A man smiles at his fiancee as they stand in front of the trees for their winter engagement session in Provo Canyon

Tips for Your Winter Engagement Session

Winter in Utah is unpredictable, to say the least. We have sunny days with temperatures in the 40s and crazy blizzard days with temperatures plummeting well below freezing. Sometimes we get both in the same week! With careful planning your winter engagement session can be successful (and even fun) regardless of what the weather is doing!

What to Wear

Planning layered looks can be a great way to adapt your outfit to whatever the weather is doing. Make sure each layer is a complete look that you like so you can adjust your clothing and still be comfortable. Remember coats, hats, scarves, boots and gloves also create great layers (and it might be a good excuse to buy that cute hat or new boots you’ve been wanting). For details and tips on matching your style to your winter engagement session location ask us about our style guide.

A winter engagement session of a couple smiling happily as they stand in the snow in Provo Canyon, Utah

What to Bring

1. Hand warmers—If we’re your engagement photographers, we’ll provide these for you. High quality disposable hand warmers are inexpensive and easy to find on Amazon or your local grocery store. Or if you enjoy the outdoors in the winter, you might want to splurge and try electric hand warmers. You’ll be amazed at how fast they warm up!

2. Clear umbrellas—just in case it rains or snows.  They keep your hair and makeup looking fresh. (We also provide these for our couples.) Umbrellas need to be clear so the light can shine through for a beautiful photo while keeping you dry.

3. Blanket—Whether to wrap yourself up in between shots, to place on the ground for a photo, or for a close snuggle shot together, a blanket is must for any winter engagement photo shoot. (Another tip, make sure the color complements your clothes!)

A man twirls his fiancee in the snow for their winter engagement session at Aspen Grove in Provo Canyon

Time of Day

Sunrise is a lot later and sunset is a lot earlier in winter. The time when the light is best will vary depending on the location and the weather. Remember too, the sun sets a lot earlier in the mountains than the valleys. Plan a little flexibility into your timetable to get the best light.

Location

We’ve shot engagement sessions at many different locations over the years, so we can help you pick out the perfect place to hold your winter engagement session. You may need to be flexible when it comes to picking a location. Winter storms can shut down canyon roads, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan just in case. Want to avoid the cold? There are some great indoor options for engagement sessions in the winter.

An engaged couple embrace in the snow with the stunning Provo Canyon mountains behind them

Winter Engagement Session

Whether photos are taken in 40-degree or subzero weather, plan on a hot chocolate run with a warm a blanket and good memories after your winter engagement session.

Are you looking for an engagement photographer? Melissa Woodruff Photography gives couples a fun and relaxing experience while creating vibrant true-to-life-colored photos that capture the joy and love that you feel as you prepare for your wedding!

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