80 Engagement Photo Ideas to Steal From Couples Who Totally Nailed It

From playful and fun to dramatic and romantic, these engagement photos will sweep you off your feet

Updated 02/02/19

Now that you and your BAE are engaged, it’s time to commemorate the momentous occasion with a romantic photoshoot! But where do you start? There are so many cheesy couples' photos and countless run-of-the-mill shots that it can be a challenge to snap a photo that is truly your own. But thankfully, you don't have to rely on those predictable poses and overdone locations. There are a handful of things you can do to make sure your photos turn out perfectly one-of-a-kind and feel right for you and your parter.

Before you jump into your session, here's what you should know about engagement photoshoots. For starters:

Location

Whether you and your significant other are world travelers or would rather just Netflix n' chill, location is everything for making your engagement photos unique.

Your Favorite Spot: Have a go-to coffee shop where the barista knows both of your orders? Or a brewery where you meet for happy hour every week? Use these personal spots as inspiration for your engagement shoot to save the memories of these places for years to come.

Your Next Vacation: Planning a trip together (engagementmoon, anyone?) is one of the most exciting parts of prepping for your big day. If you're heading to a particularly gorgeous location, find a photographer in the region who can snap some shots in front of that city skyline or national park mountainside.

Your First Date: You'll feel all the feels with this one. Revisit the spot of your first date together for a few of your photos, even if it's for your eyes only.

Poses

Unless you're a model, getting "candid" shots will probably feel anything but natural—but there are a few simple ways help ease any discomfort.

PDA: From simple handholding to sexy, bikini-clad kisses, showing off some public displays of affection always makes for a sweet photo. Pretend like the photographer isn't watching and embrace your partner the way you would when you're alone—as long as it's G-rated.

Using Props: Are you both bookworms? Or love to ride the waves? Incorporate your favorite book into your shot or show off your matching surf boards for a picture that is 100% you. Our personal favorite prop? Adding smoke bombs for a pretty and playful pop of color.

Candid Shots: We know it's easier said than done, but sometimes, candid moments make the best photos. Act natural in your location of choice (by sampling hops at a brewery or picking out music at a record store) to create a natural, laid back feeling to your engagement photos.

Colors

Black and White: For a timeless, striking look to your photos, opt to have your photographer edit your favorites in black and white. The contrast can be simple, but will result in stunning shots.

Dramatic Colors: On the opposite end of the spectrum (pun intended), you can use the unique colors of your shoot's locale to find a color palette that puts any Instagram filter to shame. Talk to your photographer beforehand to see how they can edit your pictures in a style that fits you.

Consider Your Wardrobe: While you don't want to match your partner, you'll want to make sure your colors complement one another. Opt for pastels, neutrals and cool shades. Photographers recommend avoiding busy prints, which can create distraction in your photos.

Timing

Golden Hour: Sunset (or Golden Hour, as most Instagram users would call it) is the perfect time to capture a beautiful shot that guarantees great lighting. The red, soft hues will make for an intimate feel in your snaps.

Nighttime: Use the starry sky or pretty lights (like those on a ferris wheel, for example) to give a pop to your nighttime pics.

Unexpected Weather: No raining on your parade. Torrential rain, snowstorms and overwhelming heat aren't ideal, but that doesn't mean your photo is ruined. Use your inclement weather to your advantage by adding a pretty umbrella or taking your photos to a nearby snow-covered forest.

With those tips in mind, take a look at how the following couples did it; lighthearted and fun or glamorous and chic, these engagement photo ideas are sure to inspire you.

See more: Proposal Goals Alert! These 37 Proposal Photos Are Crazy-Epic

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Rollercoaster Romance

We're loving this couple's playful addition of an amusement park in their photo.

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Go to New Heights

This couple looked up in the air for this idea: taking their engagement photos in a helicopter.

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The Cool Couple's Road Trip

Combine your next road trip and your engagement shots into one by incorporating your travels into your shoot. We love this couple's laid-back, off-road vibe.

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A Sexy Swimsuit Shot

Looking to spice up your engagement photos? Unpack that slinky bikini and head to the beach for a sexy and sensual shoot of you and your partner. Sports Illustrated has nothin' on you two.

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Find Beauty In The Ordinary

Who knew a bulldozer could make such a beautiful prop? We love how this couple used an unconventional backdrop to make their engagement photos one of a kind.

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Whip Your Hair Back and Forth

Channel your inner child and use your long locks to your advantage. This couple's playful hair flip has us wanting to convince our partners to let it grow.

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Including Your Favorite Local Pub

When you both really, really love beer, a trip to the brewery is in order.

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In Your Natural Habitat

Seriously, what’s better than snuggling in bed with the one you love? At-home engagement sessions capture the candid and the genuine.

