Also known as pre-wedding pictures, engagement photos are a set taken ahead of your big day. These shoots are really flexible – and can take place anywhere you like in the lead-up to your ceremony.
There are a number of benefits to these sessions. Firstly, it’s a great opportunity to meet your photographer before the occasion, get to know them and to see them in action. You’ll also have the chance to get used to being together in front of the camera, so it serves as a test run, if not exactly a dress rehearsal.
You’ll find many uses for the end results, from save-the-date messages to social media, or your wedding website if you have one.
Finally, an engagement shoot celebrates this short, special time as you look forward to your day. So it should capture all the nerves and excitement, as well as the love you have for each other.
Where should I have my engagement photo shoot?
As mentioned, the possibilities are seemingly endless. You could choose to have the session at home or at a favourite beauty spot. Or, for a consistent gallery of images, your wedding venue could also provide the ideal location.
Think about where you will be most relaxed, the feelings you want the location to evoke, and which settings hold a strong personal meaning for both of you. Equally, take into account time of day and year – do you want a stunning autumnal background full of rich colours, for example, or to capture the romance of a sunset? Or would you prefer a backdrop of bluebells or sunflowers?
Ultimately, only you can decide which location will work best for you. Here are some ideas to kick-start some inspiration.
Richmond Park
As Richmond Park is one of London’s Royal Parks (it’s the biggest one) it remains a popular choice. Its 2,500 acres include plenty of idyllic spots, some great places to warm up with a coffee and the chance to get some action shots on the cycling trails, so there’s huge scope for an excellent photography shoot.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl
This Devil’s Punch Bowl offers nearly 700 acres of stunning heathland just to the east of Hindhead, Surrey, and essentially forms a natural amphitheatre. It’s also near the A3, so easy to access. At Gibbet Hill, 270+m above sea level, you can enjoy panoramic views. So, understandably, this site is another popular location for pre-wedding pictures.
Bushy Park
The 1,000 acres of Bushy Park, the second-biggest of London’s eight Royal Parks, lie just north of Hampton Court in Richmond-on-Thames. Expect waterways, gardens and roaming herds of red and fallow deer. So there are myriad opportunities to get some beautiful and varied images here.
Nonsuch Park
Created in 1538 by Henry VIII, this is a former deer-hunting park with Nonsuch Mansion (a wedding venue) in its grounds. The large open space has numerous paths and is home to numerous bird, insect and flower species. There’s ample parking and a good café, while the walled garden and rose arbour could also provide perfect photo spots.
Painshill Gardens
Created in the eighteenth century, this landscaped garden incorporates follies, grottoes, a waterwheel and vineyard plus the all-important tearoom! It’s located near the Surrey village of Cobham. There’s a modest entry fee, but if you go at the right time of year, the daffodils provide a delightful background to your engagement photos.
Priory Park
Restored in 2007, Reigate’s Priory Park is a popular destination. Potential sites for photos include the croquet lawn, formal gardens and woodland, while there’s also a lovely lake. So again, there’s plenty of scope.
Banstead Woods
Surrounded by chalk downland, Banstead Woods, which was a medieval deer park, comprises 250 acres of ancient woodland thought once to have been owned by Anne Boleyn. There are plenty of well-marked paths and myriad lovely spots for some truly gorgeous images. Plus if you do the shoot in the spring, you’ll have the added backdrop of carpets of beautiful bluebells.
Wisley Gardens
Again, there is an entry charge here that you need to be aware of. But Wisley is one of the UK’s great gardens, encompassing 240 acres. Take your pick from the Rock Garden, Wisteria Walk, glasshouse, rose and exotic gardens and heather landscape.
Fancy a more urban vibe?
London is another idea – and of course you can avoid the Royal Parks and the need for a permit for taking professional photos. But, clearly, the capital has endless bridges and other landmarks for a truly stylish photoshoot.
How I do pre-wedding photos
I love doing engagement shoots as well as the photography on the day, and will present you with a beautiful set of natural-looking pre-wedding images. I include this shoot free of charge in my Collection 3 package.
Book your time – I tend to spend a whole day at a location (i.e. one of the above) and offer two-hour slots between 9am and 6pm to work with several couples in one day. I have experience of a wide range of photoshoot locations, and I’m happy to chat through ideas, so do contact me.
