The Complete Guide to Spring Engagement Photos

Spring engagement photos are popular for a good reason. While love may keep us warm during fall and winter, upcoming spring engagement sessions hold the promise of something to look forward to. Spring comes with sunshine, blooming florals, and bright colors in every outdoor space—plus, you'll have way more flexibility when it comes to your outfits and photoshoot location.

Ahead, photographer Kim-Trang Blair shares her expertise on taking spring engagement photos, including what to wear, the pros and cons of the season, and photo inspiration.

Read on for the ultimate guide to spring engagement photos.

What to Wear for Spring Engagement Photos

Overall, couples should wear something they feel like themselves is in. Confidence is key! “My whole thing is I want to capture them in what they’re comfortable in but also represents them," offers Blair. "Usually a go-to, like a dress or jumpsuit, in spring is always nice. It has to fit and fit well. Just a size too big or too small will show in photos.” Light chiffons or lace are nice for women, and she discourages jersey fabrics because they’re not forgiving, which can translate to unflattering photos. She adds, “Dressing in layers could be beneficial because of fluctuating temperatures in spring."

She also shares it’s important to keep your geographical area in mind: What you wear for spring engagement photos may be location-dependent, to an extent. For instance, spring’s temperatures in the north, like in Boston, fluctuate more than in a city like San Diego. 

Consider color for spring. Wear hues that complement the joy you’re feeling and reflect the season, yet be aware of your surroundings. And, she says, avoid green! “When it comes to outfits and surroundings, if people want an outdoorsy vibe, green garments surrounded by green grass and trees don't look great. It doesn’t make the image dynamic.” Go with a contrasting color like pink or red in a grassy area.

Pros and Cons of Spring Engagement Photos

All seasons present different pros and cons when it comes to engagement photos, but spring's biggest advantage is the abundance of flowers. “A spring shoot is great for a couple who is sensitive to the heat, who loves flowers, and who want a different look for their engagement shoot than their wedding in an opposite season,” says Blair. 

But Mother Nature can also be fickle. The potential is there for engagement photo sessions to be snowed out in the north during spring. Prepare for weather to be unpredictable and flowers uncertain.

“Couples, in general, depending on what blooms they’re going for, need to be realistic about a spring engagement session. For example, cherry blossoms sometimes bloom at the end of March—but sometimes it’s mid-April. In this case, they need to be flexible for their photoshoot date. I recommend potentially booking two dates if your photographer agrees to it—a first choice and backup—to maximize your options,” advises Blair. 

Be aware that rain is abundant in many areas during spring. This may mean booking an indoor location for your photos as a backup, just in case it rains, and you can’t alter your photo session date.

Spring Engagement Photo Tips

Blair says to think about the location you wish to have an engagement session when considering spring. “There’s minimal green space in New York City, but it’s well taken care of. Washington Square Park, for example, always promises to have something in bloom during spring thanks to the workers who care for the plants in the park.” 

If you live in an area that has flowering trees, you may wish to schedule a session within a park that has an abundance of them. Botanical gardens are great for this, but you should inquire ahead of time about whether or not a photography permit is required to take photos there. 

If leaves aren’t on trees yet and no flowers are around, try to take your engagement photos where there is interesting architecture in the background. Or, if you’re on a coast, consider a beach where there’s consistently sand and water, no matter the time of year. Evergreen trees and desert plant life (including cacti and succulents!) are green year-round, depending on your location. And neutral-toned long grasses in expansive fields are romantic, too.

Ahead, more inspiration and tips for spring engagement photos, including photos from real couples.