Vermont winter engagement sessions are gorgeous, but in a climate like ours, they can seem daunting. Luckily we have the tips you need to capture a photo worthy of a snow globe! Read on for our tips to nail your Vermont winter engagement photo shoot below.
The best time for a winter engagement photo shoot in Vermont
Have you heard the joke that if you don’t like the weather in Vermont, just wait 5 minutes and it will change? It’s true! If you are dreaming of a snowy, winter-wonderland-inspired engagement shoot, you’ll need to be flexible with your timing so you can hit the fresh snowfall just right. Be open with your photographer about what you’re hoping to capture, and if you have a hard deadline (for example, if you want to include photos in your save the date). That way your photographer can work with you to find a date that works for your vision and the timeline.
Also, note the short daylight hours during Vermont’s winters. Sunrise is typically around 7:30 a.m. and sunset is typically around 4:30 p.m. If you get started in the afternoon, you may want to build yourself some buffer time to make sure you’re not rushing to finish photos before it’s dark.
What if there is no snow?
That’s ok! The muted background makes for a really lovely, neutral backdrop for your photos.
What to wear for a Vermont winter engagement shoot
One of the biggest considerations for cold weather photo shoots is how to stay warm – especially your hands, since most brides want to show off the new ring! Bring gloves or mittens to wear in between shots and hand warmers (for your hands and/or feet if it’s really, really cold).
Outdoor photoshoots require careful consideration of your clothing – you want to look cute, but also be comfortable, so you can enjoy yourself. The solution? Channel your inner Hallmark holiday movie star with cozy sweaters, scarves, hats and boots. A coat that you want to show off (like a cute peacoat, is super helpful as well.)
Scarves are a great accessory for winter photo shoots because you can tie them in so many ways to achieve a variety of looks. (Plus, you can use it as a backdrop for a closeup of your engagement ring.)
If it’s going to snow during your shoot, consider bringing a change of clothes in case you get wet.
Finally, think about your background; greens and blues compliment the evergreen and snow landscape, while bold colors pop against the snow.
How to stay warm during your outdoor winter photo shoot
Use props, like blankets and scarves, to stay warm and add variety to your photos. (I used a blanket during my own outdoor winter engagement session, and we were so thankful to have an extra layer!)
You could also bring a thermos with a hot beverage (and mugs, if you want) to hold in some photos (and show off your ring!) and to take off the chill.
If the temperatures are particularly biting, you can also pop inside to warm up.
Photo ideas for an outdoor winter engagement session
- Play in the snow – have a snowball fight; make a snowman; make snow angels; catch snowflakes on your tongue
- Frolic in a Christmas tree farm
- Rock matching snow boots
- Snuggle up to your partner under a blanket
- Sip mugs of a hot beverage
- Take a sleigh ride
- Go skiing or snowshoeing
- Explore your favorite ski town
Photo ideas for an indoor winter engagement session
- Cozy up at home together
- Cheers at a Vermont brewery, wine bar, or coffee shop
- Share a plate at a favorite Vermont restaurant
- Snuggle up in a bookstore
How to ask if a local business is okay taking photos inside
If you’re going to go to a business to take your pictures (like a brewery), it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask the manager if it’s okay. You can say something like: My partner and I love [business name] so much, we’d love to take our engagement pictures on site! Is that something you allow? When would be a good time for you?
Going at a slower time will be less stressful for everyone; you you can take your time taking photos without worrying about inconveniencing the business or random other patrons jumping into your shot. Depending on the location and their availability, they may even be able to open to you before/after hours so you can have the place to yourself!
(Be sure to leave a tip to show your appreciation!)
Rocking your winter engagement shoot
Now that you have ideas of what to wear, how to stay warm, and where to take pictures, you’re ready to rock your own Vermont winter engagement photoshoot! We can’t wait to see what you do – tag us on Instagram so we can see your pictures!
