Sure, that sparkler on your ring finger is plenty photogenic. But what will really bring your engagement photos to life are a couple of fun props! They allow you to get creative, show your personal side and even bring a touch of drama into your session. Photo props can be as subtle as a seasonal cue from your engagement location to something as lively as your sweet pup.

 

For those of us who aren’t comfortable in front of a camera, props can provide an easy way to relax during the session. Plus, they give your engagement photographer license to have fun with every frame!

So go ahead and play (and dream about how awesome you save the dates will look!). Here are eight creative prop ideas for your engagement session:

 

1. Pets

If you can't include them in the big day, engagement photos and save-the-dates are our favorite ways to include Pets in big days. You can’t get much more adorable than having your dog scamper around or cuddle with the two of you in your engagement photos. After all, he or she is part of your family! Have a helper the day of your photo shoot in case you have to hand the leash off for a few solo shots. We also recommend plenty of treats!

2. Seasonal accessories

From vibrant colors to the brisk air calling for cozy accessories, Mother Nature always provides the perfect backdrop.

For Summer

How fun to stage an impromptu picnic with a darling wooden picnic basket! Bop a beach ball along the shore or pick wildflowers from rolling meadows. We also love when couples toast to the wedding day with champagne flutes on a blanket. 

For Spring

If you time it just right, you’ll hit peak tulip season. Grab that chunky knit blanket and make yourselves comfortable right in the middle of a field of springy blooms. We love how flowers add color and vibrancy to photos. Plus, everyone will want to know where you took your magical photos.

For Fall

Head to your local pumpkin patch or apple orchard and take in all the fall feels - in your matching flannels, of course! Extra creativity points for donuts and cider. We love this fun, interactive location for photos. Your local pumpkin patch is also a great option! Pumpkins are a great prop for writing your wedding date as well as taking a few ring shots. 

For Winter

Wrap yourselves up in a cozy blanket complete with beanies, scarves, and mittens. Toast each other with coffee mugs personalized with your wedding date for a charming touch. Candy canes are playful, too. We'd head to a Christmas market, tree farm, our forest preserve to get dreamy, holiday-inspired photos. A tip for winter sessions: double-layer your outfit to not only fend off the cold but create the ability to have multiple looks. And the perfect winter prop? An oversized scarf that also doubles as a blanket. All the better to cozy up together!

3. Bohemian

Channel your inner flower child and practice the big day ahead by hold a small bouquet of fresh flowers. Or, add to your engagement look by wearing a boho flower crown. We think the perfect accompaniment is a breezy dress and sandals. 

4. Festive

Start the party early by creating a festive vibe. Flickering candles, bursts of confetti, and a bottle of bubbly all shout “cheers!” Balloons aren't just for birthdays either! They're festive, colorful, and adorable props for a future Mr & Mrs. 

5. Sporting goods

Live a life of leisure in front of the camera! Hop on a bike or slip on rollerblades to showcase your playful side. Another fun idea for sporty couples is to bring a baseball or a football into play. Wear your favorite team jerseys or tees and write your wedding date on the ball to use for your save the dates!

6. Intellectual

Peruse your favorite book or tinker with musical instruments during your engagement session. This route offers a personal peek into your quieter interests. Love to read? We think a library is a great place for a session. The colorful spines of rows and rows of books never disappoint.

7. Crafty

Hold empty picture frames (matching or an eclectic mix) and fill the frame with your smiling faces. Or, grab a single oversized frame and share a smooch. Look for old frames at estate sales, craft stores, and second-hand shops. Don't be afraid to DIY, either! Sometimes all they need is a coat of paint.

8. Signs

Whether it’s chalkboard or rustic reclaimed wood, custom signs are always a fun way to tell your story. Personalize them with your wedding date or your future titles of Mr. and Mrs. Just a simple ampersand held between the two of you is another sweet option.

The list creative props for your engagement session is endless. Whatever you choose to have fun, get lost in the moment, and enjoy your engagement session!