This blog post is going to be *the* ultimate list of NYC engagement photo and wedding photo locations, ideas, and poses. I will be adding as I find new spots.
Taking your engagement photos is one of the first things you’ll do in the wedding planning process, and it’s a great way to get to know your photographer. It’s also a wonderful way to get comfortable in front of the camera, and to learn the types of photos you’d like on your actual wedding day. So if you need engagement and wedding photo ideas, keep on reading.
Planning your NYC engagement photo shoot
A question that usually comes up when planning the session is “where should we go?”
There is no right or wrong answer to WHERE your engagement photos should be taken. It is tough to choose, especially in New York where there are so many unique spots.
Throughout the years photographing in NYC, I’ve gotten pretty good at identifying cool locations for your photo sessions. Which brings us here, with an ever-growing list of spots! These engagement and wedding photo locations range from the UWS to Brooklyn. I promise you’ll find one perfect for you.
The list is still growing, too. As I work, I’ll be adding more locations.
One of the ways I like to choose a location: following the light. Interesting light and shadow can jazz up any old spot. As far as engagement photo poses, it depends on the location. The elements of the chosen location are fun to play off of, and always make for a variety of shots!
Without further ado, here are my 30+ best NYC engagement and wedding photo locations. Enjoy!
Feel free to contact me to book your shoot!
1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Engagement Photos
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a no-brainer for engagement photos. You will need to buy tickets to get in, but it’s definitely worth it. There are certain times of the year when flowers are in bloom, so if there’s specific flowers you’d like to see, make a note of it! One of the best months to visit is May, when most flowers are photo-ready. It’s beautiful all year round tho, and perfect for engagement and wedding photos.
2. Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is one of the most popular spots in Central Park, and for good reason. It’s a wonderful spot particularly in the early evening, because the light creates the most interesting shadows and patterns.
From Bethesda Terrace you could walk to some other very photo-worth spots, like the Mall or Literary Walk. I’ve found that one of the best times to go is midday, weekday, during the fall. There’s almost *no one* there, so it’s perfect for engagement and wedding photos.
3. Bow Bridge Engagement and Wedding Photos
Bow Bridge is an amazing spot, although it is rare to have it all to yourself. It’s probably best to shoot over here in the early morning on the weekend or during the week. The lighting in this spot is magical, and the views are absolutely iconic. It’s great for both engagement and wedding photos, all year round.
4. Brooklyn Museum
If you haven’t been to the Brooklyn Museum yet, I would highly recommend checking it out. With super close access to Prospect Park, it’s a wonderful engagement photo location contender! The architecture is great for inspiring different poses, too. And who doesn’t love the iconic yellow OY/YO sign?
5. Brownstones
In any other city, posing in front of another person’s home might be weird. In New York, however, it’s pretty much routine for each shoot I do. Taking your engagement and wedding photos in front of big, beautiful brownstones has become somewhat of a trend. Whether they’re modern, classic, or vine-covered, you can’t go wrong.
6. Bryant Park Engagement and Wedding Photos
Bryant Park is a spot you can’t go wrong with. In the summer, it’s lush and green. And in the winter, it transforms into something out of a storybook. I love photographing engagement photos here because there are SO many spots within the park itself. Behind Bryant Park Grill for example, there’s a little pocket park. It’s literally a wall of (faux) flowers that look beautiful all year long.
7. Chelsea Piers Engagement Photos
The Chelsea Piers is one of those spots I’m dying to explore more. The entirety of Chelsea is this cute, distinctive neighborhood. And of course the lighting is beautiful, especially at sunset looking right over the water.
8. Cherry Hill Fountain at Central Park Engagement and Wedding Photos
One of my favorite spots to visit in Central Park is the Cherry Hill Fountain. A few steps from the fountain itself is the beautiful lake, with an unbeatable view. It’s the best in the spring and summer, even with all the people around (though I’ll always do my best to photoshop a few of them out).
9. City Hall Park Wedding and Engagement Photos
City Hall Park is one of those places that just seems like a no-brainer for engagement and wedding photos. Despite that, it’s rare to see photoshoots from there. You’ll be in good company with lots of other couples blissfully getting hitched, too. The buildings and architecture here are gorgeous, giving us tons of engagement and wedding photo poses and ideas.
