Vintage Car Engagement Photos: Engagement Photo Ideas for the Cool, Funky Couple

Here’s your sign: take the vintage car engagement photos. 

As a Chicago engagement photographer, funky, nostalgic pics are my love language. And vintage car engagement photos? They check those boxes. 

If you’re considering renting a classic car for your engagement session because you want something that has a little more personality than just heading to a venue and smiling at the camera, you’re in the right place. This kind of shoot is right up my alley, and I have TONS of ideas for it, all right here! 

Who Should Take Vintage Car Engagement Photos? 

I feel a deep personal connection with anyone who takes vintage car engagement photos, because I already know that we’re made of the same stuff. 

Like, you’re probably the type of couple who spends more time in thrift stores and record shops than you do at classy bars, and you probably have a closet full of eclectic, maximalist pieces that would make my Pinterest boards jealous. And if that sounds right, I already know that traditional engagement photos aren’t gonna cut it. You’re probably looking for something a little retro, and a little editorial, and that’s exactly what this is. 

I’m full of unique engagement photoshoot ideas (like arcade engagement photos, at-home engagement photos, and bar engagement photos), but there’s something about vintage car engagement photos that just match this kind of couple’s vibes really well. 

Vintage Car Engagement Photoshoot Ideas

If you’re already obsessed with the vintage car engagement photos you’re seeing… Yeah. I feel you. They’re just perfect, right?? 

Here are some photoshoot ideas to get pics just like this, but that feel just like you: 

Have a Retro-Themed Car Engagement Photoshoot

Vintage cars + 60s energy basically go hand-in-hand, so I’m always a big fan of fully committing to a retro theme. Vintage-inspired outfits, film photos, bold color palettes?? I’m obsessed. 

My favorite ways to do this are through funky outfits (which, we’ll obviously get into), fun props like retro glasses, and renting a car that fits the era you’re going for!! 

How to Style Vintage Car Engagement Photos for a Timeless Look 

If you’re leaning more towards a classy, timeless look instead, vintage car sessions definitely work for that. You can incorporate things like elegant outfits and more staged, editorial shots, as well as renting a luxury vintage car. And, yeah… That would be SO good. 

Creative Poses for Couples With Vintage Cars in Engagement Photos 

Vintage cars are kind of a playground for my Chicago engagement photographer brain that’s obsessed with all things editorial and all things cool. There are so many things you can do in a vintage car that give you shots that look like you’re in a getaway car at the end of an action movie, which is kinda the peak of all engagement photos. 

I’ll always get: 

• Mirror shots
• Sitting on top of the car portraits (especially in convertibles) 
• Staged driving photos
• Romantic pics through the windshield
• Backseat shots
• Leaned against the car shots

Plus, of course, anything that makes me say, “Oh wait, we HAVE to get this shot RN,” in the middle of your session. 

Why Film Photography Works Well for Vintage Car Engagement Photos

Film photography is a recent obsession of mine, and for this kind of shoot… It’s pretty much perfect. The natural grain and the raw nostalgic feeling that film gives you go right along with the vibes of a vintage car shoot. 

So, just know that if the question is film + vintage car for your engagement session, my answer is an immediate yes. 

What Are the Best Types of Vintage Cars for Romantic Engagement Photos? 

I might be biased because I LOVE the retro theme idea, but any car from the 60s or 70s is one that makes me squeal a ‘lil bit. If you want some more ideas though, here are a few others that could work so well for a fun shoot: 

• An old pickup truck for honky-tonk vibes
• Cars with bold paint, like teal, red, or pink
• An old Volkswagen bus or Beetle, because, adorable
• Vintage taxis, for the city girls 
• Barbie Corvettes 

Funky Engagement Photo Outfits for Your Vintage Car Session

This blog post with tons of funky engagement photo outfit ideas is gonna be your guiding light here, but if you need some specifics, you know I’ve got you covered!! 

My top tip is to always lean into the vintage vibes through every piece of your outfit. For a base layer, you could do something… 

• Classic and white, like The Ivory Veuve Dress by Selkie
• Bold and colorful, like The Glitter Fringe Romper by Miracle Eye
• Patterned or textured, like this Sarah Mini Dress by Show Me Your Mumu

Then, for the star of the show (if you’re anything like me): shoes! I love a good chunky heel and pop of color for shoes, and am 100% obsessed with: 

• The Maeve Knotted Suede Platform Sandals from Anthropologie
• The Vera Heels by Charlotte Stone
• Or, The La Gogo Ankle from Burju if you want something extra retro-inspired

Lastly, but of course not least, are accessories. For vintage car photoshoots, these accessories work so well: 

• Vintage sunglasses, like these Dolce and Gabbana ones.
• Head scarves – here’s one from Urban Outfitters! 
• Chunky statement vintage jewelry

Where to Take Vintage Car Engagement Photos in Chicago

While Chicago has a TON of really unique engagement photo locations (see my faves!), it can be a little tricky to find a good spot for vintage car engagement photos. I always love to head to the top level of a parking garage, because we can really work with the Chicago skyline and direct sunlight there. And usually, the top level isn’t crowded, so we have it allll to ourselves. Score. 

Places to Rent Vintage Cars for Engagement Photos in Chicago

You can find TONS of old cars in Chicago, and I fully suggest looking at these spots to find the funky car of your engagement session dreams: 

• Driveshare
• DS Luxury
• Chicago Vintage Charters
• Turo

Wren and Rose | Chicago Engagement Photographer

Ready to start planning your vintage car session? Same. Inquire here, and I’ll help you find everything from the perfect car to the perfect location, then get photos that feel full of your quirky little personality.