By Jessie Festa. This guide to the best spots for engagement photos in New York City contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Are you looking for the best locations for engagement photos in NYC?
Then you’re in the right place!
Getting engaged is an exciting occasion, and there’s no better way to commemorate your engagement than with a photoshoot.
There are tons of great locations in New York City where you can capture romantic engagement photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Accompanied by an engagement photographer in NYC, there are endless opportunities for creating memorable photos to celebrate your love — from the natural beauty of Central Park to the urban backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and beyond.
Below are some of the best spots for taking engagement photos in NYC, based on my experience as a native New Yorker, licensed tour guide, and local photographer for over 10 years. I’ve organized the list by borough so you can easily find your ideal location.
Book An Engagement Photoshoot In NYC
Looking for a New York engagement photographer? We can help!
Since 2013, the NYC Photo Journeys team has been taking photos of couples around New York City. And now, we’d love to help bring your love story to life through beautiful imagery with NYC as your backdrop.
We offer two New York City Engagement Photography packages to fit different budgets. Additionally, at checkout, you can choose add-ons like having your engagement photos also edited in black and white or prints sent to your home.
Your NYC engagement photography shoot also includes a planning call where we’ll go over your vision so that your photographer can bring it to life.
Not getting engaged but want to book a shoot to celebrate your anniversary, celebrate your birthday, or just for fun? We also offer Professional NYC Photoshoots.
You can view samples of our work on Instagram @NYCPhotoTour and read reviews from past clients on TripAdvisor.
Still have questions? Email our team at [email protected].
Best Engagement Photo Locations In NYC
Once you’ve researched the best engagement photographers in NYC and secured your session — hopefully with us — it’s time to choose your locations. Some of the best places in NYC for engagement photos include the following.
Engagement Photo Locations In Manhattan
1. Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock, the observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center, is one of the most unique locations for an engagement photo session in New York. There are few other places where you can get such a jaw-dropping view of the city.
This 70th-floor observation deck offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, including amazing views of the Empire State Building. It has an indoor and outdoor section, perfect for capturing memorable engagement photos with all of NYC in the background.
If you want engagement photos that really encapsulate the dynamic energy of New York City, the Top of the Rock is one of the best locations for your shoot.
2. Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is one of the best locations for engagement photos in Central Park. This cast-iron bridge spans the Central Park Lake, and it’s absolutely stunning in any season.
Bow Bridge is one of the most scenic spots in NYC, making it the ideal location to snap some romantic engagement photos with a pretty natural background with some skyline woven in, too.
It’s guaranteed to be a breathtaking location to commemorate your engagement through photography, and visiting is one of the most romantic things to do in Central Park.
3. Belvedere Castle
Did you know there is a castle in Manhattan? Belvedere Castle is another one of the top spots to take NYC engagement photos.
This whimsical little castle is tucked away inside Central Park and overlooks Turtle Pond — which just happens to be another one of our favorite photography spots as well as a great place for a romantic picnic in New York City.
This is an excellent location to shoot photos at sunset for a dramatic and striking look. It’s also one of the best spots for winter engagement photos in NYC, as the backdrop blanketed in snow provides a fairytale ambiance.
Regardless of the season, Belvedere Castle is one of the most magical engagement photo spots in New York.
4. Bethesda Terrace
A favorite spot of many NYC engagement photographers is Bethesda Terrace. Located in Central Park, this is one of the best places in NYC for engagement photos thanks to its wide range of backdrops.
You’ve probably seen this spot in countless cinematic shots on movies and television shows, from Elf to Home Alone to Gossip Girl and beyond.
In particular, the elegant covered arcade leading out to the terrace and Bethesda Fountain in the center of the terrace are dreamy spots for engagement pictures.
There are also opportunities to pose on wide staircases, and Bow Bridge (mentioned above) is only a 5-minute walk away.
5. Gapstow Bridge
If you’re looking for a good spot to take NYC winter engagement photos, look no further than Gapstow Bridge, which is also a popular place for proposals.
This picture-perfect bridge in Central Park is especially magical in the winter surrounded by freshly-fallen snow.
Additionally, from the bridge, you’ll have amazing views of the Billionares’ Row skyline and The Plaza Hotel.
As it’s located at the southeast corner of the park, you’ll also have easy access to other Manhattan locations like the Upper East Side and Grand Central Terminal.
This is one of the best spots for an engagement photoshoot in NYC, no matter the season. It’s an idyllic location that is perfect for taking romantic photos to celebrate your engagement.
6. The Mall And Literary Walk
The Mall and Literary Walk is one of the best locations for engagement photos in NYC and one of the top photo spots in Central Park.
