Weddings

Ottawa Engagement Sessions: cost, what to expect, and why they’re worth it

August 1, 2026

Grey Loft Studio
We met online 14 years ago, fell in love, 3 babies, lots of cameras, and here we are. Want to know more about our story? 
Top Categories

An engagement session is the low-stakes, high-reward warm-up to your wedding photos — and honestly, one of the most fun parts of being engaged. If you’re wondering what it costs, what to wear, and whether it’s even worth doing, here’s the friendly rundown.

engagement photos Ottawa

What is an engagement session, exactly?

It’s a relaxed photo shoot of just the two of you, usually somewhere meaningful or scenic around Ottawa, a few months before the wedding. No schedule, no speeches, no 120 guests watching — just you two, wandering and laughing while we quietly capture it. It’s part photo shoot, part practice run.

How much do engagement photos cost in Ottawa?

Grey Loft Studio — engagement photos Ottawa

Engagement sessions are sometimes included in wedding photography packages and sometimes offered as a standalone. Pricing depends on the length of the session and what you get (digital images, prints, a bit of retouching). The easiest way to see how it fits with your wedding coverage is our pricing page — and it’s always worth asking whether a session comes bundled with your wedding collection.

What should you wear?

Keep it you. Coordinate without matching exactly — think complementary colours rather than identical outfits. Bring a second look if you’d like variety (one dressy, one casual). Wear shoes you can actually walk in, since we’ll be strolling. And if in doubt, pick clothes that make you feel confident; it always shows in the photos.

Where should you take them?

Ottawa is spoiled for options — leafy parks, downtown streets, waterfront paths, or somewhere that means something to you (where you met, your favourite coffee spot). We’ve got a whole guide to the best photo spots in Ottawa if you want ideas.

Are engagement sessions worth it?

We’d say yes, and not just because we love doing them. An engagement session lets you get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day, so by the time your wedding rolls around, you already know how it feels — and you already trust us. You also walk away with gorgeous images for your save-the-dates, guest book, or the wall. It takes the pressure off wedding-day portraits in the best way. (More on that in is an engagement session worth it.)

engagement photos Ottawa | Ottawa wedding photographer

FAQ

How much do engagement photos cost in Ottawa?
It depends on session length and what’s included, and it’s sometimes bundled into a wedding package. Ask whether a session comes with your wedding collection, and check the pricing page for details.

What do you wear for engagement photos?
Complementary (not identical) outfits, comfortable shoes for walking, and clothes that make you feel confident. Bringing a second look adds variety.

Where should we take engagement photos in Ottawa?
Anywhere scenic or meaningful — parks, downtown, the waterfront, or a spot that’s special to you. See our best-photo-spots guide for ideas.

Are engagement sessions worth it?
Yes — they help you get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding, build trust with your photographer, and give you images for save-the-dates and décor.


Ready for the fun part? Book your engagement session and let’s explore your favourite corner of Ottawa together.

Add a comment
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
Reply...

Browse By Category

Wedding

Engagement

Studio

Podcast

On the Air

The Path to Business Podcast

We’re husband and wife team, school of Youtube graduates, full-time wedding photographer and videographer and share all our best strategies & experiences that we’ve learned along the way.

LIsten in
WORK WITH US

Our Services

We promise to guide you through the process in a care-free way. Our bright and natural style gives you that romantic feel with a splash of fun. The perfect reflection of your day.

WORK WITH US

Get on the list

Get exclusive early access to some of our seasonal sessions and more! We love to share about our life, tips & tricks, and our most recent work. You don't want to miss a thing.

Feel free to connect with us on Instagram 

@greyloftstudio & @greyloftvideo

Join our mailing list.
Thank you for subscribing!

Instagram

We love to stay connected with our clients.
Follow us on Instagram and say hello!