Engagement Photos — Are They Worth It?

Many couples planning their wedding ask the same question early on: Are engagement photos worth it?

The honest answer is that it depends on your priorities, schedule, and budget. But after photographing hundreds of weddings as a Maine-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable engagement sessions can be—not just for photos, but for the entire wedding experience.

If you’re on the fence, here are some of the biggest reasons couples choose to schedule engagement photos—and why most are glad they did.

1. You Get to Know Your Wedding Photographer

One of the biggest benefits of engagement photos is the chance to work together before the wedding day.

During your engagement session, you’ll get a feel for:

How I photograph and guide you
How posing actually works (and how natural it can feel)
What it’s like to be in front of my camera

On your wedding day, I’ll be with you for 6+ hours. Feeling comfortable with your photographer makes a massive difference. Engagement photos allow me to learn how you interact, your personalities, and what feels most natural to you—details that directly impact how your wedding day moments are captured.

2. Engagement Photos Give You Versatile Images Before the Wedding

Engagement photos aren’t just for social media (though they’re great for that too). They give you professional images you can use across your entire wedding experience, including:

Your wedding website
Save the dates and invitations
Guest books or signage
Gifts for parents and grandparents
Artwork for your home

Your wedding photos will always be tied to that specific day. Engagement photos, on the other hand, are incredibly versatile. They show you as yourselves—often in everyday clothing, in places that matter to you—which makes them useful long after the wedding is over.

3. You Build Confidence and Trust in Your Photography

Wedding photography is a major investment, and most couples don’t see their finished images until after the wedding day. Even if you love a photographer’s portfolio, it can be hard to picture what your photos will look like.

An engagement session removes that uncertainty.

Once you see your engagement gallery, you’ll know:

What the finished images look like
How you photograph together
That you’re in good hands

That confidence allows you to relax on your wedding day—and relaxed couples always photograph better.

4. Engagement Photos Pair Perfectly With Hair & Makeup Trials

Many couples choose to schedule engagement photos on the same day as their hair and makeup trial—and for good reason.

Professional photos are the best way to truly see how your look translates on camera. An engagement session gives you the opportunity to:

Test your full wedding-day look
Make adjustments if needed
Feel confident going into the wedding

It’s a low-pressure way to fine-tune details before the big day.

5. Engagement Sessions Let You Be More Adventurous

Wedding days come with timelines, logistics, and expectations. Engagement photos give you freedom.

Did you:

Get engaged on a mountain?
Have your first date somewhere meaningful?
Love hiking, the coast, or quiet wooded places?

Engagement sessions are a chance to slow down, get a little adventurous, and choose a location that reflects who you are—without the pressure of a full wedding schedule. Many couples use this time to revisit meaningful places or do something they simply won’t have time for on the wedding day.

Final Thoughts: Engagement Photos Are an Investment in Your Wedding Day

Ultimately, engagement photos aren’t about checking a box. They’re about feeling comfortable, confident, and connected—both with each other and with your photographer.

Working together before the wedding helps you:

Feel natural in front of the camera
Know what to expect
Trust the process

And that trust allows you to focus on the real reason you’re getting married in the first place: each other.

Engagement Photo FAQs

Are engagement photos really worth it?

For most couples, yes. Engagement photos help you get comfortable with your photographer, provide versatile images, and build confidence before the wedding day.

When should we schedule engagement photos?

Many couples schedule engagement photos 6–12 months before the wedding. Others plan them closer to invitations or save-the-dates—it’s flexible.

What should we wear for engagement photos?

Choose outfits that feel like you, photograph well, and allow movement. Neutral tones and layers often work best, especially for outdoor sessions.

Where should engagement photos take place?

Popular options include the coast, mountains, forests, or locations meaningful to your relationship. Your photographer can help suggest locations that photograph beautifully.