5 Benefits of an Engagement Shoot Before Your Wedding

Planning your wedding comes with so many details, but one step that’s often overlooked is booking an engagement shoot. As a Christchurch wedding photographer, I’ve seen how valuable these sessions can be — not only for creating beautiful images, but also for helping couples feel more confident, relaxed, and connected before the big day. Here are five reasons why I believe an engagement shoot is one of the best parts of the wedding planning process.

1. Great Practice for Your Wedding Day

If you’re like most people (myself included), being in front of the camera can feel a little nerve-wracking at first. An engagement shoot is a great way to get more comfortable being photographed and to experience what couple’s portraits will feel like on your wedding day. It also gives me the chance to learn your best angles and poses, so when the wedding day arrives, you’ll already feel like pros.

2. Get to Know Your Photographer

If we haven’t met before, your engagement session is the perfect chance to connect in person — so on your wedding day, I’m not just someone showing up with a camera, but a familiar face. Building that comfort and trust means you can focus on being present with each other, not worrying about how you look. Many couples tell me that after their engagement shoot, it feels like we’ve been friends for years, which makes the wedding day so much easier and more enjoyable.

3. A Beautiful Gallery of Images

Your engagement photos can be used for so much more than save the dates. Couples often feature them on wedding websites, display them at receptions, include them in guest books, gift them to family, or frame them at home. There are so few opportunities to have a full gallery of professional photos of just you and your partner — this is a special season worth documenting and celebrating.

4. A Test Run for Hair and Makeup

If you’re planning a hair or makeup trial before the wedding, pairing it with your engagement shoot is a smart idea. Not only do you get to see how your look photographs, but it also helps take some of the stress out of the wedding day itself. Even if you go for a more relaxed style for your engagement session, having that extra time with your stylist or artist gives you confidence in your choices.

5. Celebrate This Season of Your Life

Your engagement is such a meaningful chapter, but it passes quickly. An engagement shoot is the perfect way to pause, enjoy the moment, and reflect on how far you’ve come as a couple. I always encourage my couples to make a date of it — pick an outfit that makes you feel amazing, treat yourself to a manicure, and plan a special dinner afterwards. Engagement shoots aren’t just about photos; they’re about celebrating your relationship right now.

Final Thoughts

An engagement shoot is about more than just pictures — it’s about confidence, connection, and celebrating your love before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins.

If you’re planning a Christchurch or New Zealand wedding and would love to capture this special time, I’d be honoured to be your photographer.

Contact me here