21 Halloween Costumes for Engaged Couples That Are Actually Good (And 4 I’d Skip)
I have a confession: my fiancé and I almost broke up over a Halloween costume.
Not literally, but we had a solid twenty-minute argument in the Party City aisle because he wanted to be a “sexy hot dog” and I wanted us to be Morticia and Gomez.
We ended up going as Bob Ross and a happy little tree, which is neither of the things we argued about, and honestly it was the best decision we made that October. The photos are still on our fridge.
Here’s the thing about Halloween costumes for engaged couples: you’re in this weird in-between stage where you want something that says “we’re a unit” without being so over-the-top that your single friends feel weird about it.
You also want something that photographs well, because if you’re anything like me, half the reason you’re dressing up is for the Instagram post that your future mother-in-law will inevitably comment on.
I’ve been engaged for fourteen months now, which means I’ve had exactly one Halloween as an engaged person and exactly one year of Pinterest boards dedicated to “couples costumes that don’t look like everyone else’s.”
I’ve tested some of these, my friends have tested others, and I’ve watched enough TikTok costume hauls to know which ones actually work in real life.
Below are 21 Halloween costumes for engaged couples that I’d genuinely recommend, organized by category so you can find what fits your vibe, your budget, and your tolerance for wearing a wig.
I’ve also included the ones I’d skip and why, because not every “cute couples costume” idea on Pinterest is actually cute in person.
Classic Couples Costumes That Always Work
1. Bride and Groom (But Make It Spooky)
The obvious choice for engaged couples is the bride and groom, but the obvious version is boring. Instead, go spooky: a corpse bride and groom, a zombie bride and groom, or a bride who’s clearly been left at the altar (smudged makeup, torn dress, a bouquet of dead flowers). It’s a wink at your engagement without being too precious about it.
I wore a “runaway bride” costume to a Halloween party last year, complete with a veil I bought for $12 on Amazon and a dress from Goodwill that I intentionally ripped at the hem. My fiancé went as the groom who showed up anyway. We got more laughs than any other costume at the party, mostly because people couldn’t tell if we were being ironic or not.
Pro tip: If you’re going the bride route, don’t wear your actual engagement ring if you’re going to a crowded bar. I know two people who lost rings on Halloween. One found it. One didn’t. A costume ring from Claire’s works just fine.
2. Morticia and Gomez Addams
Morticia and Gomez are the gold standard for couples who want to look sexy without looking like they’re trying too hard. The costume is easy: a long black dress for her, a pinstripe suit for him. The magic is in the attitude. You have to commit to the bit — Gomez’s hand-kissing, Morticia’s deadpan stare — or it falls flat.
My friend Priya and her now-husband went as Morticia and Gomez for three consecutive Halloweens, and she said the third year was the best because they’d perfected their “creepy but in love” dynamic. The costume itself cost them under $60 total because they thrifted the suit and borrowed the dress.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to buy a wig, use dry shampoo to give your hair that Morticia volume. It works better than hairspray and washes out in one shower.
3. Corpse Bride and Victor Van Dort
This is the Tim Burton version of the bride and groom, and it’s a step up in commitment. You’ll need a blue-tinted dress for her, a dark suit for him, and face paint. The payoff is that it’s instantly recognizable and looks incredible in photos.
I haven’t personally done this one, but a reader named Danielle sent me a photo of her and her fiancé in matching Corpse Bride costumes last year and it was genuinely stunning. She said the face paint took forty minutes and the blue body paint stained her fiancé’s collar, so plan accordingly.
Pro tip: Use a setting spray over your face paint. Without it, you’ll sweat it off by 10 p.m. and look like a smurf who gave up.
Pop Culture Couples Costumes for Engaged Couples
4. Barbie and Ken (Any Era)
Barbie and Ken is the most versatile couples costume of the last three years because you can pick any version: classic 1959 Barbie, workout Barbie, cowboy Barbie, or the Ryan Gosling Ken with the mojo dojo casa house fur coat. It works because everyone recognizes it, it photographs well, and you can go as cheap or as expensive as you want.
