Engagement Photo Ideas That Make Your Session Feel Like a Fun Date

As a Chicago engagement photographer, quite literally nothing makes me happier than delivering a gallery that feels like you, except like, striking gold at the thrift, maybe. 

Seriously, though, cookie-cutter engagement photos where you’re wearing an outfit that doesn’t feel like you, standing in a location that has no meaning, and smiling just because there’s a camera there? Yeah. They’re out. Engagement photos filled with personality, though? They’re so in. I always say that your engagement photoshoot should feel like a date, not like a check off the wedding planning list. So if you’re looking for some engagement photo ideas that feel true to who you are (dare I say, quirky, artsy, and probably a big fan of 70s music?)… You’re in the right place. 

Engagement Photo Ideas for the Rad, Ultra-Nostalgic Souls from Lauren and Jason’s Session

Okay, Lauren and Jason did it all right. Their session was so them. Good vibes, good music, good food, good lighting… It’s safe to say that this is one I won’t be getting over anytime soon. They planned a shoot that incorporated their favorite things, and the result was a gallery that feels effortlessly fun and unique, where you can tell that they weren’t pretending for the camera even for a second. Just pure, raw date energy. 

If those are the vibes you’re dreaming of for your session (which, yeah, they should be), these engagement photo ideas are gonna be right up your alley:

Choose Cool, Meaningful Locations

Where you choose to take your engagement photos sets the whole pace for what your session is gonna look like. If you want something fun, choose somewhere bright and upbeat, like a bar, a bowling alley, or an arcade. If you want something a little more editorial, I love art museums and movie theaters. I have a whole guide on where to take engagement photos in Chicago here, so don’t skip that one. 

Every time a couple asks me where they should take their engagement photos, I tell them to go someplace that’s comfortable. Because a spot you frequent? That’s what makes it feel like a date. And that’s when we’ll get those pictures that show just how in love you two are. 

Lauren and Jason wanted their session to feel laid-back and true to them, so we did what they usually do on a Friday night. They danced to the best damn classic albums on vinyl, barefoot in their living room. Then they played cards on their back deck. Then, we hit some of their favorite spots around their neighborhood: a cozy little bar and a hot dog joint where they split a burger. The vibe was curated, the emotion shown in the pictures was fully genuine. And that’s exactly what you get when you choose places that you’re comfortable in.

Why At-Home Engagement Photos Work

Lauren and Jason’s at-home engagement session was kind of everything. They were fully, 100% comfortable in their space and got to be around everything that’s familiar to them, so when it came to me snapping pics? Yeah, it was effortless and so romantic. 

Do Things That You Normally Do Together

Some of my favorite photos from Lauren and Jason’s session are from them playing board games together, because you can tell that they were so natural and effortlessly themselves. When you incorporate your hobbies into your photoshoot, you get photos that feel representative of you as a couple. And that’s what your engagement photos should be allll about. 

So, whether it’s taking a walk around the park or hitting the thrift store together, one of my all-time favorite engagement photo ideas is to add in something that’s totally you. 

Dress Like You

Take it from me: you don’t have to pick out a white dress and call it a day anymore for your engagement photo outfits. Because if you’re here, I know that your personality is probably so much more than that. You can see my full guide on what to wear for engagement photos if you’re someone who leans non-traditional, but here are a few tips to pick out an outfit that actually shows off who you are: 

• Dress comfortably – the best photos aren’t going to happen when your feet hurt or when there’s a tag in your dress itching you for hours. Go for comfort, babes. 
• Match the energy – if you’re planning a casual photoshoot, meet the vibe there. A casual, cozy, jeans-and-a-t-shirt look like Lauren wore? I live. 
• Don’t be afraid of color – you’re already breaking the rules, let’s make it colorful!! A colorful veil from Madison Chamberlain or a pair of funky shoes is always a yes in my book, so don’t be scared to add it in (like, please). 

Add in Some Props

As long as they feel like you, adding props into your session is an engagement photo idea I always love. Here’s a list of props that work every time: 

• Vinyl records – bonus points if it’s the album that your first dance song is on 
• Bouquets – because I’ve never in my life had the thought, “No, flowers wouldn’t make this better.” 
• Champagne, or your fave cocktails – having something to sip that also shows off a little bit of who you are? We love. 
• Food – A quick bite is always the move
• Accessories – Lauren and Jason’s Chiefs hats were kind of everything 

Get Some Golden Hour Pics

I mean… Who doesn’t love golden hour?? 

Seriously, though, popping outside to bottle up that little bit of dreamy lighting? You just can’t beat it. It’s one of the things I love most as a Chicago engagement photographer. And when it’s with a couple whose love is just too pure for this world, it makes it ten times sweeter. I’ll forever remember Lauren and Jason, running down the street hand-in-hand, with light that was hitting like it was made just for these photos. 

The Most Important Engagement Photo Idea? Choose a Photographer Who Gets You

If you couldn’t tell already, my approach is all about highlighting who you are. Because that’s what your engagement photos should feel like. Not just a photoshoot, an experience. A space where you can be everything that makes your story yours. 

So, if you want to run some engagement photo ideas by me, I can’t wait to hear them. You can reach out right here.