We’ve convinced you that having an engagement shoot in preparation for your wedding is the best decision you’ll ever make, right? And we’ve helped you figure out what you’ll both wear to your engagement shoot as well. So… you’re booked, you’re dressed, and now you need some place to go!! Engagement shoot locations are definitely a topic of conversation between you and your photographer – we’re just going to get the ball rolling where the inspiration is concerned.

Locations you and your photographer may (or may not) know. Pick a few must-have-pictures-taken locales and prepare for the unexpected ones too. The photo below? Katelyn and her couple stumbled upon this brick wall and perfectly placed chalk art while wandering around Richmond. Look for those picture perfect opportunities and take them!! You’ll never know when they might pop up or disappear (this wall has since been painted over but will live in Jordan and Beau’s engagement photos forever). 

 Katelyn James Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Neutral backdrops like country roads and fields are perfect for photos. Utilize the beauty that God and Mother Nature have given us!!

 Kelly Ewell Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Railroad tracks are romantic.

Natalie Franke Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Buildings with a lot of color and texture. Both are amazing backdrops for your engagement photos. Cute pups with Save the Dates signs are pretty perfect too.

 Mirelle Carmichael Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Beautiful light in the woods? Sign yourselves right up!

Stacey Ramsey Photographie via Heart Love Weddings

Engagement photos are pretty. The beach is pretty. What would be prettier than your photos taken on the beach? That’s right. Nothing.

 Britt Croft Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Industrial-type parks, old-rusty trucks and farm equipment make for gorgeous photo backdrops and even props.

Alissa Ferullo Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Another great example of taking advantage of what you see when you see it. Natalie couldn’t believe that they stumbled upon this boat called “COMMITMENT” and immediately plopped her couple down in front of it. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Allow yourself to always, always live in the moment during your engagement shoot.

 Natalie Franke Photography via Heart Love Weddings

These two knew about the Lock and Keys Project in Natick, MA, and decided to incorporate it into their engagement session! Ruth Eileen captured them adding their very own lock of love to the public art installation.

 Ruth Eileen Photography via Heart Love Weddings

The cobblestone streets and alleyways of Boston – oh how perfect they are for capturing a couple in love. Other places of cobblestone, not just Boston.

Deborah Zoe Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Be open to the endless possibilities for engagement shoot locales. Parks, fields, college campuses, coffee shops, even laundry mats. I haven’t a clue how they wound up in the laundry mat, but I think it’s pretty cool. Maybe you met there? Maybe you do your laundry there every Sunday? Wherever it is, find your place, and have your engagement photos taken there.

 Katelyn James Photography

Carnivals = FUN! And what are you supposed to do on your engagement shoot? That’s right, have FUN!!

Two Chics Photography via Heart Love Weddings

We fell in love on the merry-go-round…

 Two Chics Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Go ahead and style your shoot with a well-placed picnic or pretty decor. Perfect opportunity for some creative Save the Dates, beauties!!

 Katelyn James Photography via Heart Love Weddings

You could reenact your favorite Hollywood moments…

 Live View Studios via Heart Love Weddings

Bring in important aspects of your relationship. This Marine and his Sweetheart chose to start their engagement session at Iwo Jima monument because of the importance of the military in their relationship.

 Abby Grace Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Use the elements to your advantage. Like snowy sweetness…

 With Love and Embers via Heart Love Weddings

…or rainy day romance.

 Kristin La Voie Photography via Heart Love Weddings

One more thing before we go today, a very important part of any photo-taking opportunity is lighting. Any photographer will tell you that early morning light and afternoon sun really are the best. And don’t fret, if you wake up on the day of your shoot to clouds. That’s actually a good thing :) We just broached the tip of the iceberg today as far as engagement shoot locations are concerned. We’d love to hear some of your ideas (maybe where you had your engagement shoot photos too) in the comments too! xoxo