This long, tree-lined pathway has appeared in countless movies and television shows. It’s a cinematic and romantic backdrop, perfect for capturing photos in any season.
The best time of day for snapping photos here is late afternoon and dusk when the streetlamps lining the pathway light up.
Strolling down the path arm-in-arm with your beloved makes for some lovely photos. Additionally, consider adding some cozy bench shots and photos on the surrounding lawns to your NYC engagement shoot.
Your NYC engagement photographer will certainly be inspired by all of the options!
7. Conservatory Garden
Another one of the best engagement photo locations in NYC is Central Park’s Conservatory Garden. This lesser-visited part of Central Park is located further uptown, making it somewhat of a hidden gem.
The formal gardens are the perfect backdrop for romantic engagement photos if you want to be surrounded by colorful flowers, serene fountains, and meticulously landscaped greenery.
Spring and summer are particularly excellent times of year to take Manhattan engagement photos in the Conservatory Garden as this is when the most flowers are in bloom.
8. The Met Cloisters
One of the best engagement photo locations in NYC that is not as well-known is The Met Cloisters. This offshoot of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located far uptown, overlooking the Hudson River.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous and romantic setting — a museum resembling a European castle and monastery surrounded by lush foliage and perched above the river.
The grounds also showcase plenty of nature-lined trails if you’d like to mix architecture and views with a more classic park setting.
9. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of the best locations for indoor engagement photos in NYC or if it’s a rainy day in New York.
It may seem kind of strange to take engagement photos in a train station, but Grand Central is no ordinary train station — it’s an iconic NYC location, and so stunning it feels like a place you should need to pay admission to enter (but don’t!).
With its elegant architecture and constellation-dotted ceiling painted to resemble the Mediterranean winter sky, it’s a truly special backdrop for engagement photos.
This location emphasizes how your love makes time feel like it’s standing still, even with all the hustle and bustle of busy people in the background.
10. Upper East Side
The Upper East Side offers a mix of classic and modern backdrops, making it an ideal spot for engagement photos in NYC.
Along with taking pictures in Central Park, the elegant tree-lined streets and brownstone buildings along avenues like Park and Madison Avenue provide a classic NYC feel for intimate and timeless shots.
For a touch of art and culture, the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s steps or its beautiful facade serve as excellent backdrops, while nearby, the Ukrainian Institute of America is a stunning Gilded Age mansion.
Additionally, exploring charming local cafes or capturing candid moments along the neighborhood streets can add a romantic touch to the shoot.
11. Flatiron Building
Looking for a more urban location for your engagement photos? The Flatiron Building is the perfect New York engagement photography spot.
This iconic triangular-shaped building in Manhattan makes the perfect backdrop for engagement photos that capture the hustle and bustle of city life.
You can pose in front of this building and expect to see some quintessential NYC sights, like yellow cabs whizzing by in the background.
Another idea: From the Flatiron North and South Public Plazas, you can get amazing views of the Empire State Building looking north and the Flatiron Building looking south.
It’s a great location for taking iconic engagement photos in the midst of the city.
12. World Trade Center Mural Project
Looking for edgy engagement photos in NYC? The World Trade Center Mural Project will brighten up your pictures with an entire complex of colorful murals — including a rainbow-colored heart mural that is perfect for couples!
Next to the mural project is also The Oculus, a unique train station and shopping center created to look like a dove leaving a child’s hands. Both the inside and outside offer unique opportunities for photos against the striking bright white lines of the building.
Additionally, you’re surrounded by stunning architecture, which includes another amazing NYC engagement photo opportunity, the One World Observatory.
And if that wasn’t enough, you’re also within walking distance of the famous Brooklyn Bridge — the perfect place to snap an iconic engagement photo in NYC.
13. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is another great spot for a couples’ photoshoot in NYC.
This small park in Greenwich Village is always lively, making it a dynamic location for engagement photos. You’ll constantly find musicians and other entertainers in this park, which is a popular gathering spot for friends.
With the gorgeous Washington Square Fountain at its center and the iconic Washington Square Arch at its edge, this park is a great location for taking engagement photos in a more urban setting.
14. South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport is a historic area in Lower Manhattan that is a unique location for NYC engagement photos.
There are a couple of different spots where you can take great pictures here.
On the waterfront, you can capture photos with the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. There are also some quaint, historic cobblestoned streets that are perfect for photos.
Outside the South Street Seaport Museum, there are some historic ships docked in the river that also make a cool backdrop for your photos.
