Color Palettes for Summer Engagement Photos

When couples ask me what they should wear for their engagement photos, they’re almost always asking me what colors will look nice. The answer will be different for different couples and locations, but here are some easy and beautiful color palettes and color schemes I’ve seen work beautifully again and again for engagement sessions, especially here in Washington State!

Summer Engagement Photo Color Combos:

White and Tan

White and Tan is a classic color combo that just never ever misses for engagement photos. It works in every location, from the Puget Sound to Mt. Baker to the heart of Seattle. It feels bridal. It looks like summer. It is so easy to add interest with texture: leather accents, hair ribbons, beaded shoes, lace, all of it goes well and it creates a beautiful, summery, “we’re getting married!!” look. This is definitely one of my favorite suggestions for what to wear for engagement photos in the summer.

White and Light Blue

a couple holds hands on a dock at American Lake during their engagement photography in Dupont

White and light blue is another great summer color combo for engagement photos. It still pulls off the bridal look and is still light and summery, but pulls in color in a very calming and harmonious way. I’m definitely of the opinion that light blue denim counts as a neutral, too! I love this look for waterfront sessions like the Seattle Waterfront Park, American Lake, and other locations near lakes, rivers, and the sound.

Shades of Blue

a couple wears a simple blue on blue color palette for their engagement photos with washington wedding photographer Sarah Mismash

Okay, this one is arguably just a different version of blue and white, but it works because the blues are different shades but still cohesive and somewhat muted. This is an especially pretty combo for greener areas! This color scheme works also really well with brown leather accents. (belts, shoes, etc)

White, Tan, and Light Blue

Three colors can make a really dynamic and versatile color palette for engagement photos, even if it’s just neutrals like this example! Keeping the blues and browns lighter helps make this stay light and summery. I’ve included a couple photos below, because this is definitely a palette you can mix and match. If you want to wear pants instead of a dress, just add another shade of blue, tan, or cream!

Cream, Blue, and Brown

a couple in blue, cream, and brown outfits for their engagement photos stop during their sessions with washington and alabama engagement photographer sarah mismash

Slightly darker shades of the white/tan/light blue palette, this is a great option for a later summer session.

Ivory and Orange

a couple smiles at each other during their engagement photos with washington wedding photographer Sarah Mismash

Summer is a really great time to bring in more vibrant colors! Yellows and oranges can work really well, or you can make an easy swap in this color scheme for another color: Ivory + Green, Cream + Purple, White + Pink are some other simple color combos using this same formula. You can also definitely add in another neutral to any of those: light blue, tan, and brown are obviously my favorites.

More Engagement Photo Color Palettes I would love to see this summer

I’ve shared some color schemes that work every time, but the palettes on this list are definitely not the only ones that look good for engagement photos! Here are some more color combos I would love to see this summer:

  • light pink + cream + tan
  • light pink + white + blue + brown
  • sunset tones: pink, orange, yellow and white
  • yellow + tan + white
  • Cream + lavender + brown

You’ve got a color palette idea, now what?

Looking for more on how to choose outfits for your engagement photos this summer? Check out the full guide on what to wear for your engagement photos for more complete guidance.

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