You’re engaged—congratulations! Now comes one of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) parts: planning your engagement photos. From choosing the perfect outfits to finding the right location and timing, this complete guide will help you prepare for an engagement session that captures your love story beautifully.

TL;DR – How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photos

• Wear what feels like you. Two coordinated outfits (one dressy, one casual) work best.
• Pick a meaningful location. Gardens, city streets, or anywhere that reflects your story.
• Book golden hour. Soft, flattering light makes everything feel more romantic.
• Relax and trust the process. The best photos come from natural moments — laughter, movement, connection.
• Prep smart. Get rest, hydrate, eat beforehand, and bring small personal touches (a pet, mug, or song).
• Show up as yourselves. It’s not about perfection — it’s about capturing how you really feel together.

Want stress-free engagement photos that actually feel like you? Contact Alex Kaplan Weddings to start planning.

Jump to:
Outfit Tips | Location Ideas | Day-Of Prep | FAQs | Book Your Session

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Let’s be honest—figuring out what to wear for engagement photos is probably the first thing on your mind after you book your photographer. I’ve worked with hundreds of couples, and trust me, you’re not alone in spending hours scrolling Pinterest and second-guessing every outfit choice.

But here’s the good news: your engagement session should be fun, authentic, and stress-free. This guide will walk you through everything from the perfect outfits to the best time of day to shoot, so you can show up confident and excited—ready to celebrate this incredible chapter of your story.

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What to Wear for Engagement Photos: The Ultimate Outfit Guide

Let’s tackle the big question first: what should you actually wear for your engagement photos?

Choose Colors That Photograph Beautifully

When it comes to engagement photo outfits, color matters more than you might think. Some colors photograph like a dream, while others can look harsh or distract from your faces (which should always be the focus).

My go-to color recommendations:

Neutrals are your best friend. Think cream, beige, taupe, soft gray, and olive. These colors are timeless, romantic, and keep the focus on you rather than your clothes. They also photograph beautifully in any setting—whether you’re in a park, on a beach, or in an urban environment.

Pastels and muted tones work beautifully. Dusty blue, blush pink, sage green, and lavender are gorgeous options that add a touch of color without overwhelming the image.

Jewel tones for a bolder look. If you want something richer, try burgundy, emerald, mustard yellow, or deep rust orange. These colors photograph incredibly well and add depth to your images.

What to avoid: Neon colors, overly bright hues (like electric blue or hot pink), and pure black can look harsh on camera. If you love black, consider charcoal or navy instead—they’re just as sophisticated but photograph with more dimension.

Coordinate Your Outfits, Don’t Match

Here’s a mistake I see all the time: couples showing up in identical outfits. Matching head-to-toe can make you look more like siblings than partners. Instead, you want to coordinate—meaning your outfits complement each other without being identical.

Here’s how to do it right:

Use one patterned piece as your guide. If one person is wearing a floral dress or plaid shirt, pull a color from that pattern for the other person’s solid outfit. For example, if her dress has navy flowers, he could wear a navy button-down or sweater.

Match your formality level. If one person is in a full suit, the other shouldn’t be in jeans and sneakers. You want to look like you’re headed to the same place together. If he’s wearing dress pants and a blazer, she might wear a midi dress or elegant jumpsuit. If you’re going casual, both of you could do nice jeans with elevated tops.

Stick to the same color family. Warm tones (pinks, oranges, reds, creams) pair well together, and so do cool tones (blues, greens, purples). Mixing warm and cool can sometimes clash, so try to stay within the same temperature range.

