• The Knot
  • The Nest
  • The Bump

engagement picture basics

Not only are engagement photos a great way to personalize save-the-dates, personal wedding websites, and more of your wedding details, there are a ton of other reasons to consider booking a professional engagement photo session. First, taking engagement pictures is a great way to get to know your wedding photographer. Unless you are one of those lucky people who is naturally at ease in front of the camera, odds are that the first time your photographer points a lens in your direction you will be a bit uncomfortable. Instead of waiting until your wedding day to get these jitters out of the way, book an engagement photo session to help banish any camera shyness -- before you have to pose in front of an audience. Your wedding photographer will also appreciate having a chance to figure out your best angles (and the best way to get you to relax) before the big day. And in case you don't think engagement photos are necessary, keep in mind that there will be plenty of opportunities to incorporate a few professionally taken photos. First, consider incorporating your engagement pictures into your wedding save-the-dates or invitations. Next, deck out your wedding website with a few cute shots. Don't forget to use your favorite engagement photo for local newspaper announcements. Finally, get creative: Use your engagement photos on your table numbers, or create a mobile to adorn your escort card table. These sorts of details are great ways to get your guests up and mingling as they look at each photo. Looking for engagement photo inspiration? Check out these real engaged couples to get ideas for photo shoot locations and engagement photo themes.

More About Engagement Photos Less About Engagement Photos

Find a photographer or videographer

Now in 80 cities! Find listings of great wedding vendors and see real couples' wedding photos.

 

engagement pictures

Just engaged and looking for engagement picture ideas? See photos from the prettiest engagement photo sessions from top wedding photographers and get ideas for your photo shoot!


Zahir and Zahra's Romantic Engagement Photos

Zahir and Zahra didn't take their engagement photo shoot too seriously. After showing off a few moves from the dance lessons they had been taking for their upcoming wedding, the pair struggled to keep from laughing during the "serious" shots they wanted. We love the mix of urban and rustic backdrops!


Photography: Jasalyn Thorne Photographers, JasThorne.com




Claire and Brett's New York City Engagement Photos

For their engagement photo shoot, photographer Brett and his bride-to-be Claire went on their first trip to New York City. They took pictures all over Manhattan, stopping for photo ops at hot dog stands and park benches. Their photographer even took some paparazzi-style shots of them. Super cute!


Photography: Michael Norwood Photography, MNPBlog.com




 



Jenny and Andrew's Vividly Festive Engagement Photos

Jenny and Andrew mixed a funky color palette, festive decorations, and a vintage bicycle to create some seriously awesome engagement photos -- especially when left in the genius hands of Our Labor of Love Photography. The couple had to ride back and forth a few times to get the right shots, but we think you'll agree it was worth the workout!


Photography: Jesse and Whitney, Our Labor of Love Photography, OurBlogofLove.com



 


Leigh and Dave's Oceanside Engagement Photos

From the cherry red and aqua color palette to the vintage VW bus and embraces on the beach, everything about Leigh and Dave's engagement shoot radiates ease and romance. Not to mention how much we're coveting Leigh's killer vintage style!


Photography: Leigh Miller, Leigh Miller Photography






Meg and Jay's Action-Packed Engagement Photos

Meg and Jay met while guiding river rafting trips on the Arkansas River, so naturally when the time came for engagement photos, they had to get back on the river. We love a couple that's not afraid to get a little unconventional with their "poses."


Photography: Jenna Walker Photography, JennaWalkerPhotography.com






Regina and Danny's Red Balloon Engagement Photos

An overcast day wasn't enough to stop Regina and Danny's California engagement photo shoot. Photographer Caroline Tran made the most of the gray skies and let the couple's simple props -- five red balloons, a parasol, and a pair of scarlet pumps -- do the talking. The result? Simply perfect photos.


Photography: Caroline Tran Photography, CarolineTran.net