Best Maternity Gowns for Photos: Beautiful Rental & Purchase Options
Choosing the Best Maternity Gowns for Photos: Beautiful Rental & Purchase Options
Choosing what to wear for maternity photos can feel overwhelming – especially when you want something that feels beautiful, flattering, and timeless on camera. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right gown can completely transform a session, not just visually, but emotionally as well.
When clients ask about the best maternity gowns for photos, they’re usually looking for pieces that photograph beautifully and feel effortless to wear. This guide shares the trusted rental and purchase resources I often recommend when we’re planning a session together and exploring additional wardrobe options.
Thoughtful Wardrobe Options for Maternity Photos
I do offer a curated client wardrobe for maternity sessions, along with select accessories such as my angel wings. Many clients choose pieces from my collection and never need to source anything on their own.
That said, maternity sessions often include multiple outfit changes, and occasionally a client may want an additional look – or a gown that feels especially personal to them. For that reason, I keep a short list of trusted maternity gown rentals and shops that align beautifully with my styling approach and photograph exceptionally well.
These options are never required and are always discussed during your discovery call. After booking, I’ll share the wardrobe pieces I have available and help determine whether an additional gown would enhance your session based on your location, lighting, and overall vision.
My goal is always to take away stress – not add decisions.
My Favorite Resources for the Best Maternity Gowns for Photos
I’ll help guide you through these options if we decide an additional gown would enhance your session.
Mama Bump Rentals
Mama Bump Rentals is one of the most popular resources among photographers for maternity gown rentals. Their collection includes a wide variety of flowing, editorial-style gowns that create beautiful movement and softness in photos.
This is an excellent option for clients who want to wear something special for their session without purchasing a gown they may only wear once.
Best for:
• Romantic, flowing silhouettes
• Clients who prefer renting
• Gowns designed specifically for photography
Instagram inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/mamabumprentals/
Salt Gowns
Salt Gowns offers elegant, refined maternity gowns with a timeless feel. Their designs work especially well for beach sessions, field sessions, and light-filled indoor portraits.
Clients who gravitate toward a clean, understated look often love this option.
Best for:
• Classic, minimalist styling
• Neutral tones and soft fabrics
• Timeless maternity portraits
Instagram inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/saltgowns/
Yewendress
Yewendress is a wonderful option for clients who want to purchase a custom maternity gown. One of the biggest advantages is their ability to create matching dresses for daughters, which can be especially meaningful for family maternity sessions.
Their pricing is approachable for custom work, and the flexibility in fit and color makes this a favorite when coordination matters.
Best for:
• Custom-made maternity gowns
• Matching girls’ dresses
• Coordinated family sessions
Instagram inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/yewendress/
Chicaboo
Chicaboo is a US-based boutique offering a wide selection of gowns, including maternity-friendly styles that photograph beautifully. While not exclusively maternity, many of their dresses work very well for portrait sessions.
This is a great option for clients who prefer to own a gown rather than rent.
Best for:
• Purchasing a gown to keep
• Variety in colors and styles
• Portrait-ready designs
Instagram inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/chicaboo_/
JJ’s House
JJ’s House offers an extensive selection of made-to-order gowns in a wide range of colors. While their maternity-specific selection is smaller, they also offer children’s gowns made to order, which makes this a strong option for coordinated family looks.
Their quality is consistently excellent, and the customization options are nearly endless.
Best for:
• Made-to-order dresses
• Extensive color choices
• Matching children’s gowns
Instagram inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/jjshouseofficial/
A Thoughtful Option for Purchased Gowns
Because maternity gowns are often worn only once, I do offer a limited gown buy-back option for select styles.
If a purchased dress is a fit for my client wardrobe (with original receipt and in new condition), I may accept it back and apply a studio credit toward your final artwork. This is a curated, limited program based on style and condition and is always discussed individually.
It’s simply one more way I try to be mindful of both your investment and the overall experience.
Styling Is Fully Guided
Wardrobe planning is something we approach together from the very beginning. After your discovery call, I’ll help determine whether a gown from my studio wardrobe is sufficient or if an additional rental or purchase would enhance your session.
Whether your session includes one look or several, the goal is the same: beautiful, effortless images – without stress.
The result is a finished look that feels effortless, refined, and fully supported.
Planning Your Maternity Session
If you’re exploring the best maternity gowns for photos, wardrobe is just one part of the overall experience. Styling, location, lighting, and guidance all work together to create images that feel timeless and effortless.
I walk you through every step – from selecting gowns that photograph beautifully to planning multiple outfit changes that feel cohesive and intentional. You never have to figure it out on your own.
-> Learn more about my family and maternity photography experience here
If this style of imagery speaks to you, I’d love to learn more about what you’re envisioning and see if we’re a good fit. Maternity sessions are thoughtfully planned and guided from beginning to end, and every detail is tailored to you.
