Sometimes, getting in front of the camera isn’t the most natural thing; it can feel a little awkward, a little performative. I get it. When you think "destination engagement photos," you might picture dramatic cliffs, sunset kisses, and a Pinterest-perfect shot list. And while those can be gorgeous, I want to offer a different vision: instead of your engagement session feeling like a posed production, let’s make it more like a memory in motion.

Couple spinning and laughing in a field of green, surrounded by misty, Jurassic Park-level mountains—destination engagement photos with a wild soul.

Laughing in each other’s arms by the sea, their joy as wild and free as the waves crashing nearby.

Romantic road moment—shot through an open car door—of a couple holding hands, heading toward the misty Hawaiian mountains.

Fiancé lifts his bride-to-be off the rocks with the ocean swirling behind them in this sunset-soaked destination engagement photo.

That’s the energy Paige and Enrico brought into their session without even trying.

The Spontaneous Spark Behind These Destination Engagement Photos

Couple standing barefoot on sunlit rocks beneath towering cliffs, laughing and holding each other close during their destination engagement photos.

Groom-to-be kisses bride’s forehead as she smiles, the waves and golden cliffs creating the dreamiest backdrop.

It all started on a trip to Oahu. I was visiting my friend Cece and, naturally, put out feelers to see if anyone wanted to take photos. Cece lit up; her friends had just gotten engaged literally a week before. Enter: Paige and Enrico. Two surfing, yoga-loving sweethearts with a deep love for Hawaii, and for each other. As a travel wedding photographer, these impromptu moments are what I live for.

Couple wrapped in a kiss atop a lush mountain trail, her legs around his waist in a joyful embrace—pure destination engagement photos magic.

A Sunrise Session That Felt Like a Dream

Soft sunset light over rocky shoreline and tide pools, casting a dreamy glow on the water.

Woman shows off her engagement ring with a big smile while her fiancé holds her from behind during their destination engagement photos.

Rugged ocean cliffs at golden hour with waves crashing against the rocks, setting the scene for a moody coastal love story.

They picked us up before sunrise, and we drove out to the Blow Hole just as the sky was shifting into gold. We were the only ones on the beach. It felt like we stepped into a movie, with waves crashing our toes in the sand, and that pre-dawn glow where everything feels a little more alive. They mentioned feeling awkward in front of the camera, but spoiler: once we got started, it all faded away. They just forgot I was even there. That’s my favorite trick, melting into the moment so we’re just a few friends running around with salty hair and full hearts.

Romantic dip kiss at sunset on the lava rocks, surrounded by the waves and warmth of a dreamy destination engagement photo.

Sunset glow frames a quiet, intimate moment—her hand gently cradling his cheek as they hold each other by the sea.

Barefoot and sunkissed, the couple’s feet press into the sand as her yellow dress catches the last light.

Real Moments, Real Outfits, Real Love

Big waves, bigger love—couple throws their arms in the air mid-laugh, totally unbothered by the sea spray.

Fiancé lifts his bride-to-be off the black rocks as waves explode behind them, a cinematic moment from their destination engagement photos.

Couple flashing shakas at the camera on a rocky coastline during golden hour, soaking in that just-engaged feeling.

After waiting for the blowhole to do its thing (and grabbing that epic lift-and-ring shot mid-eruption), we stopped for coffee and wandered into the island for a spontaneous pit stop. They changed into their tie-dye fits, colorful, comfy, and 100% them. They’d met at a concert and fallen in love through music, so this little moment in the woods (which reminded them of Michigan, their home state) felt like a sentimental nod to their roots.

Wrapped in each other’s arms with the golden sun behind them, this couple’s destination engagement photo radiates carefree joy.

Close-up cuddle moment in the mountains, both smiling and windblown in their vibrant tie-dye fits.

Botanical Gardens & Barefoot Joy: Hawaii Engagement Photos With Soul

Woman rests in her fiancé’s lap on a lush green field, both surrounded by tropical jungle and mountains—classic destination engagement photos vibes.

Our final stop was the Botanical Gardens, yes, the one all over Pinterest and TikTok, but somehow still unreal in person. Clouds hung low over the mountains as we drove deep into the valley, and I swear, it felt sacred. As they changed into their last look, Cece and I snapped a few photos of each other (as you do), and we wrapped the morning with dancing, laughing, and barefoot joy in the grass.

Let Your Personality Lead the Session

But here’s the thing: yes, Paige and Enrico are beautiful and photogenic. But what made these destination engagement photos sing was how completely themselves they were. The tie-dye outfits, the spontaneous stops, the soft glances and full-bellied laughs, it wasn’t curated. It was them.

Laughing and locked in eye contact, a couple stands in front of misty Hawaiian mountains, full of playful love

Changing the Way We Think About Destination Engagement Photos

Engaged couple kisses with golden hour behind them with waves crashing during destination engagement photos

Playful kiss through the open car door, surrounded by jungle roads and mountains—classic destination engagement photo energy.

And that’s the part I want every couple to know. Engagement sessions don’t have to be stressful. They don’t have to be overly posed or feel like some strange, one-hour performance for the camera. Let’s change the narrative. Let’s treat engagement photos like a love letter to who you are right now. Bring me to your favorite surf break. Let’s hike to your secret spot. We can stop for iced lattes and let your dog crash the session. Let’s just be.

Tips to Make Your Destination Engagement Photos Feel Like You

Man and woman walking through grass holding hands while casually walking together

Close up of couple walking hand in hand through grass in Hawaii

Couple sitting on grass as woman touches cheek and making eye contact

Wear what feels good. Forget what you think you’re supposed to wear. If it makes you feel like you, go with it, whether that’s a flowy dress, board shorts, or your go-to concert tee.
Pick meaningful locations. Your go-to sunrise surf spot? That hidden trail where you always end up talking about everything and nothing? That little patch of grass outside your apartment where you had your first kiss? That’s where I want to go.
Make it an experience. Think less “appointment on the calendar” and more “best morning ever.” Grab your favorite coffee, climb something, and dip your toes in the water. Let it be authentic to you and your partner.
Bring your people. If your best friend is your ultimate hype girl or your dog is basically your child, yes, they can come.
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a shot list or a Pinterest board. You just need to show up and be yourselves. That’s where the epic memories are made.

Bride-to-be lays across her fiancé’s lap, gazing up at him with soft eyes and grass-stained love.

Why Destination Engagement Photos Matter

While wedding days are full of motion, timelines, and beautiful chaos, engagement sessions are slow, intentional, and deeply personal. They’re a chance to say: this is us. This is what we love. This is how we feel right now, in this chapter.

So whether we’re shooting destination engagement photos in Oahu, Michigan, Italy, or your hometown backyard, my goal as a travel wedding photographer is the same: to help you feel seen, celebrated, and fully yourselves.

Woman rests head on fiance's lap while sitting on grassy field together

Couple runs hand-in-hand toward the jungle-covered cliffs, barefoot and blissful during their destination engagement photos.

Book Me As Your Travel Wedding Photographer

Man kisses woman's shoulder while she wears yellow satin dress as waves crash behind them

Paige and Enrico, thank you for trusting me with this morning. For your joy, your stories, your tie-dye, your hearts. I’ll be replaying this session in my head forever.

And to every couple wondering if they need to have it all figured out before stepping in front of the camera, just show up. Be real. That’s where the best moments live. Looking for the perfect travel wedding photographer to tell your story? Inquire today.

Why Your Destination Engagement Photos Should Feel Like a Memory, Not a Photoshoot