In This Guide
- Beyond the Engagement Session
- Types of Couples Sessions
- Best Edmonton Locations for Couples Photos
- What to Wear and How to Prepare
- When to Book Your Session
- Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond the Engagement Session
When most people think of couples photography, they immediately picture two freshly engaged people posing in a park with a ring close-up. And while engagement sessions are wonderful — I love shooting them — they represent only a small fraction of the couples photography I do in Edmonton.
Here is the thing. Your relationship does not stop being photo-worthy after the engagement. In fact, some of the most meaningful couples sessions I have ever photographed had nothing to do with an upcoming wedding. Anniversary milestones, pregnancy announcements, a couple celebrating five years of surviving Edmonton winters together — these moments deserve to be documented too.
Moreover, couples photography has changed dramatically in the last few years. The stiff, posed, “look at the camera and smile” approach is fading. What has replaced it is something much more authentic — sessions that feel like a date, where the photographer captures genuine interactions rather than manufactured moments. That is the approach I take with every couples session, and the results speak for themselves.
| Stat | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Couples Who Include Engagement Photos | 85% | The Knot, 2025 |
| Couples Who Hire a Professional Photographer | 87% | WeddingWire, 2025 |
Types of Couples Sessions
Engagement Sessions
The classic. You have just gotten engaged, you are buzzing with excitement, and you want photos that capture this specific moment in your relationship. Engagement sessions are also a fantastic rehearsal for your wedding day photography — they help you get comfortable in front of the camera, build rapport with your photographer, and figure out what kind of poses and settings feel natural to you.
I typically recommend booking your engagement session 6 to 8 months before the wedding. This gives you time to use the photos for save-the-dates, your wedding website, and social media announcements. That said, there is no wrong time. I have shot engagement sessions the week before the wedding, and they turned out beautifully.
Anniversary Sessions
This is one of my favourite types of couples photography, and I wish more people knew about it. Whether it is your 1st anniversary or your 25th, a dedicated photo session is a gorgeous way to celebrate your partnership. Some of the most relaxed, most genuine couples I have photographed are the ones who have been together for years. They know each other’s rhythms, they finish each other’s sentences, and that deep comfort shows in every frame.
Session Idea
For milestone anniversaries, consider returning to a location that is meaningful to your relationship — where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or where you were married. The emotional connection to the place adds a beautiful layer to the photos.
Just-Because Sessions
No occasion needed. No ring required. Just two people who love each other and want beautiful photos together. These sessions are growing rapidly in popularity, and honestly, they produce some of the most natural and relaxed images because there is zero pressure. You are not trying to capture “the engagement” or “the anniversary.” You are just being yourselves.
Milestone Celebrations
Moving in together, getting a new puppy, a pregnancy announcement, surviving a tough year, starting a business together — life is full of moments worth documenting. I have photographed couples celebrating everything from matching PhDs to adopting their first dog. The joy is genuine, and genuine joy makes extraordinary photographs.
Best Edmonton Locations for Couples Photos
Edmonton is full of incredible spots for couples photography. The variety is honestly one of the best things about shooting here. From the river valley’s lush greenery to the industrial textures of the Quarters, you can create completely different looks without leaving the city.
Spring and Summer Favourites
- River Valley trails — The largest urban park system in Canada. Golden hour along the North Saskatchewan River is stunning.
- Muttart Conservatory grounds — The glass pyramids provide a unique architectural backdrop.
- Old Strathcona — Brick walls, cafe patios, eclectic energy. Perfect for couples who love urban vibes.
- Government House Park — Formal gardens and heritage architecture for a more classic feel.
Fall Sessions
Fall in Edmonton is absolutely magical for couples photography. The river valley explodes into gold, orange, and deep red. That warm light filtering through autumn leaves creates a natural warmth that no studio light can replicate. I book up fast for September and October — for good reason.
Winter Sessions
Do not dismiss winter. Yes, it is cold. However, fresh snow, the Edmonton skyline at dusk, and the cozy intimacy of bundling up together create photos with a mood that no other season can match. I bring hand warmers, we take breaks, and the sessions are shorter but incredibly impactful.
The best couples photos do not come from the most scenic location. They come from a couple who is genuinely enjoying each other’s company — in any setting.
What to Wear and How to Prepare
This is the question I get asked most often, so here is my honest advice. Wear something that makes you feel like yourself — but the best version of yourself. If you never wear formal dresses, do not wear one for the session. If you live in jeans and flannels, lean into that. Authenticity photographs better than anything.
That said, there are a few practical tips that genuinely help:
- Coordinate, do not match. Complementary colours look much better than identical outfits. Think navy and burgundy, or sage green and cream.
- Avoid large logos or busy patterns. They compete with your faces in the frame.
- Layers add visual interest. A jacket, scarf, or cardigan gives me more to work with compositionally.
- Bring a second outfit. A quick change midway through the session gives you variety in the gallery without extra cost.
- Comfortable shoes. We will be walking and possibly climbing over things. Save the heels for the last 10 minutes if you want them.
Photographer Tip
Iron or steam your outfits the night before. Wrinkles are visible in photos and they are time-consuming to edit out. A quick steam saves us both headaches.
When to Book Your Session
| Season | Best Months | Golden Hour | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | May – June | 8:00 – 9:30 PM | 6-8 weeks |
| Summer | July – August | 8:30 – 10:00 PM | 8-10 weeks |
| Fall | September – October | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | 10-12 weeks (high demand) |
| Winter | November – February | 3:30 – 5:00 PM | 4-6 weeks |
Fall is by far the most popular season for couples sessions in Edmonton. Those golden tones and warm light are irresistible. As a result, I recommend booking at least 10 to 12 weeks in advance for fall dates. Summer and spring are more flexible, but weekend evenings still fill up fast.
Key Takeaways
- Couples photography is for every stage of your relationship — not just engagements
- Anniversary, milestone, and just-because sessions often produce the most authentic images
- Edmonton offers stunning locations for every season, from the river valley to downtown
- Coordinate outfits rather than matching, and prioritize comfort over formality
- Fall sessions book up fast — plan 10 to 12 weeks ahead for September and October
Ready to Book a Couples Session? Whether you are celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, or just the fact that you are together — I would love to capture it. Let us find the perfect time and location. Get in Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical couples session last? Most sessions run 60 to 90 minutes. This gives us time for two locations or an outfit change, plus plenty of natural, unposed moments. I never rush — we wrap up when we have got what we need.
Can we bring our dog to the session? Absolutely — and I encourage it. Pets are part of your family, and including them adds genuine personality to the photos. I recommend having a friend nearby to take the pup for the second half of the session so we can also get some photos of just the two of you.
What if we are not comfortable in front of the camera? Most of my couples say this before the session, and every single one relaxes within the first ten minutes. I give you simple prompts — walk together, whisper something funny, play with each other’s hair — and the natural moments that follow are the ones that make the gallery. No stiff posing required.
When will we receive our photos? You will receive your full edited gallery within 2 to 3 weeks. Each image is individually colour-graded and retouched. I also send a few sneak peeks within 48 hours because I know the waiting is hard.
Do you offer combined engagement and wedding packages? Yes. Most of my wedding photography packages include an engagement session. Bundling saves money and builds the photographer-client relationship before the big day. Check my pricing page for current rates.
Browse my engagement photography gallery to see real Edmonton couples. Or check out packages and pricing for details.
