Do I have to wear a dress for my engagement photos?

Definitely not! When it comes to your engagement photos , the most important thing to remember is that they’re a celebration of your relationship. While lots of couples choose to dress up for the occasion, there’s no rule that says you have to wear a dress—wear something that feels true to you and makes you feel comfortable.

Am I supposed to wear white for my engagement photos?

There’s no rule that says you have to wear white for your engagement photos. While lots of brides choose to as a nod to their wedding, you should wear something that feels true to your personal style and preferences. Many brides will choose their engagement photo shoot outfit color based on the setting and season of the shoot.

How do I pick an engagement photo dress?

If you’re taking photos at home or in your favorite coffee shop, something comfy and casual will complement the locale. Whereas, if you’re at a nice venue or luxe location, opt for something a little dressier. Look for inspiration online, flip through bridal magazines, and make a vision board on Pinterest to help inspire your photo shoot aesthetic and wardrobe.

The 18 Best Engagement Photo Dresses in 2023

engagement shoot — Photo by Ivash Studio

For many couples, taking engagement photos is a way to celebrate their new relationship status. These photos, which usually happen shortly after a proposal, tend to be used for save the dates, the wedding website, social media, and most often, as a personal souvenir to remember this special period of time. So, selecting what to wear can feel like a big decision. Depending on your style, you could keep things casual or use this photo shoot as a reason to go fully glam.

Whether you envision a dramatic gown with opulent details, or something relaxed and carefree, there is a wide variety of engagement photo dresses to choose from—catering to all budgets and bridal styles. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to dress shopping, the best rule of thumb is to choose a style and hue that makes you feel comfortable and also highlights your personal aesthetic. After all, these pictures will live on forever and you want to be sure you look back on them fondly.

To help bring your vision to life, we've researched and selected beautiful engagement photo outfit options, keeping style, materials, budget, and overall quality in mind. From romantic mini dresses to embellished frocks and chic jumpsuits, we've got you covered.

Read on for the best engagement photo dresses for every style, season, and budget.

Our Top Picks

For the Casual Bride:

Lulus Puff Sleeve Mini Dress at Lulus

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Best Slip:

BHLDN Cali Satin Midi Dress at Anthropologie

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Most Romantic:

Needle & Thread Rose Bluebell Ella Strapless Gown at Needleandthread.com

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For an Outdoor Fall Shoot:

Lulus Modena Rust Brown Dolman Sleeve Bodycon Sweater Dress at Lulus

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Best Cocktail Dress:

Adrianna Papell Structured Cape Sheath Dress at Adriannapapell.com

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Best for Fall:

Jenny Yoo Velvet Open Back Dress at Anthropologie

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Best Jewel Tone:

Undra Celeste New York Turtleneck Wrap Joi Dress at Undracelesteny.com

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Most Sexy:

Reformation Chania Silk Dress at Reformation

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For the Glamourous Bride:

Retrofête Olivia Embellished Tulle Halterneck Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Best Jumpsuit:

SAFIYAA Flysa Jumpsuit at Net-a-Porter

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Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Woven fabric | Length: Mini

Want to take engagement photos that showcase your laid-back aesthetic? This puff sleeve mini dress from Lulus is elevated yet casual—ideal for shoots at home, on the beach, or any place relaxed and laid-back.

Price at time of publish: $57

BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Satin | Length: Midi

For those longing for something sleek and sophisticated, BHLDN's "Cali" slip dress kicks things up a notch. Opting for white always is a classic choice but if you're looking for something bold, this style comes in over 12 different colors from pastel blue to emerald green.

Price at time of publish: $168

Needle and Thread

View On Needleandthread.com

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Tulle | Length: Floor-length

It truly doesn’t get sweeter than this pastel dress embroidered with wildflowers and ruffles from head-to-toe. The blush pink trim, ruffle edges, and flowy skirt exude romance and femininity, perfect for a whimsical photo aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $929

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Knit | Length: Mini

Autumn-loving brides, meet the sweater dress of your dreams! This medium-weight, ribbed knit bodycon comes in rust brown and sage green—and will look right at home in an orchard, pumpkin patch, or just cuddled up in the cold.

Price at time of publish: $65

Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

Size Range: 0-20 | Material: Crepe | Length: Mini

This elegant cocktail dress, with a fashion-forward cape, is the epitome of bridal chic. It'll be able to elevate even the most casual engagement shoot settings.

Price at time of publish: $160

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-19 | Material: Velvet | Length: Floor-length

Taking engagement photos in the cooler seasons? This dress is for you. Jenny Yoo's open-back dress will make you feel at once warm and luxe. This would look especially gorgeous for a photoshoot in the woods.

Price at time of publish: $295

Undra Celeste

View On Undracelesteny.com

Size Range: S-XL | Material: Nylon | Length: Knee-length

If you want your photos to have a polished and poised look, Undra Celeste’s Merlot Joi dress will fully fit the theme. The turtle neckline, keyhole detail, and wrap-around ties will complement every figure.

Price at time of publish: $117

Reformation

View On Reformation View On Anthropologie

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Silk | Length: Maxi

For a look that screams "va-va-voom," this silky gown from Reformation will surely turn up the heat. The flattering style comes in green or black, which would look on-point for a chic city engagement shoot, especially if you want to save white for the big day.

Price at time of publish: $398

RetrofÃªte Olivia Embellished Tulle Halterneck Gown

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter View On Retrofete.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Tulle | Length: Maxi

If you want to go full glam for your engagement photos, this gown in all-over sequins and tiny crystals will make you feel like a star. Keep accessories simple–this shimmering dress does all the talking.

