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Engagement Session Guide: Locations, Tips, and What to Wear

One of the best parts of booking with us? Every single one of our wedding collections includes a complimentary engagement session. We love offering this because it’s so much more than “just extra photos.” It’s a chance for us to get to know you before your wedding day, and for you to get comfortable with us and in front of the camera. Think of it as a little rehearsal for your wedding portraits... no pressure, just fun, natural, and relaxed time together.


And the bonus? You walk away with gorgeous images you can actually use. Engagement photos are perfect for save the dates, wedding websites, and even reception décor. One of our favorite ideas is creating a custom engagement sign-in book. Guests love flipping through your photos as they arrive, and it becomes a meaningful keepsake filled with their handwritten notes alongside your images.



We’ve seen more and more couples embrace engagement sessions lately, and honestly, we couldn’t be happier about it. Because your pictures deserve to live in print, not just on a screen.



📍 Engagement Session Locations in Tucson

When couples ask us where they should do their engagement photos, we’ve got answers! Here are our tried-and-true locations around Tucson:


1. Our Studio (East Side of Tucson)

Think of our studio as a clean, white, blank canvas. With couches, chairs, and backdrops to choose from, it’s cozy and versatile. The best part? You can shoot here at any time of day... no worrying about harsh light or crowded locations. No worrying about weather either, which is a huge bonus over the summer! We also have a limited closet of gowns and clothing options (all feminine styles).



2. The Desert Backdrop

Arizona desert light = pure magic. We have two favorite desert locations, one northeast and one west-central, that are quiet, scenic, and show off those epic Tucson sunsets. Most couples choose golden hour (the hour before sunset), when the light is soft and golden.


Our West Central option is best at about an hour and a half before the sun sets to get that dreamy golden light before it sets behind the moutains.


Our North East desert spot has all the mountain magic and a couple different majestic cactus moments. We love the North East vibe for how many different looks you can get here since there are also quite a few healthy trees. This spot tends to be more private since it's a bit off the more accessible area of the trail and bonus...we frequently spot deer here while photographing a session.




3. Downtown Tucson

Want a colorful, urban vibe? Downtown has endless variety... murals, historic neighborhoods, fun textures, and Tucson’s charm around every corner. Because of the shade from buildings, we can often shoot here a little earlier than golden hour and still get amazing light.


✈️ Bonus Option: Travel Sessions

We travel often for weddings and photo shoots, so sometimes couples join us on the road for destination engagement sessions. We’ve photographed couples in places like New York City, Sedona, and Los Angeles — and we love when people plan a trip around their engagement photos. Keep an eye out for our posted travel dates, or just ask us if you’ve got a dream location in mind.


Custom Locations and Special Requests

If you’ve got your heart set on a special spot, we’re open to it! If it’s within about an hour’s drive of Tucson, no travel fee applies. Just know that if the location requires permission or permits (like hotels or private properties), that part is up to you to secure.




👗 What to Wear for Your Engagement Session

This might be our most asked question, so here’s our philosophy: wear what feels like YOU.


A few tips:

• Neutrals are timeless and photograph beautifully.

• If bold prints or funky colors are your vibe, lean into it!

• You don’t need to be perfectly matchy-matchy. Coordinated outfits that complement each other look great and feel more natural.

• Pinterest is a treasure trove for outfit inspo. And if you want extra help, we’re always happy to share a few favorite fashion influencer accounts for inspiration.


At the end of the day, comfort and confidence win every time. If you feel good, it will show in your photos.



💌 Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?

Your engagement session is complimentary with every wedding collection, and it’s one of our favorite parts of the process. It’s where we start building trust, ease, and a whole lot of fun together before your wedding day. Plus, you’ll walk away with images that tell your story and live in print forever.


Don't have a wedding collection booked with us but still wanting to do an engagement session in Tucson, Phoenix, or beyond? No problem! Our engagement portrait sessions start at $499. Contact us for details!


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The Gawnes Photography

Award Winning Wedding Photographers Capturing Weddings in Arizona, and Destinations Around the World

520-230-5960

7878 E Wrightstown Rd

Suite 122

Tucson, AZ 85715

(By Appointment Only)

We believe destination wedding photography should feel both timeless and deeply personal. Our couples come to us for imagery that captures not only how their day looked, but how it felt, the energy, emotion, and story that live far beyond a single day. Based in Tucson, Arizona, we photograph weddings across the state and beyond, from the artistic desert of Tucson and Tubac, to the vibrant cityscapes of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and the sweeping landscapes of Sedona. The majority of our weddings are destination clients…couples who choose Arizona as their backdrop or invite us to follow their story wherever it unfolds. We do work with a quite a few local couples hailing from Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, as well. Each year, we photograph a limited number of destination weddings across the U.S. and internationally, from California’s oceanfront celebrations to European villas and countryside estates. We limit our out-of-state destination weddings to just two to four per year as we also participate in editorial shoots and fashion weeks. While we love to travel and create art in beautiful new places, this approach allows us to give 100% of our attention and creativity to every couple who entrusts us with their story. Our approach blends fine-art editorial imagery with genuine storytelling. Whether we’re photographing a Tucson destination wedding at The Tanque Verde Ranch or Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, a sunset ceremony in Hawaii, or a romantic weekend in the Italian countryside or Lake Como, our goal is to craft images that feel elegant, emotional, and enduring. Every photograph is taken with legacy in mind, moments that will one day live in heirloom wedding albums, printed and passed down through generations. For us, photography isn’t just about beautiful images…it’s about preserving the emotional heartbeat of your wedding day. It’s about making sure your day was stress free and enjoyable so you could be present with all of your friends and family. Wherever your love story takes you—Arizona, Hawaii, Italy, France or beyond—we’re honored to capture it in a way that feels both cinematic and entirely your own.

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