Complete Adventure Engagement Session Guide: Updated for 2025
Thinking about skipping the usual engagement photos? Adventure engagement sessions are the perfect way to capture your love story while exploring breathtaking landscapes. From hiking your favorite mountain trail to wandering through wildflower meadows or soaking in coastal views, these sessions beautifully combine your love for each other with your passion for the outdoors. Not sure where to start? This guide has everything you need to plan your adventure engagement effortlessly—just like your big day.
What is an adventure engagement session?
An adventure engagement session is a photoshoot set in outdoor locations that reflect who you are as a couple. Unlike traditional studio shoots or city park sessions, these take place on mountain trails, beaches, or lush forests. They’re perfect for couples looking for authentic photos that showcase their connection and love for the outdoors.
Why have an Adventure Engagement Session?
Get to know your photographer
Your photographer plays a big role in your engagement and wedding journey. This session helps you connect, build trust, and get comfortable in front of the camera. It also gives your photographer insight into your style, so they can capture your wedding day perfectly.
Confidence Booster
Not used to being photographed? An engagement session lets you practice and feel more at ease, so by your wedding day, you’ll be relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment.
Put your photos to good use
Your engagement photos can do more than sit on your phone. Use them for save-the-dates, wedding invites, gifts, home décor, or even a guest book.
Capture this chapter of your lives
Your engagement is a unique and fleeting moment. These photos tell the story of this special time and celebrate your love in a way that feels personal and true to who you are.
How to plan an Adventure Engagement Session
1. Pick your date and location
Decide when and where your session will take place. Choose a season and setting that feels authentic to you—like a mountain trail, a forest, or a coastal overlook.
2. Check for permits
Some locations require permits, depending on who manages the area. National parks, state parks, national forests, and BLM lands all have their own rules. Research early to find out if permits are needed and apply ahead of time to avoid surprises.
3. Hire a photographer who gets it
Look for a photographer who specializes in adventure sessions and knows how to work with outdoor lighting and rugged settings. Bonus points if they’re familiar with your location—they can help you plan and make the most of your session.
4. Plan the details
Coordinate with your photographer on outfits, props, and activities to include in your session. Personally I like to recommend simple colors and minimal patterns to avoid distraction from you and the landscape. Bring essentials like water, snacks, and layers to stay comfortable. If you’re hiking or exploring, dress for the terrain and weather.
5. Get ready to enjoy the day
Pack your gear, get outside, and soak in the moment. Adventure sessions aren’t just about photos—they’re about creating a day to remember.
When to have An Adventure Engagement Session
The best time for an adventure engagement session depends on the season, your region, and the type of scenery you want to capture. Some couples choose to have their engagement session in one season and their wedding day in another, allowing them to experience and photograph the beauty of different times of the year. Keep in mind that seasons can vary greatly depending on the location. In Colorado, spring might still mean snow-covered peaks, while in Washington, it could bring blooming wildflowers. Here’s what to consider for each season:
Fall
Fall offers stunning colors and cooler temperatures. In areas like Colorado, golden aspens blanket the mountains, while regions like Washington bring vibrant reds and oranges. It’s quieter than summer, but snow can start falling as early as October in some places. If you’re dreaming of crisp air and warm, earthy tones, fall is ideal.
Winter
Winter transforms landscapes into snowy wonderlands. For couples seeking dramatic mountain views or cozy, intimate vibes, this season delivers. However, plan for cold weather, potential storms, and limited access to some trails or locations. Winter is perfect for those looking for a unique, magical session.
Spring
Spring is a time of transition. In mountain regions like Colorado, snow may linger well into May, while in other areas, trails reopen, and greenery starts to emerge. Weather can be unpredictable, but the mix of melting snow and fresh blooms makes for dynamic, one-of-a-kind backdrops.
Summer
Summer is the most accessible season for adventure engagement sessions. Trails are clear, weather is warm, and daylight lasts longer, giving you plenty of time to explore. Popular locations can get busy, so consider a weekday or early morning session to enjoy a more private experience.
Tips for your Adventure Engagement Session
Pick a weekday
For a quieter, more intimate experience, plan your session on a weekday. Popular outdoor locations, especially during peak seasons, can get crowded on weekends. If weekdays aren’t an option, consider a sunrise or sunset session for fewer visitors and golden-hour lighting that’s perfect for photos.
Plan for the seasons
Weather can vary widely depending on your location and the time of year. In mountain regions, snow and colder temperatures are common from November to May, while June to October often brings warmer, more stable conditions. Regardless of the season, outdoor adventures can come with surprises, so bring extra layers to stay comfortable.
