Why have an engagement photoshoot?
There are loads of reasons why an engagement shoot might be just what you need and most of them aren’t actually to do with the photos!
Firstly, the obvious – you will get some awesome photos which can be great for things like save-the-date cards but also it’s lovely to have a selection of photos of you both not in your wedding finery.
The most important reason for most of our couples is to get used to being in front of the camera. Almost every couple we speak to has at least one person who is unfortable in front of the camera or even outright hates being in front of the camera. An engagement shoot is the perfect time to get used to it and, with the right photographer, realise it doesn’t have to be a cringey awkward process!
As well as being more comfortable in front of the camera, it’s also an amazing way to get to know your photographer, on our engagement shoots, we go for a walk, chat through your wedding plans and get to know each other a bit. On your wedding day, you’ll spend a lot of the day with your photographer, so it’s pretty important we get to know each other, so you can trust each other and check you’ll get along!
It can be a fun way to get creative and try something out you’d like to do on your wedding day. Or at least talk through something you want to try with your photographer, whether it be an image you’ve seen on Insta or Pinterest or just something a little different you’re planning on your wedding day.
And ultimately, it’s just a great excuse to get dressed up (or not!) and have a bit of time to yourselves and celebrate your engagement (even if it was a while ago). In the run-up to your wedding you’ll find more and more of your time is taken up with planning but an engagement photoshoot is a perfect time to step away from it all and just enjoy being together.
Planning an engagement photographer? Drop us a message!
What happens during and engagement photoshoot?
- We’ll meet at one of the awesome locations above or somewhere else which means somethings to you.
- We’ll then go for a wander, chat about your weddding and get to know each other a little. Oh and whilst we’re doing that I’ll snap some photos – simple as that!
- I’ll ask you to stand in certain areas, we will play a few fun little games which will lead to natural chilled-out photos but I promise to not put you in any awkward poses, ask you to stare lovingly into each other’s eyes or give each other a piggie back – though if that is your kind of vibe don’t let me stop you!
- Afte the shoot, I’ll edit the images in a few days, then send you a link where you can download the prints and use them as you please. You could use them for save-the-dates, on your wedding website or even for the invites. If you’d like to buy professional quality prints or frames you can buy them directly through the gallery.
- This final step is totally up to you. If you want use to photograph your wedding then that’s great! Get in touch, and we’ll send you all the details and get you all signed up. We definitely won’t be pestering you to confirm either way or nagging you on the phone, that kind of pressure just isn’t our vibe – we’re way too laid back for any of that nonsense!
How much does an engagement shoot cost?
You’ll receive:
- a one-hour engagement photoshoot at a location of your choosing (within the Nottingham area)
- 30+ photos all edited and ready to download for printing or sharing on social media
- an online gallery where you can buy prints, save-the-date cards, and other printed products
£250*
*complimentary for couples who book a full-day wedding photography package.
We all have places where we feel at home, relaxed and can easily enjoy ourselves. These are the best places to do an engagement photoshoot. So if you’re a city kind of folk, then let’s go explore Nottingham City whereas if you love all things nature let’s find a nice outdoor location for your shoot. We find the best photoshoot locations for an engagement photoshoot are usually those which mean something to you both as a couple. Whether it’s where you first met, where you used to work or just somewhere you feel you can be absolutely themselves. If there is somewhere which means something to you then that’s perfect however if you’re not so sure we can happily recommend a whole series of our favourite locations.
Do You Photograph Proposals In Nottingham?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re planning a proposal and want it photographed let us know we’d love to hear your plans and be part of the surprise. We find it’s pretty useful to talk through your plans for your proposal and see how best we can fit into those plans. As we can provide advice on the best locations for a proposal and the best way to ensure we can get epic photos of the moment – whether it’s your partner’s jaw hitting the floor, bursting into tear or bouncing up and down on the spot in excitement we’ll be there for it! We then tend to go for a little wander with you to snap a few lovely photographs of you both basking in the love and excitement of it all before leaving you be to celebrate being engaged!
Prices for proposal photography start at £300 depending on lots of factors like how involved you want us to be in setting things up, where it is and all sorts – drop us a message below to find out more!
Looking For A Proposal Photographer In Nottingham?
Best engagement photoshoot locations in Nottingham
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION
These are engagement locations in and around Nottingham but with a natural vibe. If you want somewhere natural without having to drive too far from the Nottingham then these are the places for you!
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
For an outdoorsy couple who love nature, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a stunning place to grab some photos. Set just back from the River Trent, the lakes make a cracking backdrop for an engagement shoot.
How do you find it? Attenborough Nature Centre, Barton Lane, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, NG9 6DY
Are there any additional costs? There are car parking charges, you can find out more on their website.
Wollaton Hall And Deer Park
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Wollaton Hall is definitely one of our favourite locations for an engagement shoot. With the amazing Elizabethan country house at the heart of the park, plus the lake and deer wandering free, what’s not to like? Check out this shoot, this one, or even this one for some more of our images!
