. Let them feel what it's like standing side-by-side with one another during their actual wedding day. Ask the couple to hold hands with one another and position their bodies facing the camera while looking at each other.

How much should a 30 minute photoshoot cost? ›

The standard price starts at $120 for a 30-minute photo shoot. However, this figure is conditional, because most often customers are asked to print pictures to make a family album. Be sure to add to the cost the time spent on post-processing and printing.

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.

What colors not to wear for an engagement party? ›

Again, white is typically reserved for the bride at any wedding-related events—so white dresses, jumpsuits, or other formal attire are a major no-no. You'll also want to avoid off-white and cream hues.

Should I wear black for engagement photos? ›

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? ›

Lips: Most lips benefit from definition, even when lipstick is not generally used. For a natural but polished look, try a shade or two darker than your lip color, apply lip pencil, smudged lips a bit and use a little gloss or lipstick.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6667

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.