The Ultimate Lancaster Area Engagement Session Guide
Your engagement session should be about celebrating this chapter of your story and carving out time to just be together. I like to think of it as a little date night with a bonus: you walk away with images that actually feel like you and we get to take time to connect in person before the wedding.
An engagement session is the perfect time to lean into your history and things that feel special to you. We could take a walk down memory lane and visit some first-date spots, spend an evening wandering through a garden together, grab drinks at your favorite bar, or enjoy soaking in a sunset and some gorgeous golden-hour views. Whatever feels most natural for you two is exactly what we’ll lean into and the options are limitless!
What to Expect During Your Lancaster Engagement Session
Engagement sessions with me usually last about an hour to an hour and a half but I don’t put a hard time limit on our time together because connection is my biggest priority. Each session is wholly unique and catered to your dynamic because no two couples are the same and your photos should reflect that. I want your photos to reflect your natural chemistry and truly feel like you. A lot of what we’ll do throughout the session is to bring that dynamic out in ways that feel good and in the moment.
I give as little or as much guidance as needed because I want you to feel confident and comfortable the entire time., I believe the magic comes from those little in-between moments — the glances, laughs, and natural rhythms you fall into as a couple and my goal is to capture them as they unfold organically.
Before Your Session
We’ll connect beforehand — by phone, Google Meet, or a few emails — so I can hear your vision and talk through details like outfits and location ideas. This helps me get a sense of your dynamic before the camera ever comes out and helps to make sure we’re on the same page. On the day we meet up for the session, the first few moments are always spent connecting with each other and chatting a little bit more about everything before we dive into capturing some sweet moments.
Choosing a Date & Time
My Engagement sessions typically happen on weekdays since weekends are reserved for weddings.
Plan for about 60–90 minutes together.
Outdoor sessions work best about 1–2 hours before sunset for the best golden, dreamy light.
If you’re using your photos for save-the-dates, aim to schedule around 6 months before your wedding.
Choosing a Location For Your Lancaster Engagement Session
The best location is one that feels like you or that you connect with in some way. I am always happy to chat about the vibe for the session and give some location recommendations as well so here are some of my favorite engagement session spots around Lancaster (and a few worth the drive).
Highpoint Scenic Vista (York County)
If you’re into wide-open views and golden sunsets, Highpoint Scenic Vista is a gem. The trails lead you up to a sweeping overlook of the Susquehanna River, and on clear evenings it truly feels like being on top of the world. It’s the kind of spot where you want to unwind, run and soak in the light. The vibe here is simple but cinematic feeling — think long grasses, big skies, and plenty of space to explore. If you love wide open spaces and being surrounded by nature. This location is perfect for mixing casual movement shots with those quiet, romantic frames at the top. It does get a bit windy here but it just brings a little more movement and drama to the moments we capture.
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is like stepping into a living painting. With acres of seasonal blooms, tree-lined paths, dramatic fountains, and a stunning conservatory, it’s a dream backdrop for couples who want variety in their photos. There’s no shortage of places to tuck away for a quiet moment or to play around with colorful floral backgrounds.
Because it’s so big and well-kept, Longwood works in any season. Spring brings fresh blooms, summer has vibrant gardens, fall glows with rich colors, and winter is made magical in the conservatory. It’s elegant as well as timeless, and you’ll walk away with a gallery that feels dynamic and full of life.
White Cliffs of Conoy
This one’s for the explorers who want to feel transported out of Pennsylvania. The White Cliffs of Conoy sit along the Susquehanna River, with chalky white cliffs that almost feel like the salt flats in Utah. It’s about a mile walk or bike in, but once you’re there, it feels otherworldly — perfect for couples who want their photos to stand out.
The setting is simple but striking. Between the cliffs, river views, and wide-open skies, it’s easy to capture both playful, adventurous shots and softer, more intimate ones. It also makes for the most incredible spot to sit and take in a sunset together. Bring comfy shoes for the walk, maybe a picnic blanket, and treat it like a little adventure together.
