These 2025 Engagement Photo Trends Are Probably Already On Your Vision Board
Before you finalize your seating chart or select table linen colors, one of the more underrated wedding planning tasks on your list could be scheduling an engagement photoshoot. Considering you're only engaged once, we're big proponents of documenting this era in your life. Not only is it an efficient way to start vetting potential wedding photographers, you'll be grateful to have tangible memories of this time to look back on. We'd also be remiss not to mention that the latest engagement photo trends are downright stunning—and you probably have a few pinned on your wedding vision board already.
Photographers have noted a shift away from the awkward poses and cookie-cutter settings you might associate with this sort of shoot. In 2025, the buzziest engagement photo trends (not to be confused with wedding photo trends, we might add) are all about cool aesthetics, laid-back locations and vintage vibes. And yes, we can thank #WeddingTok for these exciting developments. Explore our favorite 2025 engagement photo trends here, and screenshot your faves to share with your photographer ahead of your own photoshoot.
The Top Engagement Photo Trends of 2025
- The Love Drunk Aesthetic
- Ultra-Casual Vibes
- Laid-Back Locations
- Flash Photography
- Film-Inspired Nostalgia
The Love Drunk Aesthetic
Sometimes called the "love drunk" aesthetic, blurry photos took over the wedding industry by storm last year. Couples are drawn to this whimsical, dream-like photography style because it captures the magic of authentic movement. This is an especially appealing trend for couples who might be camera shy, because this engagement photo idea requires no forced posing. All you and your partner have to do is walk, talk and move naturally, and your photographer will make the magic happen.
Such is the case for New York City-based photographer Marisa Silva, who notes that some of her clients are growing increasingly fond of this engagement photo trend. "Candid, blurry photos capture a sense of romance and, with the right editing, nostalgia," she says. "It also helps a couple maintain their vibe in how they interact with each other, instead of having to do stiff poses."
Ultra-Casual Vibes
A few years ago, scheduling an engagement photoshoot could have required outfit shopping, location planning, and even a few glam appointments. Part of the reason some couples may have avoided planning a session very well could have been out of apprehension or stress. Not everyone feels comfortable posing in front of a camera, and the thought of taking wedding portraits can cause serious photo anxiety. That's why we love this latest engagement photo trend, which is a push toward ultra-casual vibes.
Now, fewer couples are approaching photographers with a specific shot list and a rolling rack of seven different outfits. In Silva's experience, recent clients have gravitated toward her "relaxed vibe" because that's exactly what they want their engagement photos to feel like. In other words, awkwardly posed photos are out, and casual scenes that show off your natural chemistry are in. "A lot of my clients find that photoshoots give them a little anxiety. Keeping the tone of the photoshoot very laid-back makes for better photos and gives them more confidence," she explains. "I also think the laid-back vibe gives off a certain feeling of romance that more posed photoshoots lack."
Laid-Back Locations
One of the best ways to curate a casual vibe begins with the location. While there's no denying that you can take incredible engagement photos at a museum, a perfectly manicured garden or a historic estate, opting for a comfortable setting—especially one that holds a significant role in your love story—will translate into photos that feel genuinely real.
This year, one of the biggest engagement photo trends will be a rise in personal locations. Think: the cocktail bar where you had your first date, the park where you walk your dog every weekend, or even a charming side street in your neighborhood. "I always like to ask the couple if there's a significant location to their relationship," Silva says of her engagement photoshoots. "It's really sweet to see their individual experiences shine through when choosing locations."
Flash Photography
Sure, flash photography isn't a *trend* by any means. In fact, this style is about as timeless and classic as it gets. But for years, engagement and wedding photos were synonymous with light, bright and airy tones. Recently, though, some couples have been gravitating toward direct flash photography in dimly-lit rooms for photos that are effortlessly cool, moody and paparazzi-like. "I can see nighttime, hard flash photos being more popular this year," Silva muses.
Film-Inspired Nostalgia
Film cameras are back in a big way—but did you know that having a true film photoshoot is actually quite complicated? Photographers who shoot on film only have a limited number of shots available. (There's only so much physical space on a film strip, after all.) While you certainly can seek out an engagement photographer who specializes in this style, you may have more flexibility if you opt for a film-inspired photoshoot instead.
Considering this engagement photo trend has dominated #WeddingTok over the last year, you might be wondering how to emulate it for your upcoming engagement session. Start by researching photographers who have expertise in both film and digital photography, and tell them more about your vision. Depending on your budget (and your overarching vision), you might decide that going for a film-inspired shoot, instead of a true film shoot, may be right for you. Rather than trying to nail your shots in only a few takes, going the digital route means you'll have more time to experiment with your pro, and they can still give your images that cozy, nostalgic film feel in the post-production process. That's a win-win in our eyes.