10 Awesome Couples & Engagement Shoot Ideas In Vancouver

When was the last time you and your partner were photographed together? Your love is all about your shared passions – perhaps your love of the outdoors, your joint sense of adventure, or your irresistible travel wanderlust. But often these experiences end up with one partner just taking photos of the other!

I really encourage you to think about a couples or engagement shoot before your wedding. Not only is it an ideal time for getting to know your couples photographer in Vancouver before the wedding, it’s also great for getting some fun and casual yet meaningful images of you both, beyond the formal wedding photos.

If you’re searching online for an “engagement photographer near me”, you’ll get plenty of results, but I think what makes my work stand out is my authenticity and the meaningful connections I make with all my clients. This is why I love working with couples before the wedding, getting to know each other and building a friendship before the big day. 

I’m so happy to spend time with couples and I’m full of engagement shoot ideas in Vancouver and nearby. If you’re in need of inspiration, here are 10 awesome Vancouver engagement photo locations and suggestions!

Engagement Photography In Vancouver: Great Photo Shoot Ideas For Any Couple

The engagement shoots that tend to work the best (and feel the most natural) are those where you treat the photo shoot like a date. Essentially, you plan a fun or romantic activity and just laugh, have fun, and relax. As your engagement photographer in Vancouver, I’ll be there snapping away to capture those beautiful, candid moments.

Here are some couples shoot ideas in Vancouver that can work really well.

1. LACE UP YOUR HIKING SHOES AND HIT THE TRAILS 

Wondering “Where can I take engagement photos in Vancouver?” If you’re a couple that craves quality time out in nature, why not wake up early for sunrise and enjoy a morning hike in Lighthouse Park or Whytecliff Park? The scenery here is just so stunning and romantic.

2. PLAN A PIZZA PARTY FOR TWO – ROLLERBLADES OPTIONAL

I love couples who don’t take themselves too seriously, which is why I love the idea of a shoot in Cordova Parkade. The architecture is so unique, with clean lines and curves that photograph so well.

Personalize it with pizza, donuts, rollerblades, or confetti – all of these little props will bring your images to life and make the shoot so much more fun! 

3. LINGER OVER A CROISSANT IN YOUR FAVOURITE GASTOWN COFFEE SHOP 

If you love timeless beauty and classic architecture, a romantic morning at a coffee shop in Gastown, like Di Beppe, will give us really sweet photos that you’ll love!

Sip your coffee, split a pizza, or share a delectable slice of tiramisu – Gastown has to be one of the best engagement photo locations in Vancouver for foodies. 

4. GO FOR AN ADVENTURE WITH YOUR PET AND CAPTURE SOME ADORABLE SNAPS

I know it’s not always possible to include your pet on your wedding day, but you can absolutely bring your four-legged friend along for your Vancouver engagement photos!

Pets add so much love, humour, and affection to any photoshoot, so let’s go for a stroll around Vancouver with your trusty companion and see what we can create together. Don’t forget their favourite toy! 

5. TAKE YOUR LOVE TO THE LAKE WITH A CANOE OR SAILBOAT DATE

In Vancouver, we’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to lakes! A fun and unique photo shoot idea is to rent a canoe or boat and spend the afternoon on Buntzen Lake or Alouette Lake.

This can be particularly gorgeous at sunrise or sunset, since we’ll get such beautiful golden colours reflecting on the water. 

6. BIKE TO THE PARK FOR A LOW-KEY PICNIC

Another timeless date idea for couples photography in Vancouver is to jump on your bikes and head to Stanley Park, Mud Bay Park, or Aldergrove Regional Park for a picnic.

Pack your wicker picnic basket, grab a cute blanket, and bring along your favourite drinks and snacks. It’s the perfect way to spend a day, and our parks have such gorgeous natural beauty that it’ll be easy to get stunning shots. 

7. EXPLORE FUN LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOODS 

The diverse and eclectic mix of neighbourhoods in Vancouver gives us so many areas to visit for a photo shoot. Why not pick somewhere new to visit and explore the area together?

The colourful and vibrant vibes of Granville Island can work really well for this – we can take a walk along the seawall, check out the fun street performers, enjoy some waterfront drinks, stroll through the Granville Island public market – or even rent a boat! 

8. SUIT UP FOR A BEACH SHOOT

Doing an activity together at the beach, like swimming, surfing, or even just holding hands and walking along the shore, can give us gorgeous photos. Grab your swimsuit, wetsuit, or summer attire and let’s spend the morning at a local beach that’s meaningful to you. 

A few beaches that work really well for photography are Jericho Beach, Iona Beach, and Wreck Beach. 

One note: Wreck Beach is clothing-optional (!), so I would recommend sunrise photos for this destination. We’ll be able to catch some dreamy soft-light while avoiding any naked photobombers!

9. RELAX WITH A COZY ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT AT HOME

Playful, romantic couples who love the idea of takeaway and a movie instead of a crowded bar will love an at-home photo shoot! Taking photos at home feels super laid-back and easy, especially if you’re worried about getting nervous in front of the camera.

If you want an at-home feel without being at home, check out the Loft Garden Oasis. You can rent out this space for shoots – think hundreds of houseplants, relaxed leather furniture, and a modern architectural style. It’s one of the best indoor engagement photo locations in Vancouver. 

10. SNUGGLE UP FOR AN EVENING OF STARGAZING

As the sun sets and the stars begin to emerge, grab a blanket and cozy up for a special evening of stargazing.

Boundary Bay Provincial Park, just outside Vancouver, is one of the best stargazing spots as it’s nearly free from light pollution. You can bring your favourite drink, cuddle up in your pajamas, or fall asleep in each other’s arms – just do what feels natural and I’ll be there, behind the scenes, to capture these loving memories. 

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If you’re looking for an engagement and couples photographer near you or want more engagement shoot ideas in Vancouver, I would be so delighted to work with you! Let’s craft a unique, creative, and meaningful photo shoot that’s authentic to your love. I can’t wait to get started.