Creative, Non-Traditional Engagement Photo Ideas & Tips!

Newly engaged? How exciting! There must be a whirlwind of ideas going through your mind.

Before you start planning your wedding or say yes to the dress of your dreams, you’ll need to take engagement photos to commemorate this moment and share the happy news!

Your engagement photos should be unique and reflect your love story. Traditional photos are essential, but you may want some non-traditional shots that will show off your and your future spouse’s personalities.

Keep reading for inspiration on how to make your engagement photos one-of-a-kind!

Creative Themes and Concepts

Hobby and Interest-Based Themes

A couple includes an ATV in their engagement photo shoot to reflect on their unique hobby. Photo Credit: Cindy Lottes Photography

If you and your partner share common interests, hobbies, or activities, showcase them in your photos! Visit your favorite locations and bring some supplies to use as props.

Outdoor & Sports

Outdoorsy or sporty couples have lots of options. Take pictures in natural settings, like forests or campsites.

You can book fun adventures at a state park or adventure park and have your photographer tag along. Go fishing, build a fire, or put on your hunting gear and strike a post.

If you prefer sports, wear your favorite gear for your shoot. Head to the local football or soccer field- the field and bleachers would make excellent backdrops for couples who enjoy sports!

Artistic Pursuits

A couple paints a stunning landscape. Photo Credit :Lesya Igorevna

Enjoy being creative? Include your art in your engagement photos. Set the scene for your favorite activity, like painting, pottery, or crafting.

Just imagine the fun poses. If you enjoy reading and writing, see if you can find an old typewriter to use or visit a used book store to pose amongst the stacks.

Pop Culture Inspirations

Trends may come and go, but pop culture can play a huge role in a relationship.

Maybe you and your love have a standing date to watch your favorite TV show or share a love for specific characters. These items can take your engagement photos to the next level since they reflect your unique interests.

Movie and TV Show Themes

Have a special movie or TV show? Dress up like the characters and reenact scenes from your favorite series or films! You can create an outfit that references the characters or go full-out cosplay!

This couple takes inspiration from their favorite movie. Photo Credit: My Modern Met

Comic Book and Superhero Themes

Iconic superhero moments make for unique engagement photos. Photo Credit: Bridal Guide Magazine

Comics and superheroes are timeless. Add excitement and personality to your engagement photos. Whether you don full costumes or tee shirts with your favorite character logo, pose in locations that reference your favorite characters.

For instance, Spiderman fans can visit the top of a tall building and use a city skyline as their backdrop.

Everyday Life Moments

Sometimes, to capture the beauty of a relationship, you just have to look at the magical moments that happen each day. Pinpoint some special, everyday moments from your life together that will encapsulate the essence of your connection.

Cooking or Baking Together

A couple bakes together for their engagement shoot. Photo Credit: Kali M Photos

Spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Have your photographer document a cooking or baking session in your own kitchen or even an industrial one if you have connections.

Ask for shots throughout the process, from prep to cooking to enjoying the spoils of your labor!

Home Life Scenes

What could be more cozy than coffee on the couch for your engagement photos? Photo Credit Danielle Defayette Photography

There’s no place like home, so plan a photo shoot around the home you’ve built together.

Whether it’s the yard, the kitchen, or just the couch, you will capture precious memories of your daily life at home, which is more unique than getting gussied up and posing in an unusual location.

Unconventional Locations

Amusement Parks and Carnivals

Carnivals make for unique and colorful backdrops for your engagement photos. Photo Credit: Karina & Maks

Is the carnival in town? Or do you live near a popular amusement park? For the cost of admission, spend the day exploring the grounds for fun photo ops.

If you tell the staff that you’re shooting engagement photos, they may know some VIP areas or perfect spots for the best shots.

Bookstores and Libraries

A newly engaged couple shares a quiet moment in a bookstore. Photo Credit: Kayla Bri Photography

Book-loving couples are most comfortable surrounded by the stacks. Visit a used book store, public library, or even a local college to take book-inspired engagement photos.

Laundromats and Diners

Who knew a laundromat would make for stunning engagement photos? Photo Credit: Lucie B. Photography

Quirky and nostalgic settings, like a laundromat or diner, will make for beautifully unique photos.

Dress in your “laundry day” clothes and take editorial-style pictures amongst the washers and dryers. Or find a wonderfully retro diner and order some burgers, fries, and milkshakes for classic snaps.

Abandoned Buildings or Ruins

A unique couple poses in an abandoned building. Photo Credit: Cari Hughes Photography

If you are looking for dramatic and artistic photos, scour your local area for abandoned buildings, worn-down churches, or ruins. Make sure the area is safe. Wear dramatic or stylish clothing for a beautiful contrast.

Underwater Shoots

A romantic underwater shoot. Photo Credit: @valeriefernandezphotography on Instagram

If the water calls to you both, plan an underwater photoshoot! Wear flowy clothes that will look ethereal underwater. Be sure to ask your photographer if they have the equipment to make this happen before you set your heart on this style.

