^{Image Courtesy of Kylee Ann Photography}

There’s something so exciting about that “just engaged” feeling — your ring still sparkles like new, your heart is still skipping beats, and suddenly your love story feels real in the best way possible.

Engagement photos are where it all begins — your first official pictures as a couple! These are the images you’ll use for announcements, invitations, and frame on your wall for years to come. So let’s make them special, meaningful, and as fun as your love story itself.

Choosing the Perfect Photographer

Your engagement photos are more than just a warm-up for your wedding — they’re your chance to connect with your photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera.

If you’ve already chosen your wedding photographer, schedule your engagement session with them so you can get used to their style and personality. The more relaxed you feel with your photographer, the more natural and joyful your pictures will look.

If you haven’t booked a photographer yet, this is a great trial run.
Use your Vendor Comparison App inside the free Wedding Planning Program to compare portfolios, prices, and reviews before making your final decision.

Picking a Meaningful Location

LDS engagement photos are often filled with both love and light — literally and spiritually. Choose a location that feels meaningful to you as a couple.

That might be where you first met, the temple you’re preparing to be sealed in, or a place that reflects your personalities — a wildflower field, mountain overlook, snowy trail, or cozy downtown street.

If you’d like to include the temple, check with your photographer about the best time of day for lighting. Morning and golden hour evenings often provide soft, heavenly light that photographs beautifully on temple grounds.

What to Wear

There’s no single “right” outfit for engagement pictures, but there are a few tried-and-true tips:

1. Coordinate, don’t match.
Choose colors that complement one another without being identical.

2. Reflect your personality.
If you love boots and denim, wear them proudly! If you feel beautiful in a flowing dress, go for it. The goal is to look like you — the best version of you, but still authentically you.

3. Consider your temple photo colors.
If your bridals or wedding photos will include the temple’s soft neutrals and whites, you might choose slightly warmer or more colorful tones for engagement photos to add variety to your collection.

4. Bring one casual and one dressy outfit.
You’ll get a great mix of looks — playful and relaxed, then elegant and timeless.

Make It Fun and Meaningful

Engagement sessions are supposed to be fun! Laugh, spin, hold hands, and be yourselves.

Bring a few props if they tell your story — scriptures, mission tags, instruments, or even a favorite blanket to wrap up in. And don’t be afraid of movement! Some of the best photos come from walking, dancing, or simply looking at each other mid-laugh.

Your photographer will help you with poses, but don’t be shy about sharing your own ideas, too. If there’s a certain photo you’ve been dreaming of — say it!

Timing and Light

Plan your session during the time of day when the light is soft — early morning or an hour before sunset are ideal. If your schedule allows, try to avoid midday sun, which can create harsh shadows.

Also, don’t forget to check the season. Fall leaves, spring blossoms, and snowy temple grounds each offer a completely different (and equally stunning) backdrop.

Inside Your Wedding Planning Program

Inside your free Photography Shot List App, you’ll find ideas for poses and shot types that work beautifully for LDS engagement photos — from candid laughs to close-up ring shots.

You can also coordinate your photo schedule using the Wedding Day Timeline App, ensuring your engagement, bridal, and temple portraits all fit perfectly into your planning process.

Engagement photos are more than pictures — they’re the visual beginning of your eternal story.
They capture that glow, that excitement, that faith-filled anticipation for everything that’s to come.