Selecting the Perfect Backdrop for Your Engagement Photos

Choosing where to take your engagement photos in Alberta is more than just picking a pretty backdrop; it’s about finding a location that resonates with your relationship’s story. As a seasoned photographer, I often guide couples to reflect on places that hold special meaning rather than opting for just visually appealing spots. Whether it’s your cozy home or a significant landmark, the essence of the location contributes significantly to the authenticity and emotion of your photographs.

Why Engagement Photos Matter

Many couples ponder the question, “What is the point of an engagement shoot?” Engagement sessions are not just about capturing images; they’re an opportunity to celebrate your unique bond in a relaxed setting. These photos are a prelude to your wedding day, giving you a chance to celebrate your engagement period. Moreover, they often lead to stunning pieces of wall art that bring daily joy into your home, serving as a beautiful reminder of your journey together.

Explore Alberta with Geoff

Since 2005, my adventures across Alberta have taken me from rugged mountain trails to the downtown streets of Calgary, capturing love stories in diverse locales. Alberta offers a variety of scenic options for every couple, whether you’re looking for the grandeur of the Rockies or the urban charm of Calgary’s parks and venues. Below are some top recommendations for locations that offer both iconic views and hidden gems.

Top Engagement Locations in Alberta

• The Rockies: Iconic spots like Moraine Lake and Banff offer breathtaking views that are perfect for nature-loving couples.
• Urban Charm: For those who prefer an urban setting, Calgary and Edmonton boast a variety of beautiful parks and modern architecture that provide a striking contrast to natural landscapes.
• Unique Experiences: For adventurous couples, consider a helicopter engagement shoot, which provides not only spectacular views but also an unforgettable experience.

Integrating Professional Guidance

When planning your engagement session, the expertise of Banff and Calgary wedding planners can be invaluable. These professionals often work closely with photographers to select the perfect location that aligns with your aesthetic and what means the world to you. If you’re getting married in Alberta, tapping into my venue guide in Calgary or a mountain wedding venue guide can provide you with curated insights into selecting a spot that reflects your vision for the day.

Preparing for Your Shoot

Engagement photos also offer a great opportunity to trial your wedding day look. Hiring top-notch hair and makeup artists not only enhances your appearance but also minimizes the need of photo retouching later. Remember, these professionals can provide the best tips for candid photography by ensuring you look your best in a natural, unposed manner.

Making Your Engagement Shoot Unique

Your engagement session should be as unique as your love story. Whether it’s incorporating elements like your favorite hobbies, pets, or even a themed shoot, personalization makes your engagement photos stand out. As you explore options, consider what does the average wedding photographer cost and ensure you invest in someone who values the personal touch as much as the technical skill.

Some Final Thoughts Before My List of Locations:

An engagement shoot is more than just a set of photos; it’s a celebration of your impending journey together. It lays the foundation for your wedding day and beyond, capturing your story in a way that resonates with what matters most to you. With the right location, professional guidance, and a personal touch, your engagement photos can transform from simple images into treasured memories displayed as wall art and fine art albums in your home.

By exploring the best engagement photo locations in Alberta, you ensure that your engagement session is not only about beautiful photos but also about celebrating your unique love story in places that mean the world to you. For more detailed guidance or to book your engagement session, feel free to reach out to Geoff Wilkings Photography as I’m here to capture every moment that matters to you.

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BELOW IS AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS IN ALBERTA

BANFF ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

Castle Mountain

Located halfway between Banff and Lake Louise, you will find Castle Mountain on the right-hand (north) side. Early morning or twilight is the best time to capture couples with Castle Mountain the background. Make sure to keep your eyes open for climbers and the Castle Mountain Cabin halfway up the mountain.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is very much worth the hike and adventure! Located in a gorgeous area of Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon will reward those prepared to put in the effort.

Lake Minnewanka

Easy to get from downtown Banff. Unquestionably one of the top locations to be photographed so you might find it busy with people. If you want a unique experience, I would suggest exploring a different area.

Norquay Chairlift

Super fun experience but will involve a unique viewpoint of Banff. Definitely worth the added expense of taking the chairlift.

Surprise Corner

A favorite location for everyone. By that, I mean every visitor to Banff National Park, so do not expect to be alone. With easy parking and a fabulous viewpoint to Banff Spring Hotel, you will be treated with instant views.

Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

An accessible location to explore and photograph, you will see the West End Of Mount Rundle instantly sitting right there for you to enjoy. Just make sure to have a backup as there might be a wedding or another shoot taking place.

