Congratulations! You’re newly engaged, and now it’s time to begin wedding planning. First things first: you want to take your engagement photos. Are you looking for engagement photo ideas? If so, I wrote this post just for you!

As you may already know, I’m a fine art wedding photographer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Engagement photo shoots are one of my favorite parts of my job! I’ve taken engagement photos for couples all over New England and elsewhere throughout the United States. Over time, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks on the best engagement photo ideas out there. 

My top fine art engagement photo ideas…

I’m so excited to share these tried and true engagement photo ideas with you today, so you can plan the dreamiest photoshoot to celebrate saying “YES!” 

Let’s dive in…

1. Get excited 

First, getting excited and planning for your photo session emotionally is so underrated! To help you get in the mood for your photoshoot, I recommend heading to your engagement shoot location a little early with your fiancé. Hang out there one-on-one a bit before your photographer gets there.

This will give you two some time to really get comfortable and connect with each other before taking photos. The more you two are able to just have fun and enjoy each other, the more chemistry will flow during your shoot, making it that much better! Plus, you may get some inspiration for photo poses, shots, and cool backdrops while hanging out beforehand. 

2. Coordinate 

Next, for your engagement photoshoot, coordinate your outfit with your fiancé’s, but do not match exactly. I have a Pinterest style guide that will help you if you need some inspiration in this area. I will say, if you’re a bride, long flowy dresses look absolutely beautiful on camera!

Additionally, plan to change up your engagement photos by bringing a couple different outfit options. Feel free to dress up and then have a more casual outfit.

TIP: If you’re going to go out and get yourself a new outfit, make sure you try it on before your photoshoot. This will ensure you have enough time to pick up a new one or switch to something in your wardrobe if you end up not liking your purchase. 

3. Pick a location 

One of my other top engagement photo ideas is to pick a location for your shoot that really feels like you. Maybe you two love the beach or downtown vibes in the city. Wherever you love, take your engagement photos there! This will make your photos extra special since the location will be so personalized to you and your fiancé. 

4. Engagement shoot floral arrangement

Want to add some color, diversity, and extra pizazz to your engagement photos? Have your wedding florist create a small floral arrangement to use during your session. There’s no better accessory than a beautiful bouquet of flowers…plus, they are so romantic, too!

5. Golden hour

One of the most essential engagement photo ideas is to make sure your photos are taken during golden hour! If possible, be flexible on the timing of your shoot, so you photographer can tell you when you’ll get the optimal golden hour lighting. I typically like to start my sessions 2 hours before sunset to have clean, glowing light. Golden hour lighting gives the most gorgeous, intimate shots!

6. Bring champagne

It is SO fun (and an excellent photo op) to bring a bottle of bubbly (or your favorite craft beer, etc.) to your engagement photoshoot. Capturing you and your fiancé sipping on a delicious beverage together and toasting this special time in your lives is the perfect thing to do at an engagement shoot!

In fact, to really pull on the celebration vibe, you may even want to take photos at your favorite brewery or vineyard.

7. Go the classic route

Another top fine art engagement photo idea is to keep it classic. Take your photos at an ornate home or historic residence. Maybe rent out a vintage car. Go all out! There’s nothing classier than this. If you’re planning a glamorous, high fashion wedding, then classy engagement photos will be perfect for your save the date cards!

8. Engagement photos on the water 

I always love when couples take their engagement photos on the water. The beach or even a pier on a cityscape always adds an exciting, adventurous element to engagement shoots. If you’re up for it, you can maybe even take some photos in a boat! Seeing you and your fiancé float along in a rustic row-boat creates the most romantic, intimate setting. 

9. Iconic city landmarks

Another route you could take is choosing a location by an iconic city landmark. New England, especially, Boston has many of these! It can be so special to take photos pointing to your magical future while also paying homage to the history of the area. This is especially meaningful if your family has lived in the area for a long time. Taking photos with these iconic landmarks is also a way to tie in your family’s history, too. 

10. Bring your pup!

Do you have a fur baby? If so, bring your pup to your engagement photo shoot! Not only will your photography be over the moon (at least I know I would be!), but you’ll also be able to take the most adorable photos of your little family. After all, your dog has probably played a big role in your relationship, so it’s only fitting that they would be in your engagement photos, too!

