Couples + Engagement

Couples Beach Photography | Indiana Dunes

Couple resting heads together with sun shining through during beach couples photography session.

Looking for a great place for couples beach photography without booking a flight or driving 12 hours in the car? The Midwest has some treasures that are perfect for a getaway and you still get the perfect couples beach photos you’ve dreamed of.

Couple stands on top of a sand dune during their beach couples photos at Indiana Dunes.

The Vallosios are mountain people, but rest assured that the occasional beach trip is still enjoyed and Lake Michigan is perfect for us to get our beach fix.

Sunset over Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Jonathan and I decided to plan a little adventure to the Indiana Dunes to do some camping, a tiny bit of hiking, as well as hit up a winery or two. It was incredibly relaxing and we walked away saying, “We need to do little trips like this more often.”

Waves at sunset at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Some Epic Dunes in the Midwest

From our experience, the Indiana Dunes are a great option if you want to stay close to Indiana and are really wanting some sand between your toes. And it will be a lot of sand.

Sunset with grass in front of it at Indiana Dunes State Park.

We grabbed lunch at Shady Creek Winery which was delightful! They have some amazing Michigan wines (of which we bought 3 to take home-Riptide, Rescue Dog Red, + Traminette). We sat in their lovely outdoor seating, drank wine, ate tasty thin crust pizza, and read books for a large portion of the day. 10/10 recommend.

Indiana Dunes photographers smiling with a glass of wine.

Then it was time to head to our campsite to set up camp. We camped at Dunewood Campground which is a part of the National Park. It was a nice little site, and we would recommend this to others who would want to camp in the area!

Indiana Dunes photographers holding cameras during sunset for beach couples photos.

From there, we went to do some hiking, exploring, and prepping for Matt + Courtney’s beach couples photos. We decided to journey to the state park since we had an Indiana State Park Pass, and specifically to Porter Beach. This beach is in the State Park which is also a part of the larger National Park.

Couple getting ready to kiss laying in the sand during beach couples photography session at Indiana Dunes.

Couple is laughing while running down a sand dune with their dog.

Right off the beach is the 3 Dunes Challenge! Jonathan and I were up for the challenge and it was not as easy as we expected it to be because hiking in sand in no joke, haha.

Couple kisses while sitting in tall beach grass.

Couple sits in sand among beach grass smiling.

We almost finished but were short on time and went to scout out some dunes and beach spots for Matt + Courtney’s couples beach photography session. We found the perfect spots with little to no people with a *chef’s kiss* view of the bold sunset we would be experiencing a few hours later.

Couple walks through small sandy path among beach grass while sun sets behind them.

Beach Photos – Couples

Matt + Courtney were up for an adventure and we definitely had one! They even brought their dog, Hank! It was a party and a perfect way to create memories for them and their growing little family.

Couple holding up a sonogram photo and smiling at each other during beach couples photography session.

Couple smiles with their dog while holding a onesie for a pregnancy announcement.

It was a warm evening, but the breeze coming off Lake Michigan felt amazing. They climbed up Dunes, ran down Dunes, splashed in the lake, and even announced that they are expecting a daughter. Hank will be a big brother!

Dog sits in the sand wearing a blue bandana that says "big brother".

Couples smiles while holding a onesie that says "my best friend has paws."

It was pure magic combined with the INCREDIBLE sunset we had that evening. Courtney had the cutest dress from Old Navy that was perfect for an evening on the beach (and yes, I did ask her where she got it because I loved it!).

Couple stand on top of sand dune back to back.

Couple walks along the beach holding hands at sunset.

Courtney + Matt’s love for one another was so very evident. You could feel their chemistry from the way they looked at one another, to how they laughed together, and to how they held one another. It was beautiful.

Couple smiles while sitting on a sand dune at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Jonathan and I loved every minute of capturing them together. It was wonderful to meet Courtney + Matt (and of course Hank and Baby Girl Z!) and we hope we get to hang with them again in the future!

Couples Photos on the Beach

In case you wondered, this is your sign to book a couples beach photography session. Why? Because who doesn’t love having a fun, playful date with their favorite person in the world and having a little sand between their toes? It’s an excuse to get dressed up and have a good time!

Man holds woman's face to his while they have their eyes closed.

Couple wades and stands in the water kissing.

Society tends to think that photos should only happen at the big milestones in life. We believe that the mundane moments are some of the most beautiful ones. The in-between stages in life are still a part of your love story. We want to document those for adventurous couples, and we are here to do this for the long haul.

Couple running to water while holding hands on the beach.

If you want to book a couples beach photography session or any type of adventure session, you can do that here and we can find the perfect spot for you and your love to adventure.