Overlook Park
Overlook Park is one of those easygoing locations that gives you tons of variety without having to travel far. There are wide fields, tree-lined paths, a little creek, and open skies that catch the evening light beautifully. It’s casual, approachable, and perfect if you want your photos to be in a natural setting.
Couples love it because it’s flexible and easy to get from spot to spot. This is a perfect spot to lean into a picnic date night feel or soak in the feeling of running through the grass together. It’s a great pick if you want an outdoor session that’s relaxed and fun but still gives you plenty of natural backdrops.
Downtown Lancaster
For couples who feel most at home in the city, Downtown Lancaster has so much character. Think cobblestone alleys, brick walls, murals, coffee shops, and little pockets of charm around every corner. It’s all walkable, Which lends the feeling of a date night out on the town and can include several locations during our time together.
The downtown setting is perfect for showing off your personalities and making the most of the experience. Want to grab a drink mid-session? Let’s do it. Want to lean into something artsy with a mural backdrop or keep it timeless with old architecture? You’ve got options. It’s versatile, stylish and has a beautiful historic feel.
Old City Philadelphia
Old City is perfect if you want that urban feel but with history layered in. The cobblestone streets, classic rowhomes, and iconic landmarks create a backdrop that feels both timeless and chic. You can go from grabbing candid street shots to stealing a quiet moment under old brick arches without skipping a beat.
It’s also a fun excuse to make a day of it — grab coffee, wander around, and let the city guide the session. Couples who want a mix of elegance and edge usually fall in love with Old City because it feels rich in texture while still being playful.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park
This spot is all about big skies and rolling hills. Samuel S. Lewis has a hilltop overlook that catches sunset light beautifully, plus open fields, tall grass, and tree-lined nooks for variety. It feels wide open and peaceful, which makes it perfect for couples who want something natural and low-key.
There’s a relaxed vibe here that works especially well for movement shots — walking, spinning, running, or just leaning into each other as the wind moves through the grass.This is a perfect space for letting the landscape highlight the two of you living out your cinematic dreams
What to Wear
The number one rule is to wear what feels like you and what you feel comfortable in. Pinterest is a great resource for pulling inspiration from but at the end of the day, lean into what feels good to you. Stick with clothes that let you move, laugh, and be in the moment.
How many outfits? One or two is the sweet spot. Maybe something casual and something a little dressier.
Colors: Neutrals photograph beautifully. If you want to play with color, think complementary pairs, monochromatic tones, or colors that flow naturally together.
Patterns: Keep it simple. Subtle patterns look great, while loud prints or big logos can be distracting.
Coordinating: Focus on balance instead of matching — light + dark, bold + soft, fitted + flowy.
Mindset & a Couple Tips
Think of your engagement session as an intentional pause in the middle of planning. Bring extra shoes if we’ll be walking, toss a bag with touch-up items if you’d like, but most importantly, bring the mindset that this is time to connect and have fun.
Play your favorite playlist on the drive, plan to grab dinner or drinks after, and lean into the experience. The more present you are with each other, the more your photos will feel like a genuine representation of you and your love.
Planning for the Weather
Rain, snow, or shine — there’s beauty in it all. Some of my favorite sessions have been in “imperfect” weather. A sprinkle of rain? Grab an umbrella and embrace it. A snowy evening? Bundle up and let it feel cozy. If it’s truly unsafe, we’ll reschedule, but otherwise, I’m a big believer in rolling with whatever the day brings!
What Happens After Your Session?
Once we’ve wrapped up our time together, I’ll dive into editing. Within 2–3 weeks, you’ll have your full gallery in your inbox ready to relive and share. In the meantime, celebrate the fact that you just marked a huge milestone in your story — that deserves to be savored.
Ready to Plan Your Lancaster Engagement Session?
Your engagement session is an opportunity to create space for the two of you in the middle of all the planning, to pause and remember why you’re doing this in the first place.
Whether we’re wandering Lancaster’s back alleys, exploring a new park, or just hanging out somewhere that feels like “you,” my goal is simple: photos that tell your story honestly, and an experience that feels like an intimate night out together.
When you’re ready, you can contact me here, and we’ll start planning your Lancaster engagement session together!
