Austin Engagement Photographer | Couples & Proposal Photography

Natural, relaxed portraits that celebrate your real relationship.

I photograph engagement sessions, couples portraits and surprise proposals throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and nearby Central Texas.

Sessions are designed around your relationship, personality and favorite places. Whether you want romantic golden hour portraits, a relaxed outdoor session, downtown Austin photos, a meaningful proposal location or something completely personal, I’ll help with posing, timing and location planning so your photographs feel natural rather than staged.

At BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography, couples photography is about real connection, genuine emotion and photographs that still feel like you.

MINI ENGAGEMENT AND COUPLES SESSION | $375

A relaxed session for couples who want a small collection of meaningful portraits.

• 30 minute outdoor session
• One Austin area location
• One outfit
• 8 edited high resolution digital images
• Guided posing and natural prompts
• Romantic, playful, and candid moments
• Private online gallery for image selection
• Print release
• Additional images available

Best for save the dates, anniversaries, dating portraits, and quick engagement sessions

Book a Mini Couples Session

CLASSIC ENGAGEMENT AND COUPLES SESSION | $525 Most Popular

Surprise proposal during Austin engagement session

A complete couples portrait experience with more time and variety.

• 60 minute outdoor session
• One Austin area location
• Up to two outfits
• 20 edited high resolution digital images
• Guided posing and natural interaction prompts
• A mix of romantic portraits, candid moments, and detail photographs
• Private online gallery
• Print release
• Additional images available

Best for engagements, anniversaries, save the dates, and couples who want a complete portrait collection

Book a Classic Couples Session

DELUXE ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE | $695

Couple portrait at Brushy Creek Lake Park

A more personalized experience designed to tell the full story of your relationship.

• Up to two hour session
• Up to two nearby Austin area locations
• Two to three outfits
• 30 edited high resolution digital images
• Personalized planning and location guidance
• Guided posing and candid storytelling
• Romantic portraits, playful moments, and meaningful details
• Private online gallery
• Print release
• Additional images available

Best for couples who want multiple settings, several looks, and a more complete engagement story

Book a Deluxe Engagement Session

Austin Surprise Proposal Photography — Starting at $525

McKinney Falls surprise proposal collage

Weekend proposals start at $625. Extended proposal and portrait coverage starts at $695.

Thoughtfully planned photography for one unforgettable yes.

• Proposal planning consultation
• Location and timing guidance
• Help choosing the best place to stand
• Discreet photography of the proposal
• Up to 60 minutes of total coverage
• Portrait session immediately after the proposal
• 20 edited high resolution digital images
• Private online gallery
• Print release
• Priority sneak peeks within 48 hours

Best for surprise proposals in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, and nearby areas.

A $150 nonrefundable booking fee and signed agreement are required to reserve the date. Venue, permit, parking, décor, admission, and travel fees are not included. Weekend and holiday pricing may apply.

PLAN YOUR SURPRISE PROPOSAL

BOOKING DETAILS

A $150 booking fee and signed agreement reserve your date
Remaining balance is due before final gallery delivery
Sessions may take place outdoors, in-home, or at an approved location
Location guidance and posing direction are included
Pets and meaningful personal items are welcome with advance notice
Outdoor sessions may be rescheduled for severe weather
Travel, parking, admission, venue or photography permit fees may apply
Surprise proposals include additional planning for timing, positioning and location

CHECK ENGAGEMENT SESSION AVAILABILITY

Add-Ons

Vintage camera detail used during engagement photography session

• Additional digital images: $25 each
• Discounted image bundles available
• Full gallery upgrade available
• Canvas prints, wall art, albums, and photo gifts available
• Additional location fees may apply for venues requiring photography permits

Learn More

Why Choose Engagement Portraits With BJ Thompson

Real Moments. Real Connection. Beautifully Photographed

Engaged couple hugging outdoors in Austin

Your engagement session should feel effortless and fun. I guide you using simple prompts, so you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Whether you love soft golden hour light, lakeside views, modern city backdrops, or a cozy lifestyle setting, I’ll help you choose the perfect location. These images become memories you’ll treasure for years — and beautiful portraits for save-the-dates, wedding websites, home decor, and more.

