Wondering What to wear for your engagement shoot?
Tips and advice on your engagement shoot
The most common question I get asked before any shoot: What do I wear? Followed closely by Where shall we go?
Honestly, the choice is totally yours. I’m just here to help guide you a little! The best advice I can give you is to wear something that makes you feel good, because when you feel confident and comfortable, it really shows in your photos.
Think of it as a stress-free starting point to help you look amazing and enjoy the experience.
And keep reading to the end, where I have a rundown of some awesome locations around Norfolk for your engagement shoot!
1. bE YOU!
This is the one piece of advice that’s going to trump everything that follows, its easily the most important tip, and the one that you really need to lean into.
Just be you! Be comfortable and wear something that vibes with you and your personality.
Not everyone is comfortable in a suit any more than they are in jeans and T-shirts, but just because this is a photoshoot doesn’t mean you need to overthink it!
I firmly believe that engagement shoots, like weddings in general, should be an extension of who you are as a couple. Boho, relaxed, shabby chic or sharp, it’s all about what works for you!
The only thing that’s important is that you both have a bit of fun!
2. Be comfortable and try to suit your setting
This is the most important part of choosing what to wear. Your outfit should make you feel like the most confident, beautiful, slightly badass version of yourself. If you feel good, it will show in the photos.
Choose pieces you already know you look great in—something you might wear to a special occasion when you want to feel that little bit extra. Go for colours you love wearing and styles that are true to who you are. This is the golden rule. Even if any other tips say otherwise, always stay true to yourself (See point 1!)
That said, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something a little outside your usual style, go for it. Just make sure you feel comfortable doing it.
What about a wardrobe change? Absolutely, if (this can be location dependent) – I mean, changing in the centre of Norwich City can be a challenge! But if we can make that work, let’s do it! Or bring some accessories that you can try throughout the shoot!
3. Dress for the Moment and the location
On the beach – shorts are fine! Winter in Norwich – Shorts are not so fine! 🙂
Unless you’re really good with the cold, don’t be afraid to wrap up, and on the other side of the spectrum, don’t be afraid to dress light in the summer.
If we do have a bit of rain, I’ll bring a nice umbrella!
4. Going to the beach? You're going to get wet
Shoots on the beach are my favourite! And if we visit the beach, in the summer, I’m going to insist you get your feet wet, it’s a requirement! 🙂
5. Natural colours and Natural Tones
They’re classics for a reason! Neutral colours tend to look great on just about everyone. They flatter skin tones, photograph beautifully, and work with almost any location you choose as your backdrop. Think earthy tones, soft neutrals, and colours that feel natural and effortless.
Another bonus? They’re timeless. Your photos won’t feel dated in a few years—they’ll still look just as good decades from now.
That said, this isn’t a strict rule. If bold, vibrant colours feel more like you, then absolutely go for it! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident (remember the No 1 Rule! 😉). I’ve seen people absolutely own bright colours!
6. Avoid busy patterns and Logos
Those brands definitely don’t need your engagement photos as extra advertising 😅 Big logos can be really distracting and pull attention away from the most important part of the shoot — you two!
That said, a little pattern can look amazing. I’ve actually been loving the return of floral prints in engagement sessions lately. When they’re subtle and paired with something simple—like a solid-coloured cardigan or coat—they add a bit of personality without overwhelming the photo. It’s a really nice balance.
7. Bonus....Four legged friends? Bring them along!
Dogs on engagement shoots (and weddings for that matter) are the best! If you think they have a good temperament for it, bring them along. I can’t wait to meet them!
“We absolutely love our engagement and wedding photos!! Matt captured so many beautiful candid moments with natural edits that feel timeless”
Antonia & oLLIE
But what about locations?
Norfolk Engagement shoot Locations
On the face of it the location for your engagement shoot should be the easiest choice in the world. Here are a few things to consider…
1. Locations that are (usually) out of bounds
I know – this will sound crazy, despite the fact that they are open to the public, some locations require permission (which come at a hefty cost!). These include Norwich Cathedral, Holkham Beach, Wells Beach and every National Trust Location in the UK.
The annoying thing from my perspective is its common for couples to request a shoot at these locations, and I sadly have to let them down*
* Unless of course, we want to sneak in and do it anyway….But I’d never suggest doing that 😛
2. Norwich City
Such an easy one this with loads of options.
The city really does have it all, in the past I’ve taken couples from Chapelfield Gardens, through the city and finishing at Elm Hill. Between these locations, we cover a bit of woodland, some lovely city locations and maybe a short walk along the river. Super easy, super simple. You can’t go wrong!
3. The Plantation Gardens.
A really popular spot, and for a good reason! I’ve found even if you’re local to Norwich, not everyone knows about this place.
The Plantation Gardens is a stunning, hidden-garden a stone’s throw from Norwich’s Roman Catholic Cathedral; it’s open to the public, and everyone loves it there. It’s also the perfect spot for photos! With loads of options and hidden-away corners.
4. The Woods
Norfolk woodland spots are all a little samey, that’s not to say they are not a good choice for an engagement shoot, it’s just that one woodland looks much the same as the next. So with that in mind, the “Mystical Woods” just off the Norwich NDR is a great choice if you want that woody vibe! It’s got parking, also perfect for dogs too!
5. The Beach
You can’t go wrong! A personal favourite of mine for an engagement shoot is Sea Palling on the Norfolk coast. It’s a bit remote and often is not that busy, but even if you want something a bit busier, Sheringham or Cromer are also lovely spots. And in the Sun it’s always a lovely experience!
6. the perfect place for you!
It’s your engagement shoot! NOT MINE!
So maybe you have somewhere in mind, somewhere I’ve not listed, somewhere that has meaning to you, perhaps the place you first met, or got engaged? Just let me know. Perhaps you can show me around, and on the way, we can get some awesome photos at the same time!
Pre wedding shoot
Engagement shoots are the perfect way you get used to being photographed. I approach them in much the same way as I do a wedding – Keeping it simple, unrushed, and relaxed.
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