When choosing a location for your engagement photos you’ll want to consider a few things and luckily we rounded up our most beautiful engagement photo locations that Ottawa has to offer below. But before you soak in all these ideas, it’s best to think what this engagement session means to you.
Looking for more engagement session photo locations in Ottawa? Check out Ottawa’s Best Engagement Photo Locations here.
Now you’ve got the ring it’s time to start planning the Wedding of your dreams. Check out all the Best Ottawa Wedding Venues in alphabetical order for you to start planning here.
Nerves about the session
For some couples this is literally the first time you’ve ever had pro photos done. It can be great practice for the big day and a way to get to know what it’s like working with us. Although, we do feel that it should be even more than just that.
We want to be able to tell your story before the big dress and the florals take up this space, so we take this time very seriously as it’s a time where we are gaining your complete trust. This is especially important as we don’t want you to be worrying about your wedding day when it comes to photography or videography one bit.
How many months before the wedding should you do the engagement session?
We like to say at least 6 months before the wedding so that you can use these photos for save the dates, Christmas cards, and creating a signing book at your wedding, but that doesn’t always work out that way because of well, we live in Canada.
Don’t fret if you just booked your wedding and you want to get your photos done in the spring (making it only a few short weeks before your wedding), we will still need to practice together making sure you adore the process and make use of your hair and makeup trials!
What time of day should we do outdoor photos?
Often we get asked when is the best time to do engagement photos and no matter what the season we will always say: “the hour and a half before sunset.” Make no mistake, all those Pinterest worthy photos you adore were most certainly shot around sunset. The other details are truly up to you.
Winter or Spring?
Do you like winter? If you don’t, we wouldn’t recommend doing your engagement session in winter. We have shot engagement sessions 1 week away from the wedding as that was when schedules lined up for the couple or they were coming from out of town. Again, it’s really a time where you can learn what poses you like and the ones you don’t.
Dominion Arboretum
Now this spot never ever disappoints, all year round it is a favourite for sure because of the many locations you can explore and unique florals and trees. We especially love it in the spring when the Magnolia & Cherry Blossoms bloom.
Tropical Gardens
Tropical Gardens is very close to the Dominion Arboretum but is just on the other side of the roundabout off Maple St. and its a definitely a favourite spot of ours as we can always find some free parking!
Parliament Hill
Being so close to the Capital Hill of Canada is kind of amazing and so whenever couples ask if we can do some around the hill, it’s hard not to feel a little patriotic. One thing to keep in mind is the time of year, in particular if there are any events happening which means we won’t be able to get as close as we’d like!
Major’s Hill Park & Chateau Laurier
If you haven’t checked out our tips for outfits for your engagement session, be sure to check it out as this one requires lots of walking, but we promise it is so worth it! Walking from one spot to another all while trying to time the lighting is our specialty! We really love it!
This spot is just behind the Chateau Laurier but if you are facing the Chateau you would need to walk to your left and go across the locks. It’s great for popping some Champagne.
Britannia Beach
As a family we really love going to the beach and we go often as it’s a great way to let your inner child come out as you walk through the sand in bare feet and splash water around. It really relaxes couples as well which is helpful when we are trying to get the real people to shine through!
To see more from this VERY spicy engagement session at Britannia Beach check it all out HERE.
Mooney’s Bay is also such a great place to take engagement photos! This was the first time doing them with this super fun session! Check it out here!
Mer Bleue Bog
This is a really unique spot as there are no limits on locations and usually not to many people! Keep in mind it is a bog, so bugs can sometimes be a little bit of a pain!
Walter Baker Park Kanata
Often we head to Walter Baker Park in Kanata for sessions as its about 15 mins from our studio in Carp. We know all the best spots and it’s got quite an array of spots to do photos all year long.
Pine Grove Trail
We love this spot too, but we do have one closer to our studio in the west end which is very similar as well called Jack Pine Trail that is really pretty as well!
Private Property
Perhaps you grew up on a farm or you have a family cottage that holds a lot of meaning in your lives, picking a spot like this is really special. We love adventuring to new locations so this is a great option to do as well!
Our Studio in Carp
Sometimes couples want a little more privacy or they want something different so we offer up our studio in Carp. We live on a 2 acre property that’s surrounded by trees. We also have access to a really cute little trail thats about a 2 minute drive with a covered bridge. Our neighbour also has about 10 Cherry Blossom trees so we use this private spot in the spring as well!
We love bringing people to our area as it warms our heart that these photos will be loved by our clients and will also be a memory of our little plot where we raise our family.
The Covered Bridge
A hop skip and a jump away from our studio is the beautiful covered bridge where we love to take couples. Not only is it so pretty all year round, it’s very private! All the beautiful nature combined with this little bridge is just perfect!
Boat Ride Engagement
We we’re lucky to be invited to a family cottage, not once, but three times and by far boats are absolutely so much fun for an engagement session. If you have a family spot that’s meaningful to you let’s chat! Trust me you will absolutely love having these memories captured in a meaningful spot! Check out this fun engagement boat ride.
Pinhey’s Point
We just love this spot, so many fun area’s to explore and the water is just beautiful with the old stone bricks in the historical area make for some really pretty shots.
Engagement Videos are so worth it!
It’s not the type of video that we see a lot of, and we want to change this. If you’ve been on the fence about getting videography for your wedding maybe try your Engagement? Ask us about adding an Engagement Video to your Engagement session. It’s a great way to capture your love story before you say “I do”.
Check out these videos we did last year at Pinhey’s Point.
Engagement Session Wishlist
We have a pretty fun list of spots that we would love to check off our list. If you’re game to explore a new spot, please check out this list below:
- Bikes, Horses, Baby Goats, Confetti
- The Love Lock Pedestrian Bridge
- Fairgrounds (summer)
- Baseball Diamond (or sports related spot)
- University or College Campus
- Graffiti near Carleton University
- Billings Estate
Outside of Ottawa Locations for your Engagement Session
We are lucky enough that we have shot at quite a few places outside of Ottawa for Engagement Sessions, so stay tuned for this list of options as well!
Ready for “Outfit Tips” for your Engagement Session? Click the Photo below for all our best tips!
