There are so many ways to take memorable engagement photos that show off your personality as a couple — discover your inspiration!

After getting engaged, I’m pretty sure I went brain-dead for a few days (or weeks) just thinking about everything that lay ahead. From our save the dates and invitations to choosing a wedding venue, to building our registry and choosing our menu, I was frozen by all the wedding to-dos. I did know one thing for certain — I wanted to take engagement photos that would wow everyone.

While it’s easy to know that you want unique engagement photos, it can be a challenge to figure out exactly what that entails. Luckily, there are plenty of couples who had a vision and brought it to life, and that’s exactly where today’s inspiration comes from. Photographer Chelsea Erwin has captured beautiful, personal moments for couples celebrating their engagements in ways you may have never thought of.

Keep reading to see her incredible photography, discover ideas for your own photos, and get some helpful tips to come up with the perfect idea that works for you.

All photos in this post are courtesy of Chelsea Erwin: Photography for Adventurous Souls. Chelsea is a beach girl who grew up surfing. She loves animals and her husband and splits her time between Florida and Michigan. Head over to her website for information on booking a session and to see more of her amazing work!

Splashing Into Love

Underwater photography always looks so ethereal and graceful, and is the epitome of romantic engagement photos. And, for whatever reason, it feels nearly impossible to achieve. Fortunately, all it takes is a body of water (even a pretty swimming pool can fit the bill) and the right clothes.

Here’s a tip: keep your dress flowy — think organza and chiffon — and avoid cooler colors that may get lost in the water, as well as busy patterns that could take away from the effect you’re trying to achieve. As for the suit, you can’t go wrong with something lightweight like cotton or linen.

Lastly, make sure to have fun. Let the water move you and go with the flow — literally!

Hanging Out

Do you have a favorite local park, or an outdoor spot that you love to hang out at together? It can be a great backdrop for unleashing your inner child and playing around. You’ll get great shots of the two of you smiling, laughing, and genuinely having fun — which is what marriage should be all about!

For your outfits, you can keep it casual like this couple, or you could opt to go dressy for a fun juxtaposition. No matter which direction you choose, the most important thing is that you both feel good and enjoy the experience. One way to add some fun to the shoot is to bring an activity, like a skateboard, a football, or bicycles.

I love the idea of turning your engagement shoot into a casual outdoor date night. It adds even more romance to the whole mood and will bring you closer, which makes for better photos anyway.

Grabbing a Drink

If you’re a couple that loves a good brew — or perhaps a fine wine — consider doing your engagement photo shoot at a brewery or winery. You can try your luck and go during regular hours (just keep in mind that there will be a lot of variables and other people to navigate), or try calling ahead to see if you can come in an hour or two before opening to ensure a private shoot.

This is also a great idea for couples who want to include their furry children in their engagement photos, since most breweries and a lot of wineries are pet-friendly. You can always grab a sign to hang around their neck with a sweet message like “My humans are getting married!”

Another option to guarantee privacy is to ask for a private tour of the space as your photo shoot location. You’ll get a variety of backgrounds, props, and a unique set of pictures to share with loved ones. Don’t forget to snap a close-up with your ring and your glass!

Playing Together

Couples that play together stay together — no matter what the activity is. When you’re doing something you love with the one you love, you can’t help but have fun, and that will come through in your engagement photos.

While you’re choosing what to wear for this shoot, keep in mind that these photos will be shared with grandparents, your parents’ friends, and other people you may know more casually. If you’re planning on a water-sport theme like this couple, opt for a modest swimsuit or rash guard.

Another tip: ask your photographer if they have a drone to take overhead photos, especially if you’ll be shooting at a location with gorgeous scenery!

Incorporate Unique Elements

If Chelsea Erwin’s happy couples have shown you anything, it’s that there are so many ways to incorporate unique elements into your engagement photo shoot. From fun date night-inspired locations to activities that make you feel like a kid again, it’s all about what speaks to you as a couple. We know you’ll come up with the perfect unique idea!