Two Jack Lake

A gorgeous location but I would suggest going for a walk once you’ve reached the car park. It is a busy location where people love to dip into the water or sit and eat lunch. With such easy access, you won’t be alone.

Vermilion Lake

I love this location when alone. If you want the dock, the boat launch area makes sure to give yourself some extra time with great views and stunning.

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CALGARY ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

Bow Valley Ranche, Fish Creek Provincial Park

One of the most well-used locations in Calgary for an engagement shoot. Meet in the car park of the Bow Valley Ranche and head out for a beautiful evening walk.

Central Memorial Park and Memorial Public Library

Beautiful building with easy access via paid street parking. Or approach your downtown experience with a Calgary walkabout.

Devonian Gardens

Great location, and when I last checked, you will need a permit to photograph. Superb location during the winter months in Calgary

Edworthy Park

Fantastic location with easy parking and accessibility. Spend an evening having a picnic. If you want a private location, definitely do no head to Edworthy Park as it’s very popular with families. 

East Village Riverwalk & Junction

The East Village area was redeveloped and is now a fantastic urban location to explore. Leave your car, head for a walk with your photographer. I would recommend a late evening with the summer sun.

Glenmore Reservoir

There are several fabulous locations to explore around the Glenmore Reservoir. Head down Weaselhead is a great start. 

Hudson Bay & The Hudson Bay Archways

Head for a downtown Calgary walkabout engagement session with a stop with the Hudson Bay building in the background and the historic Hudson Bay Archways. 

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

One of my favorite locations in Calgary for an engagement shoot. I love The Bird Sanctuary on every level. A must location for an engagement shoot in Calgary.

Wonderland Sculpture

A very cool sculpture and worth noting during your downtown Calgary engagement walkabout session.

Lougheed House and gardens

Love love love so much. The Lougheed House and grounds is a fabulous location for a late afternoon engagement shoot.

McHugh Bluff

A location that is often used by everyone, given its fabulous views of downtown Calgary. Can I suggest this location is used the late afternoon to sunset.

Studio Bell – National Music Centre

If you are after a creative engagement shoot, this is the location for you. Not your typical engagement shoot location but one of my favorites

Peace Bridge

During your walk along the river and stopping in Prince’s Island Park, you a great stop is along Peace Bridge. It’ll be busy, so make sure you’re patient to have nobody in your photos. If you don’t mind having people in your photos, then you’ll be fine.

Prince’s Island Park

A huge favorite in the summer and winter months. Very clean, easy to get to with lots of options. 

Ramsay Ruins

If history interests you along with gorgeous architecture, then Ramsay Ruins is worth stopping at. Can I suggest not using this location for your wedding day as they’ll be lineup given its popularity! It doesn’t make for a unique experience with three other brides waiting to use it. 

Reader Rock Garden

Mom’s the word with this location, hardly anyone knows about it. Don’t tell anyone, wink wink.

Saskatoon Farm

Yes, it’s a drive south of Calgary, but it’s worth it. I love shooting it at Saskatoon Farm. Don’t forget to buy a pie.

SAIT & SAIT Parkade

Super popular but worth visiting for your walkabout shoot on the grounds of SAIT.  

Simmons Building

During your walkabout of East Village, you have to explore the Simmons Building. One of my favorite urban locations, for sure.

Stephen Avenue

When you are downtown, you have to walk along Stephen Avenue. It’s a classic. 

Patrick’s Island Park

A short walk from the Simmons Building, you can easily access St. Patrick’s Island Park. It’s a fabulous location., especially as the sun is setting.

The Hangar Flight Museum

Like the Bell Max Building, The Hangar Flight Museum will offer different photographs. If you’re after something unique and aviation means the world to you, this could be your top engagement location.

Town of DeWinton Abandoned Train, Train Tracks & Grain Mill 

A train and a grain mill. A super fun location for those who love trains and Grain Mills. 

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CANMORE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

Alpine Club of Canada Hillside

When I first traveled To Canada from the United Kingdom, the ACC in Canmore was my first home in Canada. The Hillside along the ACC is stunning.

Benchlands Trail

Similar to the ACC but with more options. It’s perfect late evening as you’ll be treated with Ha Ling Peak and the Rundle Range as the sun goes down.

East End Of Rundle

You are adventurous, and you love hiking. Then this is worth thinking about. Late evening or early morning will be the very best for this experience.