Incorporating Personal Elements

Including Pets

Nothing adds personality to your engagement photos quite like a pet! Photo Credit: Kelsie Lynn Photography

If you each have a special pet or have started a family with one already, include them in your photos! There are lots of fun poses you can do starring your furry or feathered friends.

Choose a location where pets are welcome and bring fun props to enhance your photos.

Using Significant Props

A cute engagement photo shoot featuring a collection of comics. Photo Credit: Kirstie Dunston Photography

Props add a lot of visual interest and personality to photos. Bring along ones that represent you as a couple and as individuals.

This could be sporting equipment, musical instruments, or hiking gear. You can even pose amongst a huge collection that is meaningful to you both.

Cultural and Heritage Symbols

A couple poses in front of inspiring art work in their hometown. Photo Credit: Myron Photography

Give a nod to those who came before you by incorporating culturally significant clothing and items into your photo shoot.

If you don’t already own authentic pieces, ask around to borrow items that will represent each of your heritages to make your photos shine.

Tips for Planning Your Non-Traditional Shoot

A couple enjoys their retro hotel inspired photoshoot. Photo Credit: Mrs Ferree Photography

Selecting the Right Photographer

The photographer you choose can make or break your photo shoot. There are steps you must take to make sure you pick the best photographer for your unique engagement photoshoot.

Portfolio Review

Make a list of photographers in your area. Go through their website portfolios to get a feel of their vision. Make sure it matches what theme you’re looking for.

For example, if you want a photoshoot in a unique indoor location, make sure they have experience creating the perfect lighting inside.

Communication

You must communicate your vision clearly and early on in the process. Before you put down a deposit, share pictures that reflect what you’re looking for.

The photographer should know if they can achieve that vision or not before you sign the contract.

Preparing for the Session

Once you’ve got your vision and your photographer, it’s time to start prepping for your shoot! There are many factors to consider to ensure your pictures turn out the way you’d like them to.

Outfit Coordination

Take the time to choose the outfits you and your future spouse will wear. They should fit your theme and complement each other.

For instance, if you’re taking pictures in a bookstore, your outfits should reflect a bookish couple searching the stacks.

While your clothing doesn’t need to match perfectly, you’ll want to choose colors that go together on the color wheel mixed with neutrals.

You can also match specific elements. For example, matching one person’s belt with another’s tie will connect your outfits without looking too matchy-matchy.

Prop and Equipment Checklist

Well before the day of your photoshoot, gather all of your props and equipment you’ll need for your photos. This includes accessories, props, shoes, makeup, and anything else you’ll need for your vision.

Test run your outfits and take pictures with your phone in outdoor and indoor lighting to see how they photograph. Make sure you’re confident in whatever you wear- it will shine through in the photos!

Location Scouting

Plan where you’ll be taking pictures well in advance of your big day. Your photographer should be able to recommend a few locations that will fit your vision, especially if they are already established in your area.

If you’re looking for something special, scour the internet for suggestions. Make a list of places you’d like to use.

Take a day with your future spouse, and potentially your photographer if they are available, and visit the locations in person.

Look around for extensive backdrops and small areas that will make for great places to pose. Try to look for locations that have multiple places within it to shoot.

Always run your location by your photographer. They should be able to tell you what will work and what will not. If they have experience in the area, they can offer professional insight as to how the location will impact your engagement photos.

Legal and Safety Tips

Permits and Permissions

Before your big day, you’ll need to obtain the necessary approvals for certain locations. Obviously, public spaces like parks won’t require you to call ahead.

But if you want to use private buildings, stores, or abandoned properties, you’ll need to do some research to see who you need to speak to to get permission.

If you don’t, you run the risk of not having access or trespassing on property, which could come with fines. That would put a damper on what should be a fun day.

Safety First

Finally, your safety should always be number one. Be mindful of risks in unconventional settings or ones that aren’t open to the public. Never visit them alone and always get permission first.

Wear proper footwear if shooting on abandoned property to keep yourself safe and never pick up debris with bare hands. Take your time and never put yourself at risk for the perfect shot.

Where to Show Off Your Engagement Photos

Creative Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Use your unique photos to set the tone of your wedding! Use them on your save the dates and invitations to wow your guests and hint at your wedding theme. It’s also a great way to share your favorite shots with guests.

Social Media Highlights

If you’ve already created a unique social media hashtag to use throughout your wedding journey, use it to tag and share your favorites! Use personalized captions as well to make the pictures every more special.

Home Decor and Keepsakes

Decorate your space with your favorite pictures from your unique engagement shoot. You can also use the pictures to make fun keepsakes to give as gifts to your parents, grandparents, and other relatives who would appreciate it!

Bridal Shower or Rehearsal Dinner

Display your pictures at other wedding events, like the engagement party or bridal shower. You can use them as table decor or on your event signage.

Wrapping Up the Shoot

At the end of the day, your engagement photo shoot should reflect your unique love story. Be your true selves and choose locations, props, and other elements that embody who you are as individuals and as a couple.

Creating meaningful keepsakes is an investment that you will appreciate further down the road. The engagement photos will capture your relationship at the moment.

As it evolves with time, you will look back fondly and see how far you and your spouse have some while still being so in love.

Non-Traditional Engagement Photo Ideas