Say “Yes!” to royalty-free engagement images

While a romantic relationship generally begins with a first date, which is eventually followed by a mutual agreement to be a couple, the engagement is a powerful declaration that suggests, “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” This moves the relationship forward in a significant way. The couple now has a definite shared goal: marriage. Official announcements go out to notify friends and family of the couple’s intended vow to start a life together. Marriage will join them in the eyes of church and state. Traditionally speaking, one person may take the last name of the other and the two will likely move into a home together or possibly start a family.

Engagement images are visual representations of the various scenarios and items typically associated with engagements. The proposal moment is the big one. It often involves one member of the couple getting down on one knee, a traditional gesture initially intended as a way for knights to show their respect for their leader. The person doing the proposing is usually holding an engagement ring up to their significant other and asking that nerve-racking question: Will you marry me? Engagement images also show the moment after, when the person has said an ecstatic Yes! Other images that feature people include happy couples posed together in beautiful natural settings, as well as engagement parties in full swing. Some images make the items related to the engagement the star of the show. Macro shots of the dazzling engagement ring or a table laden with engagement gifts are common.

These images are impressive in part because of the powerful emotional significance attached to the engagement event. Photographers may emphasize the beauty inherent to this joining together of two people by gently blurring the background of the shot so as to help focus the viewer’s attention on the subject in the foreground. Such subjects include dazzling engagement rings, colorful bouquets, and of course, the loving gaze between the two who intend to marry. The romance in these images speaks to the emotional core of the viewer. Such photos have the power to tug on the heartstrings of viewers, which may in turn activate their own romantic longing or deep gratitude for the love they have in their life.

Popular engagement images include: Engagement Invitation Templates: These templates may feature artistic graphics such as two entwined golden wedding bands or a person down on one knee. Alternatively, they may simply feature a beautiful abstract design or carefully illustrated flowers as a frame around calligraphic text that lets invitees know that the couple has gotten engaged. Engagement Ring: These photos are typically close-up shots of the diamond ring. The ring may be sparkling in its jewelry gift box, resting in the center of a rose, or shining from the ring finger of the bride-to-be. Engagement Icons: These icons may be simple black line drawings of diamond rings or two wedding bands linked together. They may also be colorful little doodles of wedding cakes, wedding dresses, bouquets, champagne flutes, and more.

Shutterstock’s high-powered search engine makes it easy to find high-quality engagement images. Simply type “engagement” into the search bar and scroll through the thousands of related photos, vectors, and illustrations. To narrow your search, try adding other keywords such as “engagement card” or “engagement decorations.” You can also make use of Shutterstock’s various filter options to further specify the sort of image you have in mind. Searching for a proposal image with a classic, vintage look to it? Select the black and white square from the “Color” section to see a range of timeless shots. Want your engagement invitations to be wider than they are tall? Select the “Horizontal” option from the “Orientation” filter. If you already have an engagement image you want to use on your site but it isn’t royalty-free, then simply drag and release your image on Shutterstock’s search page and you will be presented with similar images that you can use without worry.