What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos

You just booked your Engagement Session and your first thought is: What should we wear?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered…and I’ll help guide you along the way!

Couple taking engagement photos at The White Sands in New Mexico at sunset. Photo by Shannon Cain Photography

I recommend 2 outfits for your engagement session: one dressy/casual outfit, and one formal outfit. If you want to throw in an additional casual outfit, that’s ok, too! We will start your session with the more casual of the outfits and end your session with your most formal outfit (because sunset photos in your formal outfit take your engagement photos to that next level). But there are no rules to your session: YOU make the decisions. Want to rock one fabulous dress and suit?…I’m here for it.

Pro Tip: The less amount of wardrobe changes, the more time we spend shooting…so consider this when choosing outfits.

Couple taking engagement photos in red dress and tux at The Pearl Historic District in San Antonio, TX.  Photo by Shannon Cain Photography

EMBRACE FORMAL. There is an exhilarating feeling my clients get when they twirl in a fancy dress and a tux in such a place of awe. The importance of your clothing choice is major and totally sets the mood for your photos. When you feel your best, it will show through in your photos.

Pro Tip: Try on all of your outfits prior to your session. Dance and move around in them (because we will be moving A LOT). If you find yourself adjusting things too much or distracted by your attire, think about alterations so you don’t worry about it on the session day.

Couple twirling on a mountain top for engagement photos at sunset in Ruidoso, New Mexico.  Photo by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple embracing for engagement photos at Monjeau Lookout in Ruidoso, New Mexico with wildflowers surrounding them.  Photo by Shannon Cain Photography

Dresses that are long and flow-y are your friend! Bonus if it has a slit that allows more movement.

Couple pose at Big Bend National Park for Engagement photos in formal attire as sun sets over mountain.  Photo by Shannon Cain Photography

Bold colors POP.

Engagement photo of couple cuddled under water fountain in downtown San Antonio, TX. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple celebrating their engagement with a colorful night time champagne bottle pop. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple taking creative engagement photos at night time with vibrant colors. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. There is a good chance you’ll end up sliding down a sandy hill, dancing in the rain, or popping champagne bottles.

Couple walking on a san dune at sunset in formal attire at The White Sands National Monument. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

Take your location into consideration! Whether you are going to be in the mountains of Colorado, The White Sands in New Mexico, Big Bend National Park, or by the ocean…picking the right outfit for the occasion is key.

Hip Hop couple take colorful engagement photos.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Dancing couple take engagement photos in studio setting. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

Show off your hobbies and have some fun!

Engaged couple casually walk in the forest of Ruidoso, New Mexico for Engagement Photos. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Cute couple stroll in jeans and hats for engagement photos under a big oak tree with a swing at Whitehall Polley Mansion in La Vernia, TX. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple poses for engagement photos in a cave at Westcave Discovery Center in formal outfits. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

Will you be using your photos for your save-the-dates? If so, maybe you choose at least one wardrobe that includes your wedding color scheme so your guests are prepped for what is to come.

Couple takes a sunset stroll on the dam at Overlook Park in Canyon Lake, TX.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple embraces in formal outfits for sunrise engagement photos on the beach in Port Aransas, TX. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

A sports coat and jeans, a suit, or a tux, are all GREAT options for formal attire.

Couple twirls on rock formation in front of Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend National Park for Engagement Portraits in formal outfits.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple embraces at Westcave Discovery Center for engagement photos with sun behind them.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple takes formal engagement photos in front of fountain at The Pearl Historic District in San Antonio, TX.  Creative portrait by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple twirls in formal outfit at The White Sands National Monument for engagement photos.  Black tie affair and rainbow sun flare make this creative portrait.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Couple cuddled up in dressy/casual outfits under a cypress tree at Pedernales Falls State Park.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography
Colorful night time portrait of engaged couple cuddling on stairs in The Pearl Historic District in San Antonio, TX. Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

So now you have a good idea of what you want to wear…but where can you find it? Let me help with some places to start your search!  My clients have had good luck finding their attire here:

Celebrations Bridal and Prom

Azazie

Lulus

Joyfolie

New York Dress

Couple pose for engagement portrait at Pedernales Falls State Park by water flowing over the falls in formal outfits.  Photography by Shannon Cain Photography

I looooove to help! In fact, about 90% of my clients will send me pics while they are in the dressing room to help them make the best choices! I’m on your team and want to make this process the easy for you!

Couple in formal outfits run for creative portrait at The Pearl Historic District in San Antonio, TX in formal attire.

To finish the look and have you really feeling glamorous, I work closely with professional hair and makeup artists who actually come along on our adventures and glam you up! It’s like your own personal glam squad! Some of our favorite artist are here (and I promise they are the best of the best!):

Glam on Demand NB

On Location Hair & Makeup

To get more ideas for wardrobe, be sure to browse more Engagement Sessions on MY BLOG!

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