A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outfits for Your Engagement Photo Session

Yay! Yay! Yay! You're engaged!


Your engagement photo session is a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of your love story. These photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come, so it's essential to choose outfits that reflect your personalities and style. In this guide, we'll walk you through 10 key steps to ensure you both look and feel your best during this special session.

Couple at the Salt Flats during blue hour posing on the white salt by Coley Cook, Utah Salt Flats photographer

1. COORDINATE WITHOUT MATCHING


  Coordination is key when it comes to engagement photos, but avoid the cliché of perfectly matching outfits. Instead, opt for a color palette that complements each other. Consider the location and season of your shoot, and choose colors that will stand out against the backdrop. For a more timeless look and feel to your photos, consider neutral color palettes in your clothing choices.

2. CONSIDER THE LOCATION:

  

The setting of your engagement shoot can greatly influence your outfit choices. If you're planning a romantic salt flats shoot, flowy dresses and casual neutrals might be ideal. For an urban setting, consider more polished and trendy outfits. In the mountains accessories such as well fit jackets and leather boots are a dream. Ensure your attire complements the mood and aesthetics of the location.

A couple walks hand in hand through a grassy meadow with mountains in the background.
Couple embracing on reflective salt flats during sunset with mountains in background.
A couple runs joyfully hand-in-hand through a snowy forest path wearing winter clothing.
Couple in casual attire sharing a loving moment in a sunny wildflower field.

3. DRESS FOR THE SEASON:


  Be mindful of the season during your engagement session. Light and airy fabrics like linen, chiffon, cotton, and jersey work well for spring and summer, while heavier, warm and cozy fabrics like flannel, wool, denim, cotton are perfect options are for fall and winter. Layers can add visual interest and also provide flexibility if the weather changes. Hats, scarves, jackets, and more can be a perfect way to keep warm, add texture and layers tie in coordinating colors and patterns.


4. EXPRESS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE:


  Your engagement photos should capture the essence of who you are as a couple. Whether you're casual and laid-back or more formal and elegant, let your personal style shine through. Choose outfits that make you both feel comfortable and confident. Are you both? Plan a casual outfit and a dressier outfit for your session!

A couple poses on a salt flat at sunset in formal attire with a flowy dress and hat.
Two people embrace on a desert path under an overcast sky.
A couple embraces joyfully in a field with mountains visible in the background.
A tender embrace at sunset on the salt flats with mountains in the distance.
Two hands join together against a snowy mountain landscape at sunset.
A couple shares a romantic moment near a motorcycle at sunset in the desert.
A playful moment captured in the snow as they embrace surrounded by snow-covered trees.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a mountain meadow surrounded by evergreen forest.
Couple in formal attire sharing a romantic moment on reflective salt flats with mountains in the distance at sunset.

5. AVOID LOUD PATTERNS:


  While bold patterns can be fun, they can sometimes be distracting in photos. Stick to solids, subtle patterns, or textures that won't take away from the main focus – the love between you and your partner.


6. THINK TIMELESS, YET TRENDY:


  You want your engagement photos to stand the test of time, but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate current trends. Consider timeless pieces with a modern twist to ensure your photos remain classic while still feeling contemporary.

A happy couple embraces while laughing in a field of tall grasses.
A piggyback ride through a wildflower meadow with mountains in the background.
A couple shares a loving moment on a sunlit forest path.

7. ACCESSORIZE THOUGHTFULLY:


  Accessories can add a touch of personality to your outfits. Consider items like statement jewelry, scarves, or hats that complement your overall look. Just be cautious not to overdo it – less is often more when it comes to accessories.


8. TEST YOUR OUTFITS IN ADVANCE:


  Before the big day, do a trial run with your chosen outfits. This will help you ensure that everything looks and feels right. Pay attention to how the colors and fabrics appear in different lighting conditions. You want to feel confident in your chosen outfits so you don't feel worried about how it is fitting you while you move or feel like your need to keep tugging or pulling on your clothing, removing you from the moment during your photos. If you are anxious about your clothing that tension will show in your photos. A test run will help you know if you need items like fashion tape, lint rollers, undershorts, gel insoles or more for your outfits on session day.

Couple with two German Shepherd dogs enjoying a tender moment in tall grass outdoors.
Romantic couple embracing under blooming cherry blossoms in a spring garden setting.
Couple sharing an intimate moment on a motorcycle against a desert mountain backdrop.
Couple sharing a kiss while leaning on mountain bikes in a lush forest setting.

9. GROOMING MATTERS:


  Don't forget about the basics other than outfits! Schedule hair appointments, manicures, and any other appointments in the days leading up to your engagement session. Feeling fresh will boost your confidence and add to the overall polished look.


10. RELAX AND HAVE FUN:


  Lastly, remember that the most important element of your engagement photos is the love you share. I'm here to help you be authentic together and have an amazing time together captured by my artistic soul. Relax, enjoy the moment, and let your connection shine through. Genuine smiles and laughter will make your photos truly unforgettable. Plan to make it a date night! Have a great time during your session and then go do something so fun afterwards! Dinner, go karts, country dancing, make it a whole experience based on your favorite parts of your relationship.

Two people walking hand in hand at sunset on a beach with mountains in the distance.
A couple runs playfully through a covered wooden bridge during winter.
A romantic moment captured under blooming cherry blossom trees near stone steps.
A couple sharing a tender moment on a rooftop with city skyline at golden hour.
A romantic desert photoshoot with couple sitting together on sandy dunes.
A formal couple embracing on garden steps with manicured hedges in the background.
A joyful outdoor moment captured in a forest setting with natural lighting.
A romantic moment under blooming cherry blossoms with soft pink petals in the background.
Close-up of hands showing off an engagement ring against a cream sweater.
A couple standing together in a rustic field with grazing bison in the background.
A couple poses with their two dogs in a mountain meadow landscape.
A couple enjoying a scenic mountain view together during springtime.
A couple stands in ankle-deep water at sunset on a beach with mountains in the distance.
A couple takes a romantic stroll on a mountain path with snow-capped peaks in the background.
A couple holding hands while standing in a green meadow with rolling hills behind them.
A couple shares an intimate moment while embracing outside a white building.
A couple in formal wear poses dramatically on a salt flat during sunset.

Let's wrap it up:


Choosing the perfect outfits for your engagement photos is an exciting part of the wedding journey. By coordinating without matching, considering the location, and expressing your personal style, you'll create timeless and meaningful images that beautifully capture the love you and your partner share. So, dress with confidence, have fun, and let your unique personalities shine through in every frame.


Professional photographer carrying cameras while standing on path lined with blooming cherry blossom trees.

Looking for a Photographer?


I would love to capture your photos! If you love my style and are looking for a photographer that can help you feel relaxed, laugh together, and feel like yourselves then you've come to the right place! Let's get in touch!

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