Engagement Photography in Sussex, Kent, Surrey & Hampshire
A relaxed hour or two in front of the camera, long before the big day. The easiest way to get comfortable being photographed, and to celebrate being engaged.
I love an engagement shoot. It’s a chance to create some beautiful images of the two of you in a place that means something, and it’s genuinely good fun. Most couples have never had professional photos taken together, so if you’re feeling shy or unsure how you look on camera, this is where that melts away.
We go for a walk, we chat and have a laugh, and I show you the back of the camera as we go so you can see it coming together. You’ll pick up a few easy, natural poses I use on wedding days, nothing stiff or cheesy, and by the time your wedding comes round, being photographed already feels normal. Below you’ll find a gallery of recent shoots, then everything you need to know: where we can go, what to wear, and how to book.
What to expect from your shoot
We pick a location
Somewhere that suits you, whether that’s the coast, a bluebell wood, a city street or a spot that’s special to you both. I’ll suggest options across all four counties.
We keep it relaxed
An hour or two, no rush. We walk, we talk, and I guide you gently. You’ll barely notice the camera by the end, which is exactly the point.
You get your gallery
A set of natural, high-resolution images delivered in your online gallery, ready to share, print, or use on your save the dates.
Add-on or standalone, your choice
Add it to your wedding
Booked your wedding with me? Add an engagement shoot and treat it as a rehearsal. You’ll get used to being photographed, we’ll iron out any nerves, and your wedding day will feel that much more natural in front of the camera.
A standalone shoot
Not booking a wedding, or just want to mark the moment? I offer standalone engagement shoots too. A lovely way to celebrate getting engaged and come away with images you’ll actually use and print.
Engagement shoot locations across the South East
I cover Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire, and I’m always happy to travel for the right spot. Here are a few I love, but the list is far from exhaustive.
East Sussex
Seven Sisters & Beachy Head
The chalk cliffs at golden hour are hard to beat. One of my most requested spots, and a personal favourite. See a Seven Sisters engagement shoot.
East Sussex
Sheffield Park
Landscaped gardens, lakes and huge trees, beautiful in every season and especially in autumn. A relaxed, private feel just off the A275.
Kent
Bedgebury Forest
Towering pines and open forest tracks near Goudhurst. Wonderful soft light through the trees, and space to roam without crowds.
Surrey
Nonsuch Park
Open parkland and mansion views on the Surrey and London border. Easy to reach and endlessly photogenic. See a Nonsuch Park engagement shoot.
City
Greenwich & London
For couples who want something urban: architecture, riverside and city energy. See a London engagement shoot.
Anywhere
Your own special place
Where you had your first date, where you got engaged, your favourite pub garden. Often the shoots with the most meaning are the ones I’d never have suggested.
Getting the most from your shoot
- Wear what feels like you. Coordinate rather than match, avoid big logos, and bring a second outfit if you want variety. Earthy, muted tones photograph beautifully in the countryside.
- Pick a time near sunset. The last hour of light is the softest and most flattering. I’ll suggest a start time based on the season and your location.
- Bring the things you love. Your dog, a picnic, bikes, a bottle of something. Props you actually use give your hands something to do and the photos something to say.
- Do it a few months ahead. Early enough that the images are useful for save the dates and any wedding signage, and that we’ve worked together before the day itself.
- Don’t overthink it. The whole point is that you don’t have to perform. Turn up, be yourselves, and leave the rest to me.
Engagement Shoot FAQ
How much does an engagement shoot cost?
Engagement shoots are available as an add-on to any wedding package, and also as a standalone paid shoot if you’re not booking a wedding with me but want to celebrate getting engaged. Get in touch with your date and location and I’ll send you the details.
Do I need to book my wedding with you first?
Not at all. If you’ve booked your wedding with me, an engagement shoot is the perfect warm-up and a popular add-on. But I also offer standalone shoots for couples who simply want beautiful photos to mark their engagement.
How long does a shoot last?
Usually an hour to two hours. That’s enough time to relax, move between a couple of spots, and come away with a full set of natural images without it ever feeling like a marathon.
Where can we have our shoot?
Anywhere across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire, and into London. Three spots I’m asked for again and again are the Seven Sisters, Sheffield Park and Bedgebury Forest, but the best location is often one that means something to you.
What should we wear?
Wear what feels like you. Coordinate rather than match, skip anything with big logos, and lean towards softer, muted colours for countryside shoots. Bring a second outfit if you’d like some variety.
When should we do our engagement shoot?
Any time before the wedding works, but a few months ahead is ideal. That way the images are ready in time for save the dates, and we’ve already worked together before your wedding day, so the camera feels familiar.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely, and I’d encourage it. Some of my favourite shoots have had dogs in them. Take a look at my engagement photography with dogs.
Alex Buckland
Wedding & engagement photographer · Eastbourne
I’ve photographed more than 200 weddings across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire over the past decade, and I fit engagement and pre-wedding shoots around them all year round. My style is relaxed and documentary: natural moments over stiff posing, always.
Ready to plan your shoot?
Tell me a bit about the two of you, roughly where you’d like to go, and whether it’s an add-on or a standalone shoot. I’ll take it from there.