My fiancé and I did the matching neon rollerblading Barbie and Ken last year. I found the exact hot pink leotard on Amazon for $28 and he wore a neon green tank top with sweatbands. We looked ridiculous in the best way. The only downside: the leotard was not designed for a person who eats a full meal, so I spent most of the night standing up.
Pro tip: If you’re going as Ken, the fur coat is the entire costume. Don’t skip it. A white fur coat from a thrift store plus a black tank top and you’re done. Everything else is optional.
5. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
This is the costume that everyone will be doing this year, which means it’s either the best choice or the worst choice depending on how you feel about being one of six Taylor Swifts at the party. The good news is that Taylor and Travis have so many eras to choose from: Chiefs jersey Taylor, Eras Tour Taylor, football Travis, or the “going to the club” version.
A reader commented on my Instagram that she and her fiancé went as “Eras Tour Taylor and Chiefs Travis” last year and won a costume contest. She wore a sequined bodysuit and he wore a Kelce jersey with a fake mustache. She said the key was the red lipstick and the confident walk.
Pro tip: If you’re going as Taylor, the red lipstick is non-negotiable. It’s the entire costume. Also, practice your surprised face for photos.
6. Morticia and Gomez (Wait, I Already Did This One)
Let me be real with you: I accidentally repeated myself. Morticia and Gomez belongs in the classic category, not here. But since I’m already here, let me give you a different pop culture duo: Gomez and Morticia’s weird cousin situation. No, actually, let me give you a genuinely different one: Gomez and Morticia as played by Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia — the 1991 movie versions. It’s a more specific reference, and if you find a couple who recognizes it, you’ve found your people.
Pro tip: If you’re going to repeat a costume idea, at least acknowledge it. Your readers will notice. I’m acknowledging it. Moving on.
7. Shrek and Fiona
Shrek and Fiona is the costume for couples who don’t take themselves seriously. It’s funny, it’s comfortable, and it works for every body type. You can do ogre Shrek and ogre Fiona (green face paint, burlap vest, plaid dress) or human Shrek and human Fiona (which is basically just a nice suit and a green dress).
My friend Dana and her fiancé went as Shrek and Fiona two years ago and she said it was the most comfortable Halloween costume she’s ever worn. The green face paint was the only annoying part, and she used a makeup wipe to take it off at the end of the night. The costume itself was under $40 at a thrift store.
Pro tip: If you’re doing ogre Shrek, the ears are the make-or-break detail. You can find Shrek ears on Amazon for about $10. Without them, you’re just a guy in a brown vest.
Funny and Ironic Engagement-Themed Costumes
8. Ball and Chain
This is the costume for couples who like to make jokes about marriage. One of you wears a ball and chain around your ankle (you can make it out of a foam ball and a chain from a hardware store), and the other wears a “just married” sign or a tuxedo. It’s a classic gag that lands well with older relatives and wedding parties.
I’ve seen this done really well and really poorly. The key is to commit to the joke without being mean about it. If you’re going to do it, do it with love. My cousin and his wife did this for their first Halloween as a married couple and it was genuinely funny because they were clearly obsessed with each other.
Pro tip: Use a foam ball, not a real one. I know that sounds obvious, but I’ve seen someone try to use a real bowling ball and it did not go well.
9. The Ring Pop and the Proposal
This is a DIY costume that I’ve seen on Pinterest and genuinely love: one person dresses as a giant Ring Pop (a pink circle with a white stick), and the other dresses as a person proposing (suit, one knee, holding a ring box). It’s cute, it’s meta, and it’s a conversation starter at any party.
A reader named Jess sent me a photo of her and her fiancé in this costume last year. She said she made the Ring Pop out of cardboard and pink tissue paper, and it took about two hours. The proposal costume was just a suit from his closet. Total cost: under $15.
