You’re getting married! Eeeek!
Now it’s time to capture this special time with engagement photos.
This guide will give you all the information you need for the best engagement photo experience in and around Toledo, Ohio - from locations and outfit ideas to personalization tips and more!
Engagement Photos | FAQs
Capturing the short and amazing time of life between your proposal and wedding! We believe your engagement photos should be more than just pretty pictures - they should be a physical representation of the life you’ve built together. Good engagement pictures will narrate your story and highlight what makes your love unique. When you look back, you’ll be able to talk about more than just your giant smiles - you’ll reference the location and other memories you’ve made there, funny moments from the session, and the reason behind any props you included. It’s a walk down memory lane.
Couples should consider timing first. Do you need to have the photos done by a certain date? If you plan to use them on your save-the-dates, it’s best to take them at least 8 months before your wedding date so you can get them printed and shipped before the 6 months mark. If timing is not an issue, think about what weather or season you’d like to see - fall colors, a warm summer day, or a romantic snow flurry?
Most people will use engagement photos as a way to remember the amazing time of life that happens between their engagement and wedding. You can also use them to announce your engagement, put them on your save-the-dates and wedding website, or create decoration for your home and/or wedding. For some couples, it is the first time they take professional photos together. You can also use your engagement photos as a ‘test run’ for your wedding photographer! Engagement photos are an important part of our wedding process. You won’t regret taking them.
It is difficult to compare the cost of photographers because not all packages are created equal. Some photographers include a personal print release with their sessions, while others will charge a flat fee and have you purchase additional products and prints. Some photographers invest ample amounts of time into planning the shoot while other will show up and let you take the reign. For the average professional photographer in Northwest Ohio, you can expect to drop $300-$1000 on a basic engagement photo session.
When you are excited to work with a photographer and are completely confident your session will be amazing, that’s when you know you’ve found the right one. Creating chemistry and comfortability with your photographer is paramount in receiving the best photography experience. If you aren’t completely sure, keep looking.
Toledo Engagement Photo Guide
Northwest, Ohio Engagement Photo Locations
The Top 15 Outdoor Engagement Session Locations around Toledo, Ohio
One of the most important factors to consider when planning your engagement photo session is location. We always recommend choosing a place with significance to you. Is there a park you go to every week with your fur babies? A favorite cafe? A date night at a bar you can’t forget? Where can you go that will pay tribute to your life together? In our years capturing engagements in the Northwest, Ohio area, these 15 locations stand out as our favorites.
Nestled between Whitehouse and Swanton, the largest of the Toledo Metroparks is know for its abundant woodland trails, sand dunes, and a patch of tall red pine trees called “The Spot”. We love Oak Openings for the variety of natural backdrops that look amazing in every season. You can find a detailed article with our top 5 favorite photo locations at Oak Openings here.
The bustling streets of downtown Toledo are perfect for a ‘romance in the city’ vibe. The intersection at Madison Avenue and North Huron St is our favorite. One mile away, Middlegrounds Metropark offers a unique view of the Toledo skyline and the Anthony Wayne bridge.
The Botanical Gardens is another Toledo Metropark with a lot of beautiful photo opportunities. Weeping willows, grassy fields, an overlook above a pond, and a small hedge maze are a few of our favorite spots here. In the fall, the garden teems with color. There is a field of pine trees beside a pond that turn orange and a leaf-covered wall that looks incredible as it changes - definitely worth an afternoon walk!
If you love water and dipping your toes in the sand, the lake Erie shoreline at Maumee Bay is the place for your pictures. It’s the closest thing to beachfront we have around here and its absolutely beautiful. Next to the shore, there are beautiful grassy trails and a rolling golf course.
Schedel Gardens is a gorgeous botanical garden located in Elmore, Ohio. The sculptures, art, and 8 unique gardens are so fun to explore and capture. The Japanese Garden and a patch of redwood trees in the back of the property are our favorite photo spots here!
The the most visited Toledo Metropark, Wildwood has both natural beauty in its wooded trails and crafted elegance in the Manor House. The 30,000 square foot brick mansion is used as the Metroparks’ headquarters, for educational and cultural events, and can also be rented for weddings and private events. We love snapping photos outside this beautiful building!
We are all about making your engagement session reflect you. Do you have a favorite local establishment you have a fond memories of? Playing games at Reset, eating pizza at Home Slice, or sharing drinks at Bar Louie? Let’s freeze those beloved memories.
Located at the edge of Maumee, Side Cut is primarily known for its fishing spots along the Maumee River - but the rocky shorelines photograph beautifully too. There are woodsy trails, overlooks, small waterfalls, and a rocky staircase perfect for photos. This is a very popular spot for wedding day photos because of its location and plethora of beautiful backdrops.
