Let’s be real, groom wedding attire has officially entered its cool era. Gone are the days when every guy defaulted to the same traditional black tux that doesn’t reflect who they really are. Today? We’re talking rich color, intentional textures, and fit that actually works for your body, that fits the actual vibe of your wedding day. Whether you’re deep in the desert or tucked away somewhere with just enough room to breathe, your outfit should feel like you. Not a costume.
We’re here for outfits that move with you and match the energy of the day, not stiff, copy-paste rentals that forget who’s actually wearing them. That means your groom wedding attire should never feel like a rental uniform. Start by rethinking the idea that you need to match everything perfectly. Mixing tones, materials, and styles is way more modern, and way more you!
Try pairing a wool blazer with chinos. Rock a velvet jacket over a printed shirt. Add a leather belt that looks like it’s seen some life. Unexpected textures and layers? Incredible.
If you can’t squat in your pants, they’re not the right pants. The same goes for jackets that pinch, collars that choke, or anything that makes you want to get changed halfway through portraits.
We always tell our grooms: do the fitting-room stress test. Sit, squat, hike a few stairs, hug someone, bust a mini dance move. Make sure everything moves with you, not against you. For the hikers, elopers, and barefoot-on-the-cliffside types, you’ll need gear that looks great and performs. Stretchy suiting fabrics are a game-changer.
Accessories aren’t just extras; they’re the storytelling pieces. A bolo tie with family roots. A floral necktie that nods to your bouquet. A wide-brim hat that keeps the sun (and nerves) at bay. Layer in pieces that add dimension and meaning.
Other faves:
Pro tip: Leave room for layers! If your ceremony location could get chilly, plan your fit accordingly. That slouchy coat or thick-knit sweater? Yeah, it’s allowed, and totally encouraged!
Trust us, you don’t have to navigate this solo! Grab a couple of friends with good taste who get your vision and aren’t afraid to speak up. It’s not about making you look like someone else’s Pinterest board groom. It’s about you feeling like the most confident version of yourself!
Arizona isn’t just cacti and sunshine; it’s got legit seasonal shifts, and your wedding day wardrobe should match the mood (and the weather!).
Spring: Mornings are chilly, and afternoons warm up fast. Layers are your best friend. Think: a breathable button-up layered under a textured blazer or a light jacket you can ditch once the sun starts showing off. It’s all about versatility.
Summer: Skip the heavy fabrics; this is your linen moment. Go with short sleeves if the vibe fits, or a relaxed-fit suit in a light color. Dark shirts in the summer heat? They’re a bold move, just know you’ll be battling the sun, not just your nerves.
Fall: Arizona fall hits different, think golden hour glows and cooler desert nights. Wool textures and dusty desert hues made for chilly evenings feel super in-season and super photogenic.
Winter: Surprise! It gets cold. Especially up north or in higher elevation elopement spots. Go full cozy: thick blazers, layered knits, maybe even a peacoat or a chic overcoat. Add in warm tones or jewel hues for a luxe cold-weather vibe.
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Wherever you’re tying the knot, Arizona style is about embracing the landscape and leaning into what feels natural. Let the season lead the look.
When your backdrop is red rocks, cactus blooms, or open skies, your color game matters. Here are a few desert-inspired tones we love seeing on grooms:
These aren’t just stylish, they also bounce beautifully in golden hour lighting.
Navigating what “semi-formal” means in the middle of the desert? Welcome to the land of cactus-lined aisles and 90-degree dance floors. Check out these tips:
Trail Casual
This is your off-grid elopement energy. Stretch chinos you can scramble rocks in, boots that eat dirt for breakfast, a printed button-up, or a layered tee + vest combo. Function meets flair.
Semi-Formal Sunset
Picture this: golden hour, a breeze, and a blazer that fits like it was made for this exact moment. Think tailored pants, open collar, no tie stress. Add one killer accessory and you’re golden.
Festive Desert Night
You’re the guy who shows up and owns the after-sunset scene. Velvet or patterned blazer. Bold tones. Maybe a floral tie, maybe a wide-brim hat. You’re not just attending, you’re setting the tone.
The goal: honor the moment, nail the vibe, and never let sweat stains steal the spotlight.
We’ve watched zippers give up, blazers bunch in all the wrong places, and grooms sprint barefoot because they forgot to break in their boots. So take it from two people who’ve seen it all:
The fix? Try everything on early! Move in it. Dance in it. Sit in the dirt if you have to. Basically: dress for the real day, not just the mirror selfie.
Suits + Separates:
Accessories:
Groom wedding attire doesn’t have to be boring, stiff, or overly traditional. You get to wear something that feels as good as it looks, and tells your story in the process. So whether you’re getting married on a mountaintop, in a backyard, or in a vintage airstream, own your look. We’ll be there to capture every detail (and probably hype you up when you put it on). Inquire here today!
Explore additional blogs for planning your wedding or seeking guidance on wedding attire below.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Attire for Adventurous Elopements
How to Get the Dance Floor Poppin’ at Your Arizona Wedding Reception
A Wedding at Havasu Springs Resort: Lake Views, Laid-Back Vibes, and Pure Joy