Engagement Photo Locations In Brooklyn
15. Brooklyn Bridge
For the quintessential engagement shoot in NYC, you can’t beat the Brooklyn Bridge as a shooting location. This bridge is one of the most famous spots in all of New York.
There are several places to get Brooklyn Bridge photos, though right on the bridge is a top pick. With its famous stone arches, this bridge is a unique location to commemorate your engagement through photography.
It’s beautiful at any time of day, but sunrise is the best time to capture stunning photos with great lighting (and no other people) on this iconic bridge, which has graced the NYC cityscape since 1883.
16. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Another top Brooklyn location for engagement photos is Brooklyn Bridge Park. Thanks to its location on the East River, it’s home to some of the best free views in New York City.
Additionally, it’s one of the top spots for taking photos with the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge in the background. You can get engagement photos from the grassy areas and dock with the bridge as well as One World Trade in the background, or pose in front of St. Anne’s Warehouse to stand right against the bridge.
It’s also recommended to go into the Time Out New York Market and ride the elevator up to their rooftop park, which is another excellent spot to get photos with the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade in the background, this time from a higher vantage point.
This is a great spot for photos at any time of day, but it’s especially gorgeous at sunset.
17. Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach, which gets its name from all the small rocks and pebbles strewn about, is one of the best locations for engagement photos in Brooklyn.
Located within the above-mentioned Brooklyn Bridge Park, the beach overlooks the East River, with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, One World Trade, and the Manhattan skyline in the background. This helps to make it an amazing location for taking dramatic engagement photos with a gorgeous backdrop.
It’s beautiful at any time of day, but it’s a really unique place for nighttime photos when the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline are all lit up.
18. Jane’s Carousel
If you’re looking for unique engagement photo ideas in NYC, look no further than Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This historic carousel is more than 100 years old, and it’s still running!
Its prime location on the waterfront overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline makes it a delightful spot for taking whimsical, dreamy engagement photos.
You can take photos in front of it, or take a spin on it for some playful photos.
19. Brooklyn Heights
If you want to take New York City engagement photos that encapsulate the beauty of the city, Brooklyn Heights is the perfect location. This charming neighborhood near the Brooklyn Bridge offers tons of photogenic backdrops for photos.
With tree-lined cobblestone streets and gorgeous brownstones, this is a picture-perfect location for capturing street-style engagement photography.
In terms of specific NYC engagement photo locations, Cranberry Street and Grace Court Alley are two of the most picturesque streets in Brooklyn Heights for photos.
20. Prospect Park
It may not be the most famous park in NYC, but don’t overlook Prospect Park, which was designed by the same landscape architects as Central Park!
This lovely park is the perfect location for taking engagement photos thanks to the myriad picture-perfect spots to choose from, including bridges, ponds, and promenades.
Prospect Park is an excellent location at any time of year, but it’s particularly beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Just outside Prospect Park, the idyllic Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn is also a great location for snapping some street-style engagement photos.
21. Coney Island
Coney Island is one of the most unique engagement photo locations in New York City.
This beach in Brooklyn is famous for being home to the Luna Park amusement park and an old-school boardwalk with the original Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs location.
If you want to take playful, whimsical Brooklyn engagement photos, Coney Island is the perfect spot. In addition to taking photos at the amusement park and on the boardwalk, you can get pictures on the beach.
22. Williamsburg
There are many fun things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn — including taking romantic photos, as it’s one of the top engagement photo locations in NYC.
The waterfront in particular is stunning, with beautiful views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building.
If you like street art, it’s recommended to combine this location with the adjacent neighborhood of Bushwick, which is known for its endless colorful murals.
These are two popular places in NYC to take engagement photos, and we frequently take our Engagement Photoshoot clients there.
23. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an excellent location for engagement photos thanks to its varied and beautiful settings.
Couples can take stunning shots in the Japanese Garden, featuring peaceful ponds and bridges, or amidst the colorful blooms in the Rose Garden.
The Cherry Esplanade, particularly during cherry blossom season in spring, provides a romantic backdrop, while the garden’s pathways and archways offer intimate spots for photos.
Additionally, areas like the Lily Pool Terrace and Cranford Rose Garden‘s pergola offer diverse settings to capture the couple’s love amidst the garden’s natural beauty.
Note: This NYC engagement photoshoot location requires a permit.
Engagement Photo Locations In Queens
24. Rockaway Beach
Another unique location for engagement photography in NYC is Rockaway Beach in Queens, which is popular with surfers as well as NYC engagement photographers.
It’s a dynamic location for taking unforgettable engagement photos thanks to its mix of stunning coastline, expansive sandy shores, and picturesque sunsets.
