A Guide to Planning Engagement Sessions Vancouver Island

When it comes to planning engagement sessions, Vancouver Island is overflowing with options. It’s one of the most flexible, beautiful places to take engagement photos. You can wander beaches, explore forest trails, visit small towns, or spend the afternoon in the city. No matter what kind of couple you are, there’s a fitting setting.

Crafting Your Dream Vancouver Island Engagement Photos

Before you start planning outfits, locations, or timelines, take a moment to slow down and think about you two. The best engagement photos are rooted in your connection, your routines, and the pieces of your story that feel the most like home. These questions will help you create a session that feels natural, comfortable, and unmistakably yours.

What does a slow, typical Saturday morning look like for you?

Think about how you spend your downtime together. Maybe you make breakfast side-by-side, linger over coffee, or take your dog on a sunrise walk. These little rhythms of your life can help guide the tone of your session and inspire moments that feel honest and intimate.

How do you genuinely enjoy spending time together? 

Whether you love exploring new places, staying in with a movie, cooking, hiking, or just talking for hours, your shared rituals matter. Thinking through the activities that bring you joy can help shape a session that feels authentic instead of staged.

Do you share any interests or hobbies?

Maybe you met through a mutual passion, or maybe you discovered something new together. From gaming to travel to thrifting to mountain trails, shared interests can spark ideas for locations, themes, or props that reflect who you are as a couple.

Is there a specific hobby that brought you together—or sparked new adventures?

Some couples bond over a sport, an art form, or a quirky interest that becomes “their thing.” If something in your relationship has led to new memories or adventures, it can serve as meaningful inspiration for your photos.

Above all, remember that your session is tailored to you. It doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s online. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box or embrace ideas that feel different—your story is unique, and your photos should reflect that.

Choosing a Location for Vancouver Island Engagement Photos

Now that you’ve spent some time thinking about what makes your relationship unique, we can start choosing locations that reflect your story. Meaningful places create meaningful photos, so begin by reflecting on the answers you came up with to the questions above. (Where did you first meet? Do you want to revisit your first date? Where did you share your first kiss? Or is there a place you simply love visiting together?)

Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or a little bit of both, your engagement session should feel like an extension of your connection. We’ll tailor each location to your story, your comfort level, and the energy you want your photos to have. And as far as I’m concerned? The more spots, the merrier — variety only adds depth to your gallery. If you could map out a full day doing all the things you love most together — where would you go, and what would you do? That answer often reveals the perfect locations.

My Favourite Vancouver Island Engagement Photo Locations

If you need a little assistance narrowing down your location, I’ve put together a list of my tried & true favorites:

Francis King Park

Francis King Park sits just outside Victoria and is known for its quiet forest trails, towering trees, and peaceful woodland atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples who love soft, filtered light, easy walks, and intimate, nature-forward photos.

Jordan River Regional Park

Jordan River Regional Park is located along the rugged southwest coast of Vancouver Island. With dramatic waves, driftwood-strewn beaches, and a laid-back surf-town feel, it’s ideal for adventurous couples who love moody ocean scenery and wide-open coastal views.

Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island is a short ferry ride from Nanaimo and offers sandstone shorelines, forested trails, and quiet artist communities. It’s a great choice for couples wanting a slower-paced session with beautiful beach textures and a charming, small-island atmosphere.

Tofino — Tonquin Beach

Known for its rugged coastline, soft sand, and dramatic waves, Tonquin Beach offers a stunning mix of wild beauty and serene ocean views. It’s perfect for couples craving moody, cinematic backdrops or soft golden-hour light.

Mount Douglas Beach (PKOLS)

Located in Saanich near Victoria, Mount Douglas Beach features smooth rocks, tide pools, and sweeping shoreline views beneath the iconic PKOLS summit. It’s ideal for couples who want easy beach access with plenty of variety for movement and candid moments.

Wickaninnish Beach

Situated near Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Wickaninnish Beach offers dramatic surf, expansive sandy stretches, and striking coastal forests. It’s perfect for couples who want bold, windswept scenery and a sense of wild, West Coast energy.

French Beach Park

Located between Sooke and Jordan River, French Beach Park offers pebbled shorelines, driftwood, and sweeping ocean vistas. It’s great for couples seeking a peaceful, accessible beach with both forested and coastal elements.

East Sooke Park

East Sooke Park blends rugged coastal cliffs with forested trails, offering a dramatic mix of ocean views and lush greenery. It’s ideal for couples who want scenic variety in a single location without traveling far from Victoria.

Downtown Vancouver Island & Victoria

If you want a more lively, energetic feel, urban sessions bring in textures, architecture, and real-life movement. Think storefronts, record shops, cafés, colorful streets, and candid moments that feel like a date in the city. You can walk, explore, grab coffee, or pop into places you love while we document it all.

Meaningful Personal Locations

Some of the most memorable engagement photos come from the places that matter most to you—not from well-known landmarks. Your session could take place in your home, a neighborhood you walk often, a park where you spend weekends, a favorite café, a spot tied to a special trip, a grandparent’s cabin, or even the place where you had your first date.

If it’s meaningful to your relationship, it can make your photos even more personal and sentimental.

Activities for Engagement Photos Vancouver Island

Once you’ve chosen your locations, it becomes much easier to decide what you’d like to do during your engagement session. Incorporating activities is one of the best ways to highlight your personalities, tell your story, and help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera. When you’re focused on something you genuinely enjoy, the photos naturally feel more candid, comfortable, and true to you.

Incorporate Your Favorite Hobbies

This is where your shared interests shine. Nothing is too small or too simple—activities you consider “boring” often lead to the most authentic moments. Think about the things that bring you joy, spark connection, or feel like a typical day together.

