Engagement sessions are one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process. Not only do they result in a beautiful collection of images for your save the dates and wedding website, but they also give you the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. It’s a relaxed, meaningful way for us to work together — allowing you to experience my approach, movement-based posing, and natural storytelling style long before your wedding arrives.
Choosing the right location for your engagement photos can feel overwhelming at first. With so many beautiful options throughout New Jersey and New York City, narrowing it down isn’t always easy. I always encourage couples to start by thinking about places that feel meaningful to them. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or a spot you love spending time together.
If nothing immediately comes to mind — or if you’re simply looking for something new — I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorite engagement session locations across New Jersey and New York City.
Before choosing your spot, there are two important questions to consider:
1. What type of setting best reflects your style — garden, city, beach, or charming town?
2. Are you comfortable with a permit fee, or would you prefer a location that does not require one?
Many of the most beautiful public spaces require photography permits, often with varying costs and timelines. Doing a bit of research ahead of time will help you understand the permit process, associated fees, and how far in advance applications must be submitted.
Once you’ve answered these questions, selecting your engagement session location becomes much easier — and a lot more fun. Below you’ll find a curated list of my favorite spots, each offering its own unique atmosphere and inspiration.
Garden
CROSS ESTATE GARDENS
Bernardsville, New Jersey
Tucked away in Bernardsville, Cross Estate Gardens is one of my absolute favorite locations for engagement sessions. With winding garden paths, open lawns, stone staircases, and lush seasonal blooms, the property offers a beautiful variety of backdrops all within one setting. The natural textures and soft greenery create an effortlessly romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal location for timeless, light-filled engagement photos. See more galleries from Cross Estate Gardens.
SKYLANDS MANOR
Ringwood, New Jersey
Located within the New Jersey Botanical Garden, Skylands Manor offers a breathtaking setting for engagement sessions. The grand stone mansion, formal gardens, sweeping staircases, and manicured grounds provide endless variety for portraits. With its old-world architecture and romantic European feel, this location is perfect for couples drawn to timeless, elegant engagement photos. Please note that a photography permit is required to shoot here. See more galleries from Skylands Manor.
VAN VLECK HOUSE & GARDEN
Montclair, New Jersey
Located in Montclair, Van Vleck House & Gardens is a timeless estate known for its manicured gardens, historic architecture, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline in the distance. With seasonal blooms, formal pathways, and a refined old-world feel, it’s a beautiful setting for classic and romantic engagement photos. A photography permit is required to shoot at this location. See more galleries from Van Vleck House & Gardens.
Park
DIVINE PARK
Spring Lake, New Jersey
Divine Park may take the cake as my favorite public park for engagement sessions — especially in the spring when the trees begin to bloom. The park’s charming wooden bridges, winding paths, and soft natural light create an effortlessly romantic and airy atmosphere. It also holds special meaning for me, as Matt and I chose this spot for our own engagement photos. As an added bonus, the park is just a two-minute drive from the beach, making it perfect for couples who want variety within one session. See more galleries from Divine Park.
LIBERTY STATE PARK
Jersey City, New Jersey
Liberty State Park is a true gem just outside the city, offering sweeping views of the New York City skyline alongside expansive green space and waterfront paths. The park’s natural variety allows for multiple looks within one session, from iconic city backdrops to soft, romantic scenery beneath its beautiful willow trees. It’s the perfect location for couples who want a blend of urban energy and timeless outdoor portraits. See more galleries from Liberty State Park.
SCENIC HUDSON RIVERWALK
Tarrytown, New York
For my Connecticut-based couples, the Scenic Hudson RiverWalk is a wonderful meet-in-the-middle location, situated near the New York and New Jersey border. The waterfront path offers stunning views of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, along with open river vistas and soft natural light. Just minutes away, the charming town of Tarrytown adds to the experience, making this location perfect for couples who want their engagement session to feel like a relaxed and picturesque day trip. See more galleries from the Scenic Hudson RiverWalk.
