Congratulations on your engagement, Stephanie and John!! This is such a happy time for every couple, and you should cherish every moment. One of the ways to treasure and remember this time is by booking destination engagement photos for an experience you’ll never forget. Start your journey together with an adventure! 

Every couple has a different style, so it is important to think about that when meeting with your engagement photographer. Planning a photo session while planning your wedding can be a lot. So, I provide every couple with a 30+ page engagement session guide to help plan your session vision, ideal location, outfits, and more. Stephanie and John were a dream to work with, and their session was pure perfection! 

Stephanie + John’s Engagement Session

For their vision, this couple wanted to take romantic and candid photos on their family property and at Mingo Creek County Park in the Pittsburgh area. We decided that these two distinct backdrops would offer two separate looks—one dressy and one more casual–both with a carefree boho vibe. Stephanie wore a stunning two-piece set with a flowing skirt (which I always recommend for movement in photos). I loved her top with the intricate beaded design for her dressy look. 

The couple wanted to take advantage of their natural surroundings, so we ended up taking some photos in the water on their family property, which turned out to be our favorites! We began the shoot in casual wear in a field with gorgeous lighting. Then, we ended with some sunset shots by their home. 

Tips on How to Choose Your Destination Engagement Photo Location

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall Destination Engagement Photos

When choosing your engagement session location, it is important to take the seasons into account. If you’re taking outdoor photos, it’s important for you to be comfortable. Choose a time when you will be able to really enjoy the session. If you don’t like the cold, a winter outdoor session may not be the best option. Or, you could play it up by wearing cute fluffy coats, scarves, and a blanket for romantic shots.

If you want to have your photos taken in the mountains but hate cold weather, opt for a late spring or summer session date. If you love the idea of a desert session but don’t want to break a sweat, choose a fall or winter date when temperatures are cooler. 

When researching seasons in specific regions, be sure to look at average temperatures, rainfall averages, and so on. While you can’t guarantee the weather on your session day, you’ll have a better chance of getting ideal weather if you plan ahead!

Catch the Travel Bug

If you would prefer to travel for your engagement photo session, be sure to research the best times to visit. In addition to making sure you’ll have nice weather, you’ll want to check things like peak seasons and local holidays. 

If you’re going to a remote location, crowds might not be much of a concern. However, local holidays–especially in smaller towns or villages—could make it harder to find accommodations, food, and so on. If you’re going to a place that’s guaranteed to have lots of adventure-loving tourists, I recommend looking into a date in the off-season. You’ll have a better chance of securing the location and tourist-free photos.

Book Your Destination Engagement Photos with Mariah Treiber Photography

While planning a destination engagement photo session can seem a bit overwhelming, don’t stress. I’m here to help! Book a session with me today. I can guide you through the process of choosing outfits, locations, timing, and photo style to achieve your overall vision. I can’t wait to hear what you have in mind! Get in touch here.

Psst—As a destination engagement and elopement photographer, I have a National Park Annual Pass so you don’t have to worry about park reservations booking up! Learn more about the team here.