I may be a bit biased here, but Michigan hands down has some of the most beautiful summer engagement photo locations. From lake views and perfect white beaches to rolling sand dunes, there are so many amazing options to choose from! It’s actually so hard for me to choose a favorite summer engagement photo location in Michigan because I love so many of them! So, I thought I would share my top 7 favorite summer engagement photo locations in Michigan!
Michigan Engagement Photo Locations for your Summer Engagement
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Capturing sand dune engagement photoshoots will truly never get old. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes is such an amazing summer engagement spot in Michigan because it has so many different landscapes. From lake views and miles of beaches to lush forest areas, you have so many different types of locations in one!
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes is such a unique engagement photoshoot location that truly offers the perfect backdrop that is beautiful but not distracting. It’s honestly crazy to think that these sand dunes are in Michigan! It really feels like you are somewhere else entirely which is why this is such a popular summer engagement photo location in Michigan. The dunes are only open from April 1st to October 31st, so it’s a great location for your summer engagement photos!
Despite getting sand absolutely EVERYWHERE, Silver Lake Sand Dunes engagement photos are 1000% worth it!
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park is another one of my favorite locations for summer engagement photos in Michigan. While there are so many places to take your engagement photos here, the beach is my absolute favorite for summer. From looking at the photos you would never know that it was a lake and not the ocean! You can enjoy your engagement photoshoot here running around on the beach together or playing in the water! Or you could pack a romantic picnic for a date-like engagement photoshoot. Ohhh and the sunsets here are absolutely magical so you know I always encourage my clients to take their photos at golden hour!
Rosy Mound Natural Area
Rosy Mound Natural Area is a beautiful park located on Lake Michigan’s shoreline that is another great summer engagement photoshoot location in Michigan. It offers scenic views of the lake, forested dunes, a small area of white pines, and beautiful white sandy beaches. A & T’s Rosy Mound Natural Area engagement photos show you just how beautiful this location really is, especially at sunset!
Downtown Grand Rapids
In my opinion, you really can’t go wrong with downtown Grand Rapids engagement photos! Having your engagement photos in the city is the perfect opportunity for a date night! You can get some photos at your favorite bar or coffee shop or of the two of you walking down the street! Or maybe even head to the top of a parking garage for some city views for your backdrop. And it’s the perfect excuse to dress up nice and enjoy the warm summer weather!
Port Crescent State Park
Located at the tip of Michigan’s thumb is Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. Port Crescent State Park is another lakefront engagement spot in Michigan that is absolutely stunning! From the white sandy beaches to the beautiful blue water, there’s nothing better than a playful summer engagement photoshoot here. You can even hop in the water for some of the photos which is always a good time!
Saugatuck State Park
If you imagine your summer engagement photoshoot location in Michigan to have picturesque views of Lake Michigan, rolling hills of dune grass, and miles and miles of beautiful beaches, then Saugatuck State Park should be on your list. To get to the best views at this location, a 0.75-mile hike is required but believe me, it’s worth it for those views!
As you can see, there are sooo many picturesque engagement photoshoot locations in Michigan and you couldn’t go wrong with any of them! As a Michigan engagement photographer, it makes me so happy that I get to capture the best people in the most beautiful locations!
Michigan Engagement Photoshoot Q & A
What should we wear to our summer engagement photoshoot?
It all totally depends on your location, but my general rule of thumb is to mainly stick to neutral colors and avoid funky patterns as they can be distracting. But, most importantly, where something that makes you feel confident because that is most important!
How far in advance should we book our engagement photoshoot?
Well, if you’re doing it in the summer months, the sooner the better. As a Michigan wedding photographer, my summer schedule fills up QUICKLY so I would recommend maybe 4-5 months in advance if you don’t have much flexibility on the date you want them. But, you never know someones availability so it never hurts to try even if your desired date is coming up quickly. I tend to fit in a lot of last-minute sessions, as well!
I’m nervous about feeling awkward in photos, will you help with that?
1000% yes!!! Almost every single client I work with feels the exact same way. I just want you two to hang out, love on each other, & have fun the whole time we’re taking photos. I will absolutely prompt & direct you when needed, but I loveeee to also give you the space to just BE YOURSELVES & have fun!!!
What’s the best time of day for a Michigan engagement photoshoot?
Sunrise or sunset are absolutely stunning but most of my clients prefer sunset. We just want that beautiful golden hour glow!
Meet Your Michigan Engagement Photographer
Hey, It’s Morgan!
I’m a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based, traveling wedding, elopement & engagement photographer who is absolutely obsessed with capturing moments for people in love that will live on forever!
My goal is for your photos to be as real & authentic as humanly possible, so that every time you open up your gallery, it’s like you’re right back there again, feeling alllllll those same feels you felt the first time around. I value real-life moments, not fake shit.
Wanting me to capture your summer engagement photoshoot in Michigan?
