It’s almost engagement season! For those of you who don’t eat, breathe, or sleep weddings and engagements (like I do!), you might not realize that a majority of engagements take place between December and February. One of the first steps (after saving their wedding date!), is booking their Detroit engagement photos. Outside of “wedding season”, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Couples often reach out with fresh energy and they can’t wait to get started. It truly is such an exciting time, and today, I wanted to share a few tips for choosing the PERFECT location for your Detroit engagement photos in 2023!

Recently engaged? I also just want to remind you that as exciting as the next part is, being engaged is an important chapter of your love story too! And it goes fast! Often couples want to book their engagement photos right away to post them on social media or use them as save the dates, or even just get a little more comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day. We can absolutely do all of that and more, but promise me that you’ll enjoy this engaged time too, okay? If you are as easily excitable as I am, head straight to my contact form, and let’s start celebrating you already.

First, consider a meaningful location!

I know this might sound obvious, but if you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I believe the more personal the better. That’s why I didn’t make this a list of my favorite 20 Detroit engagement photo locations. I LOVE going to new places with my couples and learning more about them. One of my favorite sessions to date was with Alyssa and Nick – they often go to the Detroit zoo together so we brought their engagement photoshoot there! It was such a fun day!

Don’t necessarily have a “meaningful” location? Choose a meaningful activity instead!

I promise I will jump off my soapbox in a second, but I do want to drive home how much I value personalizing each and every session. If you don’t have a location that sticks out to you, consider what activities you can do instead. Below you’ll find just a few examples of ways my couples have done just that. From grabbing a coffee together, wearing traditional outfits, or even roasting smores in the middle of winter. When it comes to your engagement photos, let’s make them perfect for YOU.

Choosing a Detroit Engagement Location: Outdoor locations that aren’t “fancy”

We can make magic anywhere. Your love for each other really is the star of your engagement photos – not the backdrop you choose. I love photographing engagement photos outdoors on the beach, in the parks, or really just about anywhere. The more obscure the location, the less likely you’ll have other people around as well!

But if you do want a reason to get fancy, we have plenty of stunning Detroit engagement photo location options!

I really didn’t want this blog post to turn into a list of a million options, but the sky really is the limit here in Detroit (and surrounding areas). My biggest tip for choosing the perfect Detroit engagement photos location is to just ask your wedding photographer! I know that might not be helpful now, but one of my favorite things to do with my couples is to learn more about them (and their wedding day) before I haphazardly recommend a random place. That being said, if you are looking for a reason to get fancy, here is just a touch of inspiration for you…

Even Better? Take Your Detroit Engagement Photos At a Location that Matches Your Wedding Style

I absolutely loved Spenser and Jocelyn’s engagement photo location choice (Inn at 97 Winder!), because it matched the regal style of their wedding day. While not all of my couples have their wedding vision completely cemented by the time they reach out to book their engagement photos, if you know the style of your wedding it doesn’t hurt to brainstorm together how we incorporate that into your Detroit engagement photos!

Lastly, don’t forget to have a backup plan for your Detroit engagement photos!

Listen, I love Michigan but we aren’t known for our predictable weather. Have a backup plan (or at least bring an umbrella!). A majority of my Detroit engagement photos sessions take place outside – and I love the natural light – but I always have a backup plan for inclement weather!

Planning your engagement photos?

I am so grateful you made it to the end of this post and wish you the absolute best as you start this exciting new chapter! If you love to soak up information, I have 10 tips for planning your engagement photos here. If you prefer I just walk you through the process, I’m only a contact form away! Click here to reach out – I can’t wait to celebrate with you!