10. Cobblestone Streets Engagement Photos
This can be anywhere in the city, but just in case you forgot: cobblestone streets are a great accessory in your photos. Just their mere existence can diversify your engagement photos. This particular spot was down on Hudson St., close to the west side highway. Super cute area with some pretty cool buildings! Highly recommend.
11. Conservatory Water in Central Park
It’s one of the most beautiful little spots in Central Park. I’m almost positive you need a permit to take photos here, but on this particular day we just…walked right in, LOL. There’s usually a fair amount of people racing boats on the water, but if you’re able to find a secluded area, you’re golden. The boats kind of add to the ambiance and charm, though. Haven’t you ever seen Stuart Little? Iconic.
12. Crosswalks (yes, literally any of them)
I debated including something as vague as “any crosswalk,” but it’s one of those classic NYC engagement photo ideas/poses that you HAVE to remember to get it! It’s something most couples ask for toward the end of the session, once we’re all loosened up and comfy in front of the camera. This “pose” is one that takes a few tries to get just right, but it’s always super fun. Lots of favs below.
13. Domino Park
Some of my favorite wedding photos are ones I’ve taken at Domino Park, when we only had about 10 minutes before the day got crazy. So I can only imagine the magic that can happen with a whole engagement photo session here! There’s an awesome view of the Brooklyn Bridge, and come on…those huge block letters?? It’s perfect.
14. Eataly/Flatiron District
Eataly is another spot I could easily spend at least 45 minutes in. Between the brightly colored food truck, to the gorgeous market place, to the outdoor cafes — it’s everything you want for an engagement photo session. You and your partner could have a full date PLUS photos of all your little moments.
15. Elevated Acre
I’m shocked that I haven’t seen more photos from this park. It’s literally a rooftop garden downtown, with the dreamiest flowers in bloom in the summer. I came here for the first time in July of 2020 just before sunset, and the lighting made my jaw drop. The surrounding buildings allow for the evening light to take on this dramatic, studio-like quality. It’s perfection. Waiting for the day I get to take wedding photos up here, too.
16. Favorite Bar or Restaurant
This was another “location” I debated on including, because it’s not specific. That’s what makes it fun, though. Taking your engagement and wedding photos at a place you KNOW has good food and drinks? Sounds like a win-win to me. We can start taking your photos here to break the ice, or we can end the day with a little cocktail or appetizer. I’m only full of good ideas, folks.
17. Gapstow Bridge Engagement and Wedding Photos
Gapstow Bridge is a HOT spot. I’ve never been there when it *wasn’t* crowded. There are lots of little “hidden” spots though that will make your engagement and wedding photos look magical. I’m also not afraid to shoo people away in order to get The Shot.
18. Grand Central Station
It wouldn’t be a trip to NYC without stopping into Grand Central Station. It’s of course never going to be empty because of all the commuters and tourists, but it kind of adds to the charm of being in New York, IMO. The building itself is gorgeous, but does usually require flash (not a problem, just make sure you like that style). Plus, if you’re able to, I’d recommend also visiting the Campbell Bar.
19. The Highline (Hotel)
What’s a trip around the city without stopping at the Highline? If there’s ever an appropriate time to visit this unique tourist attraction, it’s for your engagement photos. It’s popular for a reason; it’s awesome, unique, and so cute for photos. A stone’s throw from the park is the iconic Highline Hotel. I’d recommend having a seat in the front patio with a spritz (trust me I’m a professional). This has quickly become a favorite spot of mine.
20. Ladies Pavillion
Ladies Pavilion is another no-brainer for engagement and wedding photos. You need a permit/time slot to photograph in the little gazebo, but the surrounding areas are — in my opinion — 10x better. The lighting won’t be obstructed by the architecture of the gazebo, there’s more space to play with, and the photos come out more unique when you get to explore a bit. Some honorable mentions close by to Ladies Pavilion are: Oak Bridge and the Ramble Cave.
21. Madison Square Park Engagement Photos
A stone’s throw away from Eataly (literally across the street) is Madison Square Park, a quaint little spot perfect for a few engagement photos. During the summer, the benches are surrounded by pretty pink flowers. Plus, it’s a great place to eat your gelato! An honorable mention near Madison Square Park is the Sony Building on Madison Ave. We *will* get shoo’ed away by security, but I take photos FAST.
