5 Reasons You Need An Engagement Session

Words and photos by Mary Kate Battles of Mary Kate McKenna Photography

“I don’t think we really need an engagement session. We already have lots of nice photos together.”


“My fiancé hates having his photo taken.”


“Just so you know, I’m really self-conscious.”


“We are both so awkward in front of a camera.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard those phrases or something similar during the last 11 years, working with engaged couples. And having been in the situation of planning a wedding myself not that long ago, I totally get it. It can feel so weird to have a photographer take photos of you and your partner. But there are so many reasons why you should break through that fear and do them! Here’s five:

1. On the wedding day, you’ll already know what you’re doing.



Your engagement session can be considered a practice session for the wedding day. Once you’ve got the e-session done, you will know how your photographer works, how you feel in front of the camera, what you like to do (and maybe what to avoid)! You’ll feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

This goes for us photographers, too. We get to see you two in action. Are you snuggly? Are you guys totally silly together? Is one of you a blinker? We get to take mental notes of things to keep in mind for the wedding day, which are really helpful in delivering the best images to you.

2. You can go somewhere that means something to you.



The wedding day is busy and there’s not always time to travel for photos. So take advantage of having a professional with you and do your engagement session somewhere that is important to both of you. Maybe it’s where you first met: your high school, for example. Other ideas: where you got engaged, your favorite coffee shop, where you bike on the weekends. The sky’s the limit. Be creative.

3. You can bring your pets!



Many wedding venues don’t allow your pets to be part of your wedding day. Remedy that by having them be a part of your engagement celebration. No photographer can resist those fuzzy faces!

4. Use the photos for everything!

Your engagement photos will come in handy. They can be used for Save the Dates, gifts, a wedding guest book, photos for the programs or on your wedding website, on Facebook, Twitter… everywhere. I also find that couples like hanging up their engagement photos, as they are typically more casual than wedding photos (great for a little frame on your desk at work, too). Another way to use them is for your newspaper engagement announcement. Not every family does this, but many do. It’s great to have a professional photo ready to go for this occasion.

5. It gets you excited! (and the photographer, too!)



After an engagement session, my couples tell me how much more excited they are about the upcoming wedding day. They are pumped to share a big, special day with their friends and family. An engagement session is a great way to celebrate the two of you and focus on what’s at the core of a wedding: two people in love getting hitched!