One of the most exciting parts of planning your engagement session is choosing what to wear—and selecting the best colours for your engagement photos can make all the difference. The right colour palette can elevate your images, complement the scenery, and most importantly, reflect your unique love story. Whether you’re planning an engagement in the forest, at the beach, or in a downtown setting, the tones you wear will help set the mood of your shoot and bring harmony to your photoshoot.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen how much colour can influence the overall look and feel of an engagement photo session. From soft pastels to bold pops of colour, the shades you choose can impact how your images are edited, how your skin tone appears, and how well you coordinate with your partner and your surroundings.

Let’s break it down so you feel fully prepared and confident in knowing what to wear for your engagement photos.

DECIDING ON THE LOOK FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Before we get into colour theory, think about the overall vibe you want to achieve. Do you imagine yourselves dancing barefoot in a field in a flowy dress and sun hats? Or do you envision a cozy urban engagement session with scarves and jackets, strolling hand-in-hand through your favourite neighbourhood?

The aesthetic of your engagement session will help guide your outfit choices. Create a Pinterest board or save your favourite Instagram shots that catch your eye. Look for patterns—are the outfits more neutral or full of bright colors? Is there a consistent theme like boho, minimalist, romantic, or rustic vibes?

Let this inspiration guide your wardrobe choices. Choose outfits that align with your personalities, your wedding color scheme, or even your elopement plans if you’re heading in that direction. But above all—make sure you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in what you’re wearing. Feeling good translates directly into stunning engagement photos.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOURS

Now, let’s talk colour. Choosing the best colours for your engagement photos starts with understanding a few basics about what looks great on camera.

Complementary Colors

You don’t need to be a colour theory expert to choose great combinations. A good starting point is complementary colors—pairs of colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. Think soft blues paired with peach tones, or muted greens with warm rust hues. These combinations naturally balance each other out and photograph beautifully.

Stick to Muted Tones

Avoid neons or overly saturated shades, which can distract from the natural beauty of your setting (and the two of you!). Instead, lean into muted earth tones, pastels, deep jewel tones, and neutral colors. These shades are easy on the eye and tend to work well in almost every environment.

Consider the Season and Location

Think about the time of year and the scenery. For fall engagement photos, burgundy, burnt orange, and mustard yellow can look incredible. Spring and summer lend themselves to pastels, whites, and blush tones. For coastal or forest locations, try cool neutrals or natural greens and browns.

PUTTING TOGETHER THE OUTFITS

Once you have a color palette in mind, the fun begins—mixing and matching outfits that reflect your personal style and complement each other. Don’t match exactly, but your outfits should feel like they belong in the same story.

Build from One Outfit

Choose one persons outfit first and build around it. For example, if you have a flowy dress in a soft sage green, your partner can wear warm beige or cream tones to complement it.

Play with Textures and Layers

Textures like linen, denim, knits, and lace add visual interest without clashing. Scarves, cardigans, or a great hat can add layers (literally and stylistically). Patterns can work too—just stick to subtle designs and avoid anything too bold or busy.

Try Everything On

Lay your outfits out side-by-side or try them on together. This helps you see how the colours interact and gives you the chance to tweak if needed. And don’t hesitate to send outfit options to your professional photographer for feedback—we love helping you look and feel your best!

ACCESSORIES AND FINAL TOUCHES

Accessories can tie your look together and add a pop of color or personality. Consider soft scarves, statement earrings, or coordinating shoes. But keep it simple—too many extras can distract from the candid moments we’re trying to capture during the session.

BONUS TIPS FROM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

As a candid wedding photographer, my style leans toward natural, documentary photography. That means I want to capture you in your element—laughing, holding hands, spinning on a beach, or cozying up on a dock. The best engagement photo outfits are the ones that move with you, reflect your energy, you’re confident in and allow you to be yourself.

I always encourage my couples to embrace movement. Flowing skirts, open jackets, and clothes with texture photograph beautifully, especially during candid moments. Your photoshoot should feel more like a fun date than a stiff photo session.

And remember—your engagement photos are a celebration of your love story. They’re not just for save-the-dates or social media posts. They’re a time capsule of where you were right before your wedding day, and they deserve the same thoughtful planning as the rest of your special day. Now you know how to choose the best colours for your engagement photos.

FAQ: What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos

What are the best colours for your engagement photos?
Soft pastels, earth tones, muted jewel tones, and neutral colors are ideal. Avoid neons and harsh patterns. Choose shades that complement each other and the environment of your photoshoot.

Can I wear a bold color?
Yes, but use it as a pop of color rather than the main feature. A bright scarf or statement dress works great when balanced with softer tones.

How should we coordinate outfits?
Pick one outfit to build the color scheme around. Stick to a complementary palette and avoid matching exactly. Blend textures, layers, and similar tones.

What if I’m having an elopement instead of a traditional engagement session?
The same style principles apply. Your engagement photos still tell a story, even if it’s leading up to an intimate elopement. Choose colors and outfits that reflect the mood and vibe of your day.

Looking for an engagement and family photographer? We’d love to photograph you!