The question I get asked the most often after “What should we wear?” when planning an engagement session is: How do we choose a location? I leave the choice of location for their session up to my couples, but I do offer some guidance to help them pick the perfect place.

1. Choose your vibe.

The first thing to decide is whether you’d like to showcase a location out in nature or a more urban, city vibe in your session. The majority of my couples choose to highlight the natural beauty of Utah because we are blessed with an abundance of amazing landscapes here! I have created a series of Pinterest boards giving examples of each type of location to help guide my clients in their decision.

2. Say yes to adventure.

I am always thrilled when my clients choose an adventure engagement or bridal session! I love to explore the rugged beauty of locations like Antelope Island, Zion’s National Park or the Little Sahara Sand Dunes, to name a few here in Utah. Apart from being amazing in photos, choosing an adventurous location creates an unforgettable experience that the two of you get to share with one another (and me, your professional third wheel).

3. Make it personal.

Do you have a location that is special to you as a couple and your relationship? Maybe it was where you first met, or the location of your first date. It could even be a place the two of you have visited or love to go together. It adds so much to the photos when the location is a place that contributed something to your love story.

4. Consider the season.

It is a reality that Mother Nature has a bad habit of not taking your session into consideration when deciding on the weather. Some locations are better than others depending on the time of year. I recommend that couples schedule their engagement session 2-4 months prior to your wedding, but even earlier can be a great option if you have a specific location in mind that is not going to be available during the winter months. Lighting is also a consideration. The best light is during the “golden hour” window before sunset and after sunrise. The times for this window varies based on the season and location as well. This is something we will discuss when scheduling your session.

5. When in doubt, just ask.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a location, I am happy to offer suggestions. You’ve hired a professional for a reason. I am the expert, and I’m here to help in any way I can. Your engagement or bridal session is going to be wonderful no matter where we are because we are showcasing YOU and your love story. We’re going to have so much fun together!

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