HomeEngagement shoot locations
Dorset engagement shoot locations
My three favourite places in Dorset and the New Forest for your free engagement shoot, and when to go.
Why an engagement shoot helps
Most couples tell me they’re awkward in front of a camera. An engagement shoot fixes that before it matters: you get used to being photographed together, learn a few easy poses, and see how I work. On the wedding day, the portraits then feel like the second time, not the first.
Where we go is up to you. Pick somewhere that means something, or choose from the places below. I’ve noted the best time of day, the season, where to park and anything you should know before you go.
My three favourites
New Forest
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
A Victorian drive lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs, with rhododendrons and azaleas in early summer. The Tall Trees Trail is a flat, easy loop between the car parks.
Bournemouth
Stour Valley Nature Reserve
Three miles of riverside path, meadows, hedgerows and woodland along the River Stour, on the northern edge of Bournemouth. Green, quiet and close to town.
Poole
Sandbanks beach
Soft golden sand on the Sandbanks peninsula, looking across Poole Bay to Old Harry Rocks. Walk round to the harbour side for sunset over the Purbeck hills.
Golden-hour times in Bournemouth
Golden hour starts roughly an hour before sunset, when the light turns warm and soft. These are mid-month times, so expect a few minutes either side.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Golden hour from | Clocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 08:05 | 16:30 | 15:30 | GMT |
| February | 07:20 | 17:25 | 16:25 | GMT |
| March | 06:25 | 18:10 | 17:10 | GMT |
| April | 06:15 | 20:00 | 19:00 | BST |
| May | 05:20 | 20:50 | 19:50 | BST |
| June | 04:55 | 21:20 | 20:20 | BST |
| July | 05:10 | 21:15 | 20:15 | BST |
| August | 05:55 | 20:30 | 19:30 | BST |
| September | 06:40 | 19:25 | 18:25 | BST |
| October | 07:30 | 18:15 | 17:15 | BST |
| November | 07:25 | 16:20 | 15:20 | GMT |
| December | 08:05 | 16:05 | 15:05 | GMT |
Calculated for Bournemouth (50.72°N, 1.88°W) on the 15th of each month. Sandbanks and the New Forest are within a minute or two.
Engagement shoot questions
Ready to plan yours? Tell me where you’re thinking.
Is the engagement shoot really free?
Yes. Every wedding package includes a free engagement shoot with pose training. It’s the best way to get used to being photographed together, and you learn a few easy poses before the wedding, so your portraits on the day feel natural rather than stiff.
How long does an engagement shoot take?
One hour. We pick a location and time together, usually around golden hour, and keep it relaxed: a walk, a chat and a few prompts along the way.
Can we bring our dog?
Please do. There are plenty of dog portraits on my Instagram. Check seasonal rules first: many Dorset beaches restrict dogs from May to September, while forest and heathland locations are usually fine all year.
What should we wear?
Clothes you feel confident and comfortable in, in colours that suit the setting: soft neutrals and muted tones work well on the coast and in the forest. Avoid busy patterns and logos, and bring a second outfit if you’d like some variety.
What if the weather is bad?
Light rain and mist can look beautiful among the trees at Rhinefield. If the forecast is properly wet, we’ll talk about moving the date.
Your engagement shoot is included
Book your wedding and we’ll plan the shoot together, wherever you’d like to go.