You’re engaged, you’re in love, you’re over the moon! Your trip to Paris is even more romantic now that the city will be the backdrop for your love story.
Paris is full of gorgeous architecture, cute cafés and cobblestone streets that make anyone look like they’ve stepped out of an Audrey Hepburn movie.
I’ve photographed couples all over Paris in all four seasons (yes, rain or shine), and there are five locations I always recommend for an engagement session.
Why are they my favorites? It’s the architecture, but also the light, the number of people (no one wants a jogger in neon green photobombing your save-the-date photo) and the variety of scenery, meaning how many different backdrops I can find in one location.
1. The Louvre and Tuileries Gardens
This is hands down my favorite spot for photos, because so many corners give you different architecture, light and mood. Most people picture the famous pyramid, but did you know there are four of them? One big one and three smaller ones, so pyramids for everyone! Then there are the palace walls with all their intricate details and sculptures.
I also like to go to the next building over (which most people ignore) for more privacy with the same stunning façades. Across from the pyramid is a very photogenic mini Arc de Triomphe, which leads into the Tuileries Gardens. Fun fact: in summer, you may come across a pair of goats on the sloped edges of the lawns. They’re there to trim the grass where a lawnmower can’t go.
2. Palais Royal
A very close second on my list of favorite places for engagement sessions in Paris. It’s across the street from the Louvre and is often quite empty, especially in winter. The striped columns are the most famous part of the Palais Royal, but there are also beautiful “greige” columns (get it? Grey and beige) that make everyone’s skin glow. In summer, the gardens and manicured trees add a little nature to the photos.
3. Bir Hakeim Bridge
This bridge is great for classic Eiffel Tower shots without elbowing through a crowd. You may see other couples, wedding parties or even fashion models, but there are plenty of spots to choose from. The bridge has old-world charm, with the steel beams made famous by the film Inception (remember the bridge folding in on itself?).
4. Montmartre
Montmartre used to be a small village on a hill outside Paris. Today the city has swallowed it up, but it still has its charm. Some areas are crowded with tourists, but I know a few hidden streets that I love to photograph in.
5. Trocadéro
The Trocadéro is one of the most famous places for engagement photos with the Eiffel Tower. I remember when you could have the whole place to yourselves if you arrived at dawn. Those days are gone, but for couples who have their heart set on it, there are still some beautiful spots (like the famous stairs).
Find out how a session works on my Paris engagement photographer page, and see more ideas in my guide to the best places for photos of the Eiffel Tower.
