Rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Paris for a couple in love! Whether you’re recently engaged, looking to elope, or planning a surprise proposal, Paris is the perfect place for you to embark on a beautiful engagement photoshoot adventure — and we’re here to help! Here’s our complete guide to a successful couples photoshoot in Paris.
Why Consider A Paris Couple Photoshoot? 💕
Just the name of this city is enough to tantalize the senses! Imagine breathtaking views. gorgeous color, delicious food, and incredible history. There is so much to take in when it comes to the capital of France, and so much to do when visiting this famous destination with the love of your life.
For this reason — and a million others — we can think of nowhere better than Paris to memorialize the love you and your partner have for one another on camera. The energy of the city setting alone echoes adoration, and photos are almost effortlessly romantic no matter the time of day they are taken.
Not to mention you have an abundance of scenery to choose from! Whether you’ve got your sights set on the Iron Lady or you’d prefer a sweet snapshot sitting outside of a quaint cafe, Paris certainly has it all.
The only problem with a couple session in Paris is deciding exactly where to shoot, especially if you’re short on time or if you have a particular budget! And the occasion can matter too!
Choosing The Best Locations For Your Paris Engagement Photos
If your trip to Paris is to take engagement photos, then huge congratulations are in order! Whether you’ve already said “yes” or you’re looking to pop the question, Paris is the ideal spot to capture this special occasion on camera.
There’s something special and intimate about engagement photos in Paris, especially if you’re memorializing the actual engagement in real time!
When it comes to the best Paris couple photos, both location and timing will matter. Paris is a bustling city, and the last thing you want is a crowd of people in the background of your romantic engagement pictures.
Luckily, a savvy Paris engagement photographer can help coordinate and facilitate the perfect moment without too much outside interruption, but you’ll still want to do some planning, especially if you want to visit more than one location.
When it comes to locations we recommend for engagement shoots, here are some of our favorites:
- The Seine River (with the Eiffel Tower in view)
- The Louvre
- A Parisian Cafe
- Alexandre lll Bridge
- The Eiffel Tower in Trocadero
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Bir-Hakeim Bridge
- Petit Palais
- The Luxembourg Gardens
We also love more atypical locations, like rooftops overlooking the city at night, or balconies with the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance. And because the city of Paris is so rich in historical architecture, snapping more simplified and sweet photos on street corners or outside of cafes can be just as breathtaking as photos taken in the ballroom of the Palace of Versailles.
What Is The Best Time Of The Year For A Photoshoot In Paris? 😎
Photographers love Paris just as much as couples do! Not only are there a variety of beautiful locations to choose from but different seasons can offer different tones behind each photo.
Paris is known for mild weather, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) in the winter to 25°C (77°F) in the summer. It rarely gets especially cold or hot, but it can rain. In fact, light showers are relatively common throughout the day regardless of the season.
Luckily, showers are brief and come and go quickly! Regardless of the season, with the right photographer and plan, you can make Paris’s moody weather work for your shoot, as we discuss here.
The most popular time for couple photography in Paris is generally summer when the temperatures are warm and the sky is usually clear and bright. Spring is a close second, with fall coming in third and winter coming in last.
Still, the perfect Paris engagement photoshoot can take place during any season, depending on the mood and tone you want to capture!
Do your research on the seasons to find out when the best time of year would be for you and your partner, and your ideal vision for what you want out of your Paris couple photoshoot when all is said and done.
What Is The Best Time Of The Day For A Photoshoot In Paris? 🌤️
Photographers love their golden hour (the gorgeous lighting that happens during sunrise and sunset) but in Paris especially we find that the early mornings work best for not only stunning lighting but also less crowded streets or locations.
This is especially true if you’re looking to snag your couple photos in Paris at more popular tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, for example.
Sunset is also a popular time for photos when the natural lighting of the city becomes the most romantic.
You’ll want to avoid the middle of the day for your Paris engagement photoshoot. Not only is this the most crowded time in Paris streets, but it’s also when the sun is highest in the sky. This can lead to harsh lighting and uncomfortable (not to mention unsightly) squinting by you and your partner.
Night can also give beautiful options for your photos. Street lights, store lights, and especially the breathtaking lights of the Iron Lady after dark offer a stunning backdrop that every seasoned Paris photographer loves.
How Much Does A Paris Couple Photoshoot Cost? 🫰
There’s a lot to consider when booking your engagement photos in Paris — not only travel but hiring the right photographer. If you’re going to take the leap, and the trip, you should make sure you hire the best photographer possible!
Of course, the best photographer does not always mean the most expensive. It’s important to do your research and understand not only what you want out of your photoshoot, but the type of experience you want out of it as well.
Remember, a Paris couple photoshoot is just as much about the experience as it is about capturing those spectacular moments on camera.
With all that noted, the average cost for the photographer can vary depending on the photographer’s experience and the package you choose to invest in. This can include the number of photos you’re hoping to capture, how many looks or outfit changes you have in mind, how many locations you want to cover in a day, and how many hours you are booking the photographer for.
