Top Engagement Photo Locations in NYC

Congratulations! You’re engaged. It’s such a happy milestone and a reason to celebrate. And what better way than to schedule an engagement photo shoot to document this important time in your life? If you are fortunate enough to live in or near Manhattan, you will have no shortage of places to take pictures in NYC. Central Park engagement shoot, anyone? Of course if there is a spot that has significant meaning to you as a couple, then you should start there. However, this is a celebration of your love and there are a number of just plain scenic and romantic outdoor venues that will do the trick. Check out some of our recommendations, here:

· Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City

You may not be familiar with Gantry Plaza State Park if you don’t live in the area or don’t have much reason to go to Long Island City. If that’s the case, you are missing out on one of the city’s hidden gems. This 12-acre stretch of park along the East River has stellar views of the Manhattan skyline, including The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the Queensboro Bridge. It is home to the iconic neon Pepsi-Cola sign, and the restored “gantries”—a throwback to the area’s industrial roots. They are both unique places to photograph in NYC. There are also piers that jut into the river, plenty of green space, and a more untamed area of wild grasses and flowers just south of the park.

· Dumbo, Brooklyn

Dumbo, short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” is a popular Brooklyn neighborhood with quaint shops and cobblestone streets. It sits under the Brooklyn Bridge and offers sweeping views of the industrial underside of the bridge and the East River. Perhaps most popular for picture-taking is the 85-acre waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is a beautiful stretch of green space that features an enchanting carousel housed in a glass structure—arguably one of the best photo spots in NYC. It is especially wonderful around dusk or sunset.

· The High Line, Manhattan

The High Line is an elevated park built on the ruins of a former railroad line on the west side of Manhattan. The railway sat abandoned for years and has now been transformed into a spectacular, modern ecological oasis. It starts in the Meatpacking District and runs north to Chelsea. There are several hidden seating areas and clever nooks overlooking the Manhattan streets below. You also get lovely views of the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline across the way.

· Staten Island Ferry

Anyone remember Working Girl? The Staten Island Ferry is an iconic symbol of New York City. The signage and signature orange color offer a vintage, romantic backdrop to your engagement photos. There are spots for indoor shots, but you can also take advantage of several outdoor decks. The ride from Whitehall Station in southern Manhattan to St. George Station in Staten Island is 25 minutes. The ride offers spectacular views of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, and the southern tip of Manhattan. And best of all, the cost is free!

· The Cloisters, Washington Heights, Manhattan

The Cloisters is located in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights on the northern tip of Manhattan. It is a museum specializing in medieval European art and architecture. The building itself is constructed from the remains of several medieval cloisters in Southern France and Spain. It features beautiful stained glass windows, medieval gardens, and actual cloisters. It sits on four acres of land with gorgeous views of the Hudson River, The Palisades, and the George Washington Bridge. It is one of the best places to take pictures in NYC. And you’ll find it hard to believe you are still in Manhattan as it is so quiet and peaceful.

· Central Park, Manhattan

Can you think of a more famous park in New York, if not the world? Central Park is a completely man-made oasis smack dab in the middle of Manhattan. It was designed by landscape architects Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted in 1857 as a way to improve public health and water features were a key component. It has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and books. Aside from engagement photos, Central Park is also one of the most popular places to take wedding pictures in NYC. There are so many incredible spots around the park. Some of the best include, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, The Boathouse, Belvedere Castle, the Conservatory Garden, The Mall, and even the Children’s Zoo. It’s a year-round attraction with ponds for row-boating in summer, and ice-skating in winter.

· South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport is a historic part of southern Manhattan. It has charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings, including a maritime museum that preserves the history of New York as a great port city. You can often find grand historic ships docked at the pier. And while it maintains a storied past, it has also become a super hip and trendy destination for tourists and locals alike. There are also several outdoor decks with gorgeous views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge that are great for picture taking.