What You Can Expect

Real Moments. Real Connection. Beautifully Photographed

Couple laughing during engagement photos in Austin

During your engagement or couples session, you can expect:

• A relaxed, comfortable atmosphere
• Natural prompts that bring out real emotion
• Warm, romantic lighting and modern editing
• Authentic expressions — never stiff, never awkward
• Images that reflect your relationship and personality

My goal is to create portraits that feel modern, meaningful, and true to you.

Best Austin Locations for Engagement Photos

Austin Engagement Photo Locations

I photograph engagement and couples sessions throughout Austin and the surrounding area, and I can help you choose a location that fits your style, season and preferred look.

Popular engagement photography locations include:

McKinney Falls State Park
Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline
Brushy Creek Lake Park
South Congress and downtown Austin
UT Austin campus
Walnut Creek
Old Settlers Park in Round Rock
Neighborhood greenbelts and parks
Your home, backyard or another meaningful location

Golden hour sessions are available throughout the year, and surprise proposal locations can be planned around privacy, lighting, timing and the best camera angle.

Engagement Photography FAQ

Can we use the photos for save-the-dates or wedding invitations?

Yes. All engagement and couples packages include a print release for the edited images included with your session.

What should we wear for our engagement session?

Choose outfits that reflect your style. Neutrals, coordinated tones, soft colors, and textured fabrics photograph beautifully. I can help you choose outfits if you're unsure.

Do you recommend locations?

Yes! Popular choices include Brushy Creek Lake Park, UT campus, Zilker Botanical Garden, Laguna Gloria, and the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk.

Can we bring props or include meaningful items?

Absolutely. Bring champagne, a blanket, your pets, or anything that reflects your relationship.

How long does it take to receive our photos?

Most galleries are delivered within 5–7 business days with clean, modern editing.

Do you photograph surprise proposals in Austin?

Yes. I photograph surprise proposals throughout Austin and surrounding Central Texas. I can help plan the location, timing, positioning and where I’ll be waiting so the proposal remains a surprise.

How much does proposal photography cost in Austin?

Surprise proposal photography starts at $525. Weekend, holiday, extended coverage, venue, permit, parking or travel fees may apply depending on the location and plan.

Can you help me choose where to propose in Austin?

Yes. I can recommend Austin-area proposal locations based on privacy, scenery, lighting, accessibility and the type of experience you want.

How far in advance should I book an engagement session?

Most couples book several weeks in advance. Popular spring and fall dates and weekend evenings can fill earlier.

Can we bring our dog to our engagement session?

Absolutely. Pets are welcome at many outdoor locations as long as the location allows them.

More Austin Photography Services

Looking for another kind of session? I also offer:

Newborn Photography in Austin
Soft, natural newborn portraits in your home or studio.
View newborn packages →
Maternity Photography in Austin
Relaxed portraits celebrating your pregnancy with warmth and beauty.
View maternity sessions →
Senior Portraits in Austin
Modern, confident portraits at iconic Austin locations.
View senior sessions →
Pet Photography in Austin
Candid, personality-filled portraits of your pets at home or outdoors.
View pet sessions →
Headshots in Austin for business branding
Clean, professional portraits for LinkedIn, branding, and business.
View headshot packages →

Family & Lifestyle Portraits. View Family portraits →

Ready for Engagement Photos That Feel Like You?

Your engagement photos should feel natural, personal and connected — not stiff or overly posed.

I photograph engagements, couples and surprise proposals throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and nearby Central Texas.

Have a location or proposal idea already in mind? Great. Need help choosing? I can help with locations, timing, posing and session planning.

Check engagement photography availability and tell me a little about what you're planning.