There are so many options for choosing the location for your engagement pictures. I know it can be super overwhelming! I want to help my couples figure out what location(s) make the most sense for them. Since I’m a Colorado wedding photographer, some of the locations I suggest here are going to be centered on my favorite engagement session spots in Colorado, but these basic tips really can apply to anyone.
The very first basic thing you want to decide is the landscape or background you’d like to feature in your engagement photos. Do you prefer a natural landscape, or an urban setting? Is there any particular place that is special to you and your fiancé?
You’ll notice that my specialty is outdoor portraits in gorgeous natural landscapes—I love the natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, and sunsets. These are things you cannot reproduce in a studio. BUT, there are lots of great indoor ideas for engagement pictures as well. Perhaps there is a special coffee shop, brewery, or restaurant you and your fiancé love to go to. You could recreate a date at one of those spots for your engagement pictures.
Really, this is the time to think outside the box! I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you or someone you know can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, country club, or resort. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel, or even an airplane hangar. The sky is the limit! Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with. Plus, if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask!
Here are just a few location ideas for your engagement pictures:
Head into the mountains.
There is nothing like having an amazing mountain backdrop. And if you are fans of hiking, this is a perfect option for you.
Check out this blog post I wrote all about my favorite mountain locations for engagement pictures in Colorado.
Find a beautiful lake or river.
If you’re looking for water in your photos, there are plenty of options right here in Colorado. The link above will show you just a few ideas!
Does your family happen to have beautiful private land?
A private ranch or estate, perhaps? This is a good way to get beautiful photos that are different from what everyone else will have.
Stick to an urban area, like downtown Denver.
There are so many options here, like utilizing mural walls or the unique architecture, or finding a good vantage point with the city in the background.
Go to your favorite coffee shop.
Pro tips for the best photos: make sure it’s someplace stylish and bright with lots of windows. I always aim to sit close to the windows for the best light!
Go to your favorite brewery.
The same rule applies here, but breweries do tend to be darker.
Stay home!
In-home sessions can be so much fun, and then you have the opportunity to do all kinds of homey activities together, like making something in the kitchen, or lounging on the couch with your dog. If you love your home and style, why not show it off?
Find a greenhouse.
This is a location that often requires permission and sometimes a photo permit, but it can be so worth it. The natural greenery and flowers all around you can make for such gorgeous pictures.
Go to your favorite city park.
This is a good way to still embrace the outdoors but get more of a groomed park look. City parks can be great for trying to get spring engagement photos with all the blooms around.
I always encourage my couples to let me know some of their ideas up front, and I can help narrow ideas down or suggest more wherever I can. And if two location ideas are nearby each other, you can even incorporate more than one idea!
One thing I haven’t mentioned yet that is a big point is to consider the season in which you want to take your engagement pictures. This can have a huge effect on your options for the location. For example, many mountain locations may not be accessible during the winter months because of the snow. On the other hand, if you’re wanting a beautiful winter wonderland shoot, you probably won’t be able to fully achieve that look in the middle of the summer. If you’re wanting fall colors, there is often a very narrow window of time to get them done, and the specific locations may vary depending on the weather and altitude.
You also want to think about what type of clothing you want to wear. If you have dreams of a strapless ball gown, maybe don’t choose a mountain location in the dead of winter. If you want an outdoorsy, REI-catalog type of look, heading outside in early fall might make the most sense.
Overall, my biggest focus in helping my couples choose their engagement picture locations is to incorporate someplace personal to them, whether that’s indoors or outdoors, or just giving them the opportunity to have their photos taken somewhere GORGEOUS. Because it’s not every day you get to have your photos professionally taken in one of these places, and you’re going to be cherishing these photos for a long, long time.
If you’re struggling with ideas, I hope this has been a great place to start, and definitely reach out to me if you need help picking the best spot for you!
Don’t forget to check out my other tips to help you prepare for the most amazing engagement pictures:
The Complete Guide to Help You Prepare for Your Engagement Pictures
Style Tips for Amazing Engagement Pictures
Favorite Colorado Mountain Locations for Adventurous Engagement Pictures
How to Personalize Your Engagement Pictures
Also check out my Pinterest board for more engagement photo inspiration. And if you liked this post, PIN IT below!
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.
