Key Takeaways
Capture the joy of your engagement by popping champagne in a snowy setting for candid and memorable photos.
Consider a theme of action and playfulness, like sledding or running, for dynamic and energetic winter engagement photos.
Experiment with cozy and romantic poses, such as wrapping in a blanket or sharing a foot-popping kiss, to create magical winter photos.
Some time after getting engaged, many to-be-weds decide to book an engagement shoot to kick off the wedding-planning process and to capture the excitement they feel about their future marriage. Although this photo shoot is by no means mandatory, engaged couples often use the images from their session to announce their engagement on social media, personalize their save-the-dates and wedding website, and put them on display in their newlywed home. Plus, having an engagement shoot helps future spouses practice their poses in a low-pressure environment, so they can nail them on the big day.
If you’re thinking about snapping portraits following your engagement, selecting the right time of year is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make. Of course, you’ll want to pencil in a date that works with your timeline (if you’re planning on using your engagement photos in wedding-related stationery, you’ll need to schedule one 10 months in advance), but another significant factor that will likely influence your choice is the ambiance that the season brings. Having your shoot in the winter will lend itself to the most magical, dreamy engagement photos.
Depending on which location you select, your photos could evoke a cozy feel (think snuggling on the couch at home with a roaring fireplace in the background) or a festive one (like posing in front of a decorated storefront). And you can never go wrong with a snowy backdrop—one of the best ways to embrace the winter season: Maybe you and your partner trudge across a snow landscape, sled down a snow-covered hill, share a kiss overlooking snowy mountain ridges, or start a snowball fight. If you’re lucky, freshly fallen snow might grace your pictures.
Meet the Expert
Liz Banfield is a wedding photographer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who helped instigate the candid, photojournalistic photo style in the wedding industry.
While holding your winter engagement shoot in a colder climate will surely add enchantment to your photos, the low temperatures come with an array of challenges, however. To brave the cold, you’ll need to dress accordingly, and you’ll also need to strategically plan your session, so you aren’t out in the freezing weather for too long. "Be sure to have a plan that allows you to get inside to warm up at a moment’s notice—even if that’s just a nearby car or your best friend waiting off-camera with a big blanket," says wedding photographer Liz Banfield. "Relatedly, hand-warmers are an inexpensive way to get more time outside."
If you’ve booked your engagement shoot for the winter and are looking for inspiration, we rounded up 20 winter engagement photos that embrace the season. Keep scrolling to get inspired by the romantic poses, majestic locations, and cozy attire from real couples’ winter sessions.
01 of 20
Flaunt Your Ring
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
While the backdrop will definitely play a role in shaping your winter engagement photos, one of the most important facets to document is, without question, your engagement ring. In a few of your shots, have your photographer blur out the background, so all of the focus is directed toward your new bling. There are so many poses that will put this special piece of jewelry on display, but one idea entails embracing your partner as you rest your left hand on his chest—so the sparkly stone is the focal point. Plus, pulling your significant other close will help keep you warm.
02 of 20
Pop the Champagne
Photo by Brianna Voegeli Photography
To capture the celebratory feel of your engagement, consider popping a bottle of Champagne while your photographer snaps away on their camera. Opening and pouring a bottle of bubbly will lead to joyful photos with candid reactions. Not to mention, you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of the sparkling beverage after the shoot is done (or even during it!). Take your winter engagement photos to the next level by toasting to your future marriage, surrounded by snowy mountain peaks.
03 of 20
Sled Down a Slope
Photo by Merrisa Caroline Photography
Channel your inner child by taking pictures while sledding down a snowy hill for your winter engagement shoot. Not only will the final product capture a youthful enthusiasm that's undeniably infectious, but you’ll also have a lot of fun reverting back to your younger selves. Just make sure that you’re all bundled up—complete with gloves and a hat—to protect any exposed skin from the snow.
04 of 20
Go in for a Foot-Popping Kiss
Photo by Megan & Kenneth
Have your rom-com moment with a foot-popping kiss. Give your winter engagement photos a fairy-tale feel by lifting up one foot as your partner goes in for the kiss. To make sure your engagement ring is front and center, cup your significant other’s chin with your left hand.
05 of 20
Defy Gravity
Photo by Jenna Bechtholt Photography
Another movie-worthy shot to get on camera during your shoot? Have your partner pick you up and spin you around in the air. The movement will make your winter engagement photos feel more dynamic. To further embrace the season, don festive hues, like a red velvet dress (which will add a splash of color to a snowy setting).
06 of 20
Share a Private Moment
Photo by Sarah Sage Photography
If you're taking your winter engagement photos in a public place, chances are, you won't be getting much privacy. A potential solution? Wear a wide-brim hat and give your partner a peck while using the fashion accessory to cover both of your faces. The intimate moment set against a busy sidewalk or street will bring a sense of juxtaposition to your engagement photos. Complete this chic shoot idea with fashionable winter clothes.
