Why Every Couple Should Do an Engagement Session Before Their Wedding

Engagements | January 2025

Why Every Couple Should Do an Engagement Session Before Their Wedding

Ant’s Photography · Photographer: Anthony Ortiz

An engagement session gives couples time to get comfortable on camera, learn how direction works, and build confidence before wedding day.

Confidence on Wedding Day

An engagement session can give you a chance to try simple direction and find out what feels natural before the wedding. Walking together, turning toward each other or pausing for a closer portrait can feel easier once you have practiced. It is optional, though: couples who skip it can still make a useful wedding portrait plan. Choose it because you want the photographs or the experience, rather than treating it as a requirement.

Better Connection with Your Photographer

Use the session to tell us how much guidance you prefer, which kinds of photographs you like and anything that makes you feel awkward. You can also describe mobility or access needs, your preferred language and how formal you want the pictures to feel. Those details help us plan wedding portraits around the way you interact instead of expecting both of you to be comfortable with the same prompts.

Useful Images Before the Wedding

If the photographs are for save-the-dates, a wedding website or a display, share the design and required date before booking. A wide website banner may need space around the couple; a printed card may use a closer vertical crop. Confirm delivery timing before ordering anything. A session date alone does not mean the finished photographs will be ready for a specific print deadline.

Plan the location and clothing together

Choose a place you both enjoy and can reach easily. Check permission for managed parks or private property, and include walking and driving time in the plan. One setting and one outfit can suit a short session. More outfits or locations need more time, so decide what matters before adding stops. Bring comfortable shoes for walking even if you change into another pair for the portraits.

Check whether your wedding collection includes it

Ant’s Photography’s $1,700, 8-hour Signature wedding collection includes a 1-hour engagement session; the $2,800, 12-hour Storybook collection includes a 2-hour engagement session. Standalone engagement portrait options range from $80 to $200. Confirm which session applies to your booking and its travel allowance. Compare the wedding collections or read what a wedding photography package includes before reserving. The Signature and The Storybook also include a save-the-date designed from your engagement photos and a premium RSVP page; see the wedding RSVP page.