Are you the arsty type? The Toledo Museum of Art offers a multitude of stunning and moody indoor and outdoor spaces, so it’s on both lists! The iconic marble pillars, large outdoor stairways, and the dreamy art galleries elevate all the photos snapped here. Just beware no flash photography is aloud inside.
If you went to BGSU or have fond memories in this wild town, the streets of downtown Bowling Green might be the best photo location for your engagement session. The unique architecture and nostalgic venues make photos here tasteful, timeless, and full of memories.
This spot is a hidden gem. The Towpath Trailhead overlooks a rocky dropoff next to the Maumee River. It is a unique location that stands out from typical Northwest, Ohio scenery. The path down to the riverbed is pretty steep so be prepared with extra footwear.
It can be super helpful to explore your wedding venue with your photographer prior to the big day. If your venue has a special place in your heart, it may be the perfect place for your engagement session too! Consider photographing in a different season than your wedding so it will look completely different.
Just outside of downtown Grand Rapids lies Providence Metropark. A gorgeous concrete staircase that plunges into the river beside Providence damn is our favorite spot here. Down the river, you’ll stumble on another local attraction, Isaac Ludwig Mill.
Located in South Toledo, this park has beautiful, scenic trails and greenery. You’ll find several hidden gems down the trails.
This section of the William County Park District has wooded paths and a fishing pond.
Top 5 indoor photography locations in Toledo, Ohio
Whether it’s the rain, cold, or desire for something different - outdoor photos aren’t always the best option. For when you need an indoor photo spot, here are our top 5 picks for the best indoor photography locations in Toledo, Ohio.
In home photography sessions are always our favorite. You’ll immediately feel comfortable and at ease. Capturing you in your element is so powerful. It truly allows you to capture life as it is. Pick your favorite room or wall and examine the lighting to find the best place.
Greenhouses and landscaping shops can provide colorful, natural backdrops indoors. Hoen’s Garden Center in Holland is our favorite local pick. There are so many different backgrounds and styles setup inside! Just make sure you call ahead at least a week before your shoot.
The Glass Pavilion is a unique art gallery that photographs beautifully. There is a row of pillars you’ll encounter behind the Museum that is another amazing space you can stay dry while capturing gorgeous pictures. You can also roam the exhibits looking for backdrops as long as you call ahead and refrain from using flash!
Use your photos as a way to pay homage to some of your favorite moments out on the town. It can be so fun to order your favorite meal or drink and capture cute shots of you enjoying life. Pizza parlors, ice cream shops, burger joints, smoothie bars, bowling allies, and more! This type of session offers you the ability to recreate some of your favorite memories and freeze them forever.
This incredible wedding and event center located in Grand Rapids, Ohio has a variety of indoor photo opportunities. A vintage elevator, a chapel, a library, two bridal suites, and three unique ballrooms provide regal backdrops we absolutely love. If you plan to shoot here, be sure to call ahead and ask for permission.
4 Destination Engagement Session Locations around Toledo, Ohio
If you and your boo love to travel, consider having a destination engagement session! Turn your engagement photos into a memorable, romantic vacation by choosing a beautiful location a few hours away and taking off for the weekend. We’ll meet you there and capture unforgettable engagement photos while you spend the rest of the weekend exploring, eating, and relaxing! Here are 4 places we recommend.
Located 3 hours west of Toledo in Sawyer, Michigan, Warren Dunes State Park is known for its large sand dunes and lakeshore beaches. The grassy fields on the way to the shore make this location especially dreamy. You can rent a nearby Airbnb, stay in a hotel, or even set-up a spot at the campground.
Ohio has several large cities to explore, but Cleveland is one of our favorites. A hub of fun and fashion, there are so many great spots for photography around this city. To enjoy the rest of your weekend, go to a sports game, check out the amazing Cleveland Botanical Garden, Art Museum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and experience the city’s lit nightlife!
Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s most beautiful locations, hosting over 25 miles of hiking trails, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations. It’s also the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway. There’s a multitude of adorable, cozy cabins available to rent where you can hunker down for the weekend with bae. Just know the cell service isn’t the best!
Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, this park has everything Northwest, Ohio lacks - peaks and valleys, rolling hills, and beautiful rushing waterfalls. You could spend much more than a weekend exploring the different flora and fauna Cuyahoga has to offer. After a long day adventuring together, cool off at a campsite and toast marshmallows around a fire.
What to Wear to Your Engagement Photo Session
Once you decide on a location for your engagement photos, it’s time to pick your outfits! What do you wear?! Here’s our top 10 tips on what to wear for your engagement photos in 2024.
It’s so important to look comfortable in front of the camera, so choose something that you makes you feel like a boss.
What color backdrop will your location provide? An outfit that compliments your location will allow you to blend in and stand out at the same time, like wearing a red dress in a field of green. Make sure you are prepared for the weather.
