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
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
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
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
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
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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Silhouette Portrait
There's something so romantic about a silhouette portrait at sunset.
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Boat Ride
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a breathtaking location for dramatic engagement photos.
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Urban Setting
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
How creative was this shot, which captured the couple candidly through a café window?
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Gorgeous Lighting
The warm glow of the sun helped this couple's love shine even stronger.
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Celebratory Props
Bring some bubbly to your session to really set the mood.
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Elegant Venue
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
Make your session feel more personal with an intimate pose.
Get More Posing Tips for Your Engagement Session
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Adventurous Shoot
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
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
This couple selected California's Joshua Tree National Park as their engagement session venue.
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Destination Shoot
These two got all dressed up for their engagement photos in Florence, Italy.
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Creative Pose
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
Talk about an impressive shot. Just look at that sunbeam shining down through the California Redwoods.