Winter Engagement Photos – Session Tips and Tricks

December 11, 2023

Winter engagement photo shoots are magical. They can be cozy, intimate, absolutely STUNNING, and can be so much fun! I’ve been lucky to be able to work with many amazing couples, including those at winter engagement shoots. I’m here to share my wisdom with you about tips and tricks for planning your session. I’ll discuss things like “what to bring”, “what to wear”, and more, all while sharing some photos from one of my absolute favorite winter engagement sessions!

A man holding up a woman and kissing. Her leg is popped behind her.

I love being a Utah photographer because there are just so many beautiful areas for photo sessions all year round! You’ve got the mountains, you’ve got the ski resorts, you’ve got frozen lakes, you’ve got such cute little cities like Park City if you want to be more urban, then you’ve got the red rocks in the south at Zions or Bryce Canyon that are GORGEOUS when they are covered in snow. Check out this blog post about a winter bridal session I did at Utah Lake and you’ll see what I mean. 😉

Now, with each new location comes new things to remember. I don’t think I can cover every single location, but I can give you the most important basics for what to bring and what to wear, that way you have a good foundation and can be at least a little more comfortable.

Man and woman holding hands and walking towards some trees.

Close up of an engagement ring on a woman's hand

Packing the Essentials

First things first. Here are some cold-weather items I keep in my photography bag just in case my clients need them:

Tissues (those noses start to run when it’s cold!!)
Hand warmers

Now, here are things that will elevate your experience and help you not to be too miserable in the cold! Remember, the photos will be so worth it!

Extra hand warmers, toe warmers, etc.
Gloves (to put on between prompts to warm up your hands a bit)
Hot chocolate or coffee in a thermos for after (trust me, you’ll be grateful)
A blanket to wrap up in during or between photos
Chapstick!

Woman hugging a man with a close up of an engagement ring.

Layer Up

What you wear for your winter engagement photos depends a lot on what style or look you are going for. Whether you wear a dress for a more intimate photo session or if you layer up for a cozy session, here are some items you won’t want to forget.

Long underwear. If you are wearing a long dress or pants, wear an extra layer to hold off the cold just a little bit more!
Jackets and layers. Bring an extra layer that matches your outfits, that way you can take it on and off for photos. It is a chance to get warm again, but also create some variety in your photo look!
Good shoes. Consider pairing your outfit with some boots. You’ll thank me later when you don’t accidently get some snow down your socks, or if you accidently step in deep snow. Wear the boots. They also help with traction as you are walking.
Hats. If the style you are going for can afford for you to wear hats, do it! A soft, warm beanie does wonders for moral.

Man and woman stretched out and holding hands and smiling at each other.

My Tips

I have a few more tips to help you have an enjoyable winter engagement session. They can be so fun and so gorgeous if you don’t let the cold get to you!

Have fun with it. Play in the snow! Throw snowballs! Make a snowman! Kick the snow!
Cozy up together. Don’t be afraid to get close together and warm each other up! Winter engagement photos are perfect for cozying up and really loving on each other. Touch noses, hold hands, give hugs, etc.
Bring a blanket that matches your outfits to add to some of your photos. Wrap it around each other, sit down on a log with it over your shoulders, that kind of thing. Take that time to warm up without wasting precious photo time!

From my experience both as a photographer with client input, as well as someone who has gotten photos taken of me in the winter, once you are in the groove and posing and having fun with your significant other, the cold takes the backburner and you don’t even think about it too much. So, don’t let the cold weather or the winter stop you from having an incredible photo session! The photos are so worth it!!