When you start to think about your engagement photo location, my advice is to keep it simple. What do you love to do on the weekends? Be in the mountains? Walk the streets of Gastown, window shopping? Dip your toes in the Pacific?

Take some time to really think about it but in case you’re stuck, here are some more ideas.

Choosing The Best Engagement Photo Spot

I recommend starting with the sentimental route. Choosing a location that holds a special place in your heart, will make your engagement photos all that much more meaningful and special. It can be literally anywhere.

• Where you went for your first date. 

• You’re weekly date night spot/activity.

• Your first house together.

Choose A Location You Love

If you don’t have a special attachment to any locations, go with what you love.

• Does being in the mountains instantly make you feel better and happier?

• Are you a water baby and happiest close to any body of water?

• Do you love the hustle and bustle of downtown?

Check out Kelsey + Nick’s Cemetry engagement session

Choose A Location With The Views You Want

The background for your engagement session can also be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing your engagement photo location. 

• Do you love the smell of Douglas Firs?

• Do you love how colourful Spring is as the city blooms?

• Do wide open spaces make your heart sing?

Related: Emily + Ben’s Campbell Valley Park engagement session

Considerations When Choosing An Engagement Photo Location

PEOPLE

Some locations are super popular, and become downright crowded during peak season. (Have you ever gone past Queen Elizabeth Park during cherry blossom season?!)

We’ll likely be able to find a quieter spot in a crowded location, but knowing that there might be more things going on in the background, will help set your expectations for when you get your gallery back.. 

Related: Pauline + Vincent engagement session

WEATHER 

Mother nature can be a sassy mo’fo some times and not cooperate. Whether it be low clouds that block the views of the city from the top of Grouse, or the forest fire smoke that drifts across the province and blocks the mountain AND ocean views.

On the flip side, the unexpected weather can create a unique and memorable session.

SUN

There’s a reason photographers love photographing at “golden hour”. The official definition from Wikipedia is “...the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.” 

So to make the most of this good light, choose a west-facing location. If there are buildings or mountains in the way, we may have to start  earlier in the day but we can get a similar effect.

Alternatively, choose a location that is at a higher elevation to get above the urban elements so that you can enjoy the views and golden hour.

Choosing an engagement photo location

Still not sure where to go? Check out 10 of my fav spots in and around Vancouver. And if you’re still drawing a blank or feeling stressed about it, I can help with that! 

When you book me as your engagement photographer, I will gladly help find a spot that will feel right for you. Just fill out thai form below and I’ll get back to you in 24 hours!!