Connecticut Engagement Photos Locations
Harkness Memorial Park Waterford, CT
The park is located on 230 acres of land featuring access to the beach, lawns, gardens, and stunning architecture that makes a great backdrop for engagement photos. One thing that you absolutely need to know about Harkness Park is that we’re going to do a lot of walking, so be prepared! There are so many beautiful vignettes in the park that are totally worth all the walking for. It’s hard to squish all the scenery into an hour session, but we make as much of it happen as possible. This is one od my favorite spots for Connecticut engagement photos locations.
Topsmead State Forest Litchfield, CT
If you haven’t caught on yet, golden sunlight and tall grassy fields are some of my favorite things to look for in Connecticut engagement photos locations. There’s just something so magical about being immersed in quiet nature with the sun beaming down and lighting up your love. I’m a big fan. So was this couple
Wethersfield Cove Wethersfield, CT
Wethersfield Cove is super close to Main Street which is another gorgeous adventure to take (and home to of one of my favorite bridal salon vendors Larissa Lake and Co!). The lighting is just right here to go for a walk, and capture some great moments for your save the dates!
Downtown Mystic Mystic, CT
What is there NOT to do in Downtown Mystic?! Restaurants, events, ICE CREAM, the pier and historical drawbridge. It is so much fun to venture down here and make it a whole date night. Grab your favorite take out and enjoy an evening out on the town.
My Absolute Favorite Connecticut Engagement Photos Location
This one is so often overlooked, but it’s my favorite place to be.
Your home.
So much of your life happens at home. Your favorite memories are made here, and to me it’s worth documenting an epic season of life in the place you call home with the person you call home.
Other Popular Locations
Hartford Town Hall (Requires a permit)
Elizabeth Park (Requires a permit)
Special note: Elizabeth Park REQUIRES a special events permit to use the grounds. Please go through the proper channels to obtain one and don’t misuse the privileges we have to work there. If your photographer is unwilling to help you obtain a permit for your engagement session, consider a different location.
Wickham Park (Seasonal. Entrance fee: $7 Monday – Friday // $10 Weekends and Holidays)
Hayley Farm Groton
The Arboretum – Connecticut College
For Wild Arrow Clients Only
I have an exclusive list of locations where I love to document session made available to Wild Arrow Photography clients after booking. Certainly one of the many perks of working with me! 🥰
Celebrating your engagement with Photos
You might be tempted to skip the engagement photos step in the process of wedding planning. After all, there is so much celebrating and planning you’re doing, maybe this feels like an unnecessary step. The engagement party, bridal shower, Jack and Jill, bach parties, then the wedding, reception – OH MY. So many things that require your time and attention. I get it.
Throughout everything you’re showered with love from your people. What about you? Have you stopped to take a minute to celebrate this monumental occasion in your life? Your engagement session can be that for you. It’s the opportunity to create some space when your world is so busy right now. Above all, it’s a place where you can walk together, laugh together, cuddle together. Play! Whatever it is, you’re together. That’s worth documenting.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’ve never had pictures professionally done prior to your wedding day, it can feel kind of awkward your first time in front of the camera. Especially if we haven’t met in person before. Having an engagement session beforehand helps you to feel comfortable during your wedding day portrait sessions. When I ask you to stare down the camera with your straight up VOGUE model look, you’ll want to have a little practice before hand to be able to nail those shots and be comfortable. It’s a vulnerable experience being in front of someone’s camera. If you feel like that may intimidate you, or cause you to be uncomfortable, please consider an engagement session to work that out. Being comfortable leads to confidence, and that’s part of what makes your photos shine.
After Your E-sesh
Now you’ve had your session. At last you feel super comfortable with me and in front of the camera. You’ve gotten your gallery. Now what? These are my favorite ways to use engagement photos.
Get your save the dates done. First order of business! My recommendation is to send these out approximately 6 months prior to your wedding date. The sooner you get them designed and printed, the better! Pick your favorite image from your gallery and send them to all your guests.
Slideshow for your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Everyone loves to see photos of your journey. Mix in your engagement photos with snapshots of your favorite moments. Include things like favorite trips together, sweet and silly moments.
Wedding website. After you get your engagement session gallery, you can set up your wedding website on place like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola. This is such a fantastic way to keep everything organized. From your registry to RSVP, I highly recommend setting this up if you’re a digital kind of gal. Use your engagement photos as a giant banner so people know without a doubt this is the place for them to be.
Print them. At the end of the day, your photos are for you. They’re the time capsule for this moment in time that you get to revisit day after day. Print them through the store in your gallery for the highest quality images. The worst thing you can do is run to Walmart or Walgreens after you’ve had professional photos taken. I can’t guarantee quality from any box stores or even places like Shutterfly, but I can vouch for the professional labs that I partner with to bring you a luxury product.
I want to hear from you
Are there any Connecticut engagement photos locations that you’d add to the list? Leave a comment below to help make this the best list for engaged couples.
