Are engagement photos worth it?
How to honor and celebrate your engagement
As someone who HATES getting their photo taken the idea of engagement photos elicits a straight “NOT A CHANCE” response from me. But many of us only get engaged once! So it makes sense to want to commemorate the occasion. I wanted to chat with our wedding pro collaborators on this topic and get their opinions, advice, and inspiration on ways to celebrate engagements with a unique photoshoot to capture this incredible stage in life.
In your opinion, are engagement photos necessary? How are they used by a couple + what’s the meaning behind them?
“I didn’t pursue engagement photos personally because my husband was super shy. Looking back, I think he realized just how much fun it would have been to have just set time aside to be guided into moments of laughter, simple beauty, and play… exploring our favorite spots without all of the big deal vibes that come with the actual wedding day. Plus, you get to know your photography team! As a wedding painter, these photos can offer information and be sourced into portraits I have made for couple’s announcements and also displayed at their wedding.”
Andy Greenlee, Celebration Paintings
“As a photographer, I think engagement photos are important. Are they necessary? Maybe not. But at the least making a point of celebrating this time in your lives together and documenting that fun time together is something you don’t want to miss out on. Maybe this consists of a weekend getaway to the coast and taking selfies together on your phone, or bringing a polaroid camera for fun. Whatever it looks like for you, if hiring an engagement photographer is not in the cards I hope you still do something celebratory together. Life is too short not to.”
Ann Marie, Myrtle Creative Co
“Couples take engagement photos for so many reasons, to use at the wedding, to get to know their photographer, or for more introverted couples practice getting comfortable in front of the camera. What can couples use their engagement photos for? So many things! Gifts for holidays, like Christmas or Mother’s Day. Cards like, thank you’s, save the dates, or Christmas. Decoration for the wedding with prints, guestbook or centerpieces. And lastly, you can use one if you need a headshot.”
Cambrae, Photography by Cambrae
“Nothing is necessary, only matters what people value. Not all people value the same thing and that’s totally ok!”
Amber DePangher, Sightglass Photography
“Absolutely! Engagement photos are less an announcement that’s printed in the paper these days, and more of a “get-to-know-your-photographer” session prior to the wedding. I’m forever telling clients to trust their intuition when it comes to hiring their vendors, so it’s essential to the process that they meet with, gel with, and are comfortable with the person who will be working closely with them for 8-10 hours day-of”
Ashley Lachney, Alston Mayger Events
“Necessary? No. A lot of fun, yes. So if it doesn’t cause stress on your budget, then go for it. You’re only engaged once, so enjoy it together – but if it causes stress or you’d rather spend money elsewhere, then don’t do it, or do something else to commemorate your engagement.”
Bryan Whitaker, Kitsap Bartending Services
Do you have any tips for couples planning their engagement photos?
“Go in expecting to have some fun together. Keep it light and fun and you will get the best images that express your love for one another. Bring several outfit changes, that way if in the photos you don’t love one outfit you have plenty of images in other outfits to select from.”
Amanda Shama, Ambient Sky Wedding Films & Photography
Work with your photographer to find a perfect location and plan some kind of activity. I always suggest doing something that you guys love to do together on a normal day – whether that be baking cookies, playing a board game, hiking, etc. Communicate your wants with your photographer.”
Katelynn Clauson, Daisy and Sun Events
What are other ways couples can commemorate their engagement?
My recommendation is to take a day trip together, or overnight if you can! Just be together and start that communication I talked about. Starting out the wedding planning process by telling each other honestly what is important and not important and what each person’s vision is can help the entire process run more smoothly.”
Carolyn O’Brien, Creative Celebrations
Have a planned dinner with your parents; together or apart. Revisit your meeting place. Take a trip and make this the first trip together as an engaged couple!”
Andy Greenlee, Celebration Paintings
Of course I’m in the business of planning events, but I love a good engagement party! Any excuse to get dressed up with your nearest and dearest and celebrate your love, count me in!”
Ashley Lachney, Alston Mayger Events
“We offer a Love Story Film which is a video engagement story. We get you on camera telling us how you met, deets on the first date, how you knew they were the one, the proposal story, what you’re looking forward to in your future and so much more. It’s a priceless heirloom film that you will have to look back on forever and it’s a great way for your future generations to hear your story!”
Amanda Shama, Ambient Sky Wedding Films & Photography
“Plan a getaway or vacation together to commemorate your engagement. This could be anything from a day trip to your favorite wineries to spending a week in Paris – whatever makes the most sense for you! New experiences together are always going to be a great way for you to grow together in your relationship.”
Ann Marie, Myrtle Creative Co.
As someone who HATES getting their photo taken the idea of engagement photos elicits a straight “NOT A CHANCE” response from me. But many of us only get engaged once! So it makes sense to want to commemorate the occasion. I wanted to chat with our wedding pro collaborators on this topic and get their opinions, advice, and inspiration on ways to celebrate engagements with a unique photoshoot to capture this incredible stage in life.