07 of 20
Trudge Across Snowy Terrain
Photo by Brianna Voegeli Photography
For those who live near the mountains, use the natural backdrop to your advantage, especially if it's covered in snow. A breathtaking photo idea involves trudging across a snowy bank, hand in hand, as summits soar behind you. The towering landmarks will give your photos a sense of scale. If you're considering this route, come prepared with appropriate gear, especially sturdy shoes that can withstand freshly fallen and hard-packed snow.
08 of 20
Pull Your Fiancé Close
Photo by Photography by Brogan
A romantic shot to consider replicating for your winter engagement shoot is one where the two of you are pulling each other close, and just as you're about to kiss, the camera clicks. This pose will capture the passion you feel for one another and the intensity of your connection. Bring a bit of magic to your shoot by scheduling it at golden hour in front of a glacier.
09 of 20
Get a Piggyback Ride
Photo by R Wittwer Photography
If you’re looking for a playful pose for your winter engagement photos, hop on your partner’s back. Getting a piggyback ride will likely make the two of you laugh, leading to the most candid, cheerful pictures. You’ll also take a stroll down memory lane with this nostalgic pose.
10 of 20
Wrap Yourselves in a Blanket
Photo by Jenna Bechtholt Photography
For a winter engagement photo idea that’s seasonally appropriate and romantic, wrap yourselves in a blanket. Engulfing yourselves in a warm quilt will make your footage feel especially cozy. As an added bonus, the blanket will help you brave the frigid conditions.
11 of 20
Twirl Around
Photo by Solsearch Photography
Animate your winter engagement photos by getting shots of yourself twirling in circles. Having your partner spin you around will inject energy and movement into your images, bringing your footage to life. Plus, you’ll shoot your outfit from every angle. Take cues from this couple and choose a scenic spot to frame this dynamic pose, like the cobblestone streets of Boston above.
12 of 20
Take a Stroll With Your Pet
Photo by Jenna Bechtholt Photography
If you’re pet parents, be sure to include your furry friend in at least some of your winter engagement photos. For one image idea, capture an important part of your daily routine: taking your dog for a walk. While the image will authentically represent your lives as a family, snapping a shot of a snowy stroll will upgrade this normal task, leading to the most captivating pictures.
13 of 20
Embrace a Back Hug
Photo by Photography by Brogan
When posing for engagement photos, many couples resort to a warm hug. While this pose is incredibly intimate and effectively signifies your love, it often conceals your outfit and a part of your face. For that reason, another position to incorporate into your shoot is a back hug. Have your partner wrap their arms around you from behind, so your face is in plain view.
14 of 20
Try a Dip
Photo by Megan & Kenneth
Channel your inner dancer and have your partner dip you during your shoot. To master this dance frame, lean back and kick your foot up as your significant other supports you. For an extra dose of romance, you can either gaze lovingly into one another’s eyes or share a kiss. To heighten the effect, be sure to choose a location full of charm.
15 of 20
Consider a Forehead Kiss
Photo by R Wittwer Photography
Locking lips is a go-to for engagement photos, but another sweet option that conveys just as much affection is a forehead kiss. This tender pose will provide warmth and comfort to your winter engagement photos, a nice contrast to the wintry weather around you.
16 of 20
Link Arms
Photo by Fern & Fountain
For shots that don’t look rigid or forced, consider snapping pictures as you walk beside your partner. Choose a decorated street corner to provide ambiance, or select the streets of your neighborhood to bring a sense of familiarity to your photos. As you walk, link arms and look at one another, which will depict the deep connection that the two of you have.
17 of 20
Gaze Into Each Others' Eyes
Photo by Sava Weddings
Locking eyes with your partner is another idea for your winter engagement photos. By gazing at your future spouse, your photos will convey the attraction and love you share. You’ll also feel more comfortable looking into your significant other’s eyes than the camera, which will result in more natural-looking pictures.
18 of 20
Run Around
Photo by Merrisa Caroline Photography
An engagement shoot doesn’t have to feel like a chore, something you feel obligated to check off of your never-ending to-do list; you can also have fun while getting the best shots. One idea? Run freely while holding hands with your partner. With the wind blowing in your hair and a smile on your face in front of an expansive backdrop, you’ll look carefree and content in all of your winter engagement photos.
19 of 20
Welcome a Patch of Sunlight
Photo by Amy Jordan Photography
If your photographer is shooting outdoors, use the natural light to your advantage. Position yourself with the sun behind you, so beams of light cast a warm glow instead of harsh shadows. In this photo, the bride-to-be's hair is shining in the sunlight, and the placement of her left hand allows her diamond ring to glisten, too.
20 of 20
Find a Decorated Store Front
Photo by Fern & Fountain
For those who are holding their shoot around the holidays, find a decorated corner of a street to take pictures in front of. An awning embellished with seasonal foliage and string lights or a window display dressed in ornaments and tinsel will create a dazzling and on-theme atmosphere. A dusting of snow will further elevate this feeling. You can then use these photos for your first holiday card as an engaged couple.
