Fall took a minute to arrive this year! Most days, I was huddled together with my pup under a blanket inside with the AC blasting just to manifest the cozy vibes. It might have actually been 93 degrees outside as I wrote this. It’s fine! The absolute best season is well underway, and your guide to fall engagement photos is officially here.
Fall brings us all the good things: PSLs, cozy sweaters, and colorful, crunchy leaves. It is also one of my favorite times to shoot outdoor engagement sessions because the weather is usually fantastic, and those golden-hour sunset shoots in the midst of fall foliage just can’t be beat.
So, what are the dos and don’ts of fall engagement photo sessions? I am here to give you some incredible pointers around wardrobe, location, timing, posing, and more!
Read More:
The Ultimate Engagement Photo Outfit Guide for Couples
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This Rittenhouse Square Fall Engagement Session Was Basically Paris
Best Time of Day For Fall Engagement Photos
Choosing the right time for your photo session is key in order to make the most of the light, especially as days get shorter after daylight savings. In 2026, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1st, so make sure to plan accordingly.
If your engagement shoot is scheduled after November 1st, we will plan to start earlier in the evening so that we don’t run out of light. I recommend afternoon shoots starting between 3:30 – 4 pm so that you can capture that golden hour lighting as we’re winding down. To me, there is a special softness and romance around golden hour; it provides the perfect glow to highlight the love between you and your fiancé.
Make sure you book your session well in advance because fall tends to be a very busy season for photographers, myself included!
Posing For Engagement Photos
One piece of advice when it comes to posing for engagement photos is to trust your photographer. It may sound weird when they tell you just where to place your foot or to tilt your head even further, but they are the ones looking through the lens and making sure that your result looks natural.
Also, ask your photographer to capture some candids of the two of you. Pretend that they aren’t even there and twirl, kiss, laugh, and let loose! Acting naturally will produce the best result, and your photos will capture the reality of your love story.
If you have a pet that you want to join you for your photos, absolutely ask if they can be included. It’s a great way to document your family—furry members and all.
Read More: These Romantic Rodin Museum Engagement Photos Include Dogs in Bowties
Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
One of the most common questions I get asked is “What do I wear?!” I get it; it matters! You may want to avoid showing up in something so trendy that you’ll look back in 25 years and say, “What was I thinking?” I’m looking at you, big red boots. I always tell couples that you can’t go wrong with classy and elevated neutrals.
Timeless and chic, neutral solid colors and simple patterns allow you to avoid clashing with each other or creating distractions, taking focus off of your beautiful faces. That’s not to say avoid color, but consider using it as a tasteful accessory. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure that it’s something comfortable and true to YOU.
Read More: The Ultimate Engagement Photo Outfit Guide for Couples
Best Locations For Engagement Photos
If you have a special spot that means a lot to you and your other half, that could be a great photo location. I’ve had couples choose to have their engagement photos all over, and some potential ideas could be downtown (downtown Philadelphia has so many picturesque areas to stop and pose), a private or public garden, your college alma mater, the place where you first met, or even your wedding venue itself! The options really are endless!
Here are some of my favorite East Coast engagement photo locations:
- Old City Philadelphia
- Ocean City New Jersey
- Rehoboth Beach
- Nemours Estate
- Parque Ridley Creek
- The New York Public Library
- Elstowe Manor at Elkins Estate
- Longwood Gardens
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens
- The Rodin Museum
- The Library of Congress
- Upper East/West Side, Manhattan
- The West Village
- Rittenhouse Square
- The Union League
- Tyler Gardens
- Central Park in NYC
Check out some of my favorite locations for fall engagement photos in NJ here!
How To Book A Fall Engagement Session Near Me?
The best way to book your engagement session is to work with a photographer who offers wedding packages that include both engagement and wedding photography. This is my best recommendation to meet your photographer early on in a low-stress engagement photo setting and get comfortable with each other before the big day!
Booking your wedding photography with my team guarantees a spot on our calendar for your engagement session. Otherwise, it’s based on our availability at the time you inquire! Check out my wedding collections and send me an inquiry to tailor your options. I would love to capture your love during the most romantic season!
More Featured Engagement Sessions on The Blog
- Vintage Taxi Cab Engagement Photos in NYC
- Elegant Engagement Session at the New York Public Library
- Hollywood Glam Fall Engagement Session in the West Village NYC
- Cherry Blossom Engagement Photos at Central Park in NYC