Depending on the weather, season, and time of day, Rockaway Beach can be an excellent spot for moody, dramatic photos or fun, light-filled photos.
25. Gantry Plaza State Park
Another one of the best places to take engagement photos in NYC is Gantry Plaza State Park. This park is located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, right across the East River from Manhattan.
This is a great place to capture dramatic engagement photos with the river and the Midtown skyline in the background. It’s actually one of the best places to see the Manhattan skyline from Queens!
There’s a long walkway that juts out into the river which is the perfect spot for capturing your engagement pictures.
Engagement Photo Locations In The Bronx
26. Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center
Located in the Bronx, Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center is an underrated spot for an engagement session. These gardens are positioned right on the Hudson River and offer many stunning views.
It’s a bucolic setting for romantic engagement photos located right in the heart of the city, and yet it feels like it’s a world away.
One of the best spots in Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center for photos is the terraced gardens that overlook the river, framed by arches and columns.
27. New York Botanical Garden
One of the best places for engagement photos in NYC is the New York Botanical Garden.
Beautiful during any season, the New York Botanical Garden is filled with photo-worthy spots, especially if you want flowers and foliage in the background.
It’s especially pretty during the spring, when many flowers are in bloom, and during the fall, when the foliage in the gardens turns vivid shades of red, orange, and gold.
Engagement Photo Locations In Staten Island
28. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Lastly, don’t overlook Staten Island when it comes to NYC engagement photo locations! Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is one of the best spots in the borough for romantic photos.
The garden is filled with scenic places to snap the perfect photos, especially the often-photographed Chinese Scholar’s Garden.
The Tuscan Garden is another scenic location where you can take romantic couples’ photos.
Romantic Experiences In NYC
Along with booking an NYC engagement photographer, consider signing up for a few of these other romantic experiences in New York City:
- ⛵ New York City Sunset Sail to the Statue of Liberty
- 🍷 Long Island Wine Tour from Manhattan
- 🍸 Skip the Line NYC Speakeasy Walking Tour Ticket
- 🚁 The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York
- ❤️ A New York Date Night Tour
- 🌻 Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours
- 💍 NYC Helicopter Proposal Tour with Photos & Champagne
➡️ Click here for a full list of romantic NYC experiences.
Looking to book a New York engagement photographer? Capture the essence of your love story against the breathtaking backdrop of New York City’s iconic skyline with our premium engagement photography packages – planning call included!
Romantic Hotels In NYC
Staying overnight? Here are some of the top romantic hotels in New York City:
- NoMo SoHo (SoHo)
- The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel (Lower Manhattan)
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn Heights)
- Library Hotel (Midtown)
- The Plaza Hotel (Upper East Side)
➡️ You can also search this map for romantic hotels and apartments. It’s currently set to SoHo, but you can easily change it to your preferred NYC location:
NYC Engagement Photo Locations FAQ
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best engagement photo locations in NYC, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:
Q) How much do engagement photos cost in NYC?
The cost of engagement photography in NYC can vary widely depending on several factors such as the photographer’s experience, the package inclusions, session duration, location permits, editing services, and additional products like prints or albums.
On average, engagement photo sessions in NYC can range anywhere from $200 to $800 or more for a basic package, while more comprehensive packages with extended sessions or premium services can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or higher.
Q) What is the best time of day to do an engagement photoshoot in NYC?
Typically, it’s best to book your NYC engagement session for earlier in the day. This is because you’ll get softer lighting as well as fewer crowds.
Q) What is the difference between proposal photos and engagement photos?
Proposal photos capture the heartfelt moment of a marriage proposal, often taken discreetly or with hidden photographers, while engagement photos are planned sessions where the couple, now engaged, poses together to commemorate their love before the wedding.
Q) What is the best place to take engagement photos in NYC?
As a New York photographer, I’d recommend Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Brooklyn Bridge Park for taking engagement photos in NYC.
Q) What is the best color to wear for engagement photos?
Soft, neutral tones like pastels, creams, blues, grays, or earthy hues tend to work well for engagement photos, as they complement various skin tones, create a timeless look, and blend harmoniously with most outdoor settings without overwhelming the images taken during your NYC engagement session.
Bonus Resources For Couples In NYC
38 Fun Activities In NYC For Couples
35 Ways To Celebrate Your Anniversary In NYC
37 Fun Spring Dates Ideas In NYC
31 Fun Summer Date Ideas In NYC
40 Fun Winter Date Ideas In NYC
What best locations for engagement photos in NYC would you add to this list?
Dale P.
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