An engagement photoshoot in Paris can range from $100 to over $1,000 based on all the above, though the average falls somewhere between $250 and $400 for most budgets.
What You Should Bring To Make Your Couples Shoot Pop ✨
Paris is certainly enough of a backdrop itself to make your photo shoot as epic as you can imagine! But, there are some props ideas we’ve found that can help make your couple’s photoshoot in Paris even more spectacular.
Some of the best props for couples shoots include the following:
Clothing Props 👠
- Colorful shoes (red heels, bright sneakers, dapper dress shoes, etc)
- Flowing dresses
- Dress coats
- Jean jackets
- Gloves
- Suspenders
- Bowties
- Ties
- Bows
- Tiaras
- Jewelry
Accessories ☂️
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Glasses
- Coffee
- Pastries
- Newspapers
- Balloons
- Umbrellas
- Canes
- Stools
- Chairs
Engagement Props 🍾
- Engagement rings
- Engagement signs
- Blankets
- Champagne
Wedding Props 🥂
- Family photos
- Flowers
- Candles
- Wedding rings
- Twinkle lights
- Champagne
- Champagne glasses
- Wine
- Wine glasses
- Strawberries
Of course, all props above don’t need to be specified for a particular category. You can choose any of the listed props and more that you can think of to help enhance your shoot and make your photos everything you are hoping they will be.
What To Wear For Your Paris Photo Shoot 🕺
When preparing for a photoshoot In the high fashion capital of the world, it’s natural to wonder what you should wear. Paris is known for being tres chic, and you’ll want to fit the mold.
With that said, it’s also so important to feel comfortable and keep a sense of self in your photos as well. Embrace and enhance your natural style using our top tips and tricks below.
Stick With Neutral Colors
Neutral colors go well with everything from your accessories to the background of your Paris location. It’s also best to choose colors you know compliment your skin tone and make you feel confident.
Avoid Wearing Matching Couples Outfits
You should compliment your partner’s outfit by choosing attire that goes well, but we don’t suggest wearing matching outfits. While this may seem like a cute idea on paper, it doesn’t always translate well to photographs and many couples regret this decision down the road.
Subtle Prints And Patterns Are Best
Prints and patterns are lovely, but loud, bright prints and patterns are not as lovely on camera. If you love your leopard prints, polka dots, and stripes, keep them subtle. Wear accessories like scarves or hats, and avoid full suits or dresses with patterns that will take away from the setting of Paris or, more importantly, you and your partner.
Avoid Logos
This is a soft recommendation, but we always find it best to avoid logos when embarking on your Paris engagement photoshoot. Logos and brands ebb and flow with the trends, and it’s safe to assume you will want your photos to be timeless.
Choose The Right Accessories
Accessories can certainly add to your photos, but too many accessories can take away from the pictures or become distracting. Plan your outfits ahead of time and bring accessories you can mix and match or choose from. Your photographer in Paris can also help you decide which accessories are best from your collection to ensure your photos turn out as close to perfect as possible.
Don’t Forget About Hair And Makeup
Hair and makeup can be overlooked, but this is an important step in any Paris photoshoot. If you’re investing in the trip, the photographer, the clothing, and the engagement or wedding, then you certainly shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to hair and makeup.
Paris has plenty of incredibly talented hair and makeup artists, and many photographers even have several artists they keep on their roster that they recommend.
For An Engagement Shoot, Consider Getting A Manicure
Any Paris proposal photographer will tell you that where there is an engagement shoot, there’s a lovely shot of a hand with a ring on it. Make sure your hands are at their best with a manicure suited to your style.
Getting Comfortable In Front Of The Camera
Comfort and confidence are two key essentials in making sure your Paris engagement photoshoot turns out just right! Remember, this is not just a photoshoot, it’s an experience and it’s part of your engagement or wedding adventure.
If you’re anxious about your photoshoot, you’re not alone. Most people find it difficult to be in front of the camera and always wonder how to pose. We have a long list of tips for how to get comfortable in front of the camera, but the most important factor for effortless, beautiful photos comes from preparation.
Plan and wear clothes you feel fabulous in on the day of your shoot. Speak with your photographer ahead of time and get to know them. Build a bond and express your concerns, fears, hopes, and goals for the photo shoot so they’re aware of your expectations.
Consider a practice shoot with your partner ahead of the big event so you can both get comfortable interacting with each other on the shoot and remember to have fun.
Most importantly, throw perfection out the window! The best photos are the ones your photographer will capture of you laughing, gazing into each other’s eyes, or observing the beautiful scenery around you.
Your Paris Couples Photo Shoot Awaits!
Now that you have an idea of your Paris photography spots, you know the importance of researching the best hair and makeup artists, and you know how to confidently plan out your attire, it’s time to book your photographer.
When it comes to Paris couple photography, you’ll want a photographer who knows their way around the City of Love, and a photographer who can help guide and direct you, so your experience and your photos turn out just as you hope.
If you’re ready to plan your engagement photoshoot in Paris, contact us! Tell us all the details, and let’s celebrate your love story!