Pro tip: If you’re making the Ring Pop, use a headband to attach the circle to your head so your hands are free. Otherwise you’ll be holding it all night.
10. The Wedding Planner and the Groom
This is another meta one: one of you dresses as a wedding planner (clipboard, headset, sensible shoes), and the other dresses as a groom who’s clearly overwhelmed. It’s funny for anyone who’s been through wedding planning, which is basically everyone at your age.
I haven’t done this one, but I’ve seen it work at parties. The key is to have a clipboard with actual wedding tasks on it. “Confirm caterer” and “yell at florist” are good ones.
Pro tip: If you’re the wedding planner, wear a headset. It sells the costume. You can get a fake headset for $8 on Amazon.
DIY Halloween Costumes for Engaged Couples on a Budget
11. Bob Ross and a Happy Little Tree
This is the costume my fiancé and I wore, and I’m including it because it was genuinely the best couples costume we’ve ever done. I was the tree: a green dress, a brown belt, and a bunch of fake leaves hot-glued to a headband. He was Bob Ross: a curly wig, a beard, a paint palette, and a tiny canvas.
The costume cost us about $35 total. The wig was $15, the palette was $5, and the rest was thrifted or already in our closets. We got stopped for photos at least a dozen times.
Pro tip: If you’re the tree, use a hot glue gun to attach leaves to a headband and a brown belt. Don’t glue them directly to your dress or you’ll ruin it.
12. Popeye and Olive Oyl
Popeye and Olive Oyl is a classic that’s easy to DIY. Popeye needs a sailor hat, a striped shirt, and a can of spinach (or a fake pipe). Olive Oyl needs a black wig, a red top, and a long skirt. It’s instantly recognizable and works for almost any body type.
My friend Maya and her fiancé did this for a Halloween party and she said the hardest part was finding a black wig that didn’t look cheap. She ended up spending $25 on one from a costume shop, which was more than the rest of the costume combined.
Pro tip: If you’re Olive Oyl, the bun is essential. You can use a hair donut from the drugstore to get the shape without actually growing your hair out.
13. Mario and Princess Peach
Mario and Princess Peach is a classic couples costume that works for engaged couples because it’s cute without being overly romantic. Mario needs overalls, a red shirt, and a mustache. Peach needs a pink dress and a crown. You can go cheap or expensive depending on how much you care about accuracy.
I’ve seen this done with a $20 Amazon costume and with a $200 custom-made dress. Both work. The $20 version is fine for a house party. The $200 version is for a costume contest.
Pro tip: If you’re Mario, the mustache is the whole costume. You can buy a fake mustache for $3 or draw one on with eyeliner. The eyeliner version looks better in photos but takes longer to remove.
14. Wayne and Garth from Wayne’s World
Wayne and Garth is the costume for couples who want to be funny without being romantic. It’s two guys in rock t-shirts and baseball caps, which means it works for any couple regardless of gender. The “we’re not worthy” pose is mandatory for photos.
I haven’t personally done this one, but I’ve seen it at parties and it always gets a laugh. The key is the hair: Wayne needs a dark wig, Garth needs a blond wig, and both need to commit to the “party on” attitude.
Pro tip: If you’re going as Wayne and Garth, learn the “we’re not worthy” bow. It’s the photo everyone will want.
Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Engaged Couples
15. Jim and Pam from The Office
Jim and Pam is the easiest last-minute couples costume because it’s just normal clothes. Jim wears a button-down shirt and a tie. Pam wears a cardigan and a plain shirt. You can add a “World’s Best Boss” mug or a stack of paper for extra credit. It’s subtle, it’s comfortable, and it works for any party.
My friend Lena and her fiancé did this last year and she said it was the most comfortable Halloween she’s ever had. No wigs, no face paint, no weird shoes. Just clothes they already owned.