22. New York Public Library Engagement and Wedding Photos
Around the corner from Bryant Park is the New York Public Library. On either side of the front steps sit these beautiful inset archways, a perfect intimate space for engagement and wedding photos. It’s rare to get a tourist-free spot here, but if you’re patient, you can work around the people. Inside the library itself, photography (without flash) is allowed, and there are endless beautiful nooks and crannies.
23. Pier 17
Pier 17 is another spot I’m shocked I don’t see more photos of. The view is absolutely stunning, and there are so many geometric angles to play with. Not to mention a super fun yellow wall, and close access to the Fulton Market. There’s also a GREAT pizza place called Industry Kitchen. Tons of engagement photo ideas here. 10/10.
23. Plaza Hotel
Arguably one of the most famous hotels thanks to our friend Eloise, the Plaza Hotel is a highly coveted spot for engagement and wedding photos. The exterior is just as iconic as the interior, so don’t sleep on it. If you want to photograph inside though, the lobby is the only place you can go and is normally filled with guests and tourists. I can make it work, though.
24. Prospect Park Engagement Photos
Perfect for lounging after spending the afternoon at the Brooklyn Museum, and even better for some fun engagement photos and poses. A quick walk through the park also brings you to a cute area with a fountain and brick wall, which casts perfect shadows if I do say so myself.
25. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
An iconic arch right by Prospect Park. The detail in the architecture on this bad boy is truly amazing, so when it comes to working on your engagement photo poses, you can let the arch do the work here. Just hanging out in front of it is enough to make a photo cool.
26. Subway Station (Chambers Street)
Even the subway station in City Hall Park is rife with impressive architecture. This particular entrance is right by Municipal Plaza, which is also structurally breathtaking. Don’t sleep on City Hall Park, folks.
27. Taxis
Nothing will make you feel like a head-over-heels romantic more than smooching in the back of a taxi (or your uber, either works). The iconic yellow taxi is quintessential NYC aesthetic, and a perfect setting for engagement and wedding photos.
28. Times Square (if you’re feeling brave)
There’s pretty much never a time when Times Square isn’t filled with people. Maybe the middle of the night? If you want to take photos here, there *will* be people in the background. It’s iconic though, regardless, and if you’re visiting NYC for the first time, it’s kind of a rite of passage to fight through these crowds..
29. Tompkins Square Park
Tompkins Square Park is a cute little park in the East Village, a totally underrated spot for photos in my opinion. Anywhere you look is beautiful greenery, plus there’s a plethora of DELISH restaurants on every corner.
30. Wagner Cove
Wagner Cove is a wonderful, hidden spot in Central Park. It’s not hidden in the sense that it’s little-known, but you literally have to *look* for it, or you’ll miss it. It’s off of the path by Cherry Hill Fountain and down some stairs, right by the water. A great spot for proposals, engagement and wedding photos.
31. Washingtown Mews
I’m not sure if this place is a hidden gem, but it sure feels like it. Washington Mews is a semi-gated street lined with unique apartments and buildings. The streets are cobblestone, some of the doors are fun colors, you can’t go wrong. Unfortunately for me (not a morning person) the light here is just magical around sunrise. I will do it for love, but we WILL need to stop for coffee first.
32. Washington Square Park Engagement Photos
What kind of list of engagement/wedding photo ideas would this be if I didn’t include Washington Square Park? I mean, it’s got it all: a giant arch, a fountain, a dog park, greenery. What more could you ask for?
33. West Street
This particular area of West Street was down by Hudson & Laight, but all of West Street is on the water, runs through a few parks, and is super fun for photos. There was even a little bee garden here with some vibrant orange flowers.
34. William Vale Hotel Engagement Photos
The William Vale is a gorgeous hotel in Brooklyn with breathtaking views from the rooftop. There’s also a chic bar, and some pretty cool artwork in the lobby. I will say though, I did NOT know you couldn’t photograph in the lobby. The security guard let me take a few shots before letting me know, which I appreciate. Ally!
35. Your Apartment
Last (for now) but not least: the rooftop of your apartment. If you’ve got a rooftop, you’ve got a place to take engagement or wedding photos. What better place to take photos than your home?
This concludes my list of NYC engagement and wedding photo locations, ideas, and poses, but I will be updating this periodically as I find cool new spots.
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