If you’ve found your way to this blog post, I know that means you’re currently searching for engagement photo locations. But you don’t just want any location… you want something that goes beyond ordinary and traditional – you want to find a truly unique, one-of-a-kind location! 

As a wedding photographer myself, I know what the typical choices are, such as a park or somewhere out in nature. As much as I love nature and parks as engagement session locations, sometimes it’s fun to change it up a bit and add a creative twist to your photos. 

Discover my top recommendations for unique engagement photo locations that will create memorable, vibrant, and fun images that you and your partner will love. 

Unique Engagement Photo Locations 

When it comes to an engagement photo location, choosing a location that truly represents you and your partner can make your session feel magical and meaningful. 

For example, you can have your engagement session at a place where you and your partner like to spend time together or include something that you and your partner love to do together. 

Here’s a list of 17 unique location ideas for you to consider: 

1. The location of your first date 
2. Where your partner proposed 
3. A city backdrop 
4. A Ferris Wheel 
5. You and your partner’s apartment or house 
6. Your favorite cafe or bar 
7. On a boat 
8. A rooftop 
9. A theme park 
10. A museum or art gallery 
11. A breakfast, lunch, or dinner spot that you both love 
12. An arcade 
13. A train station or airport 
14. A lighthouse or pier 
15. A carnival 
16. A movie theater 
17. Historical buildings or landmarks 

All of these locations will add that creative, unique twist that you’re looking for. To give you some more inspiration and ideas, I recently photographed a couple that did part of their session at a pottery studio where they go each week for a date night. Another couple chose a cozy cafe where they had coffee and then took some photos downtown outside, and a third couple included a local rooftop bar in their session. 

Your engagement session location should feel like you and like your love story. It’s totally okay to think outside the box and choose something a little different. 

How to Choose Your Engagement Session Location 

With so many fun, unique options to choose from, you might now be wondering how you’ll decide which location is perfect for you and your partner. 

But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. 

Here are some ideas on how you can make a final decision on the location you want for your engagement session. 

The location has a special meaning behind it for you and your partner 

For example, if you and your partner have a sense of wanderlust, having your engagement session at an airport or a train station could be a great fit and it would hold special meaning for you and your partner. 

Think about your shared interests 

Think about how you and your partner like to spend time together. Do you both enjoy going to cozy cafes and chatting for hours? Do you both love to do activities outdoors? Create a list of your favorite hobbies and interests to help you narrow down your list of engagement photo locations.

What time of the day do you want your photos?

The time of day when you’re getting your photos taken can also influence your decision on your location. Remember, lighting is going to significantly influence your photos, so if you are choosing an outdoor location like a lighthouse or theme park, this is good to keep in mind. Also, if you’re in a restaurant/ bar/cafe in the evening or at night, consider that you won’t have any natural light to use for your photos. 

Do you want indoor or outdoor photos? 

This ties into the question above! Answering this can help you make an easier decision about location. If you do choose an outdoor location be mindful of the different seasons and how they can influence your final photos. 

Consider the vibe you want for your photos 

If you want a fun, eclectic, and vibrant style for your photos, choosing an amusement park, a carnival, or an arcade could be your best choice. If you want your vibe and style to be cozy and intimate, then I’d encourage you to consider a coffee shop or your favorite brunch or breakfast spot. Or, if you envision your photos giving off more of an elegant, timeless, artistic vibe, then a museum or art gallery are both wonderful options! 

If you’re not sure what vibe or style you want your photos to have, then my suggestion would be to peruse Pinterest for inspiration. Save some of your favorite engagement photos that you’ve seen and think about words you would use to describe those photos such as elegant, minimalistic, romantic, cozy, classy, etc. This can help you quickly decide on your favorite style and what you want your engagement photos to look like! 

Ask Your Photographer 

I’m here to give you additional insights and suggestions if you’re struggling to choose a location or just want some new, fresh ideas to add to your list of places to consider. 

I can also give you insight into whether your chosen location would work well for your photos by considering lighting, the weather, and other important factors that you may not have considered. 

Also, depending on the location you choose, I can share example photos from past sessions at that same spot, giving you a better idea of what your photos could look like!

Final Thoughts on Unique Engagement Photo Locations

There are so many different locations to choose from when it comes to your engagement session. These locations can be fun and exciting for both you and your partner and are anything but traditional or cookie-cutter. 

What’s most important for your engagement session is that you and your partner are both super excited about the location you’ve chosen and that you both feel comfortable being your authentic selves. 

And if you’re in Upstate New York and looking for the perfect photographer, I can help you plan a unique engagement session that truly reflects your love story. Ready to create lasting memories? Contact me today to schedule your engagement session.