Why Family Cottages Make the Best Engagement Session Locations
One of the biggest challenges couples face when planning engagement photos is finding a location that feels meaningful. Beautiful locations are everywhere, but the most memorable engagement sessions happen in places that already hold a story.
A family cottage gives you both.
You get all of the natural beauty that cottage country is known for — tall pines, sparkling water, rocky shoreline, and golden evening light — while also choosing a place that has sentimental value.
During this engagement session, we were able to create so many different looks just by exploring the property and incorporating things they already do at the cottage:
- Walking hand in hand down the shoreline beach
- Sitting together at the end of the dock with the lake behind them
- Dipping their toes into the water at sunset
- Snuggling up in the canoe for a few quiet moments on the lake
- Throwing sticks into the lake for Bogey their dog - and avoiding his shakes afterwards!
Each part of the property offered a different backdrop while still feeling cohesive and connected. We even grabbed a few quick shots of Graham's parents on the dock - everyone needs an updated couples portrait :)
Because they were in a place that already felt familiar and important, they were able to relax immediately. There was no awkwardness, no pressure, and no feeling of needing to “perform” for the camera. Instead, the session felt more like an evening spent together at the cottage.
