The Best Engagement Photo Locations in New England and New York

New England and New York are home to some of the best engagement photo locations. From the iconic rocky shorelines of coastal Maine to the Boston Public Gardens and Beacon Hill to the forest lined lakes of New Hampshire and the sand dunes of Cape Cod, New England offers some of the best locations for engagement photos. And don’t forget about New York City’s Central Park or the Brooklyn Bridge! What makes New England the best location for engagement photos is how every location changes with the seasons.

From beautiful fresh spring greenery, to the warm sunset light of summer; autumn foliage and winter enchantment, we’ve compiled a guide of some of our favorite engagement session locations for couples, including some tips and permit information.

Charles River Esplanade
No Permit Required

Quintessential Boston, the Charles River Esplanade offers dramatic weeping willows, views of the Charles River, and stunning vista of the Cambridge skyline. Come in the summer and early fall for views of sailboats. This location can get crowded even on weekdays, but offers the most romantic New England vibe for Boston engagement photos.

Boston Public Gardens
No Permit Required

Located in the heart of Boston, the Boston Public Gardens and Boston Common are home to some of the best views for engagement sessions in the city. Stunning greenery, water features, and old world architecture make this an ideal spot for engagement photos. Parking can be a challenge, though there is a garage under the Boston Common with a modest fee.

Cape Cod
No Permit Required

Cape Cod’s landscape is unmistakable: undulating sand dunes and beach grasses, the gray tones of weather-worn cedar shingles, the smell of the sea. There is truly no better place for engagement photos than where the land and ocean meet!

Beacon Hill
No Permit Required

Capturing the essence of colonial Boston, the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, locating just north of the Boston Common, is a wonderful place for engagement photos with an old world charm. A great spot, Acorn Street, is on of the most photographed streets in the world! If you chose to have engagement photos here, do take care to be respectful of the residents of this charming and historic neighborhood.

New York City Central Park
No Permit Required

One of the most iconic locations in the world for photography, New York’s Central Park offers plenty of opportunities for beautiful engagement photos. From the Gapstow Bridge, to Bethesda Fountain and terrace, bustling Fifth Avenue, to the wooded trails and skyline views—Central Park has it all!

Coast of Maine
No Permit Required

Maine, known locally as “Vacationland” is one of the premiere travel destinations in New England. From Ogunquit and Wells, to Bar Harbor and Cape Elizabeth, the coastal regions of the state boast some of the most beautiful settings for photography around the world! Depending on where you’re traveling from, locations in Maine may be a long trek; however, the setting is well worth it—and why not make it a fun weekend trip?

Brooklyn Bridge
No Permit Required

The Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan serves as an iconic landmark and a perfect location of engagement photos. Because the Brooklyn Bridge is such a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, it is nearly impossible to photograph here alone. But honestly, having other people in the background of these photos ads character and energy that we really adore!

Boston Public Gardens and Beacon Hill in the Winter
No Permit Required

A change of seasons brings new life and new light to a popular engagement session location! The Boston Public Gardens take on a completely new appeal in the winter—and as a bonus, the gardens tend to be less busy in the winter months.

Boston wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.