Whether you are visiting NYC on vacation or a true local, here are my top locations for NYC engagement photos. The most popular spots always include Central Park and various areas by the Brooklyn Bridge, but you can find more suggestions below!
BEST TIME OF DAY TO CAPTURE NYC ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
In order to give my couples those romantic photos with the best light I only photograph couples during golden hour light (sunrise and sunset). The prettiest light to photograph in always takes place within 90 minutes after sunrise and within 90 minutes of sunset to get the best pictures possible. That way you don’t have to squint with the sun, it won’t create deep shadows under your eyes, and it has the dreamiest golden light! In NYC the early wake-up call for sunrise sessions is totally worth having those high tourist destinations all to yourself.
NYC RUSTIC/PARK COUPLES SESSION
CENTRAL PARK: Bow Bridge, The Mall, Bethesda Terrace/ Fountain, Cherry Hill, San Remo Lookout Point. (best at sunrise for a just us experience)
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK (sunrise only for a just us experience)
NYC ENGAGEMENT SESSION SPOTS FOR CITY VIBES
Hudson Yards The Edge: (Additional ticket fee would be added on to your engagement photography collection.) https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/
On Brooklyn Bridge: (sunrise only for a more private experience)
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Amazing backdrop with the Brooklyn Bridge and city skyline behind you
On Washington Street in DUMBO: for the iconic shot with the Manhattan Bridge
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Outside The NYC Public Library (during off hours)
610 Loft & Garden (additional rental fee)
Pebble Beach: For those epic city skyline views with the Brooklyn Bridge behind you
NYC CHERRY BLOSSOM ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS
Central Park Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Hill, Bridle Path, near the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the Great Lawn, Pilgrim Hill and Sheep Meadow
Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens
(Usually the first in the city to bloom: March 29th, 2025)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Esplanade
Admission: Adult Tickets $22
Photography permit? Yes. Permit fee: $366 for a 60-minute session
Session Time: Sessions may be scheduled during business hours, with the last session offered at 4:30 p.m. (3 p.m. November through March). Permit fee: $366 for a 60-minute session
https://www.bbg.org/visit/hours
You can find more information about booking a season cherry blossom session here: https://meghanlynchphotography.com/nyc-cherry-blossom-engagement-photos
NYC HOLIDAY & SNOW ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS
Central Park: Snow photo sessions in Central Park (more likely in January or February) can be absolutely magical. I typically like to keep these sessions to 1 hour or less so my couples don’t get too cold.
Rockefeller or Wollman Rink
Christmas Trees around the city: New York Stock Exchange, Bryant Park, Lotte Hotel, Rockefeller Center, Tavern on the Green
By decorated apartment stoops depending on the year (West 82nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus)
Decorated shops on 5th Ave
Top tips for a snow engagement session in NYC:
- Bring along hot packs to keep you warm outside. They have them in varying types like hand and toe warmers or body warmers.
- Plan time to take breaks to warm up from the chilly outdoor temps. Get hot chocolate at Max Brenner (Union Square or Times Square) or Serendipity for their Frrrozen Hot Chocolates
- Some activities you could do with me or on your own depending on the month (ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink, see the window displays on 5th, see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, see a holiday show like the Rockettes, visit the Bryant Park or Union Square Holiday Market)
NYC BEACH & LIGHTHOUSE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SPOTS (AND BEYOND)
Rockaway Beach
Coney Island
Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse
BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR A NYC ENGAGEMENT SESSION
NYC is a year round destination that should not be missed. Here are some top tips for choosing when to schedule your engagement session in New York:
- Weekdays are naturally less crowded
- If you want to do a couples session in the summer (between June and late August), but ideally want to have as close to a private outdoor session as possible opt for a sunrise session.
- You’ll find NYC to be the “quietest” mid January through March.
- Summer: June-August, Fall: September-November (maybe you want fall foliage), Winter: December-February, Spring: March-May (maybe you’d like to have a NYC cherry blossom engagement session in April)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
COUPLES SESSION INFO & PRICING
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