Our Favorite Engagement Photo Locations in New York City

One of the first questions couples ask when planning an engagement session is where to go. New York offers an almost endless list of backdrops, from skyline views and cobblestone streets to leafy parks and the ocean. After more than a decade of photographing engagements across the city, these are the places we return to again and again, and why.

DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

There is a reason DUMBO is so beloved. Within a few blocks you have cobblestone streets, the Manhattan Bridge framed between old warehouse buildings, and a waterfront park with the entire Manhattan skyline across the East River. As the sun goes down, the light over the water turns warm and golden, and the city begins to glow behind you.

Engaged couple on the Brooklyn waterfront in DUMBO at golden hour with the Manhattan skyline behind them

We love to begin on the quieter side streets, where the old rail tracks and brick facades lend a timeless feel, then finish along the water as the skyline lights up.

Couple walking along the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, Brooklyn during their engagement session

Central Park

Central Park feels like a world of its own. Bethesda Terrace and its famous fountain offer grand architecture and a sense of classic New York romance, while the lawns and winding paths nearby are perfect for relaxed, candid moments. Spring blossoms and fall foliage make the park especially beautiful, but it is lovely in every season.

Long Island City

Just across the river from Midtown, Long Island City pairs lush waterfront gardens with some of the most expansive views of the Manhattan skyline anywhere. It tends to be calmer than Manhattan’s parks, which makes it easy to relax and simply enjoy each other. We wrote about one of our favorite sessions here in our engagement session at Gantry Plaza State Park.

Along the Waterfront

Some of our favorite frames happen simply along the water, with the skyline softly in the background and nothing but the two of you in focus. These spots feel spacious and open, a welcome contrast to the energy of the city just across the river.

Williamsburg

If you would love your photos to feel like an ordinary, perfect day together, Williamsburg is hard to beat. Its tree-lined blocks, street art and neighborhood energy suit couples who want something playful and personal. A bike ride, a stop at your favorite coffee shop or a stroll through the neighborhood you call home all make for wonderfully natural images.

Coney Island

For something a little unexpected, head to the beach. Coney Island’s wide stretch of sand and the soft light over the ocean at sunset create a relaxed, romantic mood that feels miles away from the city. Kick off your shoes, walk along the water and let the moment unfold.

Tips for a Beautiful Engagement Session

Plan around the light. The hour before sunset, often called golden hour, gives the softest, most flattering light, and early mornings mean fewer crowds at popular spots.
Keep it close together. For a one-hour session, choose one or two locations near each other so your time is spent together in front of the camera, not in transit.
Bring a second outfit. A change of clothes, from something relaxed to something more dressed up, adds variety to your gallery.
Wear comfortable shoes. Many of the best spots involve a little walking, and you can always switch shoes for the photos.
Choose somewhere meaningful. The neighborhood where you met, the park where you got engaged or the street you live on will always carry more meaning than any famous landmark.

Planning Your Engagement Session

Engagement sessions can be added to any of our wedding packages, and they are one of the best ways to become comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. You can see more of our work in our engagement portfolio, read about why we recommend engagement photos, or get in touch to start planning your session.