Here are a few options that can easily fit into your session, whether we’re in the city, by the water, or somewhere quieter and more intimate:

Outdoor & Adventure Activities

Creative or Hands-On Activities

Urban & Lifestyle Activities

Recreate a Meaningful Memory

If nothing on the list feels quite right, consider recreating your first date or a milestone moment in your relationship. These sessions can be incredibly sentimental and make your photos feel even more personal and rooted in your love story.

What to Wear to Your Engagement Photoshoot Vancouver Island

There are five key factors I recommend considering when choosing your wardrobe for your engagement photos. What you wear plays a huge role in both your comfort and the overall feel of your images, so these simple guidelines will help you pick outfits that photograph beautifully and feel like you.

Location

As you plan your outfits, think about the environment you’ll be walking through. The vibe of your clothing should match the setting. If we’re shooting indoors, you don’t need hiking gear. And if we’ll be on forest trails or rocky beaches, a structured pencil dress and heels may feel out of place. Choose clothing that fits the terrain so you can move comfortably and confidently.

Movement

Movement reads beautifully on camera, so I suggest choosing soft, flowy fabrics whenever possible. They’re comfortable to wear and they catch the wind in a way that feels natural and cinematic. The more freely you can move, the more relaxed and effortless your photos will look.

Weather

Always keep an eye on the forecast, especially if we’re shooting near the coast, by the water, or in a dense forest. Temperatures can shift quickly, so layers are your best friend. A light cardigan or throw gives you flexibility—add it if you get chilly, remove it if you warm up. Comfort is the goal, and dressing in layers helps you stay present in the moment.

Comfort

If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your photos. Avoid brand-new shoes, try everything on beforehand, and make sure nothing feels stiff, scratchy, or restrictive. Pick outfits you genuinely love and would wear in real life, not pieces that will go straight back into the closet after your session. If you find yourself adjusting straps, pulling at seams, or feeling self-conscious, consider another option. And if you’re torn between outfits, bring a few—I’m always happy to help you choose on the day of.

Colours

Solid colours, quiet patterns, and neutral or earthy tones tend to photograph best. Just remember to consider your surroundings. For example, if we’re in the forest, wearing green may cause you to blend in a little too much. Instead, think complementary colours rather than matching exactly, and feel free to mix textures and tones so your outfits look cohesive without blending together. Soft pastels or a subtle pop of colour can also work beautifully.

A few things to avoid: loud prints, bright neon tones, and splashy logos. These can pull focus away from you and distract from your connection. Also, skip fabrics that wrinkle easily—we won’t have a steamer in the woods. Before you leave the house, double-check for anything that might show on camera: visible bra straps, underwear lines, loose threads, or anything else that could pull attention away from the moment.

Best Times of Day for Vancouver Island Engagement Photos

Light plays a huge role in how your photos look, and each time of day creates a different mood. Here’s how I think about choosing the right timing for your session.

Sunrise

Sunrise is quiet, calm, and especially beautiful on the beach. You get soft color, empty locations, and a peaceful start to the day. It can be chilly and requires an early wake-up, but if you value privacy, it’s hard to beat.

Golden Hour

Golden hour—the hour before sunset—is the most popular for a reason. The light is warm, flattering, and works well with almost any background. It can be busier at popular spots, and the window is short, but the results are always worth it.

Midday

While midday light can be harsh in open areas, it works surprisingly well in shaded forests. Overhead trees soften the direct light, making this a good option if your schedule is tight or you prefer a more flexible timeline.

Overcast or Rainy Weather

Cloudy days are not a bad thing here on the island. Overcast skies give us soft, even lighting, and a little rain can add mood and movement to your photos. I always keep an eye on the forecast, but unless conditions are unsafe, I typically embrace the weather rather than avoid it.

How to Book Engagement Photos Vancouver Island

Here’s how the process works from start to finish when you book a Vancouver Island engagement photoshoot with me:

Step 1: Initial Consultation
We’ll hop on a call so I can learn your story, hear your vision, and answer any questions. You’re welcome to bring inspiration, Pinterest boards, location ideas — anything that reflects the feel you’re going for.

Step 2: Booking + Planning Resources
Once you choose your package, I’ll send over a custom contract and invoice. As soon as it’s official, you’ll receive helpful planning guides straight to your inbox, and we’ll stay in touch as your session gets closer.

Step 3: Collaborative Prep
Together, we’ll finalize locations, outfits, timelines, and any meaningful details you want included. You can send me outfit options, updates, or ideas anytime — I’m here to help you create a session that feels true to you.

Step 4: Session Day
I’ll arrive with multiple cameras and guide you with a blend of gentle direction and candid moments. My goal is to help you feel relaxed and natural the entire time.

Step 5: Sneak Peeks + Final Gallery
You’ll receive a sneak peek within one week. Your full gallery is delivered in six to eight weeks after I’ve had time to edit, curate, and bring your images to life.

Vancouver Island Engagement Photographer Packages

Every package includes the following:

-Flexible photography coverage (starting from one hour)
-Your choice of indoor or outdoor locations
-Digital, film, or a combination of both formats
-Professionally retouched online gallery
-GIF animations for added personality
–Unlimited guidance and inspiration throughout

Packages starting at $800 (with custom options available to bring your vision to life)

Vancouver Island Engagement Photographer

Hey, I’m Taylor — a guided documentary engagement and elopement photographer serving couples on Vancouver Island and beyond. My work blends candid moments with gentle direction so your photos feel natural, effortless, and full of emotion. If you’re looking for a photographer who brings support, creativity, and intentional storytelling to every session, you’re exactly where you need to be. For more information about pricing or to book your initial consultation, head to my contact page.

Come as you are — and together, we’ll plan a session that feels beautifully, unmistakably you.