How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Photo Outfits
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Photo by Estephania Sanchez Photography
One of the biggest things you want to remember when thinking about what to wear for your engagement photos is to wear something you feel comfortable in and feel confident in.
Here are 4 things to consider when thinking about what you should wear:
- Think about what you would wear on an intimate date with each other and start from there.
- Consider where your engagement photos will be taken. Check out our list of the best places to elope for some inspo!
- Think about how many outfits you want to bring along. We recommend 2 outfits for your engagement photos (1 casual and 1 dressy option).
- Consider what time of year you will be taking your engagement photos and what you will be doing.
When it comes down to it, you shouldn’t stress what you should wear during your engagement photos because there really aren’t any rules. You can wear white or you can wear any color you want! You don’t even need to match a specific theme or trend related to your wedding day. Use the engagement outfits below to inspire you and start shopping for your adventure together. And don’t forget to have fun!
10 Engagement Photo Outfits Ideas You Can Steal For Every Season
Photo by Jenna Boshart Photography
Need some inspiration for your engagement photo outfits? Here are ten stylish ideas to help you look picture-perfect for your shoot:
1. Classic Elegance
- A flowy, maxi red dress with nude heels and pearl earrings.
- A crisp white button-down shirt, navy blazer, and khaki chinos.
2. Boho Chic
- A flowy, off-the-shoulder white maxi dress with a flower crown and strappy sandals.
- A light blue linen shirt, beige chinos, and casual loafers.
3. Urban Glam
- A sleek, black jumpsuit with statement earrings and stiletto heels.
- A charcoal gray suit with a black dress shirt and polished dress shoes.
4. Beachy Vibes
- A light, pastel-colored sundress with a wide-brimmed hat and sandals.
- A white short-sleeve button-down shirt, rolled-up light blue jeans, and boat shoes.
5. Rustic Romance
- A floral print midi dress with a denim jacket and ankle boots.
- A plaid shirt, dark jeans, and rugged cowboy boots.
6. Modern Casual
- A chic, monochromatic outfit with a white blouse, black jeans, and ballet flats.
- A black V-neck sweater, dark denim jeans, and clean white sneakers.
7. Winter Wonderland
- A cozy knit sweater dress with knee-high boots and a colorful scarf.
- A wool peacoat, turtleneck sweater, and tailored trousers.
8. Spring Fresh
- A pastel-colored wrap dress with wedge sandals and a delicate necklace.
- A light gray blazer, white dress shirt, and light blue chinos.
9. Summer Fun
- A vibrant, patterned romper with flat sandals and minimal jewelry.
- A short-sleeve printed shirt, khaki shorts, and slip-on sneakers.
10. Fall Favorites
- A mustard yellow sweater, high-waisted jeans, and ankle boots.
- A maroon solid-color shirt, dark jeans, cowboy hat, and desert boots.
These outfit ideas provide a mix of classic, trendy, and casual options to suit any couple’s style and the setting of their engagement photos. Choose the ones that resonate most with you and enjoy your photo session! Remember, wear something you love and feel comfortable in and we’re sure you’re going to rock your adventure session together.
12 Tips When Picking Your Engagement Photo Outfits
1) Wear Something You Feel Comfortable in
Photo by Steph + Taylor Photo
Even though it is a photoshoot, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to wear something fancy. If you don’t feel comfortable in a ballgown and a suit, then don’t wear that. We love it when we see couples dress cozy and cuddle up with each other.
Pro tips:
- Think about outfits you own that you already love wearing. Wear one of those or pay close attention to what you love about those outfits.
- Make sure you love your engagement outfit from every angle.
2) Wear Something That Reflects Who You Are
Photo by Wild Oak Collective
Your engagement photos should reflect your personality and style. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you usually wear jeans and a T-shirt, don’t feel pressured to wear a formal dress or suit. Authenticity will shine through in your photos.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to bring two outfits each—a casual look and a more formal option. This gives you variety in your photos and ensures you have options that capture different aspects of your relationship.
3) Consider the Location
Photo by Nikki Rivera Photography
Your engagement photo outfits should complement the setting of your photos. Whether you’re having a beach shoot, a mountain session, or a rustic countryside engagement, your outfits should fit the vibe of the location.
- Beach: Light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton work well. Think sundresses, casual button-down shirts, and rolled-up khakis.
- Mountain: Moveable outfits are ideal. Opt for a flowy dress, comfortable jeans, or trendy separates to match your hiking boots.
- Countryside: Go for a more relaxed, bohemian look with flowy dresses, casual shirts, and cowboy boots.
“Joshua Tree is always a sure bet for a gorgeous outcome, but this couples impeccable taste in outfits, paired with a dreamy cotton candy sunset, made this shoot beyond special.” [Nikki Rivera, The Photographer]
4) Dress for the Season
Photo by KC.Photography
The time of year can greatly influence your engagement photo outfits.
Here are some seasonal tips:
- Spring: Soft pastels and floral prints are perfect. Light layers like cardigans or light jackets can add dimension.
- Summer: Bright colors and bold patterns shine in summer photos. Choose breathable fabrics to stay comfortable.
- Fall: Rich, warm tones like burgundy, mustard, and forest green work well. Layering with scarves and jackets adds texture.
- Winter: Cozy up in knits and layered pieces. Opt for darker colors and incorporate winter accessories like hats and gloves.
