Sedona’s red rock landscape holds magic unlike anywhere else in the world, so how do you decide what to wear for engagement photos?
It’s challenging to pick an outfit for engagement photos, but many people overthink it. I always like to suggest people wear solid, neutral colors with two outfits based on their location. Also, it’s important to coordinate colors with your partner instead of matching them.
Your engagement photos will decorate your home and be the main design for your save-the-date invitations, so you have to love your outfit!
And it’s okay to be nervous when it comes to what to wear for engagement photos. Everyone does. That’s why we wrote this blog, so you can know the colors, styles, and outfits that will create a romantic Sedona engagement session.
What to wear for engagement photos in Sedona
As you scroll through this blog, check out people’s outfits in our real engagement pics straight from our galleries.
Do their outfits match your style? What about their location? Do you like their color choices? Everyone is different, but inspiration can be helpful! Check out this engagement inspo, and see what you like!
Contact us if you like a location or style, White Desert can make it happen for you.
What colors to wear?
Let’s be honest, the wrong color puts off the wrong mood in your wedding invitations.
When picking a color to choose for your engagement photos, don’t just pick a color because it’s on our list. Pick colors that make you and your partner feel comfortable and confident.
Also, contrasting or matching colors to the red rocks, southwest greenery, or blue sky makes you pop or blend in with nature engagement photos. But stay in your lane: Don’t match and contrast in the same outfit!
Here are some colors that I love to see in engagement photos.
- Burnt Orange
- Neutral Blue
- Emerald Green
- Classy White
- Night Black
What patterns can I wear?
Many photographers will recommend avoiding patterns entirely, and there’s a reason for that.
Patterns can dominate photos and clash with the surroundings or your significant other’s outfit. For me, I recommend a one-pattern-maximum rule for engagement photos. This rule helps people understand how jarring patterns can be in their photos.
I understand that some people enjoy their patterns but limit your pattern to colors that are similar, neutral, and blend into the landscape. You can certainly make an exception for lacey skirts and dresses or clothes that have more texture than colorful patterns.
Oh, and while we’re here: no graphic tees!
I can wear Casual AND Classy?
This photo shoot is for a special occasion, so do you want the classy engagement photos for the save-the-dates or casual engagement photos to reflect your personality?
That’s a trick question! Your engagement photographer should always recommend you bring two outfits to change into. We recommend couples bring both a casual and dressy outfit (but do what you must!) Of course, some couples bring an edgy, formal, sports, or hobby outfit, but really it’s all about illustrating your personalities through your outfits.
However, when picking a classy outfit, think about your location. If you need specialty shoes to hike to your photo spot, then be sure to bring an extra pair.
If you’re still not sure, get a free consultation from us about your outfits!
Coordinate your outfits
We said it above, but coordinating your outfits is key.
The opposite would be matching or not even considering your significant other’s clothing choices. Both of those should be off the table. By coordinating your outfits, you will complement each other’s styles in the photos without running the risk of looking like an 80s awkward family photo.
(But if that’s your vibe, we won’t stop you!)
What shoes do I wear?
In the majority of your photos, your shoes and accessories will be too small to be the focal point of your pictures.
But picking the right shoes is important for those full-body shots. Places like Cathedral Rock and the surrounding areas sometimes require hiking, so I recommend couples bring a third pair of shoes with their casual and dressy outfits. Online guides are always helpful to make sure you know what you’re getting into on the day of your engagement.
Nobody likes to be uncomfortable, even for a moment, so bringing a sneaker plus a heel is a great idea to ensure you get to your location safely.
Layers and accessories
When thinking about what to wear for engagement photos, many people skip the layers and accessories.
First, I suggest people wear layers. Shedding or wearing a layer can help make your outfit more interesting for anyone! Additionally, I always love it when people bring a nifty jean jacket, wide-brimmed hat, or anything to bring personality to your shoot.
A few accessories that I recommend leaving at home include digital watches and sunglasses. Smart watches can date and interrupt the natural feel of an outdoor session, and sunglasses can hide your beautiful face!
Can we bring props?
Who doesn’t love props to help tell your love story?
Think of something you both love or an object with some importance to bring to your photoshoot. People don’t think about it, but things like pets or picnic settings can be great props that don’t feel overdone.
Our couples have brought lightsabers, Harry Potter wands, cameras, hiking shoes, and plenty more!
Inquire today and we can give you more engagement, elopement, wedding, and Sedona tips.
What to wear for engagement photos the season?
Believe it or not, there are four seasons in Sedona.
So if you’re dressed in a summery fun dress in the middle of winter, you’ll be regretting your choice. I always recommend couples pick based on their comfort. Unless you work as a model, our engagement session shouldn’t leave you uncomfortable with what you’re wearing.
That being said, a warm-colored maxi dress in winter or a light jacket in summer looks absolutely stunning.
What season is the best time to take engagement photos in Sedona? Sedona’s busy season lasts from April to May and September to October, but if you want to dodge the crowds the slow season is great for cheaper travel and hospitality prices.
How early is too early for engagement photos? Anytime after the proposal is a great time, but 8 to 10 months before the wedding to share the photos with your friends and family while prepping your save-the-dates.
How do I pick an outfit for Sedona?
Sedona is unlike many other places in the world with its unique red rocks and high-desert foliage.
Couples need to bring a few pairs of clothes. Often couples are dodging rain in the summer seasons, hiking in the spring season, or trying to stay warm in winter. The extra pairs of clothes can include a pair of hiking shoes, an umbrella, or a warmer winter jacket. As we said above, any extra props or layers can add more to the s tory of your engagement session.
As for the fun clothes, I’ve seen tons of couples sporting boho, cocktail, professional, classic, and dressed-down attire. So I tell my couples to pick an outfit that fits their comfort, style, and personality.
What looks best in the red rocks of Sedona? I love to see baby blue, white, black, light pink, dark green, mustard yellow, and dark orange.
How much do you spend on engagement photos? You can expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $800 for engagement photos.
White Desert Photography’s engagement rates start at $350.
