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Florence Engagement Session: A Complete Guide for an Authentic and Elegant Experience in the City

  • Writer: Riccardo Pieri
    Riccardo Pieri
  • Nov 13
  • 3 min read

Florence is one of the most iconic and romantic places in the world. Every corner carries history, art and a unique atmosphere that makes an engagement session feel intimate and timeless.

When I photograph a couple here, my goal is to create images that feel natural, elegant and connected to your story, not just to the city. Florence becomes the backdrop, but the real focus is the emotion between you two.

A Florence engagement session is one of the most intimate ways to experience the city and capture your connection with a refined visual style.


In this guide, I explain how to get the best out of your engagement session: the right time of day, the perfect locations, what to wear, how long the shoot should be and how to create images that feel authentic.

This is exactly the process I use when working with international couples who choose Florence for their engagement.


Couple embracing in a historic Florence alley at sunset

Why choose Florence for your engagement session


A city full of atmosphere

Florence is not just beautiful. It has depth, texture and soul. From Renaissance architecture to quiet alleys, the city offers a mix of grand and intimate settings that work perfectly for storytelling photography.


Easy to personalize

You can build a session that feels completely your own. You can mix iconic spots with quieter areas that show the Florentine lifestyle without crowds.


The perfect warm light

Florence has a warm, soft light that enhances skin tones and architectural colors. It’s one of the reasons international couples love being photographed here.


Best time of day for an engagement session in Florence


Couple embracing with Florence Cathedral in the background

Ponte Vecchio and the Arno

Classic, iconic, and always beautiful. Early morning is ideal.


Piazza della Signoria

Perfect for couples who love architecture and historical details.


Oltrarno and Santo Spirito

Quiet streets, artisan shops and a more authentic Florentine vibe.

Ideal for natural and spontaneous shots.


Piazzale Michelangelo

A panoramic view over the city. At sunset, it becomes one of the most romantic spots in Italy.

Hidden alleys and authentic corners

Some of the best photos often come from places without names. Small alleys, stone walls, artisan doors and warm colors.


What to wear for a Florence engagement session


Couple sitting by the Arno River overlooking Florence bridges at sunset

Choose elegant but comfortable outfits

Florence has a natural elegance, so refined outfits work very well.

Neutral tones, soft patterns and materials that move gracefully are perfect.


Avoid overly coordinated looks

You don’t need matching outfits. You need harmony. Choose tones that complement each other.


Think about movement

Dresses, skirts, linen shirts and light fabrics look beautiful with the Florentine light.


Couple walking in front of Florence Cathedral during their engagement session

How long should an engagement session last

A complete session in Florence usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours.

It gives you time to explore different areas, change atmospheres and get both intimate and iconic shots.

If we work during sunrise, we move faster and cover more ground because the city is quiet.

At sunset, the rhythm is slower and more atmospheric.


Couple walking toward Florence Cathedral seen from a side street

How to make your photos look natural and authentic


Focus on each other

The best images come when you stop thinking about the camera and simply connect. I’ll guide you, but the real emotion comes from you.


Walk, talk, explore

Florence invites movement. Walking, stopping for a moment, interacting with the environment. Natural gestures create timeless images.


Trust the process

Every couple starts the session a bit nervous. After a few minutes, everything becomes fluid.

My job is to make you feel comfortable and let your personalities shine.



Why an engagement session matters

An engagement session is not just a photoshoot.

It’s a moment to celebrate your story, to take a break from the wedding planning and to create memories that feel real.

For international couples getting married in Italy, it’s also the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day.


Couple walking under the Arch of the Republic during their Florence engagement session

Final thoughts

Florence is more than a location. It’s an experience.

Choosing it for your engagement session means choosing elegance, history and an atmosphere that feels warm and personal.


I photograph each couple with a mix of intuition, storytelling and natural light, always searching for authenticity.

This is what makes the images timeless.



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