Do You Need an Engagement Shoot Before Your Wedding?”

Planning a wedding comes with plenty of decisions, and an engagement shoot is often one of the first optional extras couples question. Is it necessary? Is it worth it? Below, I’m sharing some of the reasons couples opt for an engagement session, and how it can shape your wedding photography experience.

What Is an Engagement Photoshoot?

An engagement shoot is a relaxed photo session that takes place before your wedding day. Usually lasting one hour, it’s an opportunity to document this season of your relationship in a natural setting. It’s less about posing and more about celebrating who you are together before everything changes.

You Feel More Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Spending time in front of the camera before your wedding helps you feel more natural on the big day. You begin to understand how you move together, what feels natural and how you like to be seen. That will set you up for photos you love on your wedding day.

You Build a Relationship With Your Photographer

An engagement session gives us space to connect beyond emails and video calls. You’ll see how I guide you and document moments, and I’ll learn what feels most natural to you. I’ll know exactly what you’re drawn to and how you love to be photographed, so I can arrive on your wedding day already knowing how to support you.

You Can Use the Images in Wedding Preparation

Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-dates, invitations, your wedding website, or displayed at your venue on the day. They become part of your celebration, not just something stored away afterwards.

So, Do You Actually Need One?

An engagement shoot isn’t essential but for many couples, it transforms how their wedding photography feels. If you value confidence, familiarity, and having a collection of images to use throughout the wedding process, it can be a beautiful addition to your experience.

If you’re currently planning your wedding and considering photography, an engagement session is something I include within all of my wedding packages.