If the two of you feel most like yourselves on a trail together, then a hiking engagement session in the White Mountains might be the perfect way to celebrate this season of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of mountaintop views, serene lakes, or quiet forest trails, planning ahead helps make the adventure fun, safe, and comfortable.

Why Choose a Hiking Engagement Session in the White Mountains

The White Mountains offer a kind of magic that’s hard to replicate… big views, peaceful trails, and the sense that you’ve stepped into your own little world. If standing still and posing in a park doesn’t feel like you, a hiking engagement session is a relaxed, memorable alternative.

You’re not just getting pretty photo, you’re creating memories together. Whether you’re locals or visiting from out of town, hiking sessions make space to be present, connect, and celebrate your engagement in a place that means something to you.

Adventure Session vs. Traditional Engagement Photos

If traditional engagement sessions feel a little too posed or formal, an adventure session might be exactly what you’re looking for. Instead of sticking to a studio or busy park, we head into the mountains, breathe in the fresh air, and do something fun together. Whether that’s hiking, paddleboarding on a lake, or watching the sunset with your favorite drink, the focus is on creating real moments.

Adventure sessions let you slow down, be present, and celebrate this season of life in a way that feels true to you. It’s less about perfection and more about connection. And don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the whole thing, so it’s easy and stress-free from start to finish.

How to Choose the Right Trail for Your Engagement Session

Choosing the right trail is one of the most important parts of planning a great hiking engagement sessio, and I can help with that!

As someone who lives in the White Mountains and hikes these trails regularly, I’ll help you find a location that fits your comfort level, timing, and vision. Whether that’s a peaceful forest loop or a challenging summit with incredible views, I’ll factor in things like lighting, privacy, distance, dog-friendliness, and crowd levels so you don’t have to worry about any of it.

And while I’m keeping this exact trail location private to protect it for future clients, I have plenty of beautiful, under-the-radar trail ideas to share when we plan your session.

What to Bring on Your Hiking Engagement Session

To make the most of your mountain adventure (and your photos!), here are a few essentials I always recommend:

• Bug spray & long sleeves – Especially in the summer months, the bugs can be relentless. Lightweight layers help keep them off your skin so you won’t have black fly bites in the photos.
• Water & snacks – Staying hydrated and energized means you’ll feel good during the hike and the photos.
• Towels or oil blotting sheets – Great for a quick freshen-up before we start shooting.
• Comfy hiking shoes – Even if you’re planning to change into cute shoes later, wear good shoes for the climb.
• Headlamp or flashlight – Essential if we’re hiking down after sunset!
• A small pack – To stash all your layers, snacks, and anything else you don’t want to carry in your hands.

I always help my couples pick a trail that fits their comfort level and vision—whether it’s a short sunset hike or a full-on adventure day.

What to Wear for a Mountain Engagement Session

Wondering what to wear for a hiking session? Here’s what I recommend:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes for the climb
• Layerable outfits, especially for early morning or late afternoon sessions
• Colors that pop against the greens and browns—think earth tones, jewel tones, or neutrals
• Flowy fabrics for dresses that move in the wind and photograph beautifully
• A backup outfit in your pack if you’re hiking in your comfy clothes first

The goal is to feel good, look good, and be able to move around with ease. We’ll keep it relaxed and true to you.

Real Adventure Session Inspiration

On a beautiful August day, Cassie, Al, and I hiked 8 miles to take their engagement photos in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The trail they chose had stunning views of the Northern Presidential Range—perfect for a couple who spends most of their time outdoors together.

These two are avid adventurers, so a hiking engagement session felt like the most natural way to celebrate this season of their lives. Our feet were absolutely soaked in mud by the end of the hike, but it was so worth it. We lucked out with perfect weather and the most unbelievable sunset.

Planning Your Own White Mountains Engagement Session

Ready to start planning your own hiking engagement session in the White Mountains? I’d love to help you bring it to life.

I’ll walk you through trail options, timing, what to bring, and how to make the whole experience feel fun and low-stress. Whether you’re thinking of keeping it just the two of you or bringing your pup along, I’ll help you make it personal—and document every moment along the way.

Let’s start planning your adventure!