How do you find it? Wollaton Hall, Wollaton, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
Are there any additional costs? Car parking charges apply and there also may be additional costs as professional photographers are required to have an appointment and a permit.
Holme Pierrepont
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Holme Pierrepont is also just off the Trent, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has a tonne of beautiful backdrops including the regatta lake.
How do you find it? National Water Sports Centre, Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU
Are there any additional costs? There are car parking charges and you can find out more on their website.
Colwick Country Park
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Colwick Country Park is one of our favourite areas of Nottingham and we’ve spent many hours there stand up paddleboarding (SUP). So we can be absolutely certain this is a beautiful place for an engagement shoot as there are so many spots to take photos: serveral lakes, tree lined footpaths and areas of woodland.
How do you find it? Colwick Country Park, Mile End Road, Colwick, Nottingham, NG4 2DW
Are there any additional costs? There is a £2 entry fee for cars, but if you can walk there then it’s absolutely free.
University Of Nottingham’s Highfields Park
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Highfields park is another beautiful area within easy reach of Nottingham’s city centre. Combining calm lakes, abundance of wildlife and the classical architecture of the Trent Building there are plenty of great spots for engagement photography.
How do you find it? University Blvd, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Are there any additional costs? Nope, you can park from free by the Lakeside arts cafe and then are free to roam the grounds!
Nottingham Arboretum
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
The Arboretum is just a short distance from the centre of Nottingham, with beautiful paths, fountains and flowers. We found the arboretum is really stunning when the trees start to shed their autumnal leaves
How do you find it? Nottingham Arboretum, Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF
Are there any additional costs? Only parking, and with the Forest Park and Ride just over the hill you could park there for free.
Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations in the city centre
If nature isn’t your thing. The city itself has an abundance of spots for an engagement photoshoot. What’s great about a City Centre photoshoot is there’s tonnes of great cafes to meet and grab som
3e cake, and we can actually wander around the city and explore more than one of these spots!
Hockley & The Lacemarket
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Hockley and the Lacemarket are great little areas of Nottingham with lots of little alleys, small squares and quirky places. There are loads of great spots for city centre engagement photoshoots.
How do you find them? Hockley and the Lacemarket are an area of Nottingham across the South and West side of the city of Nottingham.
Are there any additional costs? Just the cost of getting into the city or parking.
Nottingham’s Old Market Square
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Whilst the market square can be really busy, there are some really fun places to get some great shots – if you choose the right time of day (and can be patient!) There’s the reflection in the fountain, the beautiful arches in the Council House and at the right time of year a bustling Christmas market and Christmas tree.
How do you find it? It’s pretty much in the middle of Nottingham: Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DR
Are there any additional costs? Like Hockley and the Lacemarket the only cost is getting into town or parking.
Nottingham Castle
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Nottingham Castle is a very central part of the image of Nottingham, so why not use it as a backdrop for an engagement photoshoot? With stunning views across the city and the castle itself there are plenty of places to take great engagement photos.
How do you find it? Nottingham Castle, Lenton Rd, Nottingham, NG1 6EL
Are there any additional costs? The Castle is a ticketed venue, and is currently being refurbished. Their website will give all the details about the price of tickets when they are back up and running.
The Embankment
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
The embankment, like anywhere along the River Trent, is a beautiful spot for an engagement photoshoot. With the river itself, the Memorial Garden and of course the suspension bridge, there are lots of great spots to get some shots!
How do you find it? Victoria Embankment, Nottingham, NG2 2JY
The Park Tunnel
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
This is somewhat of an alternative location for an engagement photoshoot. But it can be a really interesting location for a shoot, with the long curved staircase and the tunnel itself providing some interesting alternative engagement photoshoot locations.
How do you find it? The Park Tunnel, 33 Derby Rd, Nottingham, NG1 5AW
Are there any additional costs? Parking can be a little awkward around that area but if you arrive early you should be able to find somewhere but you might have to explore a little bit!
Are there any additional costs? If you’re travelling by car, there will be the cost of parking but there are a few car parks around that area, so shouldn’t be too tricky to find somewhere.
Cobden Chambers And Hurt’s Yard
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
We’ve chosen Cobden Chambers and Hurt’s Yard as examples of some of the slightly more edgey places within Nottingham. These are places with colourfully painted shops, bright, artistic graffiti and more industrial spots perfect for more alternative photos.
How do you find it? They’re both a short walk from the city centre.
Are there any additional costs? Like the other city centre locations, the only cost is getting into town or parking.
The Best Engagement Photoshoot Locations Outside Of Nottingham
If you’re not based in Nottingham, or are willing to travel a little further, these could be the places for you.
Set in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire countryside, these locations would all be great choices.