Price at time of publish: $1,575

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR34-FR36 | Material: Crepe | Length: Floor-length

If you'd prefer to switch things up, opt for a jumpsuit. You'll make a powerful impression in your photos, and we're sure you'll wear this piece long after the wedding festivities have come and gone.

Price at time of publish: $669

Revelry Bardot

View On Shoprevelry.com

Size Range: 0-32 | Material: Sequin, Polyester | Length: Floor-length

If you're looking to shine in your photos, then Revelry’s Bardot dress is a must-have. This figure-flattering fit is covered with sequins and comes in a variety of colors for every bridal aesthetic. This eye-catching number is ideal for the glamorous brides who want to make a bold engagement announcement.

Price at time of publish: $189

Dolce & Gabbana

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: IT36-IT50 | Material: Poplin | Length: Knee-length

We can't help but love the tile print on this poplin mini dress that reminds us of a vacation in Santorini (perhaps foreshadowing for your honeymoon?). If you plan to have a beach or island engagement shoot in the works, this Dolce & Gabbana dress will perfectly fit your theme.

Price at time of publish: $2,371

Tobi Analise

View On Tobi.com

Size Range: S-L | Material: Lace | Length: Maxi

Tobi’s Analise maxi dress comes in multiple hues to fit a variety of style aesthetics. No matter what color you choose, though, the luscious lace overlay and dramatic plunging neckline make it an engagement photo favorite.

Price at time of publish: $79

Watters

View On Watters.com

Size Range: 00-26W | Material: Melody Georgette, Knit Lining | Length: Floor-length

Floaty sleeves, a thigh-high slit, and an off-the-shoulder neckline come together to create Wtoo’s famed Baylie dress. Offered in over nine colors, and ranging in sizes 00-26W, this sophisticated number is a show-stopping selection for any bride.

Price at time of publish: $200-$220

Anthropologies

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 00-26W | Material: Satin | Length: Floor-length

Hello, gorgeous! Bring on the Hollywood vibes with this elegant charmeuse maxi from BHLDN. The one-shoulder neckline is balanced by a deep slit, so select your hue (it comes in over 10 colors) and get ready to feel like you're walking the red carpet.

Price at time of publish: $248

ModCloth

View On Modcloth.com

Size Range: 2-26 | Material: Lace, Tulle | Length: Knee-length

Layers of tulle, metallic gold accents, and allover lace make this dress a favorite amongst newly engaged brides-to-be. It's the perfect choice for a photo shoot at a ritzy hotel, a cute coffee shop, or something in between.

Price at time of publish: $110

Milumia Bohemian Drawstring Waist Lace Splicing White Long Maxi Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon

Size Range: M-L | Material: Lace, Polyester | Length: Maxi

Break out your flower headband and pack away your shoes, because this lace maxi dress is meant to be worn amongst nature. The flowy fabric is a wonder in hot weather, and the drawstring waist makes it comfortable to wear long after the photo session is over.

Price at time of publish: $31

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Viscose | Length: Midi

We love this tropical twist on a floral pattern. The relaxed fit and lightweight fabric make this Reformation frock a dream to wear in warm weather, and it would look stunning at any beachside engagement shoot. Pair it with block sandals or wedges to complete your look.

Price at time of publish: $198

What to Look for in an Engagement Photo Outfit

Setting and season

There are no rules when it comes to your engagement photo outfit. Want to wear a jumpsuit? Go for it! Looking for something colorful? Be bold! Opting for a totally bridal look? Options abound! No matter your personal style, there are plenty of photo-ready outfits on the market.

To make the shopping process a little easier, it's helpful to keep in mind the setting of your photo shoot and during what season it's taking place. For example, the bride-to-be snapping pics at a garden venue in the spring or summer should opt for breezy silhouettes in white cotton or floral prints while fall and winter venues are more suited to velvet, long-sleeve, or embellished dresses.

Theme

Another important factor to remember is whether you want your engagement photos to reflect the theme of your upcoming nuptials. If you're throwing a destination wedding, for example, you may want to choose a beach venue for the engagement photos and wear something summery, such as the Reformation Emerick Dress. You can also keep it fun and casual with an at-home shoot for a backyard wedding and wear something sweet and simple, like the Lulus Little Bit In Love White Surplice Puff Sleeve Mini Dress.

FAQ

Do I have to wear a dress for my engagement photos?

Definitely not! When it comes to your engagement photos, the most important thing to remember is that they’re a celebration of your relationship. While lots of couples choose to dress up for the occasion, there’s no rule that says you have to wear a dress—wear something that feels true to you and makes you feel comfortable.
Am I supposed to wear white for my engagement photos?

There’s no rule that says you have to wear white for your engagement photos. While lots of brides choose to as a nod to their wedding, you should wear something that feels true to your personal style and preferences. Many brides will choose their engagement photo shoot outfit color based on the setting and season of the shoot.
How do I pick an engagement photo dress?

If you’re taking photos at home or in your favorite coffee shop, something comfy and casual will complement the locale. Whereas, if you’re at a nice venue or luxe location, opt for something a little dressier. Look for inspiration online, flip through bridal magazines, and make a vision board on Pinterest to help inspire your photo shoot aesthetic and wardrobe.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Rachel Varina is a full-time freelancer with over 10 years of editorial experience and six years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Elite Daily, Betches, Zola, and more.

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