22 Non-Lame Engagement Photo Ideas to Copy ASAP
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Sooo you just got engaged. Or maybe you’re still dropping hints. Or you’re single as a pringle. Regardless, you clicked on this story so for some reason you’re thinking about marriage. But there’s something you need to tackle before you start dreaming up wedding hashtags and researching venues: Engagement photos.
Now half of you are probably like, “what do you do with engagement photos?” Well, allow me to educate you. You know that pic Kristen from your hometown posted of her and her fiancé staring lovingly into each other’s eyes in a field last week? Yeah, that didn’t just *happen*. A lot of couples hire a professional photographer to take pics they can use to announce their engagement, put on their wedding website and even use for save-the-dates. It’s basically like senior pictures for adults.
But wait wait wait, when should engagement photos be taken, and how much should they cost? Both great questions. In both cases, it depends how extra you are. Most people take them within 1-2 months of getting engaged, but you could also take them day-of (if your fiancé is a pro Instagram boyfriend and hires a photographer to capture the proposal, that is). As for cost, that totally depends where you live, but according to Shutterfly, most engagement shoots are typically between $200 and $500.
Wondering what you bring to an engagement photo shoot? It’s pretty simple: yourself, your partner, and any props or photo bombers (like your pup) that you’d like to include. But more on that later. Here, 22 non-lame engagement photo ideas you should copy ASAP (or, like, when you get engaged).
1. Go Simple with a Selfie
Snap a pic (or 500) of you and your boo right after he pops the question. The smiles will be genuine, and you’ll save that aforementioned $500. It’s a win-win.
2. Head to Target
Be honest, Target has a special place in your heart. So you might as well use it as a location for your engagement shoot. While you’re at it, maybe see if they’ll let you get married there too? Target is the best. Picture here.
3. Show Off That Rock
Brag a ‘lil, bb. You deserve it. Pose with your arms around your fiancé’s neck so the photog can get a good shot of the ring. (2nd picture)
4. Take Some Candids
Sometimes staged engagement photos are totally vom-inducing. So keep it candid (and adorable) by having your friends and fam capture the moment.
5. Pick Some *Chef’s Kiss* Scenery
Name another time where you’ll have a chance to do a lovey-dovey photo shoot with a killer backdrop—besides your wedding, of course. I’ll wait.
6. Hope for Rain
Rain on your engagement photo day ≠ total disaster. I mean, just look at these pics.
7. Use Ice Cream as a Prop
Because it’s never not a good occasion for ice cream, and your engagement photo shoot is no exception.
8. Pose by a Mural Wall
Fact: every pose looks cooler in front of a mural wall. Need I say more?
9. Revisit Where You First Met
Taking it back to that checkout line or subway car where you first met adds a cute touch.
10. Sit In a Field
Find a field, sit, and voilà. It’s a spin on the classic standing-in-a-field engagement photos, and the results are wayyy prettier. Picture here.
11. Show Some Personality
There’s nothing more cringey than ultra-posed, stiff couples pics. Ew. Goof around and you’ll get some awesome shots that feel more authentic. Picture here.
12. Keep It Caj
Hate to break it to you, but this isn’t the Met Gala. Go with a casual outfit you’d wear on the reg and let your ~love~ be the focal point. Picture here.
13. Bring Your *Insert Important Item Here* as a Prop
Newsflash: props aren’t cheesy when they’re done right. Bring something that’s important to your relaish to use in some shots. In this couple’s case, it’s their fave surfboard. Picture here.
14. Hit Up a Coffee Shop
You both love your morning caffeine, might as well cement it as part of your marriage by taking your engagement pics in a coffee shop. Just please don’t pick Starbucks. Picture here.
15. Go Full-On Tourist
Look, there’s a reason tourists are always snapping pics in Central Park—it’s super pretty. Ask your photographer if you can go to a popular site in your city in the early AM to avoid the crowds and get. that. shot. Picture here.
16. Shoot at Home
Yes, you can do the entire shoot in the comfort of your own home if you want. Fancy locations be damned. Picture here.
17. Include Your Pup
Up the cute factor to an unfair degree by including your furbaby in this important milestone. Picture here.
18. Pop Some Champs
The best prop is one that can get you tipsy, duh. Plus, sipping it will give you something to do with your hands. You’re welcome. Picture here.
19. Get Wet
You’ve probably never thought of taking it to the water for your engagement photos—which is what makes this idea so genius. Just remember to wear waterproof mascara. Picture here.
20. Use a Drone
Pick a setting you’re cool with laying down in, and have a drone capture some overhead snaps. Save this one for the end of the shoot so you’re not dirty/sandy/wet, K? Picture here.
21. Capture the Actual Proposal
If you haven’t been proposed to yet, drop extremely obvious hints that you’d like a photographer there to capture the actual moment. Cross your fingers that your SO delivers. Picture here.
22. Take a Trip
Need an excuse for your first-ever trip to Paris? How about drool-worthy engagement photos. I’m sold. Picture here.
Sooo you just got engaged. Or maybe you’re still dropping hints. Or you’re single as a Pringle. Regardless, you clicked on this story, which means for some reason, you’re thinking about being betrothed. But there’s something you need to tackle before you start dreaming up wedding hashtags and researching venues. And that’s engagement photos.
Now half of you are probably like, “What do you even do with engagement photos?” Well, allow me to educate you. You know that pic Kristen from your hometown posted of her and her fiancé last week? The one where they’re staring lovingly into each other’s eyes in a field? Yeah, that didn’t just *happen*. A lot of couples hire a professional photographer to take pics they can use to announce their engagement, put on their wedding website, or even feature on their save-the-dates. It’s basically like senior pictures for adults getting married.
But wait, wait, wait, when should engagement photos be taken, and how much should they cost? Both great questions. In both cases, it depends how extra you are. Most people take them within one to two months of getting engaged, but you could also take them day of (if your fiancé is a pro and hires a photographer to capture the proposal, that is). As for cost, that totally depends where you live, but according to Shutterfly, most engagement shoots fall between $200 and $500. So, yeah, not cheap.
Once that’s all set, it’s time to gather your glam squad: you, your partner, and any props or photo bombers (like your pup) that you’d like to include. But more on that later. Here, really cute photo ideas you should copy ASAP (or, like, when you get engaged).
You Might Also Like