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In Front of a Romantic Italian Backdrop

Positano just got added to our bucket list, stat. Even on a rainy day, the cliffside scenery is surreal, especially when combined with a couple decked out in elegant black.

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The Spot Where You First Met

The most adorable idea for the music loving couple, right here. These two met in a record store, so they naturally brought their engagement shoot back to their beginning.

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In Front of a Romantic Celestial Sky

This pic is just stellar—get it? A starry night is pure magic; nature couldn’t set a more romantic mood for the newly engaged.

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A Ferris Wheel Date

There’s no sweeter date spot than a carnival. With a glittering ferris wheel in the background, the scene evokes youthful, magical romance.

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At Your Favorite Place To Shop

Because Target is actually the best place on earth. Just when you thought shopping there couldn’t get more fun, this couple takes it to new heights. We’d say they hit a bullseye with this shot.

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Include Your Favorite Fairytale

Two bookworms can get behind this cute idea.

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Show Off Your Daredevil Side

How perfect is this shot for the adventurous duo? We love the contrast of action and intimacy up here in the trees.

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A Fun Day In Bed

A pillow fight is a fun way to show off your playful sides.

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Make Commuting Cute

Who knew subways could be so romantic? This stylish NYC shot captures city life and this couple’s sweet candor.

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A Playful (And Sexy) Bubble Bath Shot

Drinking wine in the bubble bath? We’re alllllll about that life.

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A Modern Jack and Rose

Sailing off into the sunset has never looked so sublime.

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A Nature Walk

Beautiful reflections on the Oregon coast and a vivid emerald green dress make for a stunning photo.

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Celebrate With Bottles of Bubbly

Poppin’ bottles in the desert—that’s how it’s done, cowboy style.

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At Your Favorite Local Café

A visit to a neighborhood restaurant makes for some down-to-earth photos. There’s nothing more reminiscent of a first date than sharing two Coca-Colas at the counter.

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In a Colorful Canyon

The swirling sienna sandstone of Antelope Canyon creates an intimate, otherworldly feel for a sexy engagement sesh.

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Use Some Old-School Style

From the white columned house to the classic Thunderbird and elegantly dressed couple, this photo is chic as can be.

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Going Up in Smoke

Tinted smoke adds a shock of color and lighthearted fun to an engagement session, making for some spirited photos.

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In a Playful Poolside Picture

These two cuties are all twisted up in love. Playful pool inflatables promise to spice up a standard beach engagement sesh.

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At an Iconic City Landmark

We’re not sure how these two managed a quiet, people-free Brooklyn Bridge stroll, but we’re loving the perspective and iconic architecture here.

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In Front Of a Pretty Local Landscape

Charleston romance is at its finest with this formal plantation engagement photo.

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A Pretty Paddleboat

We dare you to find a more romantic place to take your engagement photos. Just like Ally and Noah, make your engagement photos totally heart-melting in a private paddleboat.

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Close Up Kisses

We’re as crazy about the plentiful plaid as much as this couple looks crazy in love. This adorable shot is all outdoorsy fun.

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Basically Anywhere in Italy

Impeccable fashion, studly gents, and Tuscan scenery—this shot is all sorts of stylish.

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Utilizing Golden Hour

Dusk’s amber haze captures these two running off into the future together.

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A One-on-On In the WaterFalls

There’s nothing quite as dreamy as a refreshing waterfall dip with your boo.

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A Photo With Your Fur Baby

A snug kitchen, sweats, and a pup—this at-home shot is comfortable and natural.

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A Playful Day at the Carnival

A carousel ride with your person is the epitome of cuteness.

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At Your Favorite Fast Food Joint

Food fight! In-N-Out Burger isn’t your typical engagement photo spot, but that’s exactly what makes this laidback shot so great.

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Hanging Ten With Your Number One

Surfs up! We’re California dreamin’ with this totes adorbs couple.

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In Front of The Perfect Sunset

Cotton-candy skies create a soft pastel backdrop that complements and contrasts with the craggy terrain.

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Make Inclement Weather Beautiful

This couple will have you wishing for rain during your engagement photo shoot.

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Recreate Your Favorite Album Cover

This New York City crosswalk is no Abbey Road, but this couple makes it just as charming.

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In a Disney-Inspired Destination

Now, this is what fairytale dreams are made of. A lavender dress and old world romance setting with climbing vines make for engagement photo goals.

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Overlooking Los Angeles

Not much can beat this La La Land-esque view. We can’t get over this golden, elegant engagement shot up in the sky at the Griffith Observatory.

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A Pic With Your Pooch

This couple is adorable, but the pup is the star of this picture. Include your pet for a sweet family portrait.