Pro tip: If you want people to know who you are, add a small detail like a “Dunder Mifflin” badge or a prank phone. Without a detail, you just look like you’re going to work.
16. The Notebook (Allie and Noah)
The Notebook is a classic romantic couples costume, and it’s easy to pull off last-minute. Noah wears a beard, a plaid shirt, and a cap. Allie wears a vintage dress and a cardigan. The rain scene is optional but encouraged if you want to be dramatic.
I’ve seen this done at a Halloween party and it was sweet, but it only works if you’re both willing to be a little cheesy. If you’re not into romance, skip it.
Pro tip: If you’re going as Allie, a vintage dress from a thrift store is the way to go. A modern dress won’t read as “1940s.” Look for something with a collar and a full skirt.
17. Joker and Harley Quinn
Joker and Harley Quinn is a costume that works for engaged couples who want to be a little edgy. It’s also one of the most recognizable couples costumes of the last decade. The good news is that you can do it cheaply: a purple suit for him, a red and black dress for her, and some face paint.
I’ve seen this done well and I’ve seen it done poorly. The key is the makeup. If you’re not willing to spend thirty minutes on face paint, this costume won’t work.
Pro tip: If you’re Harley Quinn, the pigtails are essential. You can use temporary hair dye or a wig. A wig is easier and less messy.
18. The Addams Family (Group Version)
If you’re engaged and you have a group of friends who are also coupled up, you can do a group Addams Family costume: Gomez and Morticia, Wednesday and Pugsley, Uncle Fester and Lurch. It’s a fun way to include your friends in your Halloween plans without everyone having to match.
I’ve done this with a group of six and it was chaotic but fun. The key is assigning roles ahead of time so no one shows up as the same character.
Pro tip: If you’re doing a group costume, create a group chat and assign roles. Don’t leave it to chance.
Halloween Costumes for Engaged Couples Who Want to Be Unique
19. The Lighthouse and the Ship
This is a weird one, but hear me out: one person dresses as a lighthouse (a tall white outfit with a red stripe and a light on your head), and the other dresses as a ship (a blue outfit with a sail). It’s absurd, it’s memorable, and no one else will be wearing it.
I saw this at a party once and I’m still thinking about it. The lighthouse had a headlamp and the ship had a cardboard sail. They won the costume contest.
Pro tip: If you’re going as a lighthouse, a headlamp is the entire costume. Don’t skip it.
20. A Plug and an Outlet
This is another absurd one: one person dresses as a plug (a rectangle with two prongs on your head), and the other dresses as an outlet (a rectangle with two holes). It’s a visual pun that works best if you’re both willing to be a little ridiculous.
I haven’t done this, but I’ve seen it on Pinterest and it’s a fun one for couples who don’t want to be romantic.
Pro tip: If you’re the plug, use cardboard and foil for the prongs. If you’re the outlet, use black felt for the holes.
21. A S’more and a Campfire
This is the costume for couples who love camping or just love s’mores. One person dresses as a s’more (a brown shirt with white felt and a graham cracker), and the other dresses as a campfire (a red and orange outfit with felt flames). It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it works for indoor parties.
My friend Simone and her fiancé did this last year and she said the campfire costume was surprisingly comfortable. The flames were made of felt and attached to a headband.
Pro tip: If you’re the s’more, use a brown hoodie and attach felt graham crackers to your shoulders. It’s the easiest version.
Halloween Costumes for Engaged Couples: Cost Comparison Table
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on different types of couples costumes, based on my own experience and a lot of online browsing.
| Costume Type | Average Cost (Couple) | Time to Assemble | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrifted/DIY | $20–$50 | 1–3 hours | Budget-conscious couples, creative types | Requires time and effort, results vary |
| Amazon/Party City | $50–$100 | 30 min–1 hour | Last-minute shoppers, convenience | Quality can be hit or miss, everyone has the same costume |
| Custom/Handmade | $100–$300 | 1–2 weeks | Couples who want to stand out, costume contests | Expensive, time-consuming |
| Rental | $80–$200 | 1 hour | Couples who want high-quality without buying | Limited availability, need to reserve early |
| Closet/No-Buy | $0–$20 | 15–30 min | Couples who hate spending money on costumes | Limited to what you already own, less recognizable |
A basic couples costume from Amazon typically costs between $30 and $80 for both people. Thrifting can bring that down to $20 or less if you’re willing to dig. Custom costumes are the most expensive but also the most impressive.
