Do I Need an Engagement Session? (And Why It Might Be the Most Important Part of Your Wedding Experience)
- Cody Bailey
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve probably asked yourself this at some point:
Do we really need an engagement session?
It’s a fair question.
Between timelines, budgets, and everything else you’re planning, it can feel like just another thing to add to the list.
But here’s the honest answer:
You don’t have to do an engagement session…
But skipping it might be one of the biggest missed opportunities in your entire wedding experience.
At some point in planning, almost every couple asks the same question: do I need an engagement session?
It’s a fair question—and the answer might surprise you once you understand what these sessions are really designed to do.
Do I Need an Engagement Session? Here’s What It’s Really For
Most people think engagement sessions are just about getting photos for:
Save the dates
Wedding websites
Social media
And sure—that’s part of it.
But the real value goes way beyond that.
An engagement session is about:
Building confidence in front of the camera
Learning how to interact naturally together
Understanding how your photographer works
And most importantly… building trust
That last one matters more than anything.
Why I Recommend Engagement Sessions Before Every Wedding
One of the biggest reasons I include engagement sessions with every wedding is simple:
I want you to love working with me before your wedding day ever arrives.
Because here’s the truth:
The relationship you have with your photographer is one of the most important parts of your entire experience.
When you trust your photographer:
You relax faster
You feel more like yourself
You stop overthinking
And your photos reflect that
That’s not something you want to figure out for the first time on your wedding day.
If you’re ready to start planning your own session, you can learn more about our engagement sessions with your wedding photographer and what that experience looks like from start to finish.
“We’re Awkward in Photos…” (You’re Not Alone)
This is the number one thing we hear.
And honestly? It’s completely normal.
At the start of almost every engagement session, there’s a little hesitation.
But here’s what’s really cool to watch:
The first and last photos of the session are usually worlds apart.
At the beginning:
You’re thinking about where to stand
What to do with your hands
How you look
By the end:
You understand how to move together
You know what feels natural
You’re not thinking about the camera anymore
You’re just enjoying being together.
That transformation is the whole point.
What Actually Happens During an Engagement Session
A lot of couples wonder what a session is actually like.
It’s not just standing in one spot taking photos.
We’re moving.
We’re walking.
We’re stopping at different locations that give us variety and great light.
After doing this for over a decade, I’ve built out routes at each location that balance:
Different backdrops
Natural movement
Time to relax, talk, and get comfortable
I’ll guide you through everything.
Sometimes I’ll prompt you.
Sometimes I’ll pose you directly.
And I’ll always explain what I’m doing and why—so you’re not left guessing.
But most importantly?
We’re going to have fun.
Your Wedding Day Isn’t a Photoshoot (And That Matters)
This is something I tell every couple:
Your wedding day is not a photoshoot.
It’s a day centered around your favorite people.
The people you don’t see every day. The ones who showed up to celebrate you.
Yes—we’ll absolutely create amazing portraits.
We’ll be strategic with timing. We’ll make space for it.
But I’m not going to take you away from your wedding for an hour at a time just to chase photos.
That’s not what this day is about.
Instead, we use your engagement session to:
Build confidence
Learn what works for you
Create a rhythm together
So on your wedding day, we can move quickly, efficiently, and naturally—without pulling you away from the people who matter most.
How Engagement Sessions Make Your Wedding Day Better
This is where everything comes together.
When you’ve done an engagement session:
You already know how I work
You know what to expect
You feel comfortable in front of the camera
You trust the process
So on your wedding day:
Portraits take less time
You feel more relaxed
You’re more present
And that’s the goal.
Because the best wedding days don’t feel like photoshoots…
They feel like celebrations.
If you’re in the middle of planning your day, our approach to wedding photography Indianapolis couples trust is built around creating a natural, stress-free experience from start to finish.
When Should You Take Engagement Photos?
There’s no one “perfect” answer—but here’s how I guide couples:
If you need photos for save the dates:
👉 Plan your session 12–18 months before your wedding
If you don’t:
👉 3–6 months before is usually perfect
What Time of Day Is Best?
Golden hour. Always. (around an hour or so before sunset)
Evening light is softer, more flattering, and just looks better.
The only exception?
Considering an Indiana State House Engagement Session?, it has become a really popular spot—and for good reason.
It’s beautiful.
But it’s only open from 8am to 5pm, so we work within that window.
Best Engagement Photo Locations in Indianapolis
Some of my favorite spots include:
Newfields
Indiana State House
Indiana War Memorial
The Canal in Downtown Indianapolis
Each one offers something different in terms of architecture, nature, and overall vibe.
If you want a deeper breakdown, check out this guide to the best places to take pictures in Indianapolis.
And if you love the idea of gardens and timeless architecture, here’s a great example of engagement photos at Newfields.
Common Reasons Couples Skip Engagement Sessions (And My Honest Take)
“We don’t need it—we already did one”
Totally fair—but you didn’t do one with me.
And that matters.
You’re not just getting photos.
You’re getting my guidance, my process, and a chance to build that connection before your wedding day.
“We don’t like photos”
Honestly? Most people don’t.
But you do want to love your wedding photos.
And we only get one shot at that day.
Practice helps.
“We’re too busy”
I get it.
But this is also your chance to slow down.
I always tell couples:
Turn your session into a date night.
Go to dinner after. Grab drinks. Celebrate each other.
Because at the end of the day—that’s what all of this is about.
Do You Have to Do an Engagement Session?
No.
But I highly recommend it.
Not because you need more photos…
But because you deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and fully present on your wedding day.
Still Deciding? Here’s a Helpful Next Step
If you’re still figuring out how everything fits together, I’d recommend starting here:
That guide walks through everything you should be thinking about when making this decision—and how to know you’ve found the right fit.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to experience everything an engagement session can offer, Newfields is one of our top recommendations. You can see exactly what that looks like in our guide to Newfields engagement photos, where we walk through the full experience from start to finish.
Let’s Connect
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about photos.
It’s about trust.
It’s about connection.
It’s about making sure you feel completely comfortable with the person who’s going to be with you through your entire wedding day.
If you’re starting to plan and want to talk through ideas, locations, or what your day could look like— If you’re comparing options, you can also view our wedding photography packages to see how everything fits together.
Let’s connect.
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