Look around your house and wardrobe for personal styling insight - Do you prefer neutral tones or pops of color? Do you see boho furnishings, classic, rustic, sleek, or modern? Go through your camera roll and choose your favorite past photos - why do you like them? What were you wearing? Pinterest is literally the most amazing tool for outfit inspiration. Here you can find a board of our favorite items.
When you choose a color scheme before picking your outfits, it’s so much easier to keep everything coordinated and cohesive. Again, Pinterest is perfect for this!
Engagement photos are an expression of your love. An excess of colors and patterns can be distracting and draw the attention from you to your clothes. Keep your choices simple and elegant for maximum impact.
This is once in a lifetime experience. Why not dress to the nines? A fancy dress and a tux will make for classy, gorgeous photos. You really can’t go too dressy!
Infuse personality and flare into your engagement photos by including your favorite accessories - jackets, watches, flower crowns, and rings photograph wonderfully. Wearing fun socks is a current trend I love. List your favorite hobbies/activities and see if you can include any equipment from them in your photos! Skateboards, sporting equipment, kayaks, camping gear, instruments, a cheese board and a bottle of wine - the possibilities are endless. This couple incorporated the bride’s love of knitting into their engagement session! (She also made bowties for all the groomsmen and yarn-flower bouquets for the bridesmaids.)
I’m sure you’ve seen the 80s family photos where everyone is wearing matching windbreakers or jeans and a white tee… it’s not necessarily the most romantic look. Instead of wearing the same thing, choose outfits that compliment each other! Refer back to your color scheme when deciding on color options!
Some patterns can photograph really well. Others can be distracting and clash. Keep patterns to a minimum and opt for textures instead. Textures can add interesting details and depth to your photos without standing out too much. Laying textures can look incredible. Lace, leather, and fluffy blankets are some of our favorites!
Your engagement photos are a one-time occurrence and a link to a special time of life filled with many milestones. Why not go all out, pamper yourself and look and feel amazing?! You’ll need to do a trial for your wedding hair and make-up anyway; doing it the day of your engagement session will kill two birds with one stone. Beauty By Billie Jo & Makeup by Amy Lewis and Co are a few of our local favs.
How Do You Take Good Engagement Photos?
Your engagement photo session is a once in a lifetime experience. It shouldn’t be a half hour of you feeling awkward and smiling at the camera. If you want your engagement photos to be amazing and meaningful, make them a reflection of your love and a representation of your life. Here’s our top 8 ideas to make your engagement photos as special as possible!
Most people take engagement photos so they can look back on the memories of their engagement. Think of them as a time capsule and put as many details from your life into them as possible - hobbies, accessories, meaningful locations, your favorite shoes, etc. When you look at them in the future, you’ll fondly remember everything.
If you have a memory with your partner that you love, freeze it with your engagement photos. You’ll make that moment unforgettable and your photos will be uniquely yours.
It’s normal to feel nervous before your engagement shoot. Feel free to take the edge off with a drink.
Your fur babies are a part of your family too. Brining your pets is scientifically proven to make you feel more comfortable and happy!
Think of your engagement session as a date night with your fiance. Enjoy loving on each other and having fun! Make reservations at your favorite restaurant or cook a meal together at home.
If your wedding motif is meaningful to you or if you plan to use your photos in your wedding, include the colors, styles, and theme of your wedding into your engagement pictures. They’ll likely be hanging on the wall together so coordinating them will look beautiful.
Part of the reason to take engagement photos is to show off the fact that you’re engaged! Make sure you use have photos that flash that rock!
Our last tip is probably the most important - the right photographer will put your mind at ease and make you excited for your session. You want to choose someone you enjoy spending time with and feel comfortable taking direction from. Not all photographers approach photo sessions the same way, so make sure you know what to expect.
An Engagement Video | 3 Reasons To Get One
An engagement video tells the story of your relationship and engagement. You can revisit meaningful locations, interview friends and family who watched your love grow, and share your insider experience. It is a family memento meant to be cherished and shared. Here are the top 3 reasons we recommend filming an engagement video.
As time goes by your love grows stronger, but most people have a harder time remembering all of life’s beautiful memories. With an engagement video, you’re guaranteed to remember and relive exactly how you felt in your own words. Better yet, you’ll be able to watch it whenever, however, and as often as you desire. Play it at your anniversary parties, when family comes over, or when you just need an extra spark of love in your life.
Not everyone at your wedding will know you and your partner’s story. Instead of telling your story to everyone individually, you can play your engagement video on a large screen and relive the journey with all of your wedding guests. Sharing your story with all of your closest friends and family will create such a special moment and bring you all together in the spirit of your love.
This one is a little morbid, but personal photos and videos only grow more powerful with age. If you’ve lost someone close to you, you understand how cherished your photos with them become. Your engagement video will be a family heirloom that will be passed down and cherished for generations to come.
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