Seasonal Inspiration - Best Times of Year for Engagement Photography in South Wales
- Shawn Eastman
- Feb 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Choosing the perfect time of year for your engagement photoshoot in South Wales is crucial to achieving the dreamy, romantic images you envision. Each season offers its own charm, from blooming spring florals to warm summer sunsets, golden autumn leaves, and winter’s crisp, magical landscapes - we really are blessed in Wales with so many incredible locations and the opportunity to take advantage of them in all seasons.
We all have our favourite time of the year, so in this guide, I’ll walk you through what each season has to offer in terms of engagement photography, and which type of local locations you might want to consider during those seasons months to help you decide the best time to book your own engagement session.
Table of Contents
Spring: Fresh Blooms and Soft Pastels
Best months: March - May
Ideal locations: Bute Park, Dyffryn Gardens, Brecon Beacons
Spring is an incredibly popular time for engagement photography, mainly due to so many weddings set to take place in the following season. The season of spring is all about renewal and fresh beginnings - what better metaphor for your upcoming marriage? The parks and gardens across Cardiff and South Wales burst into colour with cherry blossoms, daffodils, and bluebells, creating a vibrant, romantic backdrop.
Tips for a Spring Photoshoot
Schedule your shoot during golden hour for soft, dreamy lighting.
Wear pastel shades or light florals to complement the season’s colours.
Bring an umbrella - April showers are a real thing!
Summer: Golden Light and Beachy Vibes
Best months: June - August
Ideal locations: Southerndown Beach, Three Cliffs Bay, Cardiff Bay
If you love warm weather, golden sunsets, and vibrant outdoor settings, summer is your season. Engagement sessions in South Wales during summer allow for stunning beach shots, lush countryside fields, and even chic urban backdrops with warm, glowing light.
Tips for a Summer Photoshoot
Plan for early morning or late evening to avoid harsh midday sunlight.
Choose breathable outfits to stay comfortable.
Consider a water-based shoot - dipping your toes in the sea can make for playful, intimate moments!
Autumn: Rich Tones and Cosy Aesthetics
Best months: September - November
Ideal locations: Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr, Llyn y Fan Fach
Autumn engagement photoshoots have a certain magic to them. With the landscape transforming into a canvas of deep reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows, your images will have an incredibly rich and cinematic feel. It's a fantastic time for clothing layers to add plenty of character and personality to your photographs while making the most of the gorgeous seasonal tones and colours.
Tips for an Autumn Photoshoot
Consider earthy tones, deep greens, or warm oranges for outfits that blend beautifully with the rustic season.
Bring a cosy prop like a blanket or warm drinks for adorable candid shots.
Consider a forest location for the best autumn foliage.
Winter: Crisp Air and Fairy-tale Romance
Best months: December - February
Ideal locations: Pen y Fan, Parc Cefn Onn, Tintern Abbey
Winter engagement photography in South Wales offers a unique and enchanting feel, despite it being the season that's so commonly avoided. If you don’t mind layering up, you can capture stunning moments with frost-kissed landscapes, cosy winter attire, and possibly even a dusting of snow. It also allows you to add an element of difference to your engagement photos as most couples tend to naturally lean towards warmer weather.
Tips for a Winter Photoshoot
Dress in layers so you can stay warm without compromising on style.
Choose neutral tones, soft greys, and deep reds for a classic winter aesthetic.
Bring hand warmers (for both you and your photographer!).
Which Season is Right for You?
Choosing the best season for your engagement session depends on your personal style, preferred weather, and the overall mood you want your images to convey. No matter which season you choose, South Wales offers stunning locations to create the perfect backdrop for your love story.
If you're looking for a local engagement photographer to capture your blossoming love, don't hesitate to get in touch. I'd love to chat to you and find out if I could be the right fit for what you're looking for.
FAQs About the Best Times of Year for Engagement Photography
What’s the best season for engagement photos in South Wales?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - each season offers something magical! Spring gives you soft blossoms and fresh greenery, summer brings golden light and warm evenings, autumn bursts with rich colours, and winter delivers crisp air and romantic moody backdrops. It all depends on your style and vibe!
Are outdoor engagement shoots possible in winter?
Absolutely! If you love the idea of cosy coats, hot chocolate props, or a misty, atmospheric backdrop, winter can be stunning. Just layer up, pick a location with shelter options, and embrace the season’s charm.