Gunthorpe Marina
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
If you like to countryside walk in the sunshine (or rain!) and like exploring Nottinghamshire’s waterways this could be a fun place to meet. There’s a lovely picnic location and from there we can go exploring along the river.
How do you find it? Trentside, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7FB
Are there any additional costs? Nope, there’s plenty of car parking and a lovely wide towpath to explore.
Newstead Abbey
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
We’ve been to Newstead Abbey quite a few times and always seem to discover a new area that we haven’t seen before. There are tonnes of fun locations for engagement photoshoots and it’s definitely a place you should consider!
How do you find it? Newstead Abbey, Newstead Village, NG15 8NA
Are there any additional costs? Car parking or admission to the grounds charges apply and there also may be additional costs as photographers require prior appointment and a permit.
Shipley Country Park
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Shipley is another fun location out of the City with a huge park to discover there is an abundance of opportunities for engagement shots, from the beautiful lakes to rolling fields and lovely wooded areas, which have bluebells in the late springtime.
How do you find it? Shipley Country Park, Slack Lane, Heanor, DE75 7GX
Are there any additional costs? Car parking charges apply but otherwise the park is free to enter.
Elvaston Castle
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
Elvaston is a stunning location for an engagement session. With the picturesque house, the woodlands and rockeries to explore there are enough places to make your photoshoot unique. There’s even a tiny pixie door hidden away if you look hard enough!
How do you find it? Elvaston Castle, Derby, DE72 3EP
Are there any additional costs? Car parking charges apply and there also may be additional costs as photographers require prior appointment and a permit.
Oldmoor Woods
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
In late spring, Oldmoor woods is blanketed in a sea of bluebells – it really is a mesmerising sight!
How do you find it? Oldmoor Wood, Strelley, Nottingham, NG8 6PE
Are there any additional costs? Nope, it’s an open woodland, there is roadside parking nearby and then it’s just a short walk to the woods.
Creswell Crags
Why is it one of the best Nottingham engagement photoshoot locations?
As well as being a site of historical significance with incredible range of cave drawings and witch marks, Creswell is a spectacular location, set in a limestone gorge is a beautiful lake and woodland paths. It makes a stunning backdrop for an engagement photoshoot, just like this one!
How do you find it? Creswell Crags, Crags Rd, Creswell, Worksop, S80 3LH
Are there any additional costs? Unless you want to take part in a cave tour the only price is car parking.
Engagement photoshoot locations in The Peak District
The Peak District is a world of natural beauty, with moors and dales, rivers, springs and caverns.
Ramshaw Rocks And The Roaches
Why is it one of the best engagement photoshoot locations?
Set in the heart of the Peak District, the landscape surrounding Ramshaw Rocks and the Roaches are breathtaking and the unique stone formations make them perfect locations for an engagement photoshoot.
How do you find them? Ramshaw Rocks, Leek, ST13 8UE
Are there any additional costs? Nope!
Longshaw Estate
Why is it one of the best engagement photoshoot locations?
With it’s ancient woodlands, parkland and heather moorland, Longshaw Estate is a wonderful place to discover glorious views of the Peak District. And there are loads of great spots for an engagement photoshoot.
How do you find it? Longshaw Estate, Longshaw, Sheffield, S11 7TZ
Are there any additional costs? Car parking charges apply and there also may be additional costs as photographers require prior appointment and a permit.
Monsal Trail
Why is it one of the best engagement photoshoot locations?
We’ve walked the Monsal trail a few times, it was one of our first places we visited in the Peak District just after we moved to Nottingham. It’s a beautiful location for a walk and absolutely perfect for engagement photos.
How do you find it? Monsal Trail, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell DE45 1NL
Are there any additional costs? Yes, car parking fees apply.
Ladybower Reservoir
Why is it one of the best engagement photoshoot locations?
With stunning views across the reservoir and those incredible ‘plug holes’, Ladybower Reservoir is another spectacular place for an engagement photoshoot.
How do you find it? Ladybower Reservoir, Hope Valley S33 6RA
Are there any additional costs? Yes, but only parking charges.
Derwent Reservoir & Dam
Why is it one of the best engagement photoshoot locations?
The first time we came around the corner and saw Derwent reservoir and damn it really did take my breath away. This spectacular piece of engineering and the surrounding countryside makes it a picturesque location for a photoshoot.
How do you find it? Derwent Reservoir, Hope Valley S33 0AQ
Are there any additional costs? Yes, there is a pay and display car park available.
Mam Tor
Why is it one of the best engagement photoshoot locations?
If you fancy more of a hike for your engagement photoshoot then Mam Tor, or one of hundreds of other trail walks across the Peaks could be for you. One thing to consider, as with a lot of Peak District locations is every time we’ve visited the weather has done something we didn’t expect although it’ll almost certainly be windy at the top!
How do you find it? Mam Tor, Hope Valley S33 8WA
Are there any additional costs? Yes, there is a pay and display car park available.