Now that your boo has popped the questions (congrats!), it’s time to brainstorm some engagement photo locations and boy do I have some amazing ideas for you! Take the opportunity to show off your personalities and make your engagement photos the perfect embodiment of your relationship. Is there something you love doing together? Incorporate that into the shoot, whether it’s a location or a fun prop. If you’re both foodies and like spending your weekends exploring the newest and coolest dining spots, hit your favorite restaurant for your engagement session. Do you love to cook? Bring out the baking bowl and make pancakes for your “at-home” engagement shoot. Another tip that I often recommend when I discuss engagement photo locations with my couples is to think of the locations that are significant for you. Did you both meet somewhere memorable? One of my couples had their engagement photos taken at a local jazz bar where they first laid eyes on each other (cue the awws).
Between urban, park, beach or at-home engagement photo locations, take the Quiz to find out which one you should go for:
What are you and your boo up to this weekend?
Which of these engagement photo outfits would you pick?
Which of these fictional character couples are your favorite?
Which wedding venue speaks to you?
What kind of treat station will your guests enjoy at the reception?
What words would you use to describe your dream wedding?
Which Of These Engagement Photo Locations Is Perfect For You?
Park Engagement Photos
There’s simply nowhere more romantic to take your engagement photos than the rolling green fields of your favorite park. Go for a peaceful hike to reflect on all the great experiences that brought you closer together while your photographer takes epic photos of you in a beautiful landscape. Once you reach your final destination, whether it’s a calm emerald pond or a picturesque lookout, take some windswept sunset photos to commemorate your day.
Engagement photos tip: I equally love how both evening gowns and knit sweaters look against a natural backdrop. Bring two sets of outfits to add some variety to your photos. It also goes without saying that you’re more than welcome to bring your furry friend along to the shoot!
Location ideas: Toronto is full of wonderful parks. I will always have a soft spot for High Park and Trinity Bellwoods Park. Evergreen Brickworks is another great option if you’re looking for sweeping cityscape shot. Humber Marshes Park is becoming one of my new favorites!
At-Home Engagement Photos
If you’re cuddle-up with hot-chocolate and a blanket at-home kind of couple, why go anywhere else for your engagement photos? Enjoy a sunny morning together in the comfort of your own home! Make a simple and delicious breakfast, brew your favorite coffee and let your photographer capture cozy and intimate engagement pics where you’re most comfortable.
Engagement photos tip: Don't forget to tidy-up ahead of time and designate a few corners of your home that show off your personality (like a cute gallery wall in your living room, or a vast LP collection). Once you’re finished at home photos, take a walk to the neighborhood park for some gorgeous photos to finish off your session.
Beach Engagement Photos
If you don’t mind having sand in your toes and the wind in your hair, beach engagement photos sound like a good idea. Dress in light, breezy outfits and have a picnic on your favorite beach while your photographer takes bright and airy photos. Ditch your shoes and don’t be afraid to enjoy whatever photo ops your location has to offer, whether it’s rolling around in the sand or dipping your toes in the water!
Engagement photos tip: Schedule your beach engagement photos either at sunrise or just before sunset to capitalize the beautiful, glowing light. You can also bring two sets of outfits, casual and dressy, to introduce some variety to your photos. Remember to bring cute props, such as a picnic blanket or a straw hat!
Location ideas: Photogenic beaches in Toronto including Scarborough Bluffs, Woodbine Beach, and Cherry Beach.
Urban Engagement Photos
You spent your first date showing each other your favorite parts of the city and it only makes sense to take your engagement photos there! Make another date out of your engagement session, dress-up and hit your favorite bar, go to your beloved neighborhood or spend your time exploring new spots. You can finish off your engagement shoot at the top of a downtown parking garage to get those Instagram-worthy city line photos.
Engagement photos tip: When it comes to your outfit choices try to complement your backdrop with the colors in your clothes. In order to maximize your time, leave your car in the parking lot and get a cab to move between locations.
Location ideas: Take a walk through the financial district for timeless and sleek photos. Explore historic parts of the city including the University of Toronto campus. Or, hit Kensington Market for some photogenic graffiti walls.