5) Include Fun Accessories
Photo by Francesco Rossi
Accessories can add a personal touch to your engagement photo outfits. Think about incorporating meaningful jewelry, stylish hats, or scarves that enhance your look without overpowering it.
Some accessory ideas you can steal:
- Delicate necklaces, earrings, and bracelets can add elegance without being distracting.
- Watches, cufflinks, and pocket squares can elevate a suit or dress shirt.
- Matching denim jackets.
6) Wear a Mix of Textures to Create a Dimension
Photo by Makala Towner
Some couples want to wear neutral colors in their engagement pictures. An easy way to make your outfits stand out is to simply mix in different textures. Textures such as lace, suede, satin, and jeans are some awesome options to mix your neutrals with.
7) Incorporate Props to Compliment Your Outfits
Photo by In the Light Photography
Do you both love doing something together? We love it when couples plan their engagement photo outfits around props such as bikes, motorcycles, or surfboards.
“An engagement session with old cruiser bikes to show their love for cycling together. This couple loves adventure and having fun, and this shoot showed just that.” [Morgan Walton, The Photographer]
8) Embrace Your Birthday Suit
Photo by Nancy Bree Photo
If you’re planning an elopement, then you should have a unique engagement session. Why not work with what your momma gave you?! We love it when couples go back to the basics for their outfits and end up in the birthday suits at the end of their engagement sessions. Some might say it’s one way to become “one with nature”!
“One thing they wanted to have captured in these images was the depth of their oneness, intimacy, and vulnerability that was secure in the safety of their relationship, something that isn’t too easy to come by or to capture. That evening we arrived at the location and begin the shoot innocently enough. And as the evening went on, the layers peeled back, and the rawness of their love shone through.” [Nancy Breedveld, The Photographer]
9) Take a Non-Traditional Spin and Do Something You Love
Photo by Sheena Shahangian Photography LLC
If you’re both adventurous, then maybe plan your engagement session outfits around an activity you both love doing. You can hike, swim, ski, or relax in a hot spring.
“Rather than having these two get all dressed up for more formal photos, we found a secret little hot spring that we knew would be perfect for their photos.” [Sheena Shahangian, The Photographer]
10) Wear Something Elegant
Photo by Echo Photography
Just because you’re having an adventurous engagement session, it doesn’t mean that you can’t dress fancy. When you think about what to wear for your engagement photos, we think you should go for the outfit you feel the best in. Flowy, elegant dresses, suits, and collared shirts are great options even when planning an adventurous photo session.
“He twirled her round and round in her long, red dress, and then he pulled her in for a kiss. They slow-danced listening to Taylor Swift’s song ‘Lover,’ and nothing else mattered in those moments.” [Jessi Cavey, The Photographer]
11) Bring Options!
Photo by Adventure and Vow
If you aren’t sure what to wear for your adventurous engagement session, then bring at least 2-3 options! Even if these aren’t completely different outfit options, we suggest bringing an extra jacket or another accessory to change the look of your portraits. Since you’re planning an outdoor engagement session, plan for the weather to change without notice.
12) Compliment Each Other, But Don’t Try to Match too Much
Photo by Autumn Marshall
Some people may tell you not to wear two different patterns, but we think it creates such a fun look for adventurous engagement sessions. Don’t try to match so much, and let your personalities shine through your outfit. If you need inspiration, then take this moment and go through some old photos of you both to get some ideas!
“When shooting Hunter and Keylen’s surprise proposal and engagement session, they told me they wanted to get photos out on their land. So we raced to the top of this hill at sunset where they said, ‘one day we want to build our home here.’ What a beautiful start to a happily ever after.” [Autumn Marshall]
If you need some help planning your elopement, then check out our Elopement Blog.
Shop Our Favorite Brands For Your Engagement Outfits
Are you ready to shop for your perfect engagement outfits together? We got you covered! We have compiled a list of some of the best stores you can shop for your engagement photo outfits.
Some of these links are affiliate links but know we only promote brands we feel truly fit adventure engagements.
Lulus
Photo sourced from Lulus
Lulus is a great option for couples looking for flowy dresses or fun-patterned skirts and two-piece outfit sets. Lulus’ online store makes it easy to browse based on your style and occasion needs. These options are also budget-friendly and can range from $30-$150.
BHLDN/Anthropology
Sourced from Anthropology
Price: $248
If you’re looking for more of a statement piece for your engagement outfit, then Anthropology/BHLDN is a good place to shop. They sell more than just wedding dresses! BHLDN is perfect for engagement dresses or statement accessories. While they do have options on the higher end, you can always find a good deal on the sale section!
Etsy
Etsy is a great place to shop and support small businesses. You can also find absolutely anything and everything for your engagement outfit on Etsy. From blazers and two piece sets to accessories and signage. Etsy is a great spot to explore for your engagement photos.
Amazon
If you’re looking for an engagement outfit that is budget-friendly, then Amazon is a great option (especially if you’re a Prime member). Amazon has come a long way and now provides some amazing wardrobe options for your engagement adventure ranging from different prices. Remember to read those reviews!
There are so many more amazing shops to explore for your engagement outfits. A lot of stores we feature for elopements can also double as great options for your engagement.
Shop our elopement dresses and gender-neutral formal wear!
Photo by Adventure and Vow
Ready to Plan Your Engagement?
Search VendorsFree Cash Registry
From dream honeymoons to the foundation of your future home, let your guests, friends, or family contribute to what truly matters to you.