11. Destination shoot

I also absolutely adore destination engagement photo shoots. Destination weddings are common, but destination engagement shoots…not so much. But they totally should be! 

Think about it: you can take your engagement photos somewhere sentimental to you, or somewhere that has been significant to your relationship. Maybe there’s a certain park in Boston or the dreamy coastal vibes of Newburyport. It would be so special to travel back to take your photos there! Plus, by bringing a vacation vibe into your photoshoot, you’re that much more likely to feel relaxed and enjoy yourself!

12. Dancing

Another one of my favorite kinds of engagement photos is dancing shots! Bring a little portable speaker. Play a playlist of your favorite love songs.

Have you picked out your first dance song for your wedding? Maybe you can play that, and dance to it. Nothing sets the mood for engagement photos like slow dancing with your love!

13. Get lost in nature

Engagement photos taken in nature are always a hit, too. There’s something so awe-inspiring about taking photos with such beautiful, natural backdrops. It allows you to take photos in a majestic, gorgeous setting, without getting lost in or one-upped by the view. Locations in nature always highlight the engaged couple in photos, rather than taking the attention away from them. And, it can be so bonding and fun to turn your engagement shoot into an adventure! 

14. Get playful

One of my top pieces of advice for engagement photo ideas is this: don’t take yourselves too seriously! Tease each other, make funny faces, play around with each other. Laugh! The goal isn’t to take super formal portraits; it’s to let your personalities and love come through on camera. When you allow yourself to just enjoy each other without worrying about looking perfect, you will get the most incredible results!

15. Recreate an iconic pop culture moment

Speaking of being playful, this next engagement photo idea is pretty fun, too. It is: recreating an iconic pop culture moment.

Maybe you could walk across a crosswalk like the infamous Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover. Or, frolic in the waves like Allie and Noah did in The Notebook. This kind of engagement photo is especially perfect if you and your fiancé have a favorite band, movie, TV show, etc. that you’ve really bonded over. 

16. Cityline backdrop

Nothing says “chic” like engagement photos with the city skyline in the background! I especially love engagement sessions photographed on a cool rooftop bar or lounge area. Gorgeous blue skies and tall skyscrapers add so much color and drama to the shots. It makes for truly epic engagement photos!

17. Don’t be afraid of PDA

Additionally, I want to encourage you: show some PDA. I know that having your photos taken can make you feel awkward or self-conscious. However, as a wedding photographer, I do everything I can to make my clients feel comfortable and at ease.

As you feel more comfortable in front of the camera, don’t be afraid to get cozy with your fiancé. Hug, hold hands, kiss! You two are in love, and you should show it. PDA may be cringeworthy in some settings, but when it comes to engagement photos, it gives you the cutest results. 

18. Take photos at home

Next, you may want to consider taking your engagement photos at your home. Yes, this is a rather unconventional idea. However, your home is likely where you feel most comfortable. It’s where you and your fiancé are truly building your life together. What better place to take your engagement photos, then?

I love the candid shots that come from at-home engagement shoots: mixing cocktails, putting your favorite record on, and even just lounging on your couch… these are some of the best shots because they really show how you and your fiancé display your love in everyday life. 

19. We gotta get ring shots!

It probably goes without saying, but when it comes to engagement photo ideas, close-up ring shots are a MUST! Some couples worry that these kinds of photos are too cheesy. However, I disagree!

You have a gorgeous ring that you love, and you deserve to show it off! And don’t worry, as your engagement shoot photographer, I’ll tell you how to pose so that you don’t have to try to figure it out on your own. 

20. Embrace the season

Last but not least, embrace whatever season you’re taking your photos in. If it’s fall or winter, bring a giant blanket to your engagement shoot, so you and your fiancé can cuddle up for some cuddly, cozy photos.

If it’s summer, consider taking your photos at the beach or at a glamorous poolside. Playing on seasonal elements for your photoshoot is a great way to find a theme, choose props and outfits, and narrow down location options.

What are your favorite engagement photo ideas?

Now that you know my favorite fine art engagement photo ideas, I want to hear yours! Do you have any favorites? Or, maybe you’re still trying to figure out which ideas you want to incorporate into your own engagement shoot.

If you need more engagement shoot inspiration or if you have any questions about this, send me a message! I’d love to chat more about engagement photoshoot ideas with you.

Xoxo, Marcela