What to Wear: Specific Outfit Ideas

Still not sure exactly what to pull from your closet? Here are some tried-and-true engagement photo outfit combinations:

For a polished, romantic look:

• Her: Midi or maxi dress in a neutral or pastel shade, heels or dressy sandals
• Him: Dress pants (not jeans), a button-down shirt, optional blazer or vest, leather dress shoes

For a casual, relaxed vibe:

• Her: Flowy sundress, nice jeans with a feminine top, or linen pants with a blouse; ankle boots or sandals
• Him: Well-fitted jeans (no holes or distressing), a henley or casual button-down, boots or loafers

For a dressed-up, formal session:

• Her: Floor-length gown or cocktail dress, statement jewelry, heels
• Him: Full suit with tie, polished dress shoes

Pro tip: Bring layers! A denim jacket, blazer, cozy cardigan, or scarf can completely change your look without requiring a full outfit change. Plus, layers add visual interest and dimension to your photos.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Engagement Outfits

Wear something that fits well and makes you feel confident. If you’re constantly tugging at your dress or adjusting your shirt, it’ll show in the photos. Choose pieces that fit your body comfortably and make you feel amazing.

Think about your location and season. A flowy maxi dress is perfect for a beach or field, but it might not work for an urban rooftop shoot. Likewise, if it’s cold outside, don’t force yourself into a sleeveless dress just because it’s pretty—bring warm layers and choose seasonally appropriate fabrics.

Skip loud patterns and logos. Busy patterns (like large checks, bold stripes, or graphic tees with text) can be distracting in photos and pull focus away from your faces. If you love patterns, choose something subtle—like a small floral print or soft plaid—and keep the other person’s outfit solid.

Break in your shoes. If you’re wearing new heels or boots, wear them around the house for a few days before your session. Blisters and discomfort will show on your face, and you want to be able to move freely and naturally.

Don’t forget the details. Make sure pockets are empty (guys, I’m looking at you—no phone or wallet bulges), nails are clean and polished if you’re getting ring shots, and clothes are wrinkle-free. Little details make a big difference.

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The Secret to Stunning Engagement Photos: Golden Hour Timing

You’ve probably heard photographers talk about “golden hour,” but what is it, and why does it matter so much for engagement photos?

Golden hour is the window of time shortly before sunset (or just after sunrise) when the sun sits low on the horizon. During this time, the light is soft, warm, and directional—creating that gorgeous, glowing effect you see in professional photos.

Why golden hour is the best time for engagement photos:

The light is incredibly flattering. Harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose. Golden hour light is soft and diffused, smoothing skin tones and adding a natural glow.

It creates depth and dimension. The low angle of the sun adds beautiful rim lighting (that halo effect around your hair) and creates separation between you and the background.

It’s romantic and dreamy. There’s a reason golden hour is called the “magic hour”—it makes everything look warm, intimate, and cinematic.

When should you schedule your engagement session?

For most of the year, I recommend planning your session for 1-2 hours before sunset. This gives us time to capture variety while taking full advantage of that beautiful golden light as the sun goes down.

Yes, it might mean taking time off work or rearranging your schedule, but I promise—it’s worth it. That golden glow can’t be replicated in editing. It’s real, it’s stunning, and it makes every image feel magical.

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Choose an Engagement Photo Location That Tells Your Story

The best engagement session locations aren’t always the most Instagram-famous spots—they’re the places that mean something to you.

When couples ask me about location ideas, I always start by asking: where do you feel most like yourselves? Where did you have your first date? Where do you love spending time together?

Great engagement photo location ideas:

Places with personal meaning: The park where you got engaged, the coffee shop where you had your first date, your favorite hiking trail, or even your own backyard.

Natural settings: Parks, gardens, beaches, forests, fields, or mountains. Nature provides beautiful, timeless backdrops and works for almost any style.

Urban environments: City streets, murals, rooftops, bridges, or architectural landmarks. Urban settings are perfect if you want a more modern, edgy vibe.

Unique or unexpected spots: A farm, vineyard, library, botanical garden, or historic building. These locations add personality and visual interest.

Pro tip: Choose a location with variety. Look for spots that offer different backdrops within walking distance—open fields, tree coverage, architectural elements, or water features. This gives your gallery more diversity without feeling like we shot in multiple places.

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Plan for Movement, Variety, and Genuine Connection

The best engagement photos don’t look stiff or overly posed. They happen when you’re moving, laughing, and genuinely interacting with each other.

