What to Wear for Engagement Photos in 2024 — Denver CO Wedding Photographer

Getting engaged is so dang exciting! If that’s you, congrats, friend! Celebrations, little white dresses, wedding planning… and engagement photos! I remember being so excited for my husband and I to get our engagement photos done. It was a chance to take time to celebrate the life we're building together.

However, a photo session begs one of the age old questions “what do I wear?”

Picking out outfits can be fun, and it’s okay if it feels stressful too. If you haven’t had professional photos done before, it may feel like there is something you’re “supposed” to wear. These photos will be everywhere, you want to make sure you like them!

I’m here to help you figure out what to wear for your engagement photos… without the stress! Let’s break it down and get right to it:

1. Wear something that feels like you

I am writing this point first because I think it’s the most important. Like I mentioned earlier, it may feel like there is something you’re “supposed to wear,” but let’s leave that mindset behind. If you would never wear a dress in your life, don’t. If you and your fiancé love hiking and spend most of your time in backpacking gear, consider incorporating that! Your engagement session is meant to tell your story and document your relationship- not make it look like anyone else’s! Wearing something you’re comfortable in will make you feel more relaxed and in turn allow for more natural photos.

2. Let’s talk color

My best advice when it comes to color: go with neutrals and if you want more color, choose one pop of color to make a statement. The same rule goes for patterns: I generally suggest avoiding patterns, but if you want to include one, just do one.

Earthy and neutral tones often photograph best! When photographing an engagement session, I really want my couple to be the main focus. I want your personalities to shine through! If you’re both wearing bright red sweaters or competing patterns, it can be distracting.

Bright colors or really bold patterns can also take away from the backdrop. If we’re taking your engagement photos with stunning mountain views, I want to do the backdrop justice!

If you’re not sure if the colors you’re planning to wear will photograph well, ask your photographer! I always encourage my couples to text me photos of their outfits. I’m here to help and make sure you feel confident going into your session!

3. So like… what’s the vibe?

Make sure your outfits go with your vision for your session AND that you and your partner’s look pair well together.

If you envision you and your partner grabbing a drink at a fancy cocktail bar, then I’d suggest dressing it up a bit. Thinking about a playful session on the beach? Wear something you want to roll in the sand in. Want a wintery session among the pines? Embrace some layers and leave the sundress at home. Grabbing coffee at your neighborhood coffee shop? Keep it simple.

A great place to start with all of this is by picking a season and saving images you’re drawn to on Pinterest or Instagram. Then, chat with your photographer about your vision! I’m always happy to help brainstorm with my couple’s to make sure their vision comes to life.

4. You can’t go wrong with a little white dress

Your bridal era is the time to embrace all things white. Maybe you want to frolic through a field in a white sundress or grab a drink in a white cocktail dress. Whatever your vision for your session is, you can make a white dress work!

This trend also doesn’t have to be limited dresses. You could also opt for a white pantsuit, white overalls, white jeans with a white sweater…. you get the point.

Embracing your bridal style is also an opportunity to have fun with some bridal accessories like white gloves, earrings that say “bride,” pearls or white sunglasses.

Going back to my first point: if a white dress (or pantsuit, etc) doesn’t feel like you, don’t wear it! If you’re excited about it, then do it.

5. Why pick one outfit when you can do two?

One of the best ways to feel confident in what you wear for your engagement photos is to have two (or more) looks! This takes some of the pressure off to choose the “perfect” outfit. I love when my client’s galleries have some variety in them.

As my couples plan their outfits, I always suggest this: Choose one outfit that feels like your everyday style and one that is more fun/out of the box/dressed up. Besides giving variety, this also guarantees you will have at least one outfit you can move well in. I use lots of movement to get my couples having fun!

One way to easily create variety in your outfits is by accessorizing! You could add a hat, switch up your shoes or add a jean jacket to one of your looks. When in doubt, bring options to your session!