If you are planning an engagement session in Edinburgh, magical city in Scotland, you will find some useful tips for making your pre-wedding photoshoot one of a kind.
Edinburgh engagement session ideas – tips & FAQ
Having a pre-wedding / engagement shoot is an amazing idea.
It’s not only an opportunity to meet your photographer (as engagement sessions are usually captured by a wedding photographer of your choice as well) but also discovering that being in front of the camera is not scary at all. It’s actually quite the opposite. I can’t even remember how many times I heard the following statements from my couples: we are awkward in front of the camera, we don’t like being photographed…
And then after a while, magically, they turn into this relaxed couple enjoying their time together when the photographer keeps pressing the shutter button. You know what? You are that couple, you just don’t know it yet!
Why should we have an engagement session?
Firsty, memories – it will become a great memory to look back on. Order prints and put them in an album. You can show them to your friends and family also by sharing them on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Secondly, the photographs can be used as a Save-The-Date, sent to the wedding guests side by side with your invite. Isn’t it an awesome way to announce your wedding date to your family and friends?
Also, an engagement session is just about the two of you. No one else. Your wedding day is also about you of course, but then you are surrounded by different distractions. Pre-wedding photoshoot is much more intimate and relaxed as you don’t have to worry about guests having a great time, drinks being served or posing with each member of the family.
Another very important reason is that an engagement photoshoot is an opportunity to build a connection with your photographer and get to know them. It gives you an idea about what to expect on your wedding day and it’s a chance to discuss your big day and ideas further.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh engagement session
Where should we have our engagement session?
It can be a place where you went on your first date. Or a place you both love and visit frequently – a library, a pub, even your own home. A park you walk the dog in every morning or your favourite café. Check out the list of the best locations for an engagement photoshoot in Edinburgh below.
But – engagement session can also be a fantastic opportunity to explore the city you live in. Edinburgh is full of magical locations – shall we explore the unknown?
When shall we have our pre-wedding photoshoot?
Most couples book their engagement session right after they book wedding photography, usually 8-12 months before their wedding day.
Although some couples prefer to have their photoshoot one or two months before that date. It’s entirely up to you and my availability.
What should we wear?
The most important thing is to express your personal style and not to wear anything uncomfortable just because it looks awesome. Not worth it! We will concentrate on capturing sweet moments between you and your fiancé so wear something nice, but comfy.
My top tips: go barefoot for beach engagement session. Don’t wear high heels if you hate them. Don’t wear dresses if you don’t like them. Don’t be scared to wear a beanie or gloves in the winter. Scotland can be super cold and windy!
Also, when you’re booking an engagement shoot and are unsure about what to wear, I’ll be happy to give you some outfit-related advice depending on the place we have planned our shoot in.
Generally, I like seeing people in bold colours – especially when surrounded by nature, but neutral colours might turn out to be better for colorful spots & venues.
Consider having professional hair and make-up done for your engagement photoshoot.
If you are unsure about what to do with your hair or what kind of make-up would suit your outfit you should definitely consider this step. A professional stylist / hairdresser / MUA will help you look incredible and will give you some useful tips, without a doubt.
Make and adventure out of it.
Go to a delicious weekend brunch or start your day with a big cup of coffee at your favorite caféand invite your photographer to meet you there. The better you know your photographer and the more comfortable you feel around them, the better the photographs will be. Get in the car and head outside the city, go for a long walk before the start of your session. Or simply go somewhere none of you have ever been to – what if you discover a new, magical place?
Chase the light.
If possible, try to schedule your engagement session one hour before sunset or shortly before the sunrise.
The golden hour is my favourite time of the day – it’s a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which light is beautiful, warm and soft. This time of the day gives you the best chance for outstanding photographs.
So the rule is: the lower the sun is in the sky, the better you’ll look in the pictures.
Any other engagement session tips?
Just relax & have fun!
Portobello Beach Edinburgh engagement session
Best engagement session locations in Edinburgh
– Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
– Portobello Beach
– Royal Botanic Garden (glasshouses admission fees apply, but it’s totally worth it)
– Carlton Hill
– the Royal Mile – except for the summer season
– Princes Street Gardens
– Edinburgh Castle – unfortunately super crowded in every season of the year. Whereas there are no photography restrictions on short engagement photoshoots, please note that the wedding photography and weddings are not permitted from June to September. If you’d like to know more about weddings in Edinburgh Castle visit >Edinburgh Castle website< for more info.
– The three Forth Bridges, South Queensferry
– Edinburgh Zoo (entrance fees apply)
– The Meadows Park
– Dalkeith Country Park
– Dunbars Close Garden
– Cramond Beach
Get in touch
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