Your engagement is an exciting time, and capturing the love and joy you feel during this chapter is a must. Planning the perfect engagement session in Columbus, Ohio, is a great way to celebrate your relationship while creating stunning images you’ll treasure forever. With its mix of urban charm, lush parks, and hidden gems, Columbus, Ohio, offers endless possibilities for an engagement session that reflects your unique story.

Here’s how to plan a memorable and fun engagement session in Columbus, Ohio, that will result in breathtaking photos you’ll love.

1. Pick the Perfect Location(s)

Columbus, Ohio, is full of amazing spots for engagement photos. Whether you’re drawn to natural beauty, historic landmarks, or urban vibes, there’s a location that fits your style.

• German Village: Cobblestone streets, charming brick houses, and the beautiful Schiller Park make this area perfect for a session that feels timeless and intimate.
• The Scioto Mile: For couples who love cityscapes and riverside views, this downtown park offers both skyline shots and serene greenery. You can also incorporate the stunning Main Street Bridge or Bicentennial Park fountain.
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Ideal for nature lovers, this location features lush gardens, beautiful indoor conservatories, and romantic backdrops that are gorgeous year-round.
• Short North Arts District: If you’re into vibrant street art, trendy shops, and a modern city feel, the Short North offers cool murals and dynamic city energy.
• Goodale Park: This historic park, with its iconic gazebo and scenic pond, provides a peaceful, natural setting right in the heart of the city.
• Inniswood Metro Gardens: For a more secluded and garden-focused vibe, Inniswood offers picturesque landscapes with plenty of greenery, flowers, and walking trails.

Choose a location that resonates with you as a couple. If you have a special spot in Columbus, Ohio—where you had your first date, got engaged, or just love to visit—consider incorporating that for a personal touch.

2. Consider the Best Time of Day

Lighting is one of the most important factors in creating beautiful engagement photos. Columbus, Ohio, has lovely natural light, but timing is key to making the most of it.

• Golden Hour: The hour just after sunrise or just before sunset provides the softest, most flattering light. This is an ideal time for outdoor sessions, as the warm glow adds a magical touch to your photos.
• Morning: Early morning sessions are great for avoiding crowds, especially in popular locations like the Short North or Scioto Mile. The light is soft, and the city feels quieter and more intimate.
• Evening: If you’re not an early riser, sunset is a beautiful option. The fading light can create a romantic, moody atmosphere, especially at places like The Topiary Park or Columbus Commons.

3. Coordinate Your Outfits

What you wear during your engagement session should reflect your personal style while complementing the location and season. Here are some tips for choosing outfits:

• Dress for the Season: Columbus, Ohio, has distinct seasons, so consider the time of year. For spring, soft pastels and light fabrics work well. Fall is perfect for cozy knits and warm, earthy tones, while winter sessions might call for chic coats and scarves.
• Complement, Don’t Match: Coordinate outfits that complement each other without being too matchy. Try choosing a color palette and sticking to it. Neutral tones with pops of color often photograph beautifully.
• Add Layers and Textures: Adding layers like a jacket or scarf, or wearing different textures like lace, denim, or knitwear, adds dimension and interest to your photos.
• Comfort Is Key: Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. Avoid anything too tight or fussy that may limit your movement. You want to be able to walk, sit, and relax easily during the session.

4. Bring Props That Reflect Your Relationship

Adding personal touches to your session can make the photos even more meaningful. Think about bringing props that represent your relationship or hobbies:

• A picnic setup with your favorite drinks or snacks.
• Your dog, if you want to include your furry family member.
• A bike or blanket for a more casual, relaxed vibe.
• Books, musical instruments, or other items that tell part of your story.

Don’t overdo it—just a few meaningful elements can add a personalized touch without overwhelming the photos.

5. Choose a Photographer Who Gets You

Your engagement session is all about capturing your love and connection, so choosing the right photographer is crucial. Make sure you pick someone who understands your vision and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Take the time to meet with potential photographers, review their portfolios, and ensure their style aligns with what you want. Whether you prefer candid moments, artistic shots, or classic portraits, your photographer should feel like a natural fit for your personalities.

6. Relax and Have Fun

The best engagement photos happen when you’re relaxed and having fun with your partner. Treat the session like a fun date where you get to explore the city, share inside jokes, and simply be together. Trust your photographer to guide you through poses, but don’t be afraid to be yourselves—your unique dynamic is what will make the photos special.

Take time to enjoy the process, and don’t worry about everything being “perfect.” The moments that happen naturally—whether it’s a shared laugh, a spontaneous kiss, or a quiet look—are often the ones that become your favorite images.

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Ready to Plan Your Columbus, Ohio Engagement Session?

Whether you’re exploring the picturesque streets of German Village or strolling through the vibrant Short North, Columbus, Ohio, offers an abundance of beautiful locations for your engagement session. By choosing a meaningful spot, finding the right time of day, and embracing the joy of being together, your engagement photos will reflect the love and excitement of this special time in your life.

If you’re looking for a photographer to help bring your engagement session to life, I’d love to be a part of your journey! Let’s capture your love story in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. Reach out to start planning your perfect engagement session!

Caroline Stiers is a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer, NYC wedding photographer and destination wedding photographer specializing in curating a joyful experience while delivering candid, romantic, emotional imagery with an editorial flare.      

Ohio + NYC based destination wedding photographer specializing in curating a joyful experience while delivering candid, romantic, editorial imagery. Columbus, Ohio wedding photographers specializing in candid photography.