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Take a Dip In The Ocean

Foamy waves crashing around this totally in-love couple make for a sexy and sultry shot.

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Include a Little Music

A sweet serenade as the sun climbs over the mountain has our hearts swooning into the sky.

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Go Old-School

This vintage inspired shot with a rowboat for two, gorgeous green hues, and striking composition just took our breaths away.

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With A Wild West Theme

A sultry desert, stylish threads, and a car driving away in the dust? This getaway session emits cinematic vibes.

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In The City Of Love

We’re saying oui to this stunning springtime photo captured in the city of love.

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Driving Off Into The Sunset

All the emotion! There’s nothing like a convertible ride along the coast, with the top down and your fiancé by your side.

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At a Breathtaking National Park

Simply put, this Yosemite engagement photo is epic. A forest of trees, sky-high mountains, and a romantic bridge combine for a breathtaking view.

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In An Enchanting Venice Canal

This couple nails the destination engagement sesh, glamming up the canals of Venice with an elegant showstopping red dress.

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In a Winter Wonderland

Getting lit! The most innovative use of fairy lights we’ve ever seen, amidst pure snowy perfection.

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With a Sweet Treat

How cute is this couple’s Lady and The Tramp moment? Ice cream over spaghetti, any day.

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A Perfect Golden Hour Shot

Suns out, buns out! There’s something naturally beautiful about these babes running off into the sinking sun.

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You SHOULD Play With Your Food

Baby, it’s cold outside. This playful couple knows how to make the most of their hot chocolate—and their personalities.

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Fields of Flowers Forever

What’s sweeter than carrying your princess bride-to-be through a meadow of flowers?

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Channel Your Favorite Rom-Com

Swim-time fun is transformed into an endearing shot as this couple's inspiration from The Notebook.

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With a Big Apple Backdrop

We’re rooftop dreamin’ with these two and the Brooklyn skyline.

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The Best Brunch Ever

This breakfast in bed scene is all snug and intimate.

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Show Off Your Silly Side

Goofing off in a shopping cart makes for a playful pic that shows off this couple’s young at heart vibes.

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Blow Them Away With A Windy City Backdrop

We heart a good cityscape background in any engagement photo, like this one in downtown Chicago.

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Nautical Nuptials

These lovers are whisked off to paradise with a front row view on the bow of a boat.

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A Mid-Dinner Photoshoot

These kitchen cuties know how to make cooking fun.

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Beachside Bliss

Lifeguard duty just got a whole lot cuter with this pair.

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Amidst The Ocean Waves

The crashing surf leaves behind a sparkling splash surrounding this sea-stranded couple in a dreamy scene.

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With Matching Shirts!

And you thought his and hers shirts were cheesy! This couple proves they’re anything but.

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The Cutest Camping Trip Ever

Camping out in the back of the van—it can’t get much cuter than this.

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A Shot Through the Windows

A peek through the window reflects on sweet love.

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A Hot Shot In The Freezing Temperatures

Having a winter engagement sesh? Bring a tribal printed blanket to keep you and your fiancé warm and add an unexpected, cozy touch.

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We Say Oui To This French Café

We adore this sidewalk café photo—there’s something romantic, intimate, and chic about a French café.

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A Glam Boating Excursion

Sleek, sexy, and sophisticated—you can put us on this slender tender anytime. We love how this bride-to-be amps up the glam factor with a sequined dress.

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On A Chic Speedboat

This luxe speedboat shot makes our hearts go vroom. Undeniably chic, it’s total engagement photo goals.

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A Totally Candid Shot

The best shots are the candid ones. This photo of a couple’s infectious laughter is warm, friendly, and so sweet.

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Make Chores Fun

Remind us why we ever hated doing laundry? This laundromat shot is tons of fun, especially when complemented by the couple’s retro, edgy vibe.

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A Sweet Spin on Sledding

Sledding for two and a winter wonderland setting, please.

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Be a Badass Bride and Groom

This couple stayed true to themselves with an edgy motorcycle shoot. Illustrate your and your fiancé's relationship with a themed session that reflects your personalities.

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A Grand Photo From the Grand Canyon

A striking canyon doused in soft, ethereal sunlight provides a jaw-dropping backdrop to this engagement photo. The couple’s formal attire is elegantly juxtaposed with Mother Nature.

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A Hot Take On A Fire Escape

The love of this cool couple helps bring out the beauty of an otherwise ordinary fire escape.

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An Ethereal Mountain Backdrop

Boy, do we love a good contrast, like the elegance of this bride-to-be’s dress against the raw, ethereal beauty of the Montana wilderness.

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In a Snowy Woodland

Turn those post-holiday blues into the perfect photo op. After a big snow, your local forest preserve will transform into a winter wonderland.