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There are so many options for choosing the location for your engagement pictures. I know it can be super overwhelming! I want to help my couples figure out what location(s) make the most sense for them. Since I’m a Colorado wedding photographer, some of the locations I suggest here are going to be centered on my favorite engagement session spots in Colorado, but these basic tips really can apply to anyone.
The very first basic thing you want to decide is the landscape or background you’d like to feature in your engagement photos. Do you prefer a natural landscape, or an urban setting? Is there any particular place that is special to you and your fiancé?
You’ll notice that my specialty is outdoor portraits in gorgeous natural landscapes—I love the natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, and sunsets. These are things you cannot reproduce in a studio. BUT, there are lots of great indoor ideas for engagement pictures as well. Perhaps there is a special coffee shop, brewery, or restaurant you and your fiancé love to go to. You could recreate a date at one of those spots for your engagement pictures.
Really, this is the time to think outside the box! I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you or someone you know can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, country club, or resort. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel, or even an airplane hangar. The sky is the limit! Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with. Plus, if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask!
Here are just a few location ideas for your engagement pictures:
Head into the mountains.
There is nothing like having an amazing mountain backdrop. And if you are fans of hiking, this is a perfect option for you.
Check out this blog post I wrote all about my favorite mountain locations for engagement pictures in Colorado.
Find a beautiful lake or river.
If you’re looking for water in your photos, there are plenty of options right here in Colorado. The link above will show you just a few ideas!
Does your family happen to have beautiful private land?
A private ranch or estate, perhaps? This is a good way to get beautiful photos that are different from what everyone else will have.
Stick to an urban area, like downtown Denver.
There are so many options here, like utilizing mural walls or the unique architecture, or finding a good vantage point with the city in the background.
Go to your favorite coffee shop.
Pro tips for the best photos: make sure it’s someplace stylish and bright with lots of windows. I always aim to sit close to the windows for the best light!
Go to your favorite brewery.
The same rule applies here, but breweries do tend to be darker.
Stay home!
In-home sessions can be so much fun, and then you have the opportunity to do all kinds of homey activities together, like making something in the kitchen, or lounging on the couch with your dog. If you love your home and style, why not show it off?
Find a greenhouse.
This is a location that often requires permission and sometimes a photo permit, but it can be so worth it. The natural greenery and flowers all around you can make for such gorgeous pictures.
Go to your favorite city park.
This is a good way to still embrace the outdoors but get more of a groomed park look. City parks can be great for trying to get spring engagement photos with all the blooms around.
I always encourage my couples to let me know some of their ideas up front, and I can help narrow ideas down or suggest more wherever I can. And if two location ideas are nearby each other, you can even incorporate more than one idea!
One thing I haven’t mentioned yet that is a big point is to consider the season in which you want to take your engagement pictures. This can have a huge effect on your options for the location. For example, many mountain locations may not be accessible during the winter months because of the snow. On the other hand, if you’re wanting a beautiful winter wonderland shoot, you probably won’t be able to fully achieve that look in the middle of the summer. If you’re wanting fall colors, there is often a very narrow window of time to get them done, and the specific locations may vary depending on the weather and altitude.
You also want to think about what type of clothing you want to wear. If you have dreams of a strapless ball gown, maybe don’t choose a mountain location in the dead of winter. If you want an outdoorsy, REI-catalog type of look, heading outside in early fall might make the most sense.
Overall, my biggest focus in helping my couples choose their engagement picture locations is to incorporate someplace personal to them, whether that’s indoors or outdoors, or just giving them the opportunity to have their photos taken somewhere GORGEOUS. Because it’s not every day you get to have your photos professionally taken in one of these places, and you’re going to be cherishing these photos for a long, long time.
If you’re struggling with ideas, I hope this has been a great place to start, and definitely reach out to me if you need help picking the best spot for you!
Don’t forget to check out my other tips to help you prepare for the most amazing engagement pictures:
The Complete Guide to Help You Prepare for Your Engagement Pictures
Style Tips for Amazing Engagement Pictures
Favorite Colorado Mountain Locations for Adventurous Engagement Pictures
How to Personalize Your Engagement Pictures
Also check out my Pinterest board for more engagement photo inspiration. And if you liked this post, PIN IT below!
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.