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Plus fall outfit ideas

7 Tips for Unforgettable Engagement Photos

As the air grows crisper, this is the perfect season for an engagement photo session. Whether you’re newly engaged or planning ahead for next year, look at the styles offering endless opportunities for your engagement photo session. From cozy engagement outfits to scenic locations, we’ll explore the details that make your engagement photos special.

You may also want to consider a custom personalized ornament for Christmas or Valentine’s Day to commemorate your engagement.

In this guide

  1. Seven tips for engagement photos
  2. Stylin’ for her
  3. Stylin’ for him
  4. Stylin’ as a couple without being matchy-matchy
  5. Celebrate the moment

Seven tips for engagement photos

  1. Fun and memorable

    Engagement photos are one of the first formal events leading up to your wedding. It should be fun and memorable. Engagement photos are more versatile than wedding photos, as clothing is less formal and more casual. Make a book for a lifelong keepsake.

  2. Skill and flexibility

    Pick a skilled photographer and one who is willing to go with you to the location you choose for your pictures. It is okay for a friend to take the photos, but check out their work before making a commitment.

  3. Bring props

    Bring props to enhance the experience. Things such as hats, champagne glasses, umbrellas, bales of hay to sit on, stepladders, or kites add a unique flair to your photos. Take some time to think about adding anything fun that makes your pictures about YOU. Sparklers make a great prop for evening pictures.

    Friends holding sparklers around a fire pit at night, a fun evening prop idea
    A couple smiling over a candlelit dinner with sparklers glowing on the table

  4. Experiment with selfies first

    Our faces are not symmetrical. One side looks different from the other. Get input from your partner and take a few selfies to determine your best angle.

  5. Wear something that makes you happy

    You can coordinate your dress with your wedding theme if that feels right. Try on your outfits before the photo shoot to ensure you will be comfortable.

  6. Use candid and posed photos

    Have your photographer take posed photos, but also include candid shots. Those unexpected moments when no one is expecting the click of the camera often tell a better story. Include both staged and candid shots.

  7. Plan to party and celebrate

    Plan to party and celebrate after the photo shoot. Bring friends along for the shoot, not to be part of the photos, but to help celebrate after.

Stylin’ for her

Cozy-chic is the name of the game when it comes to fall engagement styles for her. Think soft sweaters, flowy midi skirts, and ankle boots that exude warmth and elegance. Fall fashion is all about texture and rich color. Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, gold, and navy come alive against fall foliage. Long scarves and oversized handbags add personality, and hats (felt, wool, wide-brimmed) instantly elevate your look while adding a touch of playful charm. Don’t be afraid to incorporate bold, eye-catching jewelry to add that special personal touch.

A woman in a red felt cloche hat with a satin flower, red lipstick and a red lace dress
A woman in a red woven bucket hat with gold trim and layered gold necklaces
A woman in a wide-brimmed red hat trimmed with red flowers

For a romantic fall engagement shoot, focus on layering techniques that add depth and visual interest to your photos. Soft sweaters over flowy dresses or skirts create a beautiful, effortless look.

Consider pairing a chunky knit sweater with a flowy maxi skirt for a cozy yet stylish look. Don’t forget to incorporate layering with scarves or cardigans.

A woman in a felt hat, cream sweater, scarf and plaid skirt with boots on a leaf-covered autumn path
A woman in a blue hat, white scarf and plaid sweater dress with blue boots walking through fallen leaves
A woman in a blue beanie, white scarf, mustard skirt and blue boots in front of autumn trees
A woman in a red plaid shirt dress with a tied waist among orange fall leaves
A woman in a denim jacket and jeans standing beside yellow wildflowers in autumn

Stylin’ for him

Fall outfits can be simple and stylish: plaid or solid sweaters, casual jackets, a windbreaker, or even an informal sport coat. Neutral palettes like brown, navy, charcoal, and olive pair beautifully with autumn tones. If you want a whimsical twist, coordinate your outfits around a shared hobby, like matching camping attire for a fun, nontraditional vibe.

A man in a navy felt fedora, navy suit and striped tie
A bearded man in a gray blazer, checked shirt and dark jeans on an autumn path
A man in a gray jacket over a light blue shirt, brown pants and boots walking through an autumn woodland path

Stylin’ as a couple without being matchy-matchy

Creating a cohesive look for your fall engagement photos can make your pictures unforgettable. It’s all about finding a balance between complementing each other’s styles without being too matchy-matchy.

To achieve a harmonious look, consider coordinating your outfits around a shared color palette or theme that reflects your personalities.

Two women in matching red sweaters and pants in front of a weathered red barn
A couple in blue and tweed vintage-style outfits, she in a teal coat and blue hat, he in a brown fedora and scarf

If you both enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking, you can incorporate elements of these hobbies into your photos. This could be through your clothing, accessories, or even the props you use. For example, you could wear matching hiking jackets or bring along your bikes to capture some playful moments.

A couple taking a selfie among yellow aspen trees, he in a plaid flannel and she in a mustard yellow top
A couple dressed in 1920s style, she in a beaded blue dress and hat, he in a dark suit and fedora
A couple in 1950s style, she in a navy puff-sleeve dress and he in a blue suit

Celebrate the moment

Engagement photos are more than images. They’re memories of a milestone. Wear something that makes you feel good. Pick a location that inspires you. And when the shoot is over, go celebrate. Invite a few friends to join you afterward and make the day unforgettable.

Planning the party too? See Engagement Party Ideas and Christmas Engagement Party Ideas