Let me guess, you’re here because you just got engaged?! First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Even though we probably haven’t met, I am SO excited for you! The engagement season is super exciting & unique, and I truly hope you savor every moment of it (even though sometimes you’ll feel like pulling your hair out while planning your big day)! Usually when couples contact me, they’re not sure about a location for their engagement photo session. If you’re in the same boat, you’re not alone, trust me! That’s why I wanted to write this post, to help you out if you haven’t even thought about your engagement session spot yet! Don’t worry, choosing your Illinois engagement session location doesn’t need to be complicated. I even included some of my favorite Illinois engagement photo spots at the end of the post! I’ll break it down for you!
Choose a Place That’s Special
The easiest way to choose an Illinois engagement session location is to pick a place that’s special to you as a couple. Where was your first date, or first kiss? Do you have fond memories together that you can link to a specific place or setting? One of my couples last year chose their wedding venue as their engagement photo session. Another of my couples chose to have their’s at a park near their home. Otherwise, do you have any hobbies you like to share? If you both love fishing and being out in nature, and engagement photo session outdoors, on a lake or river, would be perfect to showcase your personalities!
Think About Your Ideas & Preferences
If a special place doesn’t come to mind, that’s ok! Your photographer will be able to help with this. I always help my couples scout a location by talking with them about their ideas and preferences for their session. Remember, these photos will probably be going on your “Save the Dates” and wedding invitations. So, if you have a heavily themed wedding, consider that when choosing your location! I always ask that my couples allow me to be their engagement AND wedding photographer, which means we get to spend even more quality time together!
When to Take your Engagement Photos
Ideally, I always recommend having your engagement photos taken 1-2 months after you get engaged. Not only will it still feel super fresh and exciting, but you’ll start getting busier and busier with wedding planning as the big day gets closer! Plus, if you DO plan to use these photos for your invites, I’d definitely recommend taking photos at least 8 months before the wedding. That way, you can send out invites around 6-7 months before the wedding and not feel rushed! Also, giving yourselves plenty of time means that you can always reschedule if there’s bad weather or something unexpected comes up, without worrying about delaying the invites!
My Favorite Illinois Engagement Session Locations
I have quite a few places I LOVE to take engagement photos in Southern Illinois and Missouri. Some definitely stand out more than others, so these are some of my favorites that I love coming back to time and time again!
The Egyptian Hills Resort
Forest Park in St. Louis / Central West End
Sahara Lake
Planning an engagement photo session in Illinois?
If you just got engaged, and you’re planning your Illinois engagement photo session, I’d love to hear from you! Click here to inquire with your preferred dates, and I’ll reach out to you as soon as possible! In the meantime, check out more from these adorable past couples and get more engagement photo inspiration here!
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