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The Best Engagement Photoshoot Locations in Surrey & Hampshire

Lucinda
Feb 21
3 min read

Two hands reaching for each other outside a rustic house under a clear blue sky. One hand has a ring, suggesting a sentimental moment.

Congratulations – you’re engaged! What could be a more special way to celebrate than capturing your memories with an engagement photoshoot? And beyond having some stunning photos, it’s a brilliant way to get to know your wedding photographer before the big day itself.

If you’re looking for the perfect location for an engagement shoot in Surrey and Hampshire, then you’ve come to the right place. From magical woodlands to classic English Gardens, here are some of my favourite spots:

Enchanting Woodlands

Sunlit woodland with tall trees and a vibrant carpet of purple-blue flowers on the forest floor. Green foliage adds a peaceful mood.

Bourne Wood (Surrey): Located near Farnham, this is a stunning ancient woodland that has pine forests and long, winding sandy paths through heathland. It covers an expansive area, so there won’t be a shortage of quiet spots for a shoot. Fun fact – it’s been a popular location for some big movies, including Gladiator!

Basing Wood (Hampshire): Close to Basingstoke, this is a convenient spot that has 3 walking trails to choose from if you want some action shots. And if you’re looking to have your shoot in spring, you’ll have the added bonus of some lovely bluebells as your backdrop.

Abinger Roughs (Surrey): Nestled in the Surrey Hills, this is a gorgeous location if you’re looking for a balance of some woodland shots mixed in with some countryside views over the North Downs. This is another great bluebell spot, plus you might get to see some deer.

New Forest (Hampshire): This location probably needs little introduction, but I couldn’t not mention it. There are plenty of woodland locations to choose from in the New Forest - Bolderwood for instance is perfect. Wherever you choose, don’t forget you could be lucky enough to have some New Forest ponies in your snaps too.

Costal & Waterside Engagement Photoshoot Locations

Coastal scene with pebbly beach, wooden posts, and gentle waves. Cliffs and bushes line the shore. Overcast sky sets a calm mood.

If windswept beaches or peaceful lakes are more your thing, here are some stunning spots:

Lepe Beach (Hampshire): Home to its famous coastguard cottages, Lepe is a lovely shingle beach perfect for an engagement photoshoot. It’s also part of a country park, so you can get a real mix of photos while you’re there.

Frensham Ponds (Surrey): This one’s always popular for getting some great shots – and you’ve got the little pond and the great pond to choose from. Surrounded by stunning heathland, it’s a unique location that has a sandy beach even though you’re miles away from the coast!

Hill Head Beach (Hampshire): A long stretch of shingle beach where you can spot the Isle of Wight - this is a lovely traditional English seaside location. There's an array of colourful beach huts that are always fun to shoot in front of, and you can get some stunning sunset pictures here.

Virginia Water (Surrey): Part of Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water boasts a vast lake, waterfall, and ancient ruins – this is a truly gorgeous location for a Surrey engagement shoot. Popular with dog walkers, this could be a perfect location if you want to get your furry family members involved too.

English Garden Elegance

Stone building with gabled roof surrounded by vibrant flower gardens. Lush green lawn, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.

If you’re a bit of a traditionalist, then a classic English garden location could be the perfect choice for you. Plus, we’ve got them in abundance in the area:

RHS Wisley (Surrey): This is a stunning location no matter the season, and the grounds are huge - so there are plenty of romantic spots to choose from. For something different, you might fancy The Exotic Garden, but if you’re sticking with the traditional, then The Rose Garden is simply gorgeous.

Furzey Gardens (Hampshire): A tranquil spot hidden away in the New Forest, this is perfect if you’re looking for a traditional English Garden engagement shoot. It even has a thatched cottage with its own little garden, and there's a tearoom.

The Savill Garden (Surrey): Right next to Virginia Water, this is another spectacular spot for some floral shots. Springtime is extra special here with its dazzling rhododendrons and beautiful cherry blossoms.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (Hampshire): Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, this is another location that offers a feast for the eyes throughout the year. It has an array of settings to choose from, offering the perfect backdrop for some gorgeous couple shots.

Have you found your perfect location?

If you’ve found the perfect spot, let’s plan your engagement shoot in Surrey or Hampshire together! A big part of what I do isn’t just capturing those gorgeous moments between you as a couple - it’s making sure you’re completely at ease too. An engagement shoot is something that should be fun – so let’s make it happen!

Drop me a message here to book your obligation-free chat.

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?
Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.