During your session, I’ll guide you with prompts and direction, but I also want you to just be together. Walk hand in hand. Whisper something that makes your partner laugh. Dance. Kiss. The photos couples love most are almost always the candid, in-between moments.

How to prepare for a natural, relaxed engagement session:

Plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This gives us time to try different locations, outfit changes (if you want), and plenty of variety without feeling rushed.

Bring props or personal touches if you want. Love coffee? Bring your favorite mugs. Have a dog who’s part of your family? Bring them for a few shots. Play a meaningful song. These little details make your photos feel uniquely yours.

Don’t worry about being awkward. Almost every couple tells me at the start, “We’re so awkward in photos!” I promise, you’re not. My job is to make you comfortable and guide you into flattering, natural positions. Within ten minutes, you’ll forget the camera is even there.

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Bring Your Personality Into Your Engagement Photos

Your engagement session should feel like you—not like someone else’s Pinterest board.

If you’re playful and goofy, let that show. If you’re quiet and intimate, we’ll capture that tenderness. If hiking and adventure are your thing, let’s incorporate that into your session.

Some of my favorite engagement sessions have included:

• Couples bringing their beloved pets
• Dancing to a song that’s meaningful to them
• Recreating their first date or proposal
• Incorporating hobbies—books, guitars, vintage cars, sports gear

Don’t be afraid to suggest ideas. These photos should tell your story in a way that feels genuine and true to who you are.

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How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session: Day-Of Tips

You’ve chosen your outfits, picked your location, and scheduled for golden hour. Now here’s how to show up feeling confident and ready.

Before your session:

• Get plenty of sleep the night before
• Stay hydrated (it shows in your skin and energy!)
• Eat a good meal—you don’t want to be hangry during photos
• Give yourself extra time to get ready without rushing
• Pack touch-up makeup, lip balm, a hairbrush, and any hair supplies you might need

During your session:

• We’ll start with easier poses to help you warm up
• Don’t worry about looking at the camera constantly—I’ll guide you
• If something feels uncomfortable, speak up! We’ll adjust
• Take breaks if you need them
• Most importantly: have fun and enjoy this time together

After your session:

• You’ll receive a sneak peek within 1 to 2 days
• Your full gallery will be ready within 3-4 days
• You’ll be able to download, print, and share your favorites for save-the-dates, your wedding website, and more

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Frequently Asked Questions About Engagement Photos

How many outfits should we bring?

I recommend 1-2 outfits per person. One is plenty if you love it, but two gives you nice variety in your gallery—maybe one casual and one more dressed up. More than two can eat into your shooting time.

Should we hire a hair and makeup artist?

It’s totally up to you! Professional hair and makeup can boost your confidence and look amazing on camera, but it’s not required. If you do your own makeup, just go a bit heavier than usual since cameras tend to wash out subtle makeup.

What if we’re awkward in front of the camera?

Almost everyone feels this way at first! My job is to guide you, make you comfortable, and help you look natural. Within minutes, you’ll relax and forget the camera is there.

Can we bring our dog?

Absolutely! Just plan for them to be in a portion of the session (not the whole time), and bring someone to help wrangle them between shots.

What if the weather is bad?

We’ll have a backup plan! I always monitor the forecast leading up to your session and will suggest rescheduling if needed. A little overcast can actually be beautiful, but heavy rain or extreme conditions mean we’ll pick a new date.

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The Bottom Line: Show Up As Yourselves

Your engagement session is a celebration of this incredible moment in your lives. It’s a chance to document your love story, to spend intentional time together away from wedding planning stress, and to create images that remind you why you said yes in the first place.

Wear what makes you feel amazing. Choose a location that feels like you. Trust your photographer to guide you. And most importantly—relax and enjoy this time together.

If you’re ready to book your engagement session or if you have questions about preparing for yours, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something beautiful together.

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Ready to book your engagement session? [Contact me here] to check availability and start planning the perfect shoot that captures your unique love story.

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