Everything you need to know about planning your proposal or engagement session in Savannah, GA


Planning a proposal or engagement session in Savannah or on Tybee Island? This guide covers when to book, the best time of day, what to wear, what to do if it rains, and a list of my favorite places and activity ideas. I live on Tybee, so these are spots I know well. Read on for tons of locations and all the advice!


Why should I do an engagement session?


If you're on the fence about doing one at all, don't think twice. It's a chance to get comfortable in front of my camera before the wedding, and you'll end up with photos for your save the dates, invitations and wedding website.


Curious what a session looks like? Peek at my engagement galleries.


When to do engagement photos


This mainly depends on whether you want photos for save the dates, invitations or a wedding website. If so, I recommend 6-9 months out from your date, so you have plenty of time to print your photos after you receive your full gallery.


If you live out of town, I would plan your engagement session around other activities, like a venue tour, a hair and makeup trial or a cake tasting. And if you can, plan the trip for the most ideal weather to really take advantage of the vacation.


Best time of day


Golden hour, of course! Golden hour starts one hour before sunset, when the light turns soft and warm.


What do I wear?


I had too much to say on this one to squeeze it in here, so read my full guide: Engagement Photos: What to Wear in Savannah.


Inclement weather


For sessions I'm very flexible with rescheduling if there's bad weather. We can also discuss a possible secondary indoor location such as an art museum, bar/restaurant, or similar. Very cloudy days / overcast skies usually make for beautiful even light at any time of day, but if you're set on a sunset session I'm happy to find another day to reschedule your session.


Happy couple walking hand in hand near a fountain under beautiful Spanish moss trees in Savannah park.
Romantic couple holding hands while walking along a sandy beach at golden sunset by the ocean waves.
Romantic couple silhouetted against a stunning sunset over a river with a bridge in the background.
Couple holding hands and gazing at each other during golden hour by the waterfront, woman in hat and white dress.
Romantic couple embracing under warm string lights at night in a rustic outdoor venue with brick walls.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on sunlit steps beside ivy-covered wall with American flags at golden hour.
Man on one knee proposing to surprised woman by a green fountain under Spanish moss trees in Savannah.
Pregnant woman sitting on beach sand dunes with partner kissing her head, both smiling contentedly.
Couple standing on beach facing the ocean, woman raising her hand joyfully while holding partners hand.
Couple walking hand in hand toward sand dunes on a serene beach, viewed from behind.
Couple sitting together on brick steps, woman in blue dress and man in green shirt, both wearing glasses.
Joyful couple embracing in ocean waves on a beach, man lifting woman as waves wash around them.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss by a green fountain under Spanish moss-draped oak trees in Savannah.

Locations Local to Savannah, GA


Here are some of my favorite places for a proposal or engagement session in Savannah and on Tybee Island. Not sure which one fits you two? Tell me about your story and I'll help you pick.


Forsyth Park. The fountain, the oak-lined paths and the garden at the north end. A classic for a reason.


Jones Street. Historic townhouses and iron stairs, and one of the prettiest streets in town.


Lafayette Square. Moss-draped oaks and the cathedral across the square. Romantic and so Savannah.


The squares. Savannah's squares are little pockets of oaks, benches and history all over the historic district. We can wander through a few.


River Street. Cobblestones and the river as the sky changes. Great for golden hour.


Wormsloe Historic Site. That famous avenue of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Pure Savannah.


Tybee North Beach. My home island! Open sand and ocean light, with the lighthouse nearby.


Overhead view of couple sharing pizza from a box while sitting on the ground.
Romantic couple embracing in a natural hot spring with rocks behind them.
Two people holding brown paper bags and a green apple on a dirt path.
Couple wrapping up in white robes beside large rocks after swimming outdoors.
Couple exploring a scenic Icelandic hot spring landscape with snow-capped mountains.
Two people holding hands gently over calm water outdoors.
Happy couple sitting on rooftop sharing pizza with city buildings in background.
Two women sitting on rocks by a geothermal pool with triangle cabins in Iceland.
Couple sitting on a rooftop parking deck eating pizza with golden hour sunlight and city skyline behind them.
Couple bathing in a natural hot spring river in Iceland with red cabin backdrop.
Couple sharing a kiss while eating pizza on a rooftop with city buildings in the background at sunset.
Couple playfully splashing water at each other in a rocky natural pool.

Unique Engagement Session Locations and Activity Ideas


My favorite thing is when couples choose something unique to them and their story!! Where was your first date? What is an activity you love to do together? The possibilities are endless!


You can also do more than one thing! Get fancy hot dogs or oysters at Sea Wolf, then head to the beach. Go on a bike ride through Forsyth Park, then stop for ice cream at Leopold's.


I've compiled a list below to spark some inspiration.


On the water: sailboat, cigarette boat, fishing, swimming off the dock, inner tubes


On the road: a vintage car, or your own car, truck or motorcycle, plus a drive-in movie


Outside: a picnic (beach or park), biking, hiking, surfing, horseback riding, a farmers market, a U-pick farm (pumpkins, apples or sunflowers), the state fair, the rodeo


Out on the town: bars, a restaurant, brewery, coffee shop or ice cream shop, a movie theatre, bowling, mini golf, an arcade, the aquarium, a sports game


Make something: a painting or pottery class, a cooking class, a record store or bookstore, an art museum, thrifting, getting tattoos


Everyday favorites: grocery shopping, Target or HomeGoods runs, pickleball or basketball


In your home: game night, crossword puzzles, cooking, baking, cuddled up on the couch with takeout and your favorite show, reading books


In your backyard: one of you mows the lawn while the other sips fresh lemonade in a lawn chair, or garden together


Hotel room: for couples who love a mix of intimacy and elegance, a hotel room session can create stunningly romantic photos. Imagine oversized windows with city views, cozying up with morning coffee, or a champagne toast on the bed. All call for some unique and creative shots. The best part? You can go full glam or keep it casual. Either way, you get a mix of cinematic and cozy vibes.


What to do after the proposal or engagement session?


Dinner, of course. Make it a date night! You're already dressed up and probably hungry after an hour of running around in front of the camera. I made a separate post with the best fine dining spots for an engagement dinner, plus other great restaurants, sights and places to stay: my Savannah visitors guide.


Ready to plan your session?


Planning a wedding or elopement too? See how I work on my experience page, or browse my weddings and elopements.


Share as much or as little as you'd like. I'll reply asap with availability. Check date availability.


Tattooed couple sharing an intimate embrace on the floor of an art studio near a canvas.
Smiling tattooed woman embraced from behind by her redheaded partner in a cozy indoor setting.
Tattooed woman in denim overalls playfully pointing a pink toy gun at her partner on the floor.
Close-up of paint-splattered denim overalls worn during a creative couples art session.
Tattooed couple gazing at each other closely with blue paint on their hands and faces.
Bearded man with long hair gently holding a tattooed woman's neck in a romantic pose.
Playful couple using a paintbrush as a fake mustache during a fun art studio photo session.
Hands gently holding a woman's ankle during an intimate couples photography session.

Andrea & CJ's Studio Engagement Session - An intimate and messy Painting Date


Andrea and CJ made their session a painting date, and it got gloriously messy. This is exactly what I mean by choosing something that's true to you!