City
BELVEDERE CASTLE
New York, New York
A truly unique Central Park setting, Belvedere Castle feels as though it transports you to another time. Tucked just beyond the bustling Bethesda Terrace area, this spot typically offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. The castle’s dramatic stone architecture pairs beautifully with nearby Turtle Pond, providing a variety of scenic backdrops within a relatively small area. It’s an ideal choice for couples who love a romantic, European-inspired look in the heart of New York City. See more galleries from Belvedere Castle.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Brooklyn, New York
One of the most iconic locations in New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge offers an unmistakably timeless backdrop for engagement photos. Due to its popularity, I photograph sessions here exclusively at sunrise — a time when the bridge is calm, quiet, and beautifully lit by soft morning light. While the area becomes extremely busy later in the day, early mornings reveal a truly magical experience with unobstructed views, peaceful energy, and the classic city skyline stretching behind you. See more galleries from the Brooklyn Bridge.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers incredible variety within one iconic waterfront setting. From sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge to the intimate garden tucked inside the historic brick walls of the Tobacco Warehouse, every corner feels thoughtfully layered. Just steps away, Pebble Beach adds a unique shoreline backdrop, making this location ideal for couples who want multiple looks and a distinctly New York feel within a single engagement session. See more galleries from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
CENTRAL PARK
New York, New York
You can’t get more quintessential New York City than Central Park. With its winding paths, iconic bridges, and classic city-meets-nature scenery, it offers endless opportunities for engagement photos. Both sunrise and sunset sessions work beautifully here, allowing for soft, flattering light and a more relaxed atmosphere before or after peak foot traffic. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, along with Bow Bridge, remain two of the most timeless and popular spots within the park. See more galleries from Central Park.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
New York, New York
The Financial District offers a striking blend of historic architecture and modern city energy. With grand stone facades, narrow streets, and iconic New York City landmarks, the area provides a sophisticated, editorial backdrop for engagement photos. Just steps away, the nearby waterfront offers open skyline views and beautiful natural light, while easy access to Tribeca allows for even more variety — from cobblestone streets to classic cast-iron buildings — all within one session. See more galleries from the Financial District.
HOBOKEN BROWNSTONES
Hoboken, New Jersey
Having lived in Hoboken for several years has given me the opportunity to discover some of the city’s most picturesque corners. The classic brownstone-lined streets offer a timeless urban backdrop with charming architecture, soft neutral tones, and beautiful natural light. It’s a perfect option for couples who love a city feel but want to stay just outside of Manhattan. See more galleries from the Hoboken brownstones.
HOBOKEN WATERFRONT
Hoboken, New Jersey
When I think of classic Hoboken engagement photos, the waterfront immediately comes to mind. With sweeping views of the New York City skyline and open riverfront paths, it offers a beautiful balance of urban energy and natural light. Sessions can take place uptown near Maxwell Place Park or downtown along Pier A or Pier C, both of which offer beautiful vantage points — including stunning views of the Freedom Tower and Empire State Building across the river. See more galleries from the uptown Hoboken waterfront. See more galleries from the downtown Hoboken waterfront.
VAN VORST PARK
Jersey City, New Jersey
Located in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City, Van Vorst Park is one of my favorite hidden gems for engagement sessions. The park’s charming fountain, tree-lined paths, and seasonal greenery create a soft and romantic setting. It’s especially beautiful in the spring and summer months, when the light filters through the foliage and the park truly comes to life. See more galleries from Van Vorst Park.
WEST VILLAGE
New York, New York
The West Village is one of New York City’s most charming and photogenic neighborhoods. With its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, classic stoops, and quiet cobblestone corners, the area offers a romantic, lived-in city feel. From leafy blocks to iconic street views, it’s a beautiful option for couples who love timeless New York character with an effortlessly stylish backdrop. See more galleries from the West Village.
Beach & Coastal
LAVALLETTE BEACH
Lavallette, New Jersey
The charming beach town of Lavallette is one of my favorite spots along the Jersey Shore. With natural seagrass, wide sandy beaches, and a relaxed coastal feel, it offers a dreamy backdrop for engagement photos. The soft textures and neutral tones make it especially beautiful at golden hour, perfect for couples drawn to light, romantic seaside imagery. See more galleries from Lavallette Beach.
SPRING LAKE BEACH
Spring Lake, New Jersey
Just minutes from Divine Park, Spring Lake Beach is one of the most picturesque spots along the Jersey Shore. Its light-colored boardwalk and soft, glowing seagrass create a timeless coastal setting — reminiscent of a scene from a Nicholas Sparks novel. It’s also especially meaningful to me, as my husband and I chose this beach for our own engagement photos. As with most coastal sessions, a breeze is common, adding beautiful movement to photos. See more galleries from Spring Lake Beach.
Other
THE HERBARY AT BEAR CREEK
Howell Township, New Jersey
The Herbary at Bear Creek offers a beautiful blend of indoor and outdoor settings, making it a versatile option for engagement sessions year-round. The light-filled greenhouse features lush greenery and an organic, botanical feel, while the surrounding outdoor grounds provide additional variety with natural textures and open space. It’s an especially lovely choice for couples drawn to romantic, garden-inspired imagery. A photography permit is required to shoot at this location. See more from the Herbary at Bear Creek.
MADISON TRAIN STATION
Madison, New Jersey
One of the most charming train stations in New Jersey, the Madison Train Station offers a classic and architectural backdrop for engagement photos. With its historic building, stone details, and surrounding walkways, there are several beautiful areas to photograph within a compact space. It’s an especially meaningful location for couples whose love story includes a daily commute into the city. See more from the Madison Train Station.
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton University’s historic campus is one of the most beautiful locations in New Jersey. While professional photography is limited to designated areas, the Gothic architecture, stone archways, and ivy-covered buildings create a truly timeless backdrop. After your session, the surrounding college town offers the perfect setting for a celebratory date night, with many charming restaurants just steps from campus. See more galleries from Princeton University.
