A Little Getaway: How a Destination Engagement Session Elevates Your Love Story
Is there a coast you’ve always dreamed of visiting, a city that holds a piece of your story, or a tucked-away spot that feels like it was made just for you? Destination engagement sessions offer more than just beautiful backdrops, and there’s something about stepping into a new place with the person you love that makes everything feel a little more magical. When your engagement photos are set somewhere that feels meaningful or inspiring, the result is imagery that feels less posed and more you. If you’re even a little curious about going somewhere special for your session, here’s why it might be one of the best decisions you make during this season.
Pre-wedding quality time
Engagement season moves quickly, with to-do lists, timelines, and endless little details to finalize. A destination session offers a rare opportunity to hit pause and just be together. Whether you're road-tripping a few hours away or hopping on a flight, it creates intentional space to reconnect, reflect, and soak up this season without distractions. It’s more than a shoot - it’s a chance to make a little memory for the two of you before the momentum of the wedding festivities begins.
Torrey Pines Gliderport / Black Sands Beach Engagement Session in San Diego, CA
something different than everyone else
While local parks and favorite downtown spots are always a classic choice, destination sessions offer something entirely your own. There’s undeniable comfort and charm in familiar locations, but stepping into a new place instantly elevates your session’s energy. Imagine the charm of a European-inspired city or the breathtaking calm of a desert cliff at sunset - these settings transform your session into something truly personal and one-of-a-kind. It’s your love story, but in a setting that speaks to your imagination, not just convenience.
Sunset Engagement Session at the Imperial Sand Dunes in Glamis, CA.
Making a memory, not just taking part in a photo session
The best part? It’s not just about the pictures. A destination session becomes its own story within your engagement. It’s the morning coffee runs, the shared playlists, the late-night laughs together. And when you look back on the images, you won’t just remember how it looked, you’ll remember how it felt.
I met this couple getting married outside of Chicago in Sedona for their engagement session.
A different side of your story
If your wedding is happening in a venue with a very specific aesthetic - like classic, black-tie elegance or a formal estate setting - a destination session allows you to show another side of who you are as a couple. Maybe your wedding day will be luxe and timeless, but your engagement photos can be barefoot on the beach or cozy in the mountains. There’s more than one way to tell your story, and your photos can help you do just that.
Cozy and playful engagement session at Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado.
Heartfelt and classy wedding photos at The Barn at Ackerhurst Dairy Farm in Bennington, Nebraska.
the vibe is completely up to you
One of the most beautiful parts of choosing a destination engagement session is how much intention you get to bring into the overall feel. Want something playful and spontaneous? Maybe you two are skipping rocks at the coast or exploring a colorful city street. Prefer something more slow and grounded? A quiet cabin in the woods or the soft hills of the countryside might be more your pace. Wherever you land, the setting doesn’t just look beautiful - it brings out a feeling. And when the location reflects your energy as a couple, it invites you to be fully present and naturally in the moment.
Thinking of a destination engagement or wedding? I would love to travel with you!