Engine Bridge – The Old Railway Bridge

A very popular location in Canmore and worth noting if you’re on this side of Canmore

Grassi Lakes

Make sure it is open as it often closes due to bear activity. Grassi Lake is fantastic, and the color of the lake is quite remarkable. It is worth the hike.

Ha Ling Peak

Not for those not wanting easy photos as the trail goes straight up however you will be rewards with a stunning Ha Ling Peak photography session. With your heart pounding, you’ll reach the summit with joy. It’s worth the 2-hour uphill hike.

Mount Lorette Ponds

Okay, it is not in Canmore, but I added it here as it’s the closest option I could place. Mountains and a gorgeous lake. It’ll be worth it if you love Kananaskis Country.

Quarry Lake

Extremely popular with weddings, Quarry Lake is a fabulous location for an engagement shoot. I’d recommend an evening or late afternoon shoot given its open landscape.

Rawson Lake

Rawson Lake is in the Kananaskis Country area and is stunning. For those who love nature and life, this will make you very happy.

Spray Lakes Reservoir

You’ll wind up a long dusty road in Canmore to be greeted to a fabulous area known as Spray Lakes Reservoir. You’ll have to do some digging around this area, but with the backdrop to Ha Ling Peak, it might be worth the adventure. 

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is the backbone mountain to Canmore. You’ll have no problems finding a great location to capture The Three Sisters.

Wedge Pond

Not far from Highway Number 40, you’ll find Wedge Pond. I would suggest an early morning or late afternoon/evening shoot is for those who want to experience a great shoot in a beautiful location to be one with nature. 

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DRUMHELLER ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

Canadian Badlands in Drumheller

Below are the locations with the Badlands in Drumheller. Make sure to take water and suncream. Drumheller is gorgeous and may I suggest early morning or a later evening as the sun goes down.

Drumheller’s Pathway

The Hoodoos Trail

Horseshoe

Horsethief canyon

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JASPER ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

Below are a number of fabulous Jasper National Park Locations. Some locations will involve more hiking than others, so you will need to research the level of activity you’d like to take on for your adventure. Late afternoon or early evening is the best time if you want the colors of lakes to pop in your engagement photographs.

Athabasca River

Cavell Meadows Trail

Edge of the World

Mount Edith Cavell Lake & Glacier

Horseshoe Lake

Indian Ridge and Whistlers Peak

Jasper Park Lodge

Lake Annette

Lake Edith 

Lake Beauvert

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Lake / Spirit Island

Medicine Lake

Old Fort Point

Patricia Lake

Pyramid Lake & Pyramid Island

Sulphur Skyline Summit

Tonquin Valley

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LAKE LOUISE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION LOCATIONS

Emerald Lake

Okay, Emerald Lake is located in British Columbia and not Lake Louise. I posted it here because it’s close to Lake Louise. Emerald Lake Lodge is undoubtedly worth the trip and possibly an overnight experience.

Lake Agnes

Lovely lake Agnes. A personal favorite of mine, but you’ll need to hike to it. Do you fancy a cup of tea, great let’s stop at the Tea House.

Lake Louise

Do I need to give Lake Louise and introduction? It is easy to get to and explore. I love it for many reasons. I do suggest we photograph at Moraine Lake given we’ve come so far.

Moraine Lake

To many, they have not been to The Canadian Rockies unless they’ve visited Moraine Lake. I sincerely suggest you do not explore Moraine Lake midday. Try early morning or at sunset.

Peyto Lake

Close to Lake Louise Peyto Lake is jaw-dropping. I would also suggest bringing your hikers and head around the areas. Mom’s the word as most people do not.

Takakkaw Falls

Located on the way to Emerald Lake Lodge and in British Columbia, Takakkaw Falls made my list because of its stunning environment. You won’t get a sunset here but receive a breathtaking location.

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EDMONTON ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

The Capital Of Alberta has many locations for your engagement shoot. An engaged couple who would love to capture the city of Edmonton below is the top engagement locations from downtown to parks.

Alberta Legislature Building

Borden Park

Edmonton City Hall

Edmonton Ice Castles

Edmonton River Valley

Forest Heights Park

Fort Edmonton Park

Gallagher Park

High Level Bridge

Hotel Macdonald

Keillor Point

Kinnaird Park

Louise Mckinney Park

Muttart Conservatory

Ramsay Heights Lookout

Rutherford House

Union Bank Inn

William Hawrelak Park

Wolf Willow Stairs

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Frequently Asked Questions