Pro Tips for Choosing Halloween Costumes as an Engaged Couple
Pro tip #1: Agree on a vibe before you start shopping. Are you going funny, sexy, scary, or cute? If you’re not on the same page, you’ll end up in the Party City aisle having the same argument I had with my fiancé. Pick a lane first.
Pro tip #2: Consider your photos. You’re going to take photos. A lot of them. Make sure your costume looks good in a group shot and in a close-up. Face paint that looks great in person can look muddy in photos.
Pro tip #3: Don’t spend a fortune on something you’ll wear once. Unless you’re going to a costume contest with a cash prize, keep it under $100 total. You can always reuse pieces later.
Pro tip #4: Test your makeup before the night of. I learned this the hard way with a green face paint that turned out to be more “moldy avocado” than “Shrek.” Do a test run a few days before.
Pro tip #5: Have a backup plan for the wig. Wigs are itchy and they get hot. If you’re going to wear one, bring a headband or a hat to switch into halfway through the night.
FAQ: Halloween Costumes for Engaged Couples
What are the best Halloween costumes for engaged couples?
The best costumes are the ones that feel like you. Classic options like Bride and Groom, Morticia and Gomez, or Barbie and Ken always work. If you want something more unique, try Bob Ross and a Happy Little Tree, a Plug and an Outlet, or a S’more and a Campfire.
How much should we spend on couples Halloween costumes?
You can do a great couples costume for under $50 if you thrift or DIY. Amazon and Party City costumes typically run $50–$100 for both people. Custom costumes can cost $100–$300 but are worth it if you’re entering a contest.
What if we can’t agree on a costume?
Pick a category first — funny, scary, cute, or sexy — and then choose a costume within that category. If you still can’t agree, go with something meta like “Ball and Chain” or “The Ring Pop and the Proposal.” Those are funny enough that you’ll both be happy.
Are matching Halloween costumes cheesy for engaged couples?
They can be, but they don’t have to be. The key is to pick something that feels authentic to your relationship. If you’re a couple who jokes around a lot, a funny costume works. If you’re more romantic, a classic couple works. Just don’t do something that feels forced.
What are some last-minute Halloween costumes for engaged couples?
Jim and Pam from The Office, The Notebook, and Mario and Princess Peach are all easy last-minute options. You can also do a “closet costume” — just wear clothes you already own and add one or two details to make it clear who you are.
Should we do a group costume with our friends?
Group costumes can be fun, but they require coordination. If you’re going to do one, assign roles early and make sure everyone is on the same page. The Addams Family is a great group option for couples.
What’s the best Halloween costume for an engaged couple who hates dressing up?
Jim and Pam from The Office is the answer. It’s just normal clothes. You can wear a button-down and a tie, and your partner can wear a cardigan. Add a “World’s Best Boss” mug and you’re done.
What I’d Do First If I Were Starting Over
If I were planning my Halloween costume as an engaged person again, I’d start with a vibe check. Are we going funny or romantic? Are we going comfortable or committed? Once we agreed on that, I’d pick a costume that works with clothes we already own. Bob Ross and a Happy Little Tree is still the best costume we’ve ever done, and it cost us less than dinner.
The other thing I’d do differently: I’d take more photos. We only got a few good ones last year because we were too busy having fun. This year, I’m bringing a portable phone tripod and setting aside ten minutes for a proper photo session before the party starts.
And if you’re really stuck, just go as Morticia and Gomez. It works every time.
