When to Book Your Engagement Session (Nashville Engagement Photographer Guide)

Couple posing for engagement photos in Nashville, TN

When to Book Your Engagement Session (Nashville Engagement Photographer Guide)

One of the biggest questions I get as a Nashville wedding photographer is:
“When should we book our engagement session?”

And honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
It depends on your wedding date, the season you love most, your save-the-date timeline, and even your personality as a couple.

But don’t worry — this guide walks you through exactly when to plan your session so you get beautiful photos you’ll be obsessed with (and plenty of time to use them!).

How Far in Advance Should You Schedule Your Engagement Session?

Most couples book their engagement session 6–12 months before the wedding, but anywhere from 3–18 months can work depending on your needs.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

Need save-the-dates? → Book earlier (7–9 months before the wedding)
Want a specific season? → Book as soon as that season becomes available
Want time to get comfortable with your photographer? → Sooner is better
No deadlines? → Pick the season that feels most like you

Remember, your engagement session is often the first time you’ll be in front of the camera as a couple — so giving yourself some breathing room is always a good idea.

How to Choose the Best Season for Your Engagement Session

Nashville is beautiful year-round, but here’s what each season offers:

Spring (March–May)

Spring brings soft blooms, pretty pastel colors, and perfect light.

Ideal for couples who love:
✓ Fresh greens
✓ Flowering trees
✓ Soft, romantic tones

Bonus: It’s warm enough for dresses, but not too hot.

Summer (June–August)

Summer sessions are vibrant and full of glowing golden-hour light.

Ideal for couples who love:
✓ Rich greens
✓ Sunset warmth
✓ That “July evening” glow

Summer crowds can be bigger, so weekdays work best.

Fall (September–November)

Nashville’s most popular season — and the one that books fastest.

Ideal for couples who love:
✓ Orange + golden leaves
✓ Sweaters and boots
✓ Cozy, timeless photos

If you’re dreaming of fall color, plan early. Peak foliage lasts about 2 weeks.

Winter (December–February)

Winter gives you a clean, minimal aesthetic and super-soft light.

Ideal for couples who love:
✓ City vibes
✓ Moody, modern photos
✓ Quiet parks and empty backgrounds

It’s underrated — and absolutely beautiful with the right vision.

When Should You Book If You Want Save-the-Dates?

Most couples send save-the-dates 6–8 months before the wedding.
To make sure you get your gallery back in time, schedule your session:

👉 2–3 months before you need to send them.

So if your wedding is in November and you want save-the-dates out in March, plan your engagement session for: December or January.

This gives you plenty of time to design, print, and mail your cards.

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Engagement Photos

You can’t choose the perfect time without thinking about the perfect place.

Here’s what matters most:

✔ Choose a location that matches your wedding aesthetic

If your wedding is elegant and classic, Cheekwood or Centennial Park matches beautifully.
If you're hosting outdoors or boho-inspired, Long Hunter or Preservation Park is perfect.

✔ Pick a location that fits your personalities

Love hiking? Percy Warner.
Love downtown dates? Nashville skyline or The Pedestrian Bridge.
Love cozy + quiet? Walton’s Ferry Arboretum or Radnor Lake.

✔ Consider how busy the spot gets

Peak locations + peak seasons = MORE people.
Weekdays help tremendously.

✔ Think about outfit colors

Some locations look incredible with neutrals; others pop with bold tones.
If you’re unsure, send me your outfit ideas — I’ll help you choose the perfect backdrop.

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session (By Season)

One of the most common questions I get is:
“What should we wear?”

Here’s the easiest cheat sheet.

Spring Outfits

✓ Light neutrals
✓ Soft pastels
✓ Flowy fabrics
✓ Sundresses or button-downs

Avoid: Bright neons — they reflect onto skin.

Summer Outfits

✓ Breathable fabrics
✓ Linen sets
✓ Light denim
✓ Neutral tones or earthy colors

Avoid: Thick fabrics (you’ll get hot quickly).

Fall Outfits

✓ Rust, brown, olive, mustard
✓ Cozy sweaters
✓ Maxi dresses
✓ Chelsea boots

Fall outfits look good on everyone — no wrong choices here.

Winter Outfits

✓ Chic coats
✓ Turtlenecks
✓ Dark denim
✓ Boots

Winter is great for a stylish, elevated look — very editorial.

How Long Should Your Engagement Session Be?

Most couples choose a 1–1.5 hour session.
This gives you time for:

Two outfits
One or two locations
Breaks between walking or driving
A relaxed, natural pace

If you’re doing multiple locations (like downtown + a park), consider 90 minutes or two full hours.

Short sessions = rushed photos.
Give yourself time to settle in and enjoy it.

Weekday vs. Weekend Sessions

If possible, ALWAYS choose a weekday.

Weekdays offer:
✔ fewer crowds
✔ easier parking
✔ fewer photo distractions
✔ a cleaner background
✔ better overall lighting access

Weekends work — but depend heavily on the location.

FAQs: Engagement Session Timing

How long does it take to get our gallery back?

About 2–3 weeks for engagement sessions.

Do we need to bring props?

Only if you want! Your dogs, champagne pops, hats, or a sentimental item you love.

Can we travel somewhere unique?

Absolutely — parks, rooftops, lakes, Airbnbs… Nashville has endless options.

What if the weather looks bad?

We’ll reschedule! Cloudy days are actually amazing for photos.

**Final Thoughts: When Should You Book Your Engagement Session?**

Here’s the simple answer:

Need save-the-dates? → 7–9 months before the wedding
Want a specific season? → Book early
Booking spring or fall? → Do it ASAP
Not sure? → Anytime works — let the vibe guide you

Your engagement session should feel FUN, easy, and like a snapshot of your real life together. Whenever you decide to schedule it, we’ll make sure it’s perfect.