Choosing the right outfit
Your engagement session is all about capturing the love you share—and the backdrop you’ve chosen is part of that story. When picking your outfits, think about colors and styles that feel like you but also complement the scenery. Neutral tones or softer, earthy shades are always a safe bet—they keep the focus on you and not a distracting pattern or bold color. (I’m looking at you, plaid flannel crew!)
Flowy dresses? Perfect for a dreamy vibe. A sharp jacket? Great for a classy touch. But don’t forget to keep it practical! If you’re hiking to a beautiful overlook, wear shoes you can walk in (and maybe pack the fancy ones to swap in). Layers are also your friend if the weather might change. The main thing? Be comfortable, so you can focus on each other and not on adjusting your outfit every five seconds.
Reflect your relationship with personal touches
Your adventure engagement session should feel like a true reflection of who you are as a couple. Whether you’re avid hikers, beach lovers, or city explorers, think about incorporating meaningful elements that showcase your connection. This could mean visiting a favorite spot, bringing along special props, or sharing an activity you love, like kayaking, hiking, or exploring a new trail. Adding these personal touches not only makes your session authentic but also helps you feel at ease, resulting in photos full of genuine emotion and storytelling.
Consider the time of day for lighting and atmosphere
Lighting can dramatically impact your photos. Sunrise sessions offer soft, dreamy light and fewer crowds, while sunset brings warm, golden tones that create a romantic vibe. Discuss timing with your photographer to find the best option based on your location and vision for the shoot.
Adventure Engagement Session Photo Galleries
Adventure Engagement Session FAQ
Do I Use the Same Photographer for My Wedding Day?
You don’t have to, but here’s why many couples do: working with the same photographer for both your engagement session and wedding day builds trust and familiarity. Your photographer gets to know your relationship, personality, and style, making it easier to capture your vision on the big day. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable in front of the camera, which leads to natural, authentic moments.
How Long Is an Adventure Engagement Session?
Most adventure engagement sessions last 1–2 hours—plenty of time to capture amazing photos without feeling rushed. If your session involves a remote location or a specific activity, it could take a bit longer, but those big, all-day adventures are usually reserved for weddings or elopements.
How Many Photos Do I Get From an Adventure Engagement Session?
Every photographer is different, but I deliver at least 25 images per hour during an adventure engagement session. The final count can vary depending on the location, activities, and complexity of your session, but you can expect a gallery full of stunning, high-quality moments.
Adventure Engagement Session Packages
Planning your adventure engagement session should be exciting and stress-free. My customizable packages are designed to create a seamless experience that reflects your unique story. From lush forests to rugged coastlines and hidden trails, I’ll guide you to the best photo locations and scenic spots for your session.
Packages include photography coverage, permit assistance, personalized activity recommendations, and a sneak peek gallery delivered within a week. Whether you’re planning a quick session or a slightly longer adventure, my packages can be tailored to fit your vision. For full details, visit my pricing page.
Adventure Engagement Session Photographer
Adventure engagement sessions offer incredible opportunities for unique photos, but they also come with challenges like changing weather and remote locations. As a photographer specializing in outdoor adventures, I know how to navigate these elements and find the perfect spots for your session. Whether it’s a sunrise hike, a peaceful lakeside moment, or exploring hidden trails, I’ll capture your story with care and creativity.
My approach focuses on blending stunning landscapes with authentic, candid moments—documenting not just the big views, but the smaller details that make your connection special. Learn more about how I work with couples on my pricing page.
Have a question about your Adventure Engagement Session?
Let’s connect and see if I’m the right fit to help you plan an elopement that reflects your love and sense of adventure. Reach out through my contact page—I can’t wait to hear from you!
Love these tips!! I wish more couples opted for adventurous engagement sessions. It’s such a good way to connect with your photographer and have photos with a completely different vibe from wedding photos. Your work is beautiful!!
This post is so helpful Ethan! Especially the tip about how to use these photos in the wedding details! I love to see couples that take advantage of having all the perks of an engagement session by turning it into an adventure they will always remember.
What great advice! Every couples deserves an engagement session adventure!
Great tips!! I love how Adventure Engagement sessions are so much more relaxed than a traditional wedding day. Thanks for sharing, Ethan!
Adventure engagement sessions are the best! Also, super helpful looking forward the wedding day to know what you can expect, and you did such a great job explaining it all! :))
Perfect explanation for any engaged couple considering what kind of photos they want during this time in their lives!
Excellent tips and lovely photos! Adventuring while engaging sets the start of your future together!
Engagement guides are so helpful to make sure you are all ready to go no matter anything!
What a great guide for couples interested in adventure engagement sessions! They are so fun and such a great way to get to know your photographer, like you said!