What time of day is best for engagement photography?
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) is hands down the most flattering time for photos (in my humble opinion) - soft, dreamy light with no harsh shadows. If you prefer a bright and airy feel, late morning can work too, but midday light can be a bit harsh unless it’s an overcast day.
Does the weather impact the quality of engagement photos?
Not necessarily! Overcast days actually produce gorgeous, even lighting, while a little drizzle can add a romantic, moody touch (think notebook-style rain kisses!). Of course, for extreme conditions like storms, we may need to reschedule or adjust the location.
What are the most popular locations for each season in South Wales?
Spring: Bute Park (Cardiff), Dyffryn Gardens, or Brecon Beacons for lush greenery and blossoms.
Summer: Coastal spots like Rest Bay, Southerndown Beach, or Cardiff Bay for golden-hour magic.
Autumn: Castell Coch, Forest Fawr, or Margam Park for those stunning red and orange hues.
Winter: Cardiff Castle, Llandaff Cathedral grounds, or a snow-covered Brecon Beacons for a dramatic look.
How can we prepare for an engagement shoot in colder months?
Layer up stylishly - coats, scarves, and boots can add a chic look while keeping you warm. Bring hand warmers, choose a location with shelter options, and maybe reward yourself with a post-shoot hot chocolate!
Can we reschedule if the weather is really bad?
Yes, absolutely! While a little drizzle won’t hurt (and can even add some romance!), if there’s a full-blown storm or heavy rain, we’ll find an alternative date that works for you.
What should we wear for each season’s engagement shoot?
Spring: Soft pastels, florals, or light layers to match the season’s freshness.
Summer: Flowy outfits, light fabrics, and breathable materials for a relaxed feel.
Autumn: Earthy tones, cosy knits, and stylish boots to complement the scenery.
Winter: Chic coats, layered textures, and warm accessories for a timeless look.
Are certain colours better for engagement shoots in each season?
Yes! Muted pastels for spring, neutrals and bright pops for summer, deep reds and mustard tones for autumn, and rich jewel tones for winter all work beautifully against seasonal backdrops.
Can we include seasonal props in our engagement shoot?
Absolutely! A picnic setup in summer, a cosy blanket for autumn, fairy lights in winter, or even seasonal flowers in spring can all add a unique, personal touch.
When should we book our engagement shoot to get the best seasonal look?
Ideally, book 2-3 months in advance to secure the best time slot. If you want peak-season backdrops like cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, timing is everything - so let’s plan ahead!
What’s the best time for beach engagement photos in South Wales?
Golden hour at sunset is unbeatable for dreamy beach shots! If you want quieter beaches, aim for early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.
How do we pick a location that suits us as a couple?
Think about places that hold meaning - where you had your first date, a favourite weekend spot, or a setting that reflects your personalities (woodland adventurers, city lovers, or beachgoers!).
Can we do a multi-location shoot to capture different seasonal vibes?
Yes! We can start in one location (like a park with spring blossoms) and move to another (like an urban backdrop or beach) to get a mix of looks and moods.
What’s the best way to make our engagement photos look timeless?
Stick to classic outfits that won’t look dated in a few years, choose natural poses, and pick locations that complement your personalities rather than following fleeting trends.
Are there any hidden gem locations in South Wales that work for engagement shoots?
Yes! While places like Castell Coch and Brecon Beacons are popular, lesser-known spots like Nash Point cliffs, Clyne Gardens in Swansea, or the waterfalls of Ystradfellte offer incredible and unique backdrops.
How do we make our engagement photoshoot feel more ‘us’ rather than posed?
Interaction is key! Laugh, chat, go for a walk, or even dance around. The best photos come from natural moments, so don’t be afraid to be yourselves! These candid, intimate and un-posed moments are always my absolute favourite to capture during any type of shoot.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
That’s totally normal! I’ll guide you with easy, natural prompts so nothing feels forced. The goal is to capture you, not a staged version of you - so just focus on having fun together!
How long does it take to get our engagement photos back?
Typically, 2-3 weeks. I'll always do my very best to get those loved up snaps edited and sent over to you as soon as possible.
Do you offer any special engagement + wedding photography packages?
Yes! If you book both with me, you’ll get an exclusive discount on your engagement shoot. It’s also a great way for us to get comfortable working together before the big day!
