As a New Orleans-based wedding photography duo, Ben and I have had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories against the backdrop of our vibrant city. While the Big Easy is a year-round destination for romance, there’s something truly magical about fall engagement sessions in New Orleans. The crisp air, golden light, and rich autumn hues create a perfect canvas for immortalizing your love. In this guide, we’ll share our insider tips to help you plan the perfect fall engagement session in the heart of New Orleans.

Check out our full Engagement Guide here!

Why Choose Fall for Your Engagement Session?

New Orleans in autumn is a feast for the senses. The oppressive summer heat gives way to comfortable temperatures, making outdoor shoots a joy rather than a sweat-soaked ordeal. The light takes on a warm, golden quality that photographers dream about, casting a romantic glow over everything it touches. Plus, the city comes alive with festivals and events, adding an extra layer of excitement and energy to your photos.

Spring more your time? Check out the Spring Guide!

The Perfect Weather

One of the best reasons to opt for a fall engagement session is the weather. From late September through November, New Orleans typically enjoys mild temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s. This comfortable climate allows for longer outdoor shoots without the risk of overheating or getting caught in afternoon thunderstorms (a common summer occurrence).

The Golden Hour Magic

As photographers, Ben and I live for the “golden hour” – that magical time just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering. In the fall, this golden hour seems to stretch on, giving us more time to capture those dreamy, light-filled shots that make your engagement photos truly special.

The Autumn Palette

While New Orleans may not be known for dramatic fall foliage, the city still embraces the season with subtle changes in color. The warm tones of brick buildings are complemented by the occasional golden or russet leaves, creating a rich, inviting backdrop for your photos.

Choosing the Perfect Location

New Orleans offers a wealth of stunning locations for engagement photos, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of our favorite spots for fall engagement sessions:

The French Quarter

No New Orleans photo session would be complete without a stop in the iconic French Quarter. The historic architecture, wrought-iron balconies, and gas lamps create a timeless backdrop for your love story. In the fall, the absence of summer crowds allows for more intimate shots along the quieter streets and courtyards.

City Park

With its sprawling 1,300 acres, City Park is a photographer’s playground. The park’s mature oak trees draped in Spanish moss provide a quintessentially Southern setting. In autumn, the Botanical Garden and Sculpture Garden offer pops of fall color and interesting textures for your photos.

Audubon Park

Located in the picturesque Uptown neighborhood, Audubon Park is another fantastic option for nature-lovers. The park’s famous “Tree of Life” – a massive oak tree – is particularly stunning in the fall light. The nearby St. Charles Avenue, lined with historic mansions and streetcars, offers additional photo opportunities.

The Garden District

For a more residential feel, the Garden District can’t be beaten. Its tree-lined streets, grand homes, and hidden gardens provide a romantic setting for engagement photos. In the fall, the neighborhood takes on a cozy, intimate atmosphere that translates beautifully to photos.

See what it takes to host a Destination Wedding in New Orleans!

What to Wear for Your Fall Engagement Session

Choosing the right outfits can elevate your engagement photos from great to absolutely stunning. Here are some tips we share with our couples:

Embrace Fall Colors

While you don’t need to dress head-to-toe in orange and brown, incorporating some fall hues can really enhance your photos. Rich jewel tones like deep purples, emerald greens, and burgundies look fantastic against New Orleans’ architecture and natural settings.

Layer Up

Fall in New Orleans can be unpredictable, with temperatures varying throughout the day. Layering not only keeps you comfortable but also provides more outfit options within your session. A stylish jacket or sweater can be a great addition to your look.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

We always advise couples to coordinate their outfits without matching exactly. Choose complementary colors and styles that reflect your personalities and the mood you want to convey in your photos.

Don’t Forget the Details

Accessories can add personality and interest to your photos. A stylish scarf, statement jewelry, or even a cute umbrella (New Orleans weather can be unpredictable!) can become fun props in your engagement shots.

Making the Most of Your Session

As photographers, we believe that the best engagement photos capture not just how you look, but who you are as a couple. Here are some tips to help you feel comfortable and natural during your session:

Plan an Activity

Consider incorporating an activity you enjoy as a couple into your session. Whether it’s enjoying beignets at Café du Monde, browsing a local bookstore, or taking a streetcar ride, these moments can lead to genuine, candid shots that truly reflect your relationship.

Embrace the Unexpected

New Orleans is known for its spontaneity. If we encounter a second line parade or a street performer during your session, let’s embrace it! These unplanned moments often result in the most memorable and uniquely New Orleans photos.

Trust the Process

Remember, we’re here to make you look and feel your best. Don’t worry too much about posing “correctly” – our job is to guide you into natural, flattering positions. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better your photos will turn out.

The New Orleans Experience

One of the things we love most about photographing engagements in New Orleans is the opportunity to showcase the city’s unique culture and atmosphere. Here are some ways we can incorporate the spirit of New Orleans into your fall engagement session:

Music in the Air

New Orleans is synonymous with music, and fall brings numerous outdoor concerts and festivals. We can capture you dancing to a jazz band in Jackson Square or enjoying a romantic moment as street musicians serenade you in the background.

Culinary Delights

Fall in New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, with events like the Beignet Fest and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. We can incorporate your love for local cuisine into your session, whether it’s sharing a po-boy on a park bench or toasting with craft cocktails at a stylish bar.

Halloween Magic

If your engagement session falls close to Halloween, we can play with the city’s spooky side. From the elaborately decorated homes in the Garden District to the eerie beauty of one of our above-ground cemeteries, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of Halloween magic to your photos.

After Your Session

Once we’ve captured all those beautiful moments, the fun isn’t over! Here are some ideas to make the most of your engagement photos:

Save-the-Dates

Your fall engagement photos will make for stunning save-the-date cards. The rich colors and cozy atmosphere of autumn in New Orleans set the perfect tone for announcing your upcoming wedding.

Home Decor

Consider turning your favorite shots into canvas prints or framed photos to decorate your home. They’re a beautiful reminder of this special time in your lives and a great conversation starter when you have guests over.

Wedding Day Display

Many couples choose to display their engagement photos at their wedding reception. It’s a lovely way to share your love story with your guests and show off the beauty of New Orleans in another season.

Use our checklist to plan your wedding!

Your Love Story, Painted in Autumn Hues

As photographers, there’s nothing we love more than helping couples capture the magic of their engagement against the backdrop of our beloved New Orleans. The fall season adds an extra layer of romance and charm to the city, creating the perfect setting for photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Whether you’re locals like us or planning a destination engagement session, we’re here to help you navigate the unique beauty of New Orleans in autumn. From selecting the perfect locations to choosing outfits that pop against the fall palette, we’ll work with you to create engagement photos that are uniquely you.

Remember, your engagement session is more than just a photoshoot – it’s an opportunity to celebrate your love story and create lasting memories in one of the most enchanting cities in the world. So embrace the magic of fall in New Orleans, let your love shine, and trust us to capture every beautiful moment.

We can’t wait to meet you and help you fall in love all over again – this time, with the backdrop of autumn in the Big Easy. Let’s create some magic together!