27 Fall Engagement Photo Ideas

Congratulations—you're engaged! Now that you're officially getting married, you're likely excited to start celebrating the occasion. One way couples commemorate their engagements is with professional photography. There's plenty to love about engagement photos: You can send them out to announce the news, include them in the invitations for an engagement party, or put them in an album to look back on for years to come. Whatever the case, you should make the most of your session, to ensure that you'll love your snapshots forever.

Fall is a great time for plenty of things, from pulling out your sweaters to cozying up by the first fires of the season. It's also a stellar time for your engagement session. With the leaves changing into brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange, you're guaranteed to have a gorgeous backdrop. Plus, you can really cuddle up—both to beat the bite in the air and to strike a romantic pose! Bonus points if you or your partner popped the question in autumn, and your images really capture the special moment in your life.

Before you set out to smile for the camera, consider some of these sweet ideas. Here, we're sharing our tips for a great autumn engagement session—and including photos featuring the best seasonal details, for cozy, cool-weather outfits to colorful, falling foliage.

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Choose a Cool Backdrop

couple in forest — Kristine Herman Photography

Travel somewhere full of organic beauty—we love rustic spots or places with stunning views and history.

Get Majestic Backdrop Ideas for Your Wedding Photographs

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Take Them as the Sun Sets

couple sunset — Kristin La Voie Photography

Rays of light look stunning poking through the changing trees. And as most photographers will tell you, golden hour happens to be prime time to get the most gorgeous shots.

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Capture the Falling Leaves

couple fall leaves — Stephanie Sunderland

It may take some extra effort, but the end result is worth it.

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Find the Brightest Foliage

Colorful leaves (think red, orange, and rich brown) are sure to make your snapshots stand out.

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Include Your Best Friend

couple walking with dog — Lauren R. Swann

A walk in the park is made even better with your pup by your sides.

See a Dog Crash His Owners' Engagement Photos

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Dress in Outerwear

This advice is practical, but also sets a seasonal tone. There's nothing like the feeling—or look—of being bundled up.

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Strike a Classic Pose

You don't need to do anything crazy to score a pretty engagement photo. The side hug or hand-holding pose are both classics for a reason.

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Look for Golden Trees

Of course, red-and-orange ones also work.

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Don Matching Jackets

couple engagement photo — Britta Marie Photography

Coordinating coats is cute and helps demonstrate that you're both on the same page as you enter a new partnership.

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Keep Each Other Warm

Heat things up with a romantic pose, like a tight embrace.

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Have Fun With It

Let your personalities show and don't be afraid to get silly with funny faces and goofy grins.

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Visit a Seasonal Location

couple apple orchard — Christina Bernales

Go somewhere that really embraces autumn, like an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.

See Apple Orchards Where You Can Get Married

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Travel to a Lake

Fall foliage looks beautiful when reflected in the water.

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Hit the Road Together

A street beneath an archway of trees is a great setting for your session.

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Select a Pretty Venue

couple kissing — Juliet McKee Photography

This location was perfectly moody, especially with the settling fog.

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Get Close to Nature

Consider traveling a little to find a venue that really showcases the season.

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Keep Things Casual

Comfy knits are totally acceptable, if that's the vibe you're going for.

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Go into the Woods

There's something dreamy about a forest blanketed in fallen leaves.

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Sport a Festive Flannel

fall couple on back — Erika Brown Photography

Plaid and fall were made for each other, just like you and your partner.

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Wait for the Right Lighting

As with all engagement photos—and photography in general—lighting makes all the difference.

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Let the Season Shine

fall leaves engagement photo — Adonye Jaja

It's hard not to be impressed by the natural beauty of autumn.

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Put on a Scarf

Break out your best autumn accessories for a stylish (and cozy) engagement ensemble.

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Wear Autumnal Colors

couple walking in forrest — Feather & Twine Photography

Warm or deep shades give a subtle nod to the changing weather, and to the new season in your lives.

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Sit on Leaf-Strewn Steps

couple on stairs — Heather Hawkins Photography

Really, anywhere works, as long as fall's leaves are put on display.

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Bring Along Some Props

fall couple blanket — Vicki Grafton Photography

Take a cue from this couple and wrap yourselves up in a chic green throw.

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Add Some Sparkle

We're all for a little shimmer in the fall, whether that's achieved via sequins or metallics.

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Walk Hand-in-Hand

couple holding hands — Rebecca Yale Photography

Hand-holding may not be season-specific, but it's a great way to capture your connection.

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27 Sweet Ideas for Fall Engagement Photos