The Biggest Engagement Photo Trend for 2025 Is Planning Sessions in Unexpected—and Surprisingly Casual—Locations

Up until recently, most couples' engagement photos have looked largely the same, primarily due to their similar settings: think beaches, parks, and gardens. In 2024 and beyond, however, these standard (albeit picturesque!) locations are taking a backseat to more personal—and oftentimes more casual or even more unassuming—spots that all but guarantee that each session will stand out from the next. It's just another sign the duos tying the knot today want every component of their celebration—even its prelude—to tell their unique story. Photographers are more than happy to oblige. For example, when a couple came to Abby Jiu and told her that they fell in love in the air, she knew exactly where she'd capture their pre-wedding photos. “When they told us about their love of flying and that they met when he was her flight instructor, we were inspired to photograph them in their element—on an airfield," Jiu tells us.

In a world of viral social media moments and trending big-day aesthetics, couples are undoubtedly searching for authenticity—and looking for a way to set themselves apart from a sea of the same. “Lately, many of my couples have chosen to do their engagement session in locations that are experiential or significant to their relationship,” photographer Kristina Adams explains. “In the past year, I’ve been sailing with my couples, gone out for oysters, walked sentimental streets of New York, and have even been invited to family ranches.”

Couples crave originality and sentimentality above all else, which is something wedding photographer Afrik Armando also agrees with. “One of my New York couples chose to do their shoot at the groom’s mom’s cottage up in the Catskills,” he says. “When I asked why, they said it was sentimental—the location had been central to their relationship. From holidays to date nights and getaways, they’d made so many memories there, and they couldn’t imagine doing their session anywhere else.”

Here at Brides, we’re predicting that taking engagement photos in these types of unexpected, increasingly personal locations (that don't always prioritize the scenic views couples have strived for over the past decade) is going to be a major trend in 2025 and beyond. Ahead, we delve further into this latest photography pattern.

The Shift From Taking Engagement Photos in Classic to Personal Spaces

When we think of traditional engagement photos, our minds drift to photoshoots around a body of water or in an area with lots of greenery. However, there has been an obvious shift from these “classic” spaces to more personal and meaningful ones. “We're shifting away from picking a random location such as Central Park or the Jefferson Memorial because you need to get your engagement session done,” Jiu says. “Instead, it's about going to the couple's favorite bar where they hang out with their friends on the weekend, or an airfield because that's where they had their first date.” Armando has noticed this change, too: “Taking them to a park doesn’t always allow us to capture who they truly are,” he says. “Since this session is essential, I want us to create memories together, so that years later, they remember the good times we had at the bar or in their mom’s renovated cabin in the woods. It needs to mean something. I actually learned this from M2 Photography, who offers a version of this called the ‘adventure shoot.’”

Photographers think this change is here to stay—and that couples are headed in the right direction. Instead of shooting for the same-old engagement photo session they've seen on social media feeds for years, they're switching things up and taking a more personalized approach. And the best part? Because no two couples are the same, each session feels different, as a result. “This looks different for every couple!" affirms Adams. "Maybe they spent the early days of their relationship walking around the West Village together, so they want a West Village engagement session, or they enjoy eating out together and want to do a session in a favorite bar or restaurant.”

How Engagement Photo Fashion and Photography Styles Are Changing as a Result

Not only are engagement photo locations changing—fashion and photography elements are, too. Brides, for example, are skipping white midi dresses and opting for ensembles that reflect who they really are. “I often tell my brides they don’t need to wear white for this session,” shares Armando. “Think about it—you’ll wear white at the bridal shower, the engagement party, the rehearsal dinner, and on the wedding day itself. That’s a lot of white! Who are you? If you identify with patterns, let’s find you something fun to wear. This is the one time to really express yourself, so why play it safe?"

Similarly, if you consider yourselves to be a more casual couple and you want to capture that, don’t feel like you need to wear a suit, tie, or a fancy cocktail dress. Go for a vibe that’s more true to who you are as a duo. “If you're not the type of girl who likes to get dressed up and wear a dress, then let's get you in jeans and a t-shirt,” Jiu tells us. “Of course, we want it to be stylish and we can help you style that look so that it still feels like you and looks good on camera—but we don't want you to look out of place.”

Engagement photography is mimicking this casual shift—and shutterbugs are striving to capture authentic sessions through a few select tools and tricks. “Couples are also looking for photos that evoke a feeling or overall vibe,” says Adams. “That might look like adding in flash photography, frames with more movement, or capturing more of the environment alongside the couple.”

How Couples Can Choose Unexpected Locations That Hold Meaning for Their Engagement Photos

If you’re officially on board and want to choose an unexpected location for your engagement photo session, there isn’t a specific location that we could tell you to go for—it should be personal to you. There are, however, a few ways to identify these spaces on your own. “Think about how you spend your time together,” Jiu suggests. “Is it taking walks with your dog in your neighborhood? Is it going to a cocktail bar around the corner where you love to get together with your friends? Is it where you had your first date?”

“Hotel lobbies, bars, childhood homes, and favorite vacation spots are all fantastic choices,” Armando affirms. “Some of my clients even fly me to locations with special meaning. Ultimately, there needs to be a connection. Why are you choosing that location, and what role does it play in your relationship story? That said, there’s nothing wrong with a nearby park! For me, the purpose of this session is guiding couples through natural posing and connecting with them.” According to Adams, who agrees with Armando, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing an engagement photo location. So long as it holds meaning and your love shines through, your photographer will be able to capture just that.