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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester and spandex| Length: 53 inches
We love this strapless bridal jumpsuit, which is sleek and chic to show off your neckline and décolletage in an engagement photo. The wrap detail beautifully accentuates the clean lines and crisp fabric for a modern look, and the wide-leg, full-length pants opens up the minimalist silhouette to give it more shape. You can pair it with a shawl or cover up or statement necklace to draw even more attention to your face. We also love its affordable price tag.
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Size Range: 00-14 | Material: Heavyweight, non-stretch crepe | Length: Mini
We love the look of this classic mini-dress with pleated chiffon sleeves to deliver an elegant bridal look. The non-stretch crepe fabric hugs your figure, stretching for comfort and movability, making this an ideal choice for a barefoot beach shoot.
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 like the Reformation Chania Silk Dress, which features an open-back style or the Rose Bluebell Ella Strapless Gown, which gives and off-the-shoulder look. Shoots that take place in the fall and winter venues are more suited to velvet, like the floor-skimming Jenny Yoo Velvet Open Back Dress, or Undra Celeste New York Turtleneck Wrap Joi Dress, which is a high-neck dress with long sleeves.
Color
Decide on the color palette and whether you prefer solid colors or prints for your engagement photo dress. Neutral colors such as white, ivory, blush, or pastels are popular choices as they create a soft and romantic feel. With its stylish cut, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and tiny split, the Likely Paz Dress is a great option for classic brides-to-be. But if it fits your taste and the setting of the shoot, feel free to use bright colors, florals, and prints. We can not get enough of the Reformation Emerick Dress for its tropical print and figure-flattering fabric if your engagement photos will be taken on the beach. Go for a show-stopping look in your wedding engagement photos by donning a merlot Undra Celeste New York Turtleneck Wrap Joi Dress.
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.
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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