20 of the Best Engagement Photo Ideas Ever (2024)

If you’re looking for the best engagement photo ideas, you’ve come to the right place! We feel extremely blessed to work with the most amazing wedding photographers in the industry and share Real Weddings and engagement photo ideas with you on a regular basis. When we feature a new engagement shoot, I can always recall a specific detail, like the surprise proposal, the rowboat, or the impromptu Scrabble game. When you’re planning, remember that the best engagement photo ideas are all about the details. Your location(s), attire, props, and the season you choose will contribute to a more memorable engagement session. Also, selecting an amazing engagement photographer is very important: he or she will be essential in properly bringing your engagement photo ideas to fruition and capturing you at your very best. To inspire you, we’ve rounded up twenty of the best engagement photo ideas… and I think you’re going to love what we’ve discovered! What’s your favorite?

photos by justin battenfield | see the full shoot here

1. The Pickup Truck

This photo – by Justin Battenfield – is one of my all-time favorite engagement photos ever. And it reminds me of this song. I love the cowboy boots hanging off the edge of the truck!


photos by justin battenfield | see the full shoot here

2. The Ampersand

You & Me. She & Him. Us & Forever. Here & Now. An ampersand is one of the essential engagement photo ideas. Photo by Stripling Photography.

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photo by stripling photography | see the full shoot here

3. The Ocean

Waves. Sand. Who-cares-if-our-feet-get-wet. Love. Photo by Eric Boneske.


photos by eric boneske photography | see the full shoot here

4. The Library

The library stacks can be a very romantic place. By Michelle Gardella.

photo by michelle gardella | see the full shoot here

5. The Hot Rod

One hot car, aviators, and a totally adorable couple. Check, check, and check. By Photography by Jen Philips.

by photography by jen philips | see the full engagement shoot here

6. The Blanket

Perfect for that snuggled-up shot, By Justin Battenfield. This is an especially perfect prop for the fall!


photo by justin battenfield | see the full engagement shoot here

Loving this one, too, by the lake. By Stripling Photography.

photo by stripling photography | see the full shoot here

7. The Snow

Snow is a fantastic winter engagement photo idea, and the result is usually a snowball fight (which makes it even more fun). By Amy Carroll Photography.


photos by amy carroll photography | see the full engagement shoot here

8. The Pub

This couple is so in love, they don’t even seem to notice they’re on camera. By Cheatwood Photography.

by cheatwood photography | see the full post here

9. The Train

Steal a few kisses on a train. By RubySky Photography.

by rubysky photography | see the full post here

10. The Chalkboards

Chalkboards are one of the most popular engagement photo ideas right now and for good reason: this is one prop that can display your upcoming wedding date or custom message right in your photo. By Eric Boneske.

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photo by eric boneske | see the full engagement shoot here

11. The Surprise Proposal

Horacio took Courtney to the beach for a romantic walk, but secretly hired Eric Boneske to capture a surprise proposal, making this one of the best engagement photo ideas (and proposal ideas) of all time. By Eric Boneske.

photo by eric boneske | see the full engagement shoot here

12. The Coat

Aw. Such a sweet shot. By Justin Battenfield.

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by justin battenfield | see the full engagement shoot here

13. The Church Pew

We featured this engagement session yesterday and the church pew quickly made our list of top engagement photo ideas. By Zack Wilson Photography.

by zack wilson photography | see the full engagement shoot here

14. The Vineyard

Ah, outdoors in rows of vineyards: a perfect setting. By Eric Boneske Photography.


photo by eric boneske photography | see the full engagement shoot here

15. The Local Hot Spot / Artwork in Town

Where’s your favorite place to hang out? Do you have a favorite local attraction? Make sure it’s on your engagement photo location list. We have a few examples for this one. First, a shot of the couple in front of Thomas Oyster Co., captured by Michelle Gardella Photography20 of the Best Engagement Photo Ideas Ever (20)

by michelle gardella | see the full engagement shoot here

… a huge wall mural in Miami by Photos by Mavi

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photo by photos by mavi | see the full engagement shoot here

… and, last but not least, the Detroit Train Station, a local architectural marvel. By Sarah Kossuch.

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by sarah kossuch | see the full engagement shoot here

16. The Wine Barrels

A winery is a beautiful place to have an engagement shoot. This shot is one of my favorites from this shoot. By Eric Boneske.


by eric boneske | see the full shoot here

17. The Alma Mater

This couple wanted to include their alma mater, where they met, into their engagement photos. By Justin Battenfield.


photo by justin battenfield | see the full engagement shoot here

Another way to do so? Take your engagement photos to your college campus, like this lecture hall shot by Erin J. Photography.

photo by erin j. photography | see the full engagement shoot here

18. The Greenhouse

Ah, love in the greenhouse. by Michelle Gardella Photography.


by michelle gardella | see the full engagement shoot here

19. The Scrabble Board

One of the most memorable engagement photo ideas involves props or activities, like this Scrabble board. This shot gets a triple word score just for being awesome. By Justin Battenfield.


by justin battenfield | see the full engagement shoot here

20. The Pups

Don’t leave your pups out of the fun! I love this shot because it shows their neighborhood and interaction with their pups. By Justin Battenfield.

by justin battenfield | see the full engagement shoot here

And, this cutie with a bow tie on. By Charity Maurer.

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by charity maurer | see the full engagement shoot here

And, the best prop of them all? That big ‘ol smile.


by justin battenfield | see the full engagement shoot here

Looking for a wedding photographer to capture your engagement photo ideas? Visit The Bridal Book at Emmaline Bride, our state-by-state preferred wedding vendor directory. Our preferred wedding vendors are hand-picked and the very best in the industry.

Happy Planning!


-E.

P.S. “I’m engaged… now what?” Find out 5 Things to Do After Getting Engaged.

P.S.S. Have you grabbed yours yet?

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20 of the Best Engagement Photo Ideas Ever (33)

Emma Arendoski

Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.

20 of the Best Engagement Photo Ideas Ever (2024)

FAQs

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.

What colors to wear for couples photos? ›

You can either go for a matching look of neutrals (for example, all white, white and jean, etc.), or mix and match colors that go well together (for example, whites, pinks, blues, etc.). Contrasting outfits also look really good – for example, a light colored top with dark colored pants, or vice versa.

How do you compliment an engagement picture? ›

Compliments
  1. “You two are so right together. ...
  2. “I just love it when two wonderful people decide to spend their lives together.”
  3. “Here's to your engagement! ...
  4. “I'm smiling just thinking about your smile in the proposal photo. ...
  5. “If ever a couple deserved this much happiness, it's you two.”
Aug 28, 2020

